The Wire with Caeden

A new study into dementia in New Zealand is seeking to fill gaps in our understanding of how dementia affects our communities.

The study will be the largest of its kind and will aim to talk to more than two thousand older people and their families.

The study will also seek to understand the prevalence of dementia across four ethnic communities Pakeha, Chinese, Indian and Fijian Indian, with parallel studies taking place in Maori and Pasifika communities.

Nicholas spoke to the lead researcher for the Indian and Fijian Indian parts of the study Professor Rita Krishnamurthi, I began by asking about what prompted the research .

For Dear Science this week, we chatted with our expert Professor Allan Blackman about medically implanted, oxygen powered batteries, the recent solar eclipse, and an upcoming star explosion. 

Schools began implementing the compulsory Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum at the beginning of 2023. 

By focusing on four key ideas –  Māori history as the foundational history of New Zealand, colonisation, the use of power, and relationships and connections between people – the curriculum intends to teach students from Years 1-10 to understand the big ideas, know the contexts, and do inquiry practises. 

Last week, the Education Review Office released a report on how the curriculum’s first year has been received. 

Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to Kaiārahi for the New Zealand History Teachers Association, Craig Thornhill, about some of the commentary from parliament that has emerged, and how the implementation of Aotearoa New Zealand Histories has been received by students and teachers so far.

For Dear Science this week, Professor Allan Blackman chatted with us about medically implanted batteries, this morning’s solar eclipse, and the explosion of a star. 

Wire host Castor spoke to the National Party’s James Meager about the coalition government’s new action plan. 

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to ActionStation Aotearoa Director Kassie Hartendorp about the government mandating referendums on Māori wards.

Producer Sofia spoke to Kaiārahi for the New Zealand History Teachers Association, Craig Thornhill, about the Education Review Office’s recent report on the first year of implementing the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum 

She also spoke to Professor of Toxicology at the University of Canterbury, Ian Shaw, about the coalition government’s intention to repeal the Therapeutic Products Act 2023.