Speak Up – Korerotia

Current political choices are bringing very real challenges to advances over the last few decades in Māori rights, with the National/New Zealand First/ACT coalition repealing or reviewing a significant amount of policy pertaining to Māori. Two significant events in the last few weeks have made these issues even more prominent: the death of the seventh Māori monarch, King Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, celebrated by orators at his tangi for his lifetime of advocacy for Kotahitanga (unity); and the progression of the contentious Treaty Principles Bill, which many observers argue risks furthering division within society. Guests Kassie Hartendorp (ActionStation) and Dominic O'Sullivan (Charles Sturt University) discuss the meaning of Kotahitanga in this tense political context.

12 August 2024 marks 75 years since the 1949 Geneva Conventions came into force. Ratified by every country in the world, the Conventions provide standards for the treatment of soldiers, prisoners and civilians during armed conflict. Guests Sally Angelson and Avanthi Kalansooriya (National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies) and Marnie Lloydd (Te Herenga Waka Victoria University) insert this critical international humanitarian law into its historic and political context, talking us through its successes and also its shortcomings.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are being labelled the 'most equitable' and the 'greenest' Games in history. However, as occurs at all major sporting events, human rights violations are taking place too, including France's controversial ban on women athletes wearing the hijab and the unprecedented use of surveillance technologies. Guests Holly Thorpe (Waikato University), Frankie Barclay (Amnesty International) and David Rutherford (Tūhana Business and Human Rights) talk us through the concept of sportswashing - the use of sport by corporations and governments to distract from social or environmental rights violations - and emphasise the responsibilities of athletes, sports bodies, fans and the media to raise our voices to call out sportswashing.

Guests Tania Cliffe-Tautari and Isla Huia discuss why pūrākau - stories and storytelling - are fundamental to Te Ao Māori, and how they are and might be utilised as tools for empowerment.

In May every year, kura and workplaces across Aotearoa celebrate Pink Shirt Day. It's a chance to visibly demonstrate our intolerance of bullying, and our commitment to diversity and being an upstander. With research showing that victims of bullying often find the inactions of bystanders more hurtful than the actual bullying behaviour, Mark Wilson (Pink Shirt Day), Mace Malcolm (InsideOUT) and Meg Craig (Elephant Trust) discuss what being an upstander means in the context of playground bullying: basically, taking action to support the victim. Their core message is that 'little things' can make a huge difference, and that acts of kindness and awhi can take place after the bullying act, not only in the moment.

What was the human rights situation like in Palestine before 7 October 2023, when conflict broke out? And what is the situation like now, more than six months on? Maha Elmadani and Yasser Abdul-Aal, two Palestinians living in Christchurch, and Tim Williams, a Christchurch local who lived for many years in Palestine, help us understand some of the deeply complex political, economic, social and cultural issues of the region. This show is a must-listen for anyone wanting to learn more about the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding.

World Poetry Day (20 March) celebrates the power of this genre to challenge injustice and inspire positive change. We talk with published poets Emma Sidnam and Ciaran Fox about the ways they use poetry to both reiterate their own identities and broach broader social and political themes.

In January 2024, the recently appointed National/Act/NZ First government declared it would halt proceedings, started under Labour, to lower the voting age from 18 to 16. This declaration was made the same week as the release of the Independent Electoral Review, which included a recommendation to lower the voting age, and came only months after the Supreme Court ruled that the current voting age of 18 breached the Bill of Rights Act in terms of age discrimination. So what now? On this show, guests Daborah Hart (Independent Electoral Review Chair), Sage Garrett (youth advocacy group Make it 16), Bronwyn Wood (Te Herenga Waka) and Darcy Lawrey (interested young person) share their views on why the voting age should change, and how the government's announcement may impact this goal.

Guests Prudence Walker (Te Kahui Tika Tangata), Jacqui Scott (Dyspraxia Support Group of NZ), Rich Rowley (Brain Badge) and Sarah Macdonald (Diversity Works) draw on their personal and professional experiences to talk through the many complexities of neurodiversity and how businesses might work to better accommodate neurodivergent staff.

Conversations on human rights in our country

Louise Petzold (Child-Rich Communities), Wendy Hoddinott and Rosie Murphy (Gather Landscape Architecture) discuss the benefits for tamariki, whānau and communities when children are given a voice and an active role in designing their own urban spaces.

