This week on the show, producer Charlie speaks to Dr Robert Patman from the University of Otago and Dr Nick Smith from the University of Canterbury about the Russia-Ukraine crisis after Russian military forces have started to place themselves around the Ukraine border. 

She also talks to Dr Andrew Chen from the University of Auckland about managing Covid-19 from home following yesterday's record breaking 2522 new cases. 

On her very first Wire, producer Emilia speaks to the Green Party's Social Development spokesperson, Ricardo Menendez March, about the Green Party's call for an urgent increase in public housing following a report from the Salvation Army that defines the housing crisis as a 'catastrophe'. 

Finally, Charlie talks to CEO of Predator Free NZ, Jessi Morgan, and CEO of SAFE NZ, Debra Ashton, about the SPCA's call for cat law reform. 

Currently Russia is moving more forces up to it's border with Ukraine, with Western powers concerned that an invasion may ahppen any day now. Dr Robert Patman of the University of Otago discussed with Charlie the current situation of what's happening at the border and why this is occuring. Dr Nick Smith of the University of Cantebury also spoke on the situation looking at past events and how this military move compares.

The SPCA is calling for a reform on cat laws. Charlie spoke to Debra Ashton, CEO of SAFE NZ, about how the reofrm could effect our cats for better or worse. Jessi Morgan, CEO of Predator Free NZ, also discussed the issue, focusing on the environmental impacts of the reform and how this could help cat population.

The Green Party is calling for an urgent increase in public housing following a Salvation Army report which described the current situation as a 'catastrophe'. Emilia spoke with Green Party Social Development spokesperson Ricardo Menendez March about this issue.

Salene's here to fight off evil landlords and such. There's also a webinar thanks to Renters United on tonight if you want to learn a little more about fixed term vs. periodic tenancies.

Also also, here are some good sources that can help you navigate the renting hellscape: 

Tenants protection association

Tenancy services

Aratohu

Community law

Andrew from Die! Die! Die! popped in for a chat about the band's new album 'This Is Not An Island Anymore'. Whakarongo mai nei to hear all about the process and what the band is getting up to. 

With New Zealand's new Omicron phases strategy the rules around isolation have changed, with people now being able to home-isolate. Dr Andrew Chen from the University of Auckland spoke with Charlie about what you can do to ensure you are prepared for home-isolation.

Jenna pops in to chat about Danya Kukafka's Notes on an Execution - on shelves now at Time Out. Whakarongo mai! 

Penelope Noir chats about fashion visionary Thierry Mugler. Whakarongo mai! Also, if you wanna check out the 1995 fashion show Penelope mentions you can do so here. 

The flippin' greatest.

Thanks to Hallertau.