The Wire with Alex

As the conflict in Gaza continues, international calls for a ceasefire have also been highlighted. Along with calls for a ceasefire, talks between Israel and Hamas have continued for months, despite disruptions. 

However, Dr Ritesh Shah says a ceasefire alone is not enough to address systemic issues within the region. Shah’s research is into the well-being and education of children and young people in Gaza. 

Wire host Castor spoke to him about humanitarian efforts, ceasefire talks, and what else the international community could do to contribute to lasting peace in the region.

He also spoke about a series he began at the University of Auckland, which is linked below with a description:

Through guest speakers and films (including several Palestinian scholars), the intention is to provide a space for staff and students within our university to learn more about how contemporary struggles in Palestine are the product of legacies of settler colonialism, racism, capitalism, and imperialism. It is also an opportunity to question some of the orthodoxies that have held problems in their place in Palestine and begin to imagine alternative futures. The series also gives specific attention to the education project in all of this—and how it has been a source of oppression, liberation, and hope for Palestinians over time and in different forms.      

The series starts on August 1 and runs over three successive Thursdays that month (August 1, 8, 15) from 4-6 pm (note, the first session runs until 6:30 pm). Those who are interested in attending can register for one or more of the seminars at this link, where you can also find more information about each seminar in the series. 

The government recently announced changes and funding for maths education in primary and intermediate schools. The changes include requiring all primary and secondary teachers to have an NCEA level 2 qualification in maths and introducing standardised maths tests twice yearly. 

The changes are the first major update in around twenty years, and are cautiously welcomed by those in the sector.

Wire host Castor spoke to senior lecturer of mathematics education at the University of Auckland, Lisa Darragh, about the existing system and the potential changes.

On Friday producer Evie also talked to criminology lecturer at the University of Auckland Emmy Rakete, who is Ngāpuhi, about her concerns surrounding the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki act. 

We also talked about the Ngāpuhi hikoi taking place today in opposition to the act, and what they believe the government should be doing next.

For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, Producer Evie speaks to him about the proposed repeal of section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act.

She also speaks to Criminology Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Emmy Rākete (Ngāpuhi) about her concerns surrounding the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki act, about the Ngāpuhi hīkoi taking place in opposition of the act.

She also spoke with Lecturer in Counselling, Human Services and Social Work at the University of Auckland Kendra Cox, about the government’s youth offender boot camps that kicked off last week, and her concerns on how this will affect rangatahi Māori and their mental health.

News and Editorial Director and Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Palestine Solidarity Network Aoteaora National Chair, John Minto, about the 24 pro-Palestinian protests at occured across Aotearoa over the weekend.

And they spoke to PhD Candidate in Environmental Sciences at the University of Auckland, Nargiss Taleb, about experts calling for stricter standards surrounding compostable products.