Podcasts about Otago

How New Zealand media covered Covid-19 made the pandemic seem like a competition or a war the country was winning. That's according to a University of Otago study. Bioethics researchers analysed more than a thousand news articles .. and the result is fascinating. Lead author and PHD candidate Emma Anderson talks to Jesse.

A study from the University of Otago, looking into how New Zealand news coverage depicted the country's responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, has shown elements of nationalism and creating a sense of competition. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Emma Anderson, a PhD Candidate at the Bioethics Centre at the University of Otago, about the study and the harmful consequences of this framing.

Canadian born Law Professor James Allan holds a New Zealand passport and taught at University of Otago for eleven years. He is also an Australian passport holder and professor at the University of Queensland. In this discussion we start with which Anglo based country is doing best in a difficult global climate. We discuss the legacy media (and whether it is broken), judicial activism, the threat of immigration, politicisation of police, and we finish on his views on Israel and Gaza. We visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer, and comment finally on the ugliest crime in America not to get national coverage. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Australia, the massive manhunt continues for suspected cop killer Dezi Freeman in rural Victoria. Officers had gone to his remote property in Porepunkah with a search warrant – but were met with gunfire. Two officers died at the scene. Hundreds of officers are looking for the so-called ‘sovereign citizen’ with a hatred of authority. Police have also announced a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest. A former magistrate apparently issued a stark warning just weeks before the shooting, about the sovereign citizen movement in the country. He had told Four Corners that Governments are underestimating the reach and threats of these movements”. So, how do countries deal with growing sects of anti-government conspiracy theorists? And what should New Zealand learn from the tragic events in Porepunkah? Today on The Front Page, University of Otago associate professor Stephen Young is with us to discuss these fringe groups, and how we might deal with them in future. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Wool Impact Chief Executive Andy Caughey about his recent grower visits in Otago and Southland, the key messages delivered to growers and the future of strong wool... Jo Grigg talks with award-winning Oamaru veterinarian Dave Robertson about lamb husbandry, pain relief options and trials of castration clips... And Dom talks with Mid-Canterbury farmer Frances Beeston about being elected to the board of Rural Women NZ, her previous role as a Mycoplasma bovis coordinator and her work as a Life Coach. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Wool Impact Chief Executive Andy Caughey about his recent grower visits in Otago and Southland, the key messages delivered to growers and the future of strong wool. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

As any visitor to the Queenstown Lakes District in New Zealand would attest, the area is absolutely stunning. But is our love for the South Island becoming a bit suffocating? 

Researchers say the March 15 terrorist attack left Christchurch's Muslim community with high rates of both mental health problems and post-traumatic growth. Tess Brunton has more.

It costs just $2 a ride to get a bus in Otago, and despite a 50 cent increase coming into effect in the next few weeks, it's still a cheap way to get around. Councillor Andrew Noone spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Talkback Time with Smithy 0800 150 811. We've thrown the phonelines open for you to have your say on the sporting landscape. Let Ian know what's on your mind today featuring, Alec from Otago, Bruce from Auckland, Joey from Auckland, John from Auckland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sick, disgusting and harassed, that's how a student's described her months living in North Dunedin flat, constantly monitored by a landlord who owns multiple properties. The student's still fighting to get her bond back and is warning others to check the landlord's background before signing a lease. It's prompted calls for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Dunedin City Council, the students association and the University of Otago for better protections against dodgy landlord. Bella Craig reports.

In our dairy industry expert feature last week there was talk about fermented milks and how alternative dairy seems poised to disrupt our dairy industry. In response, Anna Benny got in touch. Anna is a Southland dairy farmer and food technologist at the University of Otago. She has authored a paper - Milk without moo - which outlines the challenges to the industry which generates $23 billion New Zealand dollars in revenue annually.

Dr Stephen Young is an Associate Professor at the University of Otago's Faculty of Law and joins Emile Donovan.

Dunedin uni students who come into conflict with their landlords over the filthy state of their flats, or whose bonds are withheld for no apparent reason, have said the Tenancy Tribunal is not fit for purpose. Among them is second year University of Otago student Zoe Eckhoff, who recently won a Tenancy Tribunal case after finding her newly-leased flat in a shocking state. However, she said she was only able able to do this because she had the support of her parents and was able to hire a lawyer. Now the University's Vice Chancellor, Grant Robertson, is among those calling for change. Bella Craig reports.

Just read the latest from NEJM? The PIpELINe Trial

The Tawaki Project based at the University of Otago and driven by the mahi of international researchers, has taken a deep-dive into the population genetics of three Aotearoa crested penguin species – tawaki/Fiordland penguins, erect-crested penguins, and Eastern rockhopper penguins. Findings reveal how genetic health and marine habitat changes have impacted these species. For this week's Green Desk, Host Sara spoke with co-leader of the project, Dr Thomas Mattern about what the study learned about these penguin populations, starting with a general overview of the research

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Daniel Thomas all about ‘interactions'  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Host Sara spoke to MP Carl Bates about the government's plans to fix up the supermarket duopoly, changes to the Alcohol Sale and Supply act, and Judith Collins legislation for Defence Force workers For Green Desk, Sara spoke to University of Otago's Dr Thomas Mattern about the Tawaki Project on New Zealand's penguin populations Faith spoke to psychological medicine researcher Dr. Aida Dehkhoda about assisted dying, and how doctors, patients, and their families can be better supported

The Tawaki Project based at the University of Otago and driven by the mahi of international researchers, has taken a deep-dive into the population genetics of three Aotearoa crested penguin species – tawaki/Fiordland penguins, erect-crested penguins, and Eastern rockhopper penguins. Findings reveal how genetic health and marine habitat changes have impacted these species. For this week's Green Desk, Host Sara spoke with co-leader of the project, Dr Thomas Mattern about what the study learned about these penguin populations, starting with a general overview of the research

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Daniel Thomas all about ‘interactions'  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Host Sara spoke to MP Carl Bates about the government's plans to fix up the supermarket duopoly, changes to the Alcohol Sale and Supply act, and Judith Collins legislation for Defence Force workers For Green Desk, Sara spoke to University of Otago's Dr Thomas Mattern about the Tawaki Project on New Zealand's penguin populations Faith spoke to psychological medicine researcher Dr. Aida Dehkhoda about assisted dying, and how doctors, patients, and their families can be better supported

The Tawaki Project based at the University of Otago and driven by the mahi of international researchers, has taken a deep-dive into the population genetics of three Aotearoa crested penguin species – tawaki/Fiordland penguins, erect-crested penguins, and Eastern rockhopper penguins. Findings reveal how genetic health and marine habitat changes have impacted these species. For this week's Green Desk, Host Sara spoke with co-leader of the project, Dr Thomas Mattern about what the study learned about these penguin populations, starting with a general overview of the research

Tess talks about the planned new gold mine being fast tracked in Otago, students struggling with bad flats, water costs blames for rates rise in Waitaki and the winners of the Big Sing.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to MP Simon Court about ACT MP Todd Stephenson's members bill being re-introduced to develop the End of Life Choice Act, Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche's potential changes to different multiple ministries, and the Select Committee's recommendations regarding four-year parliamentary terms. Producer Alex spoke to Senior Law Lecturer at the University of Canterbury, Dr Cassandra Mudgway about the need for AI regulations in regards to protecting women and vulnerable communities from AI-based harms. Joel also spoke to Stephen Young, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Otago, on ‘sovereign citizens,' following the killings of two Australian police officers, with the alleged perpetrator, Dezi Freeman, having expressed strong support for the movement online. Alex spoke with the Programme Director and Associate Professor in Global Studies at the University of Auckland, Chris Ogden, about Trumps America acting as a “rogue state”. And on Thursday, Intern Zanoor spoke to Andrew Eruiti, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Auckland, about his new research, showing that certain principles of human rights in the country are ironically being used to restrain Māori governance and tino rangatiratanga. Whakarongo mai.

Former Australian magistrate, David Heilpern, has recently told ABC's Four Corners that "Governments are underestimating the reach and threats of [the sovereign citizenship movement]”, following the killings of two police officers. The alleged killer, Dezi Freeman, has expressed strong support for sovereign citizenship online. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel, spoke to Stephen Young, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Otago, on ‘sovereign citizenship,' what this movement looks like here in Aotearoa, and whether it should be seen as a concern.

