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On today's First Up pod: India has launched strikes on Pakistan - correspondent in Pakistan Anas Mallick has the latest from Islamabad; the government has rushed through changes to pay equity legislation, Carmel Sepuloni is calling for the Women's Minister to resign - Labour's deputy leader joins us; and we go to Wanaka, where Olivia Caldwell tells us about the local rugby club turning 125 years old. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour's Carmel Sepuloni about the government removing voting rights from prisoners and the strikes happening across Aotearoa for May Day today. For International Desk, they spoke to Aleksi Toiviainen, co-organiser for Vote16 Canada and a democracy advocate, about the recent Canadian election result. And they spoke to University of Auckland Associate Professor Brendon Dunphy about the threats facing seabirds in Aotearoa and the recent Oceania Seabirds Symposium. For City Counselling, Producer Sara spoke with Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson about the Waitākere Ranges management plan She also spoke with Professor of Health Economics Paula Lorgelly about the latest review of Pharmac.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced a total ban on prisoners voting will be reinstated. The move has been criticised by the opposition parties, as well as those working in criminal justice. Today is May Day, also known as International Workers Day and unions across Aotearoa are taking action against what they say is an “anti-worker agenda” from this government. Workers across a wide range of industries are stopping work and taking strike action. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these issues.
On today's First Up pod: correspondent Anas Malick is in Pakistan where they're getting ready for an attack from across the border in India; we update the latest from this wild weather; Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni joins us to talk about the government's very tight Budget that's coming up and Taupo news editor Dan Hutchinson tells us about a local athlete who fell 50 metres down a cliff face! First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
A cross-party delegation of MPs recently visited Tonga, Hawai'i and Vanuatu as part of a Pacific trip organised by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. Earlier this week, New Zealand First proposed new legislation that would exclude trans communities from the definition of “woman” and “man” in law. Winston Peters defended the bill on RNZ's Morning Report, where he called interviewer Corin Dann a “disgrace” for raising the criticism against the bill that was brought forward by opposition parties. During this interview, Peters threatened to cut RNZ's government funding. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour's Carmel Sepuloni about the recent cross-party delegation to the Pacific, New Zealand First's new trans-exclusionary members' bill and Winston Peters' threat to cut RNZ's funding. For International Desk, they spoke to Jane Fae, director at TransActual UK, about the UK Supreme Court decision that excludes trans women from the legal definition of a “woman.” For City Counselling, Wire Producer Sara spoke with Auckland Councillor Julie Fairey about the intense weather of the Easter weekend, as well as latest developments in Auckland's public transport system. She also spoke with climate activist Adam Currie from this week's protest at the Stockton mine which is seeking a fast-track approval for activity expansion.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour's Carmel Sepuloni about the recent cross-party delegation to the Pacific, New Zealand First's new trans-exclusionary members' bill and Winston Peters' threat to cut RNZ's funding. For International Desk, they spoke to Jane Fae, director at TransActual UK, about the UK Supreme Court decision that excludes trans women from the legal definition of a “woman.” For City Counselling, Wire Producer Sara spoke with Auckland Councillor Julie Fairey about the intense weather of the Easter weekend, as well as latest developments in Auckland's public transport system. She also spoke with climate activist Adam Currie from this week's protest at the Stockton mine which is seeking a fast-track approval for activity expansion.
Last week, Green Party MP Tamatha Paul made comments about the police and the expansion of beat patrols in Wellington, saying they make a lot of people feel “less safe.” The comments have been criticised by MPs across National, Act, New Zealand First, as well as Labour. And Finance Minister Nicola Willis is seeking specialist external advice on what ways the supermarket duopoly could be restructured. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about these issues.
On today's First Up pod: we ask Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni if New Zealand politicians use group chats to talk policy; Prince Harry steps down from his own charity; we hear about fresh talks between the US government and the Taliban and Taranaki reporter Robin Martin tells us about local farmers who say it's the worst drought they've seen in about 40 years. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters gave a “State of the Nation” speech last weekend where he strongly criticised Labour and announced his party was declaring a “war on woke.” The government has announced a new replacement for the Resource Management Act, looking to pass it before the next election. And Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Parker has criticised the government for not condemning Israel in the context of recent military action and the blocking of humanitarian aid in Gaza. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is currently in New Delhi, meeting with government officials ahead of negotiating a trade deal with India. A free trade deal between New Zealand and India was part of the Prime Minister's election promises for his first term. School lunch provider Libelle Group, who were contracted to deliver 125,000 school lunches daily, has gone into liquidation. And Labour MP Camilla Belich's bill to make wage theft a crime has passed it's third reading in Parliament. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.
