The Wire with Caeden

Last week, the government announced new rules to transition the country to lead-free plumbing. The new law would ban the use of lead from drinking water pipes in new builds and renovations, and would require all pipes in contact with drinking water to contain less than 0.25% lead. Lead has long been known to be a neurotoxin and have negative effects on human development, and this move has been welcomed by experts as a way of improving New Zealander’s health. 

Wire producer Liam spoke to Professor Sally Gaw from the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences at the University of Canterbury, about the new regulations, what this means for our health, and why a ban on lead drinking water pipes was not implemented sooner. 

This the New Zealand Brake charity has organised road safety week. Sponsored by the NZ transport agency, Beca and ACC the campaign aims to raise awareness for driver safety and the continued high rate of serious trauma and deaths from crashes in New Zealand.

With a specific focus on youth due to their higher risk of being in crashes  the campaign will have Beca and NZTA officials travel to schools around the country to run safety activities and teach kids about road safety. 

This year the theme for the week is road safety heroes, shining a light on those who help save lives on the roads.

To discuss the road safety week campaign and how we can improve road safety in New Zealand producer Thomas talked to Director of Brake New Zealand Caroline Perry

This week on the Thursday Wire...

For City Counselling this week, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey on Mayor Wayne Brown’s controversial comment towards an RNZ staff member, the latest statistics on illegal dumping in Auckland, and alternative names for the City Rail Link.

News Director Castor spoke to Executive Director of the New Zealand Drug Foundation, Sarah Helm, about a new bill that would remove the possibility of prosecution for those looking for medical support after an overdose. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Pranuja spoke with Shanan Halbert about proposed changes to Te Tiriti, the NZ–India Free Trade Agreement, and rising anti-Indian sentiment in New Zealand.

She also spoke with World Vision New Zealand National Director TJ Grant about the first reading of the Modern Slavery Bill.

And she spoke with Dr Peter Wills about punctuated equilibrium, the origins of genetic code, and why this research is gaining international attention.

The Modern Slavery Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament with strong cross-party support. The Bill would introduce mandatory reporting for large businesses, requiring them to publish annual statements on modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains.

World Vision says the Bill is an important step in strengthening New Zealand’s response to child labour, human trafficking, and exploitation.

Producer Pranuja spoke with World Vision New Zealand’s National Director TJ Grant about what the Bill would change, how modern slavery can end up in everyday products, and what happens next at the select committee.