Former Australian magistrate, David Heilpern, has recently told ABC's Four Corners that "Governments are underestimating the reach and threats of [the sovereign citizenship movement]”, following the killings of two police officers. The alleged killer, Dezi Freeman, has expressed strong support for sovereign citizenship online. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel, spoke to Stephen Young, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Otago, on ‘sovereign citizenship,' what this movement looks like here in Aotearoa, and whether it should be seen as a concern.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to MP Simon Court about ACT MP Todd Stephenson's members bill being re-introduced to develop the End of Life Choice Act, Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche's potential changes to different multiple ministries, and the Select Committee's recommendations regarding four-year parliamentary terms. Producer Alex spoke to Senior Law Lecturer at the University of Canterbury, Dr Cassandra Mudgway about the need for AI regulations in regards to protecting women and vulnerable communities from AI-based harms. Joel also spoke to Stephen Young, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Otago, on ‘sovereign citizens,' following the killings of two Australian police officers, with the alleged perpetrator, Dezi Freeman, having expressed strong support for the movement online. Alex spoke with the Programme Director and Associate Professor in Global Studies at the University of Auckland, Chris Ogden, about Trumps America acting as a “rogue state”. And on Thursday, Intern Zanoor spoke to Andrew Eruiti, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Auckland, about his new research, showing that certain principles of human rights in the country are ironically being used to restrain Māori governance and tino rangatiratanga. Whakarongo mai.

If you're scrambling around in the laundry right now looking for boots and shin pads, chances are you're off to a kid's sports event. Alongside the joys of sport come some things to be weary of - like concussion. To help teenagers and their schools better cope with concussion, a group of researchers has developed a framework they hope to use to educate and encourage more reporting. Project co-lead Professor Gisela Sole from Otago's School of Physiotherapy explains to Mihingarangi how it would work.

Students at the University of Otago say with the lack of jobs in the city, climbing rent prices and cost of power, they're struggling to make ends meet. The situation has got so bad, some are even leaving their flats altogether to move into vans and cars to sleep. The student's association has said a recent survey shows some students are resorting to sleeping rough. Bella Craig reports.

A thousand choir singers are converging on Dunedin as the Big Sing competition reaches its crescendo. More than 200 secondary school choirs pitched for a position in the Big Sing Finale with the top 24 performing for gold, silver and bronze awards from tomorrow until Saturday's gala concert. An Otago choir hasn't made Finale for more than five years, so it set a special tone for the host city when Columba College made the cut. Tess Brunton reports.

A group of Lego pros are hoping to build a less stressful environment for young hospital patients by creating brick miniatures of MRI scanners, xray machines and waiting rooms. The Lego verisons of the high tech gear will go Hospitals in South and Otago. Lego put out hundreds of replicas of hospital machinery about eight years ago, but they were snapped up and New Zealand didnt get a look in. Now a South Island Lego group has managed to get the "blue prints" and are building their own. Secretary of the LUG South group, Gavin Evans spoke to Lisa Owen

The phrase "be careful what you wish for" comes to mind with this next story. For more than two years the Otago Harbour Port to Port ferry has advertised an option for passengers to "add a sheep" to their ticket. It was added to the website in jest, but on Saturday, a joke became reality. Port to Port ferry operator Rachel McGregor chats to Jesse.

Professor Andrew Geddis from the University of Otago's faculty of law joins Emile Donovan to discuss the balance between free speech and privacy.

