The Wire with Caeden

Seven years ago, New Zealand suffered the worst terrorist attack in its history, when an Australian white nationalist entered two different mosques in the city of Christchurch and shot 51 muslim worshippers to death, injuring 89 others.

Last week a new book was published entitled ‘He Told Us’, co-written by Chris Wilson and Michal Dziwulski. The book documents the life of the terrorist and the lead-up to the attack, the ideologies and online communities that influenced him, the atrocities he committed on the day, and the aftermath, with a focus on the royal commission and its limitations.

Dr. Chris Wilson is an associate professor in Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland, and Michal Dziwulski is a researcher currently studying a Master’s degree in Conflict and Terrorism Studies, also at the University of Auckland. They joined producer Toby in the studio to discuss what we’ve learned and what we’ve failed to learn from this horrendous attack.

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin, chatted with us about the socioeconomics of aging, the global fungal network, and the impact of cyclones on orangutans.

Wire host Alex spoke to Associate Professor in Global Studies at the University of Auckland, Chris Ogden, about potential peace between the US and Iran.

He also spoke to Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland, Timothy Welch, about Labour's announced $20 fare cap policy and the practical nature of its implementation. 

News Director Castor spoke to Chairperson of Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki, Catherine Delahunty, about the Conservation Amendment Bill and how it undermines existing legal protections in the Coromandel region.

And News Teamer Thomas spoke to Deputy Secretary of the Workers First Union, Anita Rosentreter, about the struggles faced by New Zealand’s ambulance services.

The Trump Administration and United States President Trump has announced a peace deal between the US and Iran, bringing over 100 days of conflict to a potential close. The deal focuses, however, on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, begging the question of whether this peace comes as a strategic loss for the US, with little changing from the status quo pre-conflict. 

Additionally, the conflict has further eroded the standing of and trust in the United States globally, furthering their precarious position.

Tuesday Wire host Alex spoke with Associate Professor in Global Studies at the University od Auckland, Chris Ogden, about the peace deal and what might come next.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has renewed calls to ban flavoured nicotine products, particularly sweet, fruity, and confectionery-style flavours, which it says drive addiction amongst young people.

 WHO has warned that tobacco and nicotine companies are deliberately creating products that are “more appealing, easier to use and harder to quit” for adolescents and young people.

Thursday Wire Host Caeden caught up with Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand Chief Executive Letitia Harding about the calls for restrictions and how this applies in a New Zealand context.