On today's First Up pod: 14 year old dog-surfing champ retires; US astronauts land safely off the coast of Florida after 9 months stuck in space; Jaffar Express hijacking suspends train services; 15-year-old runner Sam Ruthe breaks 4 minute mile record; Ellie Jay reports from London; Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni takes a look at the week in politics. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
Labour has announced a caucus reshuffle, giving the Auckland portfolio to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni. The party has outlined its intention to focus on winning Auckland back in 2026 after a blue wave swept the city in the 2023 election, unseating several Labour MPs in what were thought to be safe seats. A recent Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll has put Labour up 2.8 points and would mean the centre-right bloc would not be able to form government. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader and new Auckland spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni about these topics.
Labour has announced a caucus reshuffle, giving the Auckland portfolio to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni. The party has outlined its intention to focus on winning Auckland back in 2026 after a blue wave swept the city in the 2023 election, unseating several Labour MPs in what were thought to be safe seats. A recent Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll has put Labour up 2.8 points and would mean the centre-right bloc would not be able to form government. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader and new Auckland spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni about these topics.
On today's First Up pod: Canadian political expert David Moscrop educate us on Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney; hundreds of train passengers in Pakistan have been taken hostage in Pakistan; Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni talks through the week in politics and Olivia Caldwell is down south to catch us up on all the fun at the Wanaka A and P show. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
On today's First Up pod: Anas Mallick is at the Black Caps semi-final in Lahore; we're joined by a Northland woman who's riding her horse to a council meeting to protest a potential bylaw on horse poo; Carmel Sepuloni talks politics from the Labour party's perspective and Taupo and Turangi News editor Dan Hutchinson tells us about the renovated, historic Huka Lodge. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Mark Sainsbury and former Labour MP Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government plans to introduce a referendum to extend Parliamentary terms to four years. Do we think Kiwis will go for this? Do we need longer political terms? Labour's Carmel Sepuloni has urged David Seymour to resign over his botched school lunch programme. What do we make of this? New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands. Is this because of the economic downturn? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour's Carmel Sepuloni about the new Stats NZ child poverty stats, the government's proposed changes to citizens arrest laws, and the protests at Lake Rotokākahi. For International Desk, they spoke to Red Tsounga, President of the Aotearoa Africa Foundation, about the ongoing conflict in the Congo. And they spoke to Carolyn Young, Chief Executive of Retail New Zealand, about the proposed expansion of citizen arrest laws. For City Counselling this week, Producer Sofia caught up with Councillor Julie Fairey about Auckland Council's proposal to move Kumeū due to flood risk and bed night visitor levy to fill a budget gap for major events. She also spoke to Dr Annette Lasham from the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Science about new research from 185 countries showing New Zealand and Australia have the highest breast cancer incidence rates in the world. And Wednesday Wire Host Oto spoke to University of Auckland health researcher Dr Joanna Hikaka about a new study on older Māori experience with ACC.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour's Carmel Sepuloni about the new Stats NZ child poverty stats, the government's proposed changes to citizens arrest laws, and the protests at Lake Rotokākahi. For International Desk, they spoke to Red Tsounga, President of the Aotearoa Africa Foundation, about the ongoing conflict in the Congo. And they spoke to Carolyn Young, Chief Executive of Retail New Zealand, about the proposed expansion of citizen arrest laws. For City Counselling this week, Producer Sofia caught up with Councillor Julie Fairey about Auckland Council's proposal to move Kumeū due to flood risk and bed night visitor levy to fill a budget gap for major events. She also spoke to Dr Annette Lasham from the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Science about new research from 185 countries showing New Zealand and Australia have the highest breast cancer incidence rates in the world. And Wednesday Wire Host Oto spoke to University of Auckland health researcher Dr Joanna Hikaka about a new study on older Māori experience with ACC.
