The Wire with Nicholas

For Dear Science this week, Dr Cushla McGoverin chatted with news and editorial director Jessica Hopkins about Northern Patagonian rock art, an inchworm-inspired robot with enhanced transport capabilities, and the FDA approving the first medication to treat severe frostbite. 

Producer Castor spoke to National’s James Meager about gang patch legislation and the clean car discount repeal.

And producer Sofia spoke to co-chair of Health Coalition Aotearoa, Lisa Te Morenga, about the repeal of the Smoke-Free legislation and current legal requirements for public policy-making transparency in New Zealand. 

Concerns have been raised about the spread of fake news and propaganda and to justify anti-Palestinian actions.

News and Editorial Director Jesica Hopkins spoke to National Chair Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa John Minto about why unfounded claims are being repeated in the media and by politicians, here in Aotearoa and globally?

E whai ake nei, coming up on the Wire for Rāpare Thursday!

Beth spoke to Counsellor for Waitakere, Shane Henderson, about the impact the government’s recent repeal of Three Waters will have on the Council in terms planning of water services and infrastructure.

Castor spoke to The University of Otago’s Professor Michael Baker about increased measles risk in Aotearoa and possible countermeasures.

Caeden spoke with Acting Chief Commissioner, Dr Karanina Sumeo, about Aotearoa's human rights issues and what the impacts of the Universal Periodic Review could be.

Spike spoke to Unite Union Contact Center organiser Sam Burnside-Woods about unionisation at One NZ, work from home policies and the ongoing redundancy waves.

And Castor spoke with doctoral student at the University of Auckland, Tom Pearce, about assessment based education, the campaigned policies and alternative methods to increase learning for students. 

High vaccination rates from 1969 onwards have prevented measles outbreaks during recent years, but a dropoff in vaccinations has increased risks. 

While previously the 95% vaccination rate necessary to prevent outbreak was achieved from around 2014 to 2017, currently vaccination rates sit at around 83%. 

Producer Castor spoke to The University of Otago’s Professor Michael Baker about increased measles risk in Aotearoa and possible countermeasures.