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In a recent research paper funded by Our Land and Water National, the country will continue to see a significant shift away from livestock into pine forestry.

The implications this will have will not only be seen in nature, but also in the communities that rely on yearly income to support their families, rather than income that comes every twenty-five years. This paper also highlights the environmental issues that come with this transition, however neither are great for the environment.

Sasha spoke to Bill Kaye Blake, leading author of this paper on what’s driving the trend of replacing livestock farms with pine forestry.

A recent report from the education review office (ERO) and the New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) has found that early childhood teachers are seeing more children than ever with poor language skills. This, in part due to Covid-19 and increasingly prevalent screen and device usage.

Low language and speaking skills can have further implications down the line as children become older, this is quite jarring as New Zealand is a first world country with high access to healthcare and childcare.

Sasha spoke to professional research fellow in the department of General Practice and Primary Care, Samantha Marsh, about the implications of early childhood screen use and impacts of Covid-19 on children.

Oto and Jaycee interviewed Tāmaki Makaurau RnB/Hip-Hop artist Ray Leslie, of Filipino origin, to talk about her new E.P and short film "Fantasy and Future". 

They also talked to fashion designer Zee (@qqpassionfruitgreentea) of Cambodian origin about her creative process and experiences both as a fashion designer and model.

Oto and Jaycee interviewed Ray Leslie, a local Hip-Hop/RnB artist of Filipino origin about her latest E.P, Fantasy & Future.

They also talked about Ray's experiences working in the Tāmaki Makaurau music scene as a queer, Asian artist. 

Oto and Jaycee interviewed Tāmaki Makaurau fashion designer Zee (@qqpassionfruitgreentea) of Cambodian descent about her experiences working as a model and fashion designer.

Last week, the New Zealand Defence Force, the NZDF, awarded a contract to defence company BAE Systems, to upgrade its VBS4 whole-earth virtual desktop trainer.

BAE Systems has previously been found guilty of conspiring to defraud the United States and making false statements about its compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Furthermore, BAE Systems has been the subject of criticism for its production of weapons components sold to Israel for its war in Gaza.

The contract has drawn criticism from activist groups in New Zealand who say that the Defence Force should have more established standards regarding which companies it chooses to award contracts to.

Producer Josef spoke to a representative from Peace Action Wellington, Valerie Morse, about the contract, and what it means in the wider context of the morality of the NZDF’s operations.

Changes were recently announced to the Fast Track Approvals Bill - most notably removing the controversial ministerial override that would allow ministers to go past expert advice. These changes follow public protests and submissions regarding the bill, one of this government’s most discussed.

Environmental organisation Forest and Bird says while the changes to the Fast Track Bill are appreciated, they don’t go far enough. Particularly, the bill’s prioritisation of project development over environmental protections is a core principle that hasn’t changed throughout the select committee process.

Wire host Castor spoke to spokesperson from Forest and Bird, Geoff Keey, about the changes to the Fast Track Approvals Bill and what more Forest and Bird is looking for.

New Zealand’s employment court recently rejected an appeal by taxi and delivery company Uber to reverse its earlier ruling regarding the status of Uber drivers. In 2022, the employment court ruled that Uber drivers should be classified as employees rather than contractors. Uber then appealed the decision, with the employment court reaching its final verdict this week.

Alongside this decision are discussions by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Brooke Van Velden, surrounding potential changes to how workers are classified. 

Wire host Castor spoke to national secretary of the E tū union, Rachel Mackintosh, about the appeal and potential upcoming legislation.

Changes were recently announced to the Fast Track Approvals Bill - most notably removing the controversial ministerial override that would allow ministers to go past expert advice. These changes follow public protests and submissions regarding the bill, one of this government’s most discussed. Wire host Castor spoke to Katie Nimon about the changes to the bill, and some of the criticisms that remain.

We also spoke about the potential amendment of Section 58 of the Marine and Coastal Area Act. The amendment would require Māori to prove continuous, uninterrupted occupation of a coastal area in order to make a claim to it. The Waitangi Tribunal recently filed an urgent claim to discuss the amendment, particularly criticised for its impact on coastal iwi with fewer land claims. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire host Castor asked MP Katie Nimon about each of these issues, starting off with changes to the Fast Track Approvals Bill. 

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science we chatted with our expert Professor Allan Blackman about mosquitoes using infrared, digital versus paper tests, and potential uses for whisky waste. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire host Castor spoke to MP Katie Nimon about changes to the Fast Track Approvals Bill and potential amendments to the Marine and Coastal Area Act. 

They also spoke to Forest and Bird’s Geoff Keey about the Fast Track Bill, both the announced changes and what more they say needs to happen. 

And they spoke to Rachel Mackintosh from the E tū union about the recent Uber employment case. 

Producer Josef spoke to Peace Action Wellