Recently, a study was conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton which uncovered a shift in the circulation of the Southern Ocean.

The study showed that the shift would draw up more salt water from the deep ocean, subsequently accelerating the loss of ice in the Antarctic and leading to an increase of sea levels and global heating.

The week before, the government allowed the terrorist designation given to the far-right ‘Proud Boys’ group to expire, effectively decriminalising the act of funding or openly supporting the group here in Aotearoa.

And, just yesterday Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed a number of changes to Family Boost which she said would help families with the cost of living.

For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez March to get the party’s take on all of these issues.

Dementia, or mate wareware is a devastating and life changing condition that affects 70,000 New Zealanders today. 

There have been calls to support rural Māori communities with members who have the condition, as Māori are more likely to experience mate wareware than other groups in the country.

A kaupapa has been launched by the University of Auckland’s Dr Makarena Dudley and Sir Richard Faull to better provide rural Māori communities with better education, guidance, and support.

On Monday, Producer Samantha spoke to Dudley, who is the Deputy Director Māori at the Centre of Brain Research Te Huinga Hinengaro, about the research, and what support is needed for these communities.

Oto and Jaycee talked to Tāmaki Makaurau singer-songwriter Beizou about her debut single "Too Comfortable," her influences and plans for future releases as she officially begins her journey as an artist. 

New research shows that two thirds of Kiwis believe there is still a stigma around medicinal cannabis usage, and that users are still subject to negative stereotypes.

Producer Faith spoke to Dr. Waseem Alzaher from Cannabis Clinic NZ about the stigma, and what steps need to be taken to normalise its usage.

Featuring Ready, Steady, Learn thanks to the University of Auckland!

Hearings on the regulatory standards bill are currently underway, with around 23,000 total submissions both written and oral. Early analysis of the submissions estimated 88% percent are in opposition, while only 0.3% are in support. 

The bill has been pushed by Minister for Regulation and ACT Party leader David Seymour, who says it should support the government to reduce regulation and ensure the protection of individual rights and private property. The bill has been criticised for not including clauses around Te Tiriti o Waitangi or environmental protections. It has also been criticised for potentially undemocratic elements, placing large amounts of control in the hands of the unelected Ministry for Regulation.

In our weekly catch-up with the National party, Wire host Castor asked Tom Rutherford about the regulatory standards bill in light of the select committee hearings and new criticisms.

Dr Alicia Didsbury, a research fellow in the Faculty of Science, joins Hugh Sundae in the studio to chat about her research into cell and gene based therapies for Cancer treatment. 

Thanks to the University of Auckland.

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science, our expert, Daniel Thomas chatted with us about rice arriving in the Pacific, native forests sinking carbon, and seaweed used for grooming orcas. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about the regulatory standards bill in light of it going to select committee. 

Producer Faith spoke to Larisa Hockey from the Long COVID Kids organisation about the effects of Long COVID on children, and how the issue should be addressed.

She also spoke to the CEO of Cannabis Clinic NZ, Dr. Waseem Alzaher, about the stigma around medicinal cannabis. 

A recent study from the University of Otago shows that more than twenty percent of children in Aotearoa who’ve been infected by Covid-19 still suffer persistent, ongoing symptoms.

Producer Faith spoke to Larisa Hockey from the Long Covid Kids organisation about how long covid affects children, and how children are specifically at risk.