Guests ponder the potential implications of the October 2023 "No" vote for Australia's The Voice to Parliament referendum. Kate Hunter (Te Herenga Waka University of Wellington) situates the referendum in a longitudinal context and reflects on the potential implications of the “No” result in terms Australia-New Zealand relations. Amy Maguire (University of Newcastle) talks us through some of the controversy surrounding the referendum, before considering what the outcome might mean for indigenous rights in Australia. Claire Charters (Te Kāhui Tika Tangata HRC) focuses on the ways in which the situation of indigenous peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand was used by both sides in the referendum campaign, as well as the ways in which the outcome may impact indigenous rights in Aotearoa and internationally.

How are we seeing misinformation and disinformation play out in the lead-up to the 2023 election? Sally speaks first with Nicole Skews-Poole from the Disinformation Project about the overarching themes and the dangers inherent in the spread of disinformation during election periods, then follows up with media experts Ursula Cheer (University of Canterbury) and Tommy de Silva (The Spinoff) about the role of the media, and other checks and balances, to help curb this trend.

Join Rodney Bell (internationally-renowned wheelchair dancer and founding member of Touch Compass), Lyn Cotton (Founder and Artistic Director of Jolt Dance Company) and Jo Casey (Regional Programme Coordinator (Christchurch) at StarJam) in a beautiful and uplifting discussion on the benefits of dance and performance for people perceived as having disabilities.

Meaning and mātauranga are embedded into Māori place names, and we are seeing a groundswell of public interest alongside Treaty settlements and statutory obligation to see them recognised and restored. Ruihana Smith (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia Trust) and Wendy Shaw (Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa New Zealand Geographic Board) talk about the importance of Māori place names and seeing them restored.

What factors enable positive resettlement for former refugees arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand? Join us for a special show to celebrate World Refugee Day. Our three guests - Abdirizak Abdi (Ministry of Education), Rachel O'Connor (English Language Partners) and Ibrahim Omer (MP) - bring a wealth of expertise to this topic, focussing particularly on the role of English language, education and employment.

New Zealand Sign Language Week acknowledges and celebrates the place of NZSL in our communities. This special NZSL Week show looks at the history and progression of deaf education in Aotearoa over time, from the oral method of communication taught for decades to the current use and teaching of NZSL. We interview Kay Drew (former teacher at the Van Asch Deaf Education Centre in Christchurch, and a CODA - child of deaf adults) and Sara Pivac Alexander (Senior Lecturer at Te Herenga Waka Victoria U

Sally talks with some of the team behind Asturlab's Eid-al-Fitr celebration in Christchurch, Amir Rojali, Souhila Abdelazziz and Nasrat Hamid. How do they celebrate Eid-al-Fitr in their home countries, and how does this differ to their celebrations in Aotearoa New Zealand? And what has compelled them to organise a large-scale celebration for the city, and what do they hope to see eventuate?

Guests Kris Herbert (Our Stories Project) and Kaspar Middendorf (CEISMIC, UC Digital Lab) talk about their recent collaboration to create the "Earthquake Story Walk", broadening out the discussion to ponder the importance of and linkages between storytelling, place and human rights.

What is heritage? And how can it be used to both conserve and uphold human rights, but also undermine and challenge them? Four amazing guests share their views: Hatesa Seumanutafa (Canterbury Museum), Rosie Ibbotson (University of Canterbury), Kerryn Pollock (Heritage NZ) and Victoria Bliss (Christchurch City Council).

Representatives from key leading gambling support services - Bridgitte Thornley (PGF Services), Kelly Fend (Asian Family Services) and Pesio Ah-Honi (Mapu Maia) - talk us through the ways that culture can affect gambling and gambling harm. This is an important show to air in the lead-up to Christmas, when many people feel under increased social and financial pressures, or when loneliness can be especially acute.

Christmas is a time of celebration, whānau, joy – but it can also put pressure on us, including through financial pressures to buy food and presents. The celebration also puts pressure on the environment due to our consumerism and increased waste. In this show, we think about how we might alleviate some of that pressure – both on ourselves and the environment – by reframing our culture of gift giving and being very conscious in what and how we give. Guests: Helen Townsend (EcoSplat), Emma Conyng

Conversations on human rights in our country

What are the benefits and barriers for people with disabilities to get into sports? We discuss this question with a focus on wheelchair sports (especially wheelchair rugby), with our expert guests Dylan Lloyd (Halberg Foundation), Cody Everson (Wheelblack), Greg Mitchell (Wheelblack coach) and Rebecca Rolls (Sport NZ).

A look at disability rights in 2022 Aotearoa. Our first interview is the Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier, talking about the role of the Ombudsman with a focus on their work on disability rights. We analyse in more depth the IMM (Independent Monitoring Mechanism) 2022 report in the second interview with disability rights advocates Mary Schnackenberg and Nick Stoneman.