On today's First Up pod: we ask Labour's Deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni about Winston Peters' verbal attack on Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March in Parliament yesterday; the US President is blaming Ukraine for the war, Zelensky's having none of it and reporter Jimmy Ellingham tells us about a controversial idea to ban fizzy drinks from Palmerston North venues like the local stadium First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
Last week's Waitangi Day had a notable absence, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Instead, he chose to spend the day with Kāi Tahu. The move drew some criticism, particularly as all other political leaders were present at Waitangi. It comes after National Minister Tama Potaka overhauled the Waitangi Tribunal earlier this year. Eight members of the tribunal were replaced with controversial new appointments. And the Salvation Army has released their latest State of the Nation report. The report showed an increase in families struggling with the cost of living, forcing them onto the benefit in record numbers. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.
On today's First Up pod: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is to become the first foreign leader to meet Trump since he returned to the White House; Labour leadership is fronting at Waitangi - deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni is with us; it's bloody hot in Australia with wild weather causing havoc and and Bay of Islands College principal Edith Painting Davis tells us about the healthy lunches they're making for students, despite funding cuts. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
On today's First Up pod: we're in Taranaki where a 16 year old from Stratford has become a world champion swimmer; travellers can now get their kicks on Route 52 as a previously treacherous section of road in the Tararua District has transformed; Labour's deputy Carmel Sepuloni is back in Parliament and we talk about the party's plans for 2025 and Trillium Technologies boss James Parr explains how the Deep Seek AI was comparatively so cheap to make. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
On today's First Up pod: Alex Cadier is in Ukraine - he tell us the latest on the killing of a Russian General; we find out the secrets of a rare beaked whale; Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni is here for her last catch up with us this year; and we ask Black Ferns star and Olympics legend Stacey Waaka if she's got a trophy cabinet for her gold medal First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni on the environmental impact of the sunken naval ship, Manawanui, and the projects chosen for the fast track legislation.
Labour's going to have to sort itself out over this Middle East situation. This is about Damien O'Connor's tweet. I was really surprised yesterday when I was listening to Carmel Sepuloni being interviewed on this, as the deputy leader of the Labour Party. She was asked if he should apologise for his tweet and instead of saying yes, which is the only answer to give, she made excuses for him, saying he feels strongly about the situation as if that makes it OK. Let me just remind you what he tweeted - "Palestinians have every right to do whatever they did on October 7th". And I'll remind you what Hamas did that day. They raped and murdered innocent people. It really doesn't matter where you stand on this conflict. You can never, especially as a senior politician, say or think it's okay for terrorists to kill teenagers out at a dance party just because you feel strongly about what the state of Israel is doing. He should absolutely apologise for that. I know that this is a conflict that is making people feel very upset and it's scrambling people's better judgment. Just this week in Australia we had the case of a young reporter questioning why Australia doesn't ban the Israeli flag like it bans the Hezbollah flag. They're not the same. There is no equivalence between a state and a terrorist organisation, no matter how much you don't like what a state is doing. But that's exactly why Damien should apologise. Because right now, when people are as angry and confused about what's going on, what we need is our major and serious political parties and our MPs, especially the senior ones holding senior portfolios like Associate Foreign Affairs spokesperson, to set an example for how to behave with decency. Not the opposite. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour's associate spokesperson for foreign affairs Damien O'Connor has removed a tweet that appeared to justify Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Today on the show... Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni joins me shortly to tell me why she went on celebrity treasure island, why all MPs should do it given the chance and what she learned about having no phone for the duration. And are we now doing irreversible damage to the NZ economy with these back breakingly high interest rates? If the answer is yes, then surely there is a case for the Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr to aggressively cut OCR next week. We chat to Brad Olsen from Infometrics for his take. Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief.htmlInstagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcastTikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast
The boss of New Zealand's biggest bank wants a Capital Gains Tax, and Labour says it's looking at its tax policy and is considering capital gains, wealth, or capital income taxes. Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni spoke to Corin Dann.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about the government signalling a shift in their foreign policy stances, the allocation of 6 months in select committee for the Treaty Principles Bill and Bird of the Year.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party's Carmel Sepuloni, Wire Host Caeden asks about her being announced as a contestant on Celebrity Treasure Island. They also ask about the current Government reversing the ban oil and gas exploration that was put in place by the last government in 2018. For State of the States, our weekly kōrero on the United States election, Caeden speaks to Yale Daily News' Andre Fa'aoso. They discuss Robert F. Kennedy Jr dropping out of the Presidential race to endorse Donald Trump, and the pro-Palestine protestors at the DNC and recent Kamala Harris campaign events. For City Counselling this week Sofia caught up with Councillor Julie Fairey about the annual Local Government New Zealand conference last week as well as Auckland Council's Shoreline Adaptation Plans. She also speaks to Greenpeace Aotearoa's programme director, Niamh O'Flynn, about changes announced this week to the Fast-Track Approvals Bill. And she also speaks to lawyer Harry Clatworthy from Te Mata Law about the government's plans to restore a tougher test for Maori customary title claims in the foreshore and seabed and the urgent Waitangi Tribunal inquiry into this.
The cast of this year's Celebrity Treasure Island New Zealand has been announced and includes Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni, who Wire Host Caeden speaks to for our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party. They also ask Sepuloni about the Government's decision to reverse the ban on oil and gas exploration off the coast of Taranaki.
Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Do we have a problem with Labour's Carmel Sepuloni collecting her MP's salary while filming Celebrity Treasure Island? The Government has made some changes to the Fast Track Approvals Bill - with Cabinet agreeing to amend the Bill to give an independent expert panel final say on consenting major projects, rather than a trio of Ministers. Is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Monday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) We Will Be the Winners/Weekend Winner and Loser/Not Enough but Too Many Nurses/Over F1/Teens Should Get Out MoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Carmel Sepuloni about Labour MP Greg Connor's comments on benefit sanctions and the dismantling of parts of the Whaikaha.
A bitter stand off has erupted between the ACT Party and the Speaker of the House. The party is slamming Gerry Brownlee for allowing opposition MPs to propose removing ACT MP Laura Trask as Chair during select committee hearings on changes to Oranga Tamariki. MPs reportedly suggested the more experienced Carmel Sepuloni should step in as chair, saying that a Māori or Pasifika chair would be better due to the number of Māori and Pasifika submitters. ACT MP Karen Chhour broke down in front of cameras yesterday, saying that she's been the target of personal attacks relating to her race. Seymour told Mike Hosking ACT is becoming increasingly frustrated. He said that if people want to argue the policy, he's and Chhour are all for it, but the personalised attacks about her race, background, and upbringing are just unacceptable. Seymour said that they rely on the Speaker to uphold the rules and uphold the standards, and they just don't feel they're getting a response when they raise issues. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carmel Sepuloni is accusing the government of lacking morals, after it was revealed they have discreetly softened the targets for children in poverty. Sepuloni spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced a new climate strategy. The strategy is based on five core pillars, including: Infrastructure is resilient and communities are well prepared Credible markets support the climate transition Clean energy is abundant and affordable World-leading climate innovation boosts the economy And nature-based solutions address climate change. This strategy has been met with controversy, with Greenpeace describing it as being “as useful as teats on a bull.” Wire Host Caeden asked Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about this new climate strategy as well as about the recent controversy surrounding former Green MP Darleen Tana. They started by asking for her thoughts on the government's new Climate strategy.
Deputy Labour leader Carmel Sepuloni thinks Darleen Tana should resign. The Greens have asked Tana to resign from parliament after receiving the report on alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business. She was suspended on full pay for the 115 days it took. Tana's now left the party, but not parliament. Sepuloni told Andrew Dickens Tana needs to do the right thing and walk away. She says there's a lot of public pressure, and the public sentiment is that she needs to step away. National's Mark Mitchell says Kiwis inherently have a strong sense of what's wrong and right, and the public are speaking clearly. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 10th of July, what will the Reserve Bank do with the Official Cash Rate, and who will lowering the clean car importer standard help? SailGP is coming to Auckland but is Auckland ready for SailGP? And where will we be able to watch it? Mark Mitchell and Carmel Sepuloni cover everything from Darleen Tana to Matt Doocey and his inability to read reports he's in charge of on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National-led Government has recently announced their action plan for the next 3 months. It has a focus on being ‘tough on crime' with policies like boot camps for youth offenders and roadside drug testing. Labour has spent this week in Auckland, visiting businesses, public services and community groups to understand what's going on in our biggest city. For our weekly catch-up, Wire Host Caeden asks Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about the Q3 Action Plan and Labour's Auckland strategy.