Gas shortages, a reversal of the ban of offshore oil and gas exploration, and a government plan to double geothermal energy in the next 15 years… There's been a lot in the news recently about New Zealand's energy supply now and in the future. Claire Concannon speaks to researcher Dr Jen Purdie about our ongoing electrification of industry and transport, about our ‘dry year problem', and what the future of supply and demand might look like in a changing climate.Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.Guests:Dr Jen Purdie, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago.Kirsty Johnston, RNZ In-Depth journalistLearn more:Could nuclear fusion-generated energy be a way to help us power the future? Learn how New Zealand company OpenStar Technologies are trying to crack this.Read or listen to Kirsty's recent reporting about what has changed in climate policies underpinning the Zero Carbon Act 2019. The coalition government has stated they want to use New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme (rather than the GIDI fund) to help drive the transition from fossil fuels to other forms of energy, but as climate change journalist Eloise Gibson reports, there are issues with this plan.ReferencesThe 2025 Energy in New Zealand report came out in August 2025.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Marc Ellis has lived a life worthy of a dozen chapters. From Scarfie hijinks at Otago University to becoming an All Black and Kiwi league international, he carved out a career across rugby and league with Otago, North Harbour, the Blues, Highlanders, Warriors and Kiwis.Off the field, Marc co-founded Charlie's Juice, eventually selling it to Asahi for $129 million, and became one of New Zealand's biggest TV personalities on SportsCafe, Game of Two Halves and beyond – often alongside his infamous partner-in-crime, Matthew Ridge.In this wide-ranging conversation, Marc reflects on:The wild tours and “Susie” at the 1995 Rugby World CupSportsCafe chaos and his dynamic with RidgeyThe rise and sale of Charlie'sLife after fame, media stunts and what he's up to nowHis views on success, fatherhood and living out of the spotlightA true Kiwi icon – this is Marc Ellis like you've never heard him before.This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Chapman is Honorary Senior Research Fellow in Music at the University of Otago.

New Zealand's youth vaping rates are among the highest in the world. How did we get here and what will this mean for the future of our rangatahi? A 2018 court case paved the way for a loose regulatory start for vaping in New Zealand, and rapid uptake by those aged 14–24 in the years since has led to concerns that a new generation is now addicted to nicotine. New Zealand researchers are investigating how vaping affects our lungs, and the harms young people are experiencing in terms of social connections and mental health. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.Guests:Dr Lucy Hardie, School of Population Health, University of AucklandDr Kelly Burrowes, Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of AucklandMarizeh Aghababaie, Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of AucklandLani Teddy, Department of Public Health, University of OtagoLearn more:Check out the map mentioned in this episode, which, as well as the school data, also includes an investigation into the overlap of vape store density and area-level deprivation. Lucy and her colleagues have recently written a piece for The Conversation about how vape companies are using global social media accounts to skirt marketing regulations.There are currently no dedicated vaping cessation supports, but a clinical trial is being run to investigate developing one.University of Otago's Professor Janet Hoek spoke to Nine to Noon about the new vaping laws that came into effect in June 2025.References:…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A group of Otago parents hope a so-called "dead rockers" fundraiser will help to turn a patch of dirt into a toddlers' playground. It's been more than a decade since the playground next to the Blueskin Bay Library in Waitati was moved to make way for an extension. But with no money to replace the playground, local parents hope donning denim, glamming up and getting their dance on will be enough to change that. Tess Brunton reports.

I think what many of us are experiencing right now, re: Jacinda, Grant, Chippy and Ayesha not fronting publicly for the COVID inquiry is not disappointment, because disappointment requires us to have had a higher expectation of them. And I don't think that we did, because I think we got the measure of these people a long time ago. I think what we're experiencing right now is a sense of injustice, because these people had the power, and they used that power to do things to our lives that no other politicians in the history of this country have done. They told us not to leave our homes, they shut the border so that we couldn't leave the country or come back in. They ended some businesses through their rules, they effectively forced people out of jobs for not taking a vaccine that I would say most of us don't even bother with now. Now, we can argue about whether any of that or all of that was justified, but I don't think we can argue about how massive that was. It was huge, unprecedented power. Now, with power comes responsibility and accountability - and that's where they're letting us down because they are refusing to be held accountable, even if just in answering questions in front of us, for us to be able to see it. Now, right or wrong, their actions during Covid caused so many people to lose faith in Government. This was their chance, I think, to restore that a little bit. Instead, what they're doing is they're causing us to lose even more faith in Government. If these people ever tell themselves or us that they are here to serve, it is utter BS. They're not here to serve. If they were, every single one of them would put their country's expectations of answers ahead of their own ambitions, but they're not. It's more important for Jacinda to keep managing her brand and living her best international life of glamour. More important for Grant Robertson to keep pulling in that $630,000 a year at Otago. More important for Chippy to try to have another go - deluded - at being Prime Minister again and more important for Ayesha to preserve whatever credibility she has left as a health academic. But they should know, they can delay accountability, but they cannot prevent accountability. And they will be held accountable. Maybe through a future Commission of Inquiry one day or maybe just through the history books that eventually trash their reputations like history has trashed so many other politicians, including Muldoon's. Either way, add to the long list of unpleasant things that we've learned about them, we can now add cowardice to that list too. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes you happy and rich in life? Is it more money and stuff, or the complete opposite; consumming less and embracing a simplier existence. Researchers from the University of Otago have been studying exactly that, and the study found less might be more when comes to happiness. Lead researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Otago, Leah Watkins spoke to Lisa Owen.

