A report was released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton which revealed startling gaps in how New Zealand monitors and records hazardous chemicals in the environment.The report found that New Zealand’s regulations can often overlook environmental effects and recommends that a common framework be developed to assess and track chemicals and their environmental impacts. Casper spoke with Nick Kim, a Senior Lecturer in applied environmental chemistry at Massey University about the significance of the findings of the report, and its recommendations.

Rāmere heralds the opening of the radio portal to SRN comrade Jamie Green on The Breakfast Buffet; some classic bangers on Travelling Tunes; a kōrero with Dudley Benson about a stunning Totems remix; and Viewmaster with Sam Sinnott. Whakarongo mai & kia pai tō rā whakatā! 🌼

Lando. brings us some of their Spotify tunes "Normal Normal" and angsty emo vibes that leave you wanting to reminisce. 

Sam chats about Pax Assadi's awesome new show, Raised By Refugees. Whakarongo mai! 

Dudley Benson phones up to chat about the stunning Totems remix of his track 'It's Ōtepoti's Fault'. Whakarongo mai 🌺

Catching up with our SRN comrade, the one and only Jamie Green from Ōtepoti's Radio One. Whakarongo mai! 

Let it all out to some 'Evergreen' tracks with Dr Zemke. Whakarongo mai! 

On todays Thursday Wire, host Jessica Hopkins speaks with Ukrainian Student Veronika Orekhivska, who is studying in Auckland.

She also covers the Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill and has a kōrero with Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Chief Executive Karen Orsborn and VOYCE Whakarongo Mai National Care Experience Lead Tupua Urlich about their concerns with the bill. 

Joe Wickins looks at how Omicron is impacting blood donation services and speaks to Asuka Burge from the New Zealand Blood Service on the matter.

Joe also interviews Dr Jennifer Gadd, an aquatic chemist from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) on whether or not the government is overlooking hazardous chemicals in the environment.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is continuing to devastate civilian areas in an attempt to demoralise Ukrainian forces. 

Ukrainians in Aotearoa are calling for the New Zealand Government to do everything it can to sanction Russia and offer military aid, humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. 

I spoke to Ukrainian student Veronika Orekhivska, who is studying in Auckland. In our interview, she gives a personal account of growing up in Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv, and shares what the war has been like for her friends and family who are there.

We also discuss Russia's history of agression towards Ukraine, the leadership of Ukrainian President Zelenksyy, and how disinformation has influenced people. 

The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Bill states that it aims to provide independent monitoring and complaints oversight for Oranga Tamariki, and greater advocacy for children's and young people's issues generally through the creation of a new Children and Young People's Commission.

Jessica Hopkins had a kōrero with Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Chief Executive Karen Orsborn and VOYCE Whakarongo Mai National Care Experience Lead Tupua Urlich about their concerns with the bill. 

On their website, VOYCE says that the bill ignores reports on what independent and effective monitoring of the Oranga Tamariki system should look like.