The Ngāi Tahu Representation Bill has just passed its third reading in Parliament. Guests Rachael Evans (University of Canterbury) and Atarau Hamilton discuss the Bill and the broader topic of Māori representation in local government, covering a broad range of issues including Te Tiriti, conceptions of tino rangatiatanga, diversity in local government, voter turnout and Māori wards.

The importance of relationships in enabling whanau to embark on their feeding journeys, and the benefits of these journeys for babies, mothers and others in the immediate and wider society.

In 2020, excavation work in the Christchurch suburb of Halswell uncovered stumps of 1200-year-old mataī (New Zealand blank pine). What does this discovery - and the discovery of several other buried forests in the area - mean for the people who live here, in terms of ecological, cultural and historical significance? What role might this ancient heritage play in shaping present-day connection to place? Hear from guests Craig Paulling (Environment Canterbury Councillor), David Hawke (Halswell Resi

Reimana Tutengaehe and Rachael Pelvin bring different perspectives to this discussion on what learnings can be shared from the Māori new year, as well as their hopes that this year's public holiday leads more people to embrace mātauranga Māori.

Grae, Emily and Raghii talk us through their personal journeys as trans folk, from gender dysphoria to coming out to living their true selves. An uplifting and no-holds-barred look at the transgender experience.

Our guests Natalia Chaban (University of Canterbury) and James Headley (University of Otago) talk us through what is happening in Ukraine at the moment, emphasising the political and cultural history that has led to this moment, and explaiing why the conflict will change the world.

What is anti-racism, and what can we do to support this mahi? Heather Came and Madhis Azarmandi approach this topic both as activists and academics involved in anti-racism work.

What are the benefits and barriers for people with disabilities to get into sports? We discuss this question with a focus on wheelchair sports (especially wheelchair rugby), with our expert guests Dylan Lloyd (Halberg Foundation), Cody Everson (Wheelblack), Greg Mitchell (Wheelblack coach) and Rebecca Rolls (Sport NZ).

Paul Dalziel (Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit at Lincoln University) and Nathaniel Herz-Erdinger (living Wage Aotearoa) talk us through the economics of enabling everyone to life the life they value - which starts with paying a living wage. Conversations on human rights in our country

What is the impact of distressing news on refugee- and migrant-background people - who are far from their home countries, and to the family and friends they left behind? Guests Zahra Hussaini and Gul Agha Alizadah, from Christchurch's Afghan Hazara community, Osmith Vides Contreras, an international student from Colombia, and Maha Elmadani, who identifies as Palestinian, talk to us about anger, fear, impotence, guilt, as well as their need to take action in the face of such news, whether through social media, activism, community gatherings, or writing.

Ōtautahi Christchurch has had a run of public events in the past few weeks which seek to connect people to the city and to each other, including Open Christchurch, Learning Days Christchurch, Pecha Kucha and some new Gap Filler projects such as the Polite Force / Ngā Pirihimanaaki. Guests Erica Austin (Christchurch Ambassador), Ryan Reynolds (Gap Filler) and Cheryl Doig (Ako Ōtautahi / Learning City Christchurch) talk us through these events, reflecting particularly on how we might frame their 'success' or 'impact'. Conversations on human rights in our country

How have New Zealand's COVID-19 lockdowns affected children's rights and wellbeing? Erin Gough (Office of the Children's Commissioner) and Carol Mutch (University of Auckland) introduce us to the range of experiences which children have faced during these unprecedented times, emphasising that children who were experiencing hardship before COVID are likely to have been further marginalised by the lockdowns. Erin and Carol also discuss the challenges and opportunities that disaster can bring in terms of hindering or furthering children's rights and wellbeing.

Getting involved in crafting can lead to numerous benefits for wellbeing and therapy, as explored by guests Amber Johnson (Craft Without Borders), Jane Maidment (University of Canterbury) and Rosemary Omar (Empowerment Project) in relation to the trauma of the Canterbury earthquakes and 15 March mosque attacks. Conversations on human rights in our country

The 15 March 2019 attacks in two Christchurch mosques precipitated a huge outpouring of grief and solidarity, in Ōtautahi, elsewhere in New Zealand and around the world. How do we try and ensure this spirit of togetherness continues beyond the initial shock, once the media crews have left and the anniversaries pass? We talk with four locals engaged in grassroots initiatives which seek to build upon the aroha of the immediate post-disaster phase. Conversations on human rights in our country