Episode 105: Dr Andrew Shepherd is a Senior Lecturer in Theology and Public Issues at the University of Otago, with a particular interest in climate and ecological issues and the wider polycrisis that relates to the convergence of current economic, political, social, cultural and ecological challenges. In this conversation we talk through these intersecting issues, and how the work of theology and spirituality - in community, over time - could renew a kind of moral imagination that could help us tell and inhabit different stories about what matters. Andrew also features on the Ngā Here podcast with James Beck, and has been variously involved in the work of the Christian environmental organisation -  A Rocha Aotearoa NZ

Research by the University of Otago shows many New Zealand GPs are already using AI to record and write up patient notes. Lead researcher and bioethicist Professor Angela Ballantyne spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss

In today's episode, research by the University of Otago shows many New Zealand GPs are already using AI to record and write up patient notes; Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a meeting of his security cabinet, to discuss the occupation of Gaza; The government is being urged to inject stimulus into Auckland's economy after dismal unemployment figures for the city were released this week; We have our weekly sports chat: Kerry-Anne Walsh gives us the latest from Australia.

South Otago residents want action as they prepare to face more flooding and other hazards in the future. Tess Brunton reports

A 24-hour health service could be in place in Dunedin by the end of the year. Southern primary healthcare network WellSouth chief executive Andrew Swanson-Dobbs spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

FBI director Kash Patel opened the office in Wellington on Thursday, meeting with ministers, the police commissioner, and the Directors-General of the NZSIS and GCSB. University of Otago lecturer Dr Peter Grace spoke to Corin Dann.

This week we are joined by Dr.  Olivier Jutel, a lecturer in the Department of Media, Film & Communication at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. His scholarly focus is in communication studies and media theory, particularly around populism, digital media, political economy, and critical theory. Travis and Julian chat with Olivier about his iconoclastic take on the paradigms that have dominated U.S. technology and communications policy since 2016. Olivier argues that fear of foreign influence has been leveraged by a coalition of Silicon Valley firms, national‑security agencies and allied think‑tanks to deflect structural reform of platforms. Drawing on Cold‑War communication theory, this coalition frames all online conflict as “information warfare,” treating citizens as passive targets for behavioral manipulation while ignoring deeper political‑economic drivers of democratic decay. Jutel retraces the military origins of mass‑communication research, critiques Shoshana Zuboff's “surveillance capitalism” thesis, and dissects the role of high‑profile disinfo professionals whose methods, he contends, don't question the core assumptions of tech industry platforms and national‑security priorities. Olivier concludes that while this disinformation framework is past its heyday, its war‑like view of social life persists, empowering actors such as Palantir while sidelining antitrust and public‑interest remedies. The solution? A shift toward true democratic governance of digital infrastructure. Dr Olivier Jutel at University of Otago https://www.otago.ac.nz/mfco/staff/olivier-jutel Thanks for subscribing to QAA on patreon. Editing by Corey Klotz. Theme by Nick Sena. Additional music by Pontus Berghe. Theme Vocals by THEY/LIVE (https://instagram.com/theyylivve / https://sptfy.com/QrDm). Cover Art by Pedro Correa: (https://pedrocorrea.com) https://qaapodcast.com QAA was known as the QAnon Anonymous podcast. /// We've launched a new podcast miniseries network: Cursed Media. The very first Cursed Media miniseries is Science in Transition. Science in Transition is an investigation into the intellectual origins of the contemporary right wing backlash against transgender acceptance. Through six deeply-researched episodes, hosts Liv Agar and Spencer Barrows unearth a bizarre coalition of well-meaning clinicians, aristocratic sexologists, militant feminists, right-wing culture warriors, headline-chasing journalists, and conservative politicians. Listen to the first five episodes of Science In Transition right now and all episodes after the sixth one is released by subscribing through this link. www.cursedmedia.net/ Subscribers to Cursed Media get access to three new podcast series per year, plus every episode of QAA's existing mini-series (properly organized!)