Politicians on both sides of the divide agree that the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill is worth a crack. The Government's progressing an amended version of the Bill, which will make digital platforms like Facebook pay for news content. It is set to progress through Parliament with the support of National, NZ First, and most likely Labour, but ACT's invoked its right to 'agree to disagree' and will oppose the Bill. National Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking he thinks everyone agrees that they have to be doing something. He said that bringing companies like Google and Facebook to the table is a big mountain to climb, but they should still continue to look for options and ways of trying to create a level playing field. Labour's Carmel Sepuloni agreed, saying it's probably the one thing the two will agree on in this interview. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 3rd of July, ACT Party leader David Seymour explains why he is agreeing to disagree on the Government's media bill. Two unbelievable and hilarious bits of research that Mike loses it over: what we are searching for when on holiday, and Auckland being named the 9th most liveable city in the world. Mark Mitchell and Carmel Sepuloni cover all the hard-hitting political topics on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is reintroducing the Three Strike laws which were repealed by Labour during their last term. These laws set out mandatory, lengthy sentences for some repeat offenders. The laws have been controversial, with experts stating that there is no evidence that they work in preventing serious crime. The Government has also announced a reduction in support to community food providers. Auckland City Mission has stated they may need to cut their food packages by half. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden asks Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.
At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Jamie Arbuckle: 4/10 For failing to read the room. Julie Anne Genter: 3/10 For being that angry about bikes. The Greens: 2/10 For hiding two of their MP's while they stall, obfuscate and generally play for time over behaviour that most of us find exceedingly abnormal. Carmel Sepuloni: 3/10 For thinking being an MP gives you plenty of time to be on reality TV. Reality TV: 3/10 For thinking Carmel Sepuloni is someone anyone would want to watch on an island. Gas: 2/10 The industry warning is the most stark and tangible yet as to the parlous and dangerous state the previous Government has left this country in. Rugby: 6/10 The ratings are up. Welcome news in a troubled sport. The Warriors: 4/10 A troubled team in need of welcome news. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesday Labour's Carmel Sepuloni dominated political headlines with news that she is believed to be a contestant on this year's season of Celebrity Treasure Island. The last MP to compete on a reality TV show was David Seymour, who competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2018. This appearance resulted in a now infamous video of Seymour twerking in 80s getup. Last years Celebrity Treasure Island also drew headlines for including famous political figures, notably Tame Iti. Political news this week has also included an announcement from Paul Goldsmith that the Government is looking at stopping election day voter enrolment due to the administrative burden. Caeden asked about both these topics for our weekly catch-up with Carmel Sepuloni. They started by asking if she would appear in Celebrity Treasure Island.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden speaks to Carmel Sepuloni about pay rises for MPs and National's new social housing policy. They speak to Shane Henderson for City Counselling about the Palestine protests in Tāmaki Makaurau and the end of half priced public transport for under 25s. They speak to Student Justice for Palestine Organiser Layan Khalil about the student rally for Palestine that took place on campus last night, and with Andre Fa'aoso on the student protests for Palestine in the United States. And they speak to Dr Kirsten Zemke about the racist backlash Beyoncé received after releasing her popular country album, Cowboy Carter, earlier this year. News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins speaks to Professor Law at the University of Auckland, Claire Charters, about the United Nations Human Rights Council's five-yearly Universal Periodic Review. Producer Jasmine speaks Tara Jackson, Executive Director of the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society, about the current state of animal rights protections in Aotearoa.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party's Carmel Sepuloni I ask about MPs getting a pay raise, recent polling results that showed an increase in support for Labour, and a new policy from Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka which would prioritise whānau with tamariki for social housing.
The Ministry of Social Development is not immune to job cuts seen in other public service departments, with MSD calling for voluntary redundancies after cost-saving efforts failed to meet Government targets. For our weekly catch-up with Labour's Carmel Sepuloni Wire Host Caeden asks her about the impact of cuts at MSD, especially amongst other Government policies disadvantaging beneficiaries. They also ask about the Samoan Citizenship Bill led by Teanau Tuiono, and the impact of losing independent media giants such as Newshub for democracy.
The Government says it has a dramatic new plan for the nation, covering, among other things, the oil industry, tax and school absenteeism. The action plan contains 36 bullet points to be ticked off by June the 30th. Opposition parties are unimpressed. Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni spoke to Corin Dann.