The Wire with Manny

A secret Ruatoria hemp trial planted in December is ready for harvest, and this Friday the community can come smell, touch and smoke the plant, to learn what all the hype is about. In December 2016, Hikurangi Enterprises secured a licence from the Ministry of Health to establish a small trial crop of industrial hemp in Ruatoria for this growing season. The possibilities for industrial hemp include foodstuffs, health products, textiles and as a housing solution. Producer Jess Smith spoke to Manu Caddie from Hikurangi Enterprises this morning, to learn more about the trial, and began by asking about the uses of hemp.

The Government has decided to allow oil drilling in 35.5 percent of the North Island’s Maui dolphin sanctuary, as well as along the shores of picturesque Lake Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. The Green Party announced on Wednesday that this will create major risks for New Zealand’s clean, green tourism brand, as well as putting the already endangered Maui Dolphins at risk. Earlier this week, Producer Jess Smith spoke to Green Party spokesperson Gareth Hughes to find out more about the issue, and began by asking about the government’s announcement yesterday.

The Productivity Commission has drawn flak over its new recommendations for the tertiary education sector. Mack speaks to chairperson Murray Sherwin and New Zealand Union of Students' Associations President Jonathon Gee. 

Check out the full podcast for this week's Tuesday show, where we speak to the Productivity Commission about its latest report into tertiary education, the New Zealand Maritime Union's Alastair Reith and MPI's Pete Thomson about new biofouling regulations for ships, Scoop's engagement manager Joe Cederwall about the site's latest foray into election coverage, and more.