Online porn is very often aggressive, non-consensual, and shows behaviour that we would normally deem at the very least ‘unhealthy’ and at worst, illegal. If young people are viewing this porn and perceiving this behaviour as normal and/or acceptable, how are these views shaping the way they comport themselves moving forwards into their adult lives and developing relationships? Anne Heins joins Sally as co-host, and they talk with Tracy Clelland (University of Canterbury) and Jo Robertson (The Light Project) about the role of porn in young people's lives. Conversations on human rights in our country

Angus Howat, Lee Tuki and Ari Dewar share their experiences of coming out - cue lots of laughter and intensely personal and poignant stories. Conversations on human rights in our country

Today, the internet is a powerful means of enabling connectivity and participation, access to information, and freedom of expression. Yet, as more key services move online, people who are unable to access or confidently use the internet are increasingly missing out - and these people are often already among the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society. In this show, we hear from Sacha Green, author of the recent Citizens Advice Bureau's report 'Face-to-face with digital exclusion', University of Canterbury Professor Emerita Niki Davis, and Kim Slack and Shanelle Temaru-Ilalio, Learning Specialists at the Christchurch City Libraries.

Threats or actual harm committed against pets can be a means of control in family violence situations, with research showing that victims can delay leaving relationships out of fear for the safety of their pets. Talking us through this issue are Gwenda Kendrew (Aviva Families), Nik Taylor (University of Canterbury) and Julie Chapman (Pet Refuge).

2020 marks 75 years since the end of World War Two, and liberation of the Nazi death camps. This anniversary comes as we see a global decline in Holocaust awareness and a corresponding increase in Holocaust denial. Guests Kris Clancy (Holocaust Centre of NZ) and Giacomo Lichtner (Victoria Uni Wellington) discuss why remembering the Holocaust remains imperative for us as humanity.

He aha te hirahira o te reo Māori? Ka whakanui Speak Up-Kōrerotia te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2020 me tēnei hōtaka i te reo Māori! Part I: Papapātai me te manuhiri, Nathan Riki Part II: Ngā whakaaro o 12 ngā tāngata mō te pātai, "He aha te hirahira o te reo Māori?"

Loneliness among young people in New Zealand Which age group is most likely to identify as lonely? It might surprise you to learn that it is young people (15-24 years). Why is this group particularly susceptible to feeling lonely? What are the effects of lockdown on loneliness among this cohort? What can be done to address loneliness among young people? Hear from our expert guests Dame Sue Bagshaw (298 Youth), Michael Hempseed and Holly Walker (Helen Clark Foundation). Conversations on human rights in our country

Through discussion of the 1.5 Million Buttons Children's Holocaust Memorial and the Human Rights Commission's Voices of Racism campaign, Chris Harris (CEO, Holocaust Centre of New Zealand) and Meng Foon (Race Relations Commissioner) outline the ways in which exhibitions can address issues of racism, anti-racism and allyship, and encourage participants to take these messages with them into their everyday lives. Conversations on human rights in our country

It's July 2020 - one year since the New Zealand government banned single-use plastic bags, the ninth Plastic-Free July and a couple of months since the end of lockdown which has detrimentally impacted our recycling habits. Guests Anthea Madill (Clever Green and 'So Circular'), Helen Townsend (The Rubbish Whisperer) and Ross Trotter (Christchurch City Council) discuss plastic consumption and waste in the context of human rights. Conversations on human rights in our country

How did six weeks of COVID-19 lockdown impact older people, a cohort which ranks among the most socially isolated and lonely in our community? Four Christchurch octogenarians share their experiences of lockdown, interspersed with commentary from Simon Templeton (Age Concern Canterbury) and Susi Haberstock (Kaikoura District Council).

Throughout his life, Rich Feldman and Janice Fialka's son Micah has compelled people to reassess conceptualisations of "what is possible" for people with intellectual disabilities. Rich and Janice bring their stories from the United States and join with Canterbury locals Caroline Quick, Mark Lewis and Racheal Priestley (from Enabling Good Lives and Hohepa) to discuss disability advocacy, community building and togetherness.

The United Nations tells us that, “For the SDGs to be reached, everyone needs to do their part: governments, the private sector, civil society and people like you." So today we talk about initiatives which use transformative learning through doing (more particularly, learning through play) to encourage people to engage with and live out the SDGs. Guests: James Bishop (Koru (Hong Kong), facilitator of SDG Game), Sophia White (Toitū Envirocare) and Bridget Williams (Bead and Proceed)