The Wire with Christina Huang

A years-long research project  has recently concluded, providing an understanding of the number of Weddell seals in Antarctica. 

The project involved the usage of satellites, which researchers made public and asked volunteers to count the number of seals in the continent.

In their final report of the findings, researchers discovered that the number of seals was much lower than initially thought.

Liam had a chat with Dr Michelle LaRue, an associate professor of Gateway Antarctica at the University of Canterbury, about the findings.

Vladimir Putin claims Russia and Ukraine are one people, denying the country its own history and culture.

Ukrainian language and culture is seeing a renaissance in the face of Russian aggression.

David spoke to Victoria University of Wellington Applied Linguistics Professor Corinne Seals about how Ukrainians are embracing their own identity. 

Newly elected Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell came under scrutiny last month after Stuff revealed he had been involved in a serious assault on a 13-year-old boy when he was a student at King's College. Later, his female flatmate from when he was attending Otago University came forward with allegations of threatening and abusive behaviour.

Uffindell was suspended from caucus while an independent inquiry by Maria Dew KC took place. On Monday, National announced the findings of the investigation: aside from the King's College incident, the other bullying allegations were unsubstantiated.

For her analysis on the affair and how it was handled by National, Christina spoke to political commentator Dr Lara Greaves.

Voting for this year’s local body elections has begun, which is bringing increasing scrutiny to the issue of voter engagement.

Particularly for young people, Maori and Pasifika, but also for the general population, voter participation in local elections is relatively low and on the decline.

In regards to next year’s national election, the Independant Electoral Review Panel has begun seeking public input on potential changes to the electoral system that could benefit New Zealand’s democracy.

For Casper's weekly catch-up with National MP Dr Shane Reti, they discussed this topic of voter engagement as well as what might be expected from this electoral review and which changes he might believe to be useful.