A University of Otago student is sharing her flat horror story in the hope it will be a call to action and prevent others from falling prey to bad landlords. Today, Dunedin City Council was warned about 'slumlords' exploiting students and vulnerable people and presented with a possible solution to the perpetual problem. Tess Brunton reports.

The battle on the frontlines of conservation continues around the motu. This week we head to the central North Island to join some of the staff and volunteers of Project Tongariro. Ecologist Nick Singers is coordinating the fight against the invasive grey willow that's taking over a wetland area, while Shirley Potter is applying a ‘let's get it done' attitude to reforesting a patch of public conservation land near her home in Tauranga-Taupō. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.Guests:Kiri Te Wano, CEO of Project TongariroShirley PotterNick SingersLearn more:Willow is an issue in many wetland areas where it binds up waterways and transforms the land. Just outside Dunedin, a team are using drone spraying to combat it near the Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau wetland complex.In the Rotopiko wetland complex, near Hamilton, the pest battle is a bit unusual: conservationists are concerned about the half a million sparrows and starlings that roost at night.The fight for the forest also continues on multiple pest fronts in the Catlins area in Otago.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Freshwater quality across Aotearoa has been in decline for some time, with almost 70% of monitored groundwater sites failing to meet drinking water standards for E. coli and almost half of the country's rivers being unsuitable for recreational activities like swimming due to bacterial contamination. Many concerns about the future of Aotearoa's freshwater have been exacerbated by the government's recent changes to Freshwater National Direction, with experts speculating that many of the proposed policy changes would favour commercial activity and lead to the further contamination and pollution of freshwater sources. Oto spoke with Marnie Prickett - A research fellow at the department of public health at the University of Otago in Wellington and a member of the Public Health Association about a freshwater policy statement put out by the Public Health Association calling for urgent action to protect freshwater in Aotearoa and outlining freshwater protection as a critical public health priority.

The government is considering amending the Terrorism Suppression Act, which was enacted in 2002.  In a copy of the document seen by Newsroom, the Ministry of Justice says the reason for the potential overhaul stems from existing offences in the law not “captur[ing] the full range of behaviours or activities of concern that are part of the contemporary threat from terrorism”. Some of the proposed amendments include making membership of a terrorist entity a criminal offence, establishing new offences for public support of an assigned terrorist act or designated groups, which would include the display of insignia, and updating definitions for digital forms of support.  Despite these proposed amendments, concerns have been raised over what would be defined as a ‘terrorist entity,' and what implications this could have on free speech and political participation, in light of events seen overseas. News and Editorial Director Joel, spoke to Richard Jackson — a Professor in Peace Studies at the University of Otago, about these potential amendments, and the concerns around this move.

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about the recently published inflation statistics, The Greens call to lower the voting age to 16 and The most recent unemployment statistics on beneficiaries. For this week's Get Action! Oto spoke with Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab from Thyme for Action about a petition of hers calling for the Palmerston North City Council to adopt a ceasefire motion and ethical investment policy in response to Israel's war in Gaza. And he spoke with Marnie Prickett from the University of Otago in Wellington and the Public Health Association about the Public Health Association's freshwater policy statement. News and Editorial Director Joel, spoke to Richard Jackson — a Professor in Peace Studies at the University of Otago, about the government's potential overhaul of the Terrorism Suppression Act, and how this could potentially impact free speech and political participation.