The Wire with Oto

For our weekly catch up with the ACT party Rawan spoke with ACT MP Simon Court. 

Rawan started off by asking about what the current situation is in regards to the ACT National coalition and what the discussions have looked like. 

They then discussed the ACT Party’s views on the Israel-Palestine war. The death toll in Palestine has hit 8000 people with more than 3000 being children. In addition to cutting off electricity and water Israel has also begun its ground invasion of Gaza over the last few days. 

Rawan asked about where the ACT party stands on Israel’s current actions against Palestine and what the New Zealand Government should do. They also discussed the Pro-Palestine marches over the weekend and why the ACT party refuses to support the cause of these demonstrations and the Palestinian Community.

Some of these statments where clarified by Samira Zaiton, Co-Convener at Justice for Palestine, during an interview on the Monday Wire.

Massey University has proposed cutting courses from the Albany science campus after the University reported a financial downturn.

These cuts would affect more than 100 jobs and cause issues for students pursuing their masters and doctorates.

Nicholas spoke to the Professor of Ecology at Massey University Dr Dianne Brunton about the University's proposed cuts to the Science Campus at Albany.

Nicholas started by asking what the cuts would mean for the science programs

Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has shown support for a humanitarian pause in Gaza and establishing humanitarian corridors to protect civilians.

But advocates say this response is not enough, with more than 60 community organisations and individuals signing an open letter to the caretaker Prime Minister and incoming Prime Minister, calling for New Zealand to take a strong stand appealing for a ceasefire and for Palestinians in Gaza to come under United Nations protection.

Approximately 2.3 million Palestinians have experienced severe shortages of water, food, electricity, medicine, and essential healthcare services, and persistent Israeli attacks for more than two weeks. 

The death toll for Palestinians in Gaza is now over 5000, including 2000 children. 

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to academic and Palestinian New Zealander Dr Rand Hazou about New Zealand’s response to what is happening to Palestinians in Gaza.

She started off the interview asking Dr Hazou about his connection to Palestine.

For their regular catch-up, News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Green Party Co-Leader James Shaw about the election result, what the new government could mean for the climate, and ACT's calls for a referendum on te tiriti.

Oto spoke to Matthew from Students for Fair Rent, a student-led organisation campaigning to lower accommodation costs at the University of Auckland.

Arno reported on recent food price data released by Stats NZ and spoke to Manager of Consumer Price Delivery at Stats NZ James Mitchell and Project Manager at the Wellington City Mission Jeremy Neeve. 

And Arno spoke to Surf Lifesaving NZ CEO Steve Fisher about how to stay safe at the beach this summer.