The Wire with Alex

Commonwealth countries have recently adopted the Apia Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, which calls for an importance to restore and preserve all amenities of the ocean for future generations.

The declaration was signed last week in Samoa, and includes fifty-six independent sovereign states. Addressing the ocean through a declaration is inherently important, but due to the wide scope and similar previous declarations, experts question whether it will lead to real action.

Sasha spoke to Professor of the Marine Institute from the University of Auckland, Simon Thrush, about the recent commonwealth ocean declaration and potential implications.

For their regular catch-up, Oto spoke to the Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez March about proposed cuts to Aotearoa’s long term child poverty reduction goals by Minister for Child Poverty Reduction, Louise Upston, as well Todd McClay’s new charter for recreational hunting and fishing and the Green party’s calls to ban bottom trawling.

He spoke to Sarita Divis from the child poverty action group for an expert opinion on the Louise Upston’s decision to reduce child poverty reduction targets. 

For this week’s Get Action! He speak to Rachel Jaboon from the Victoria African Diaspora Student Association to discuss a petition of hers calling for the Wellington government to make the CBD safer for Rangatahi and students.

And He spoke to Dr Timothy Fadgen from the University of Auckland to talk about how Donald Trump might raise allegations of voter fraud if he loses the upcoming U.S elections, as American voters head to the polls today.

Sasha spoke to Professor Simon Thrush, from the institute of Marine Science about the past week’s commonwealth ocean declaration

And he spoke to Emily Hall from the SAFE organisation calling for changes to New Zealand’s animal welfare and banning rodeo events.

Mike King’s recent comments about alcohol use and mental health have brought to light larger issues around substance abuse by our most vulnerable populations. Particularly affected by substance abuse are mothers, Māori, and Pasifika communities, particularly those who are living in poverty. 

Wire host Castor spoke to Social Work Doctoral Candidate and addiction researcher, Suzette Jackson, about the causes and consequences of substance abuse in Aotearoa.

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Doctor Cushla McGoverin, talked to us about using glowing gel to improve surgery, using rats to sniff out contraband wildlife, and how parrots change their plumage. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party, News and Editorial Director, Joel, spoke to MP Katie Nimon about Mike King’s comments regarding alcohol and mental health, and David Seymour’s comments regarding a ban on swastikas in public. 

Wire host Castor spoke to Social Work Doctoral Candidate and addiction researcher, Suzette Jackson, about the extent of substance abuse in Aotearoa and how it affects our most vulnerable populations. 

Producer Josef spoke to Nadia Abu-Shanab, an organiser of the Don’t Bank on Apartheid Campaign, about this week’s protests outside ASB branches across the country.

Josef also spoke to the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s Head of Veterinary Services for Companion Animals, Sally Corey, about a new petition to ban the sale of fireworks to the public.