The Wire with Justin Wong

On their weekly chat, Justin and Health Minister Andrew Little discussed about pill testing at festivals, health sector review, the government's climate emergency declaration, and New Zealand's relations with China.

Ayana spoke to the Drug Foundation's Deputy Executive Director Ben Birks Ang on how new legislation on fesitval pill testing will affect their operations.

Justin talked to Splore Festival's director John Minty on how drug testing will be conducted on site given its now legal.

Ayana chatted with two young festival drug users on how they view the changes.

Media giant Stuff have issued a public apology and a commitment to do better in how they portray Maori. Karanama spoke to Carmen Parahi, Pou Tiaki editor for Stuff, about how monocultural journalism has hurt Maori, and how Stuff plans to improve following this historic move

Felix spoke to deputy leader of The Act Party, Brooke van Velden, about the new drug testing bill, as well as how they feel about the extensions being granted to minimum sick leave next year.

While Māori representation in Parliament is guaranteed by the Māori seats, no similar guarantee exists at the level of local government. In fact, the Local Electoral Act 2001 requires proposed Māori wards be put to referendum if 5% of local voters request it. General wards are not subject to such a clause. 

ActionStation and Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori are calling on the government to amend this provision, making the law governing Māori wards equal to that which governs general wards.

Hanna spoke to Toni Boynton from Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori about the group's mahi, and what Māori representation means for local government policy, partnership under the Treaty of Waitangi, and democracy itself.