As of July 2023, the government scrapped the $5 fee on prescriptions. Since then, the public health system has seen a significant change in hospital admissions rates.

However, with a new government in parliament, the government wants to reinstate the $5 co-payment for prescriptions.    

Rachel spoke to GP at the Auckland City Mission and Professor of General Practitioners and Primary Health care at the University of Auckland, Dr Bruce Arroll, about the implications the public health system will see if the government reinstates $5 fees on prescriptions.

 Lana Walters is in for Stage Direction, talking about her Comedy Festival show Don't Lick That. 

Ronsad takes out the NZMM Second Guessing win! On Isthmus'n That, Rachel speaks to Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson about overnight flooding, parking payment changes in the central city and the Auckland Long Term Plan. Romi Wrights is chatting about an upcoming performance at Auckland Live's "Kick Back in a Beanbag and Lean into the Weekend" lunchtime gig series on Friday, May 24th at The Civic. Lana Walters is in for Stage Direction, talking about her Comedy Festival show Don't Lick That. On Ready Steady Learn, senior marketing lecturer Shahper Richter talks us through her research on the Metaverse. Industry Rider (an NZMM special) continues, with chats from Anthony Metcalf and Gussie Larkin. Whakarongo mai nei!

Anthony Metcalf of 100% Good talks to Stella about a promoter perspective on industry frameworks that can amplify Aotearoa talent.

This week on Dear Science, our expert Dr Cushla McGoverin spoke to us about synthetic fungus-based leather, origami-like structures using DNA, and the colouring on rodents' teeth. 

The Waitangi Tribunal recently found the government’s plans to reinstate a rule requiring all Māori wards to go to a local referendum, is not in line with the government’s obligations under Te Tiriti.

Introduced in 2001, the required referendum was cited by many as a significant barrier to Māori representation in local government. Before 2021, there were three councils with Māori wards or constituencies. After the requirement was removed in 2021, 34 territories and 7 regional councils have Māori wards or constituencies, increasing Māori representation and strengthening the overall decision making process.

This Māori wards legislation follows a slew of similar legislation surrounding Māori representation and the role of Te Tiriti in politics, with the current government continuing to remove protections and ignore advice or summons from the Tribunal.

In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Katie Nimon, Wire host Castor asked about the Māori ward legislation and the government’s relationship with the Waitangi Tribunal.

Rachel speaks to Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson about overnight flooding, parking payment changes in the central city and the Auckland Long Term Plan. 

 Shahper Richter, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, talks us through her research on the Metaverse.

Gussie Larkin of Earth Tongue and Mermaidens talks to Stella about how the whole community can benefit from incentives to amplify local talent.

Romi Wrights is chatting about an upcoming performance at Auckland Live's "Kick Back in a Beanbag and Lean into the Weekend" lunchtime gig series on Friday, May 24th at The Civic.