The Wire with Caeden

For our regular catch-up with the Green Party, News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to co-leader, James Shaw, about the government’s plans to increase benefit sanctions and Israel’s ground invasion of Rafah.

She talked to Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn District Council Mayor, Sam Broughton, about the government re-introducing referendums on Māori wards.

And she spoke to Medical Oncologist, Dr George Laking, about an initiative taking cancer services into marae and other community settings.

News teamer Faith spoke to Tertiary Education Union organiser, Drew Mayhem, about union members at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation striking yesterday.

Producer Olivia spoke to musician Jason Parker about the relationship between pop music and queerness in Aotearoa, and his event, the “Little Gay In”.

And for Get Action! this week, she spoke to Fairer Future spokesperson, Vanessa Cole, about our welfare system’s restrictive relationship regulations.

Yesterday union members at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation campuses across the motu went on strike for four and a half hours after failed collective agreement negotiations that have been going on since September 2022.

News teamer Faith spoke to Tertiary Education Union organiser, Drew Mayhem, about why their members took strike action.

The coalition government plans to make Māori wards go through a referendum process.

Previously, Māori wards could be overturned with a referendum - but this rule did not apply to any other wards.

News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn District Council Mayor, Sam Broughton, about their opposition to this.

Our welfare system has regulations surrounding relationships, which can greatly impact the amount of welfare entitlement they receive. A person's benefits can be greatly reduced if they are in a relationship, which includes casual dating. 

Many have criticised these regulations, saying it prevents people from entering relationships due to fears of losing their benefits, and risks trapping people in unsafe relationships due to forced financial dependence. Olivia spoke to Fairer Future spokesperson, and ActionStation campaigner, Vanessa Cole, about the issues with these regulations, and the action the government should take.