The National Party, after months of deliberation, has announced its intention to look into a ban on social media for those under the age of 16. Despite disagreement from coalition partners, National is going forward with the policy, backed from across the aisle by Labour. 

Also this past week has seen National and Labour making mirrored announcements around pausing increases to the excise tax on fuel. The government has delayed its next increase to January 2028, while Labour has ruled out any in the next parliamentary term, if elected. 

Finally, almost 10,000 public sector workers are set to strike on Wednesday over poor staffing arrangements and low pay offers. They say job cuts have rendered some services unable to be delivered at their previous quality, and that pay offers fail to keep up with inflation. 

To discuss each of these issues News Director Castor spoke to ACT MP Simon Court, beginning with the social media ban.

The Government is pushing ahead with its Move-on Orders Bill, with select committee changes including raising the minimum age from 14 to 18 and narrowing the definition of begging to “unreasonable begging”.

But critics say the changes still leave the core problem untouched using policing and public-space rules to manage visible homelessness rather than addressing the reasons people are sleeping rough or begging in the first place.

Producer Pranuja spoke to University of Auckland urban planning senior lecturer Bill McKay about what the revised bill could mean for Auckland’s public spaces, and whether moving people on is being mistaken for solving the problem.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced last week his goal of ending rough sleeping in the country by Christmas. He noted the government’s accomplishments in this area during the COVID 19 pandemic, indicating that if it’s been done before, it can be done again.

In response to this announcement, New Zealand youth development organisation Kick Back has called on our government to do the same and end rough sleeping by Christmas. 

The call follows policies from this government cutting supports to social housing and move-on orders for rough sleepers. With the current government's policies putting increasing pressure on Aotearoa's homeless population, providing support becomes increasingly crucial. 

To discuss the call, how the government has managed homelessness, and solutions Aotearoa can implement, News Director Castor spoke to Kick Back co-founder Aaron Hendry. 

This week on the Monday Wire... 

For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about a social media ban, cancelled increases to the fuel excise tax, and the public service worker strike this week. 

They also spoke to co-founder of Kick Back, Aaron Hendry, about the organisation’s call for the government to end rough sleeping before Christmas. 

Producer Pranuja spoke to urban planning senior lecturer Bill McKay from the University of Auckland about the Government’s revised move-on orders, who public space is really for, and whether the law addresses homelessness or simply makes it less visible. 

And she spoke to University of Auckland’s Professor John Morgan about what children should actually learn about climate change, and how schools can balance knowledge, action, realism and hope.

The National Party, after months of deliberation, has announced its intention to look into a ban on social media for those under the age of 16. Despite disagreement from coalition partners, National is going forward with the policy, backed from across the aisle by Labour. 

Also this past week has seen National and Labour making mirrored announcements around pausing increases to the excise tax on fuel. The government has delayed its next increase to January 2028, while Labour has ruled out any in the next parliamentary term, if elected. 

Finally, almost 10,000 public sector workers are set to strike on Wednesday over poor staffing arrangements and low pay offers. They say job cuts have rendered some services unable to be delivered at their previous quality, and that pay offers fail to keep up with inflation. 

To discuss each of these issues News Director Castor spoke to ACT MP Simon Court, beginning with the social media ban.

We had a bonus Stage Direction this week, thanks to Basement Theatre. Vincent Andrew-Scammell came in and talked to us about his one-man show, ‘Oceania 11’. AAAAnnd what a doozy it sounds like. The lad even did all the sound effects himself.

Oto and Jaycee speaks to Beatrock Japanese artist Deathro for his upcoming tour in Aotearoa, plus 2 hours of post punk and japanese rock music!

Mellow Tunes for your Monday Morning!

A Special Thanks to The Tuning Fork!

Today Def Jim pays tribute to US Jazz Singer Cassandra Wilson, who passed away in the last week at the age of just 70, and will long be remembered for her utterly distinctive smoky contralto, unique phrasing and very personal treatment of both her own compositions and a wide range of songs from the entire canon of popular music. A half-dozen tracks from albums by other artists are also featured, including new or very recent releases by Adam O'Farrill, Jeff Parker's ETA IVtet and Tomeka Reid Quartet. Crucial listening folks.

Father's Day and for the fathers among us, a perfect way to end the day. And for the mothers too! Thanks to our sponsor Studio 1 Vintage Guitars, get on down to Victoria Park Market and visit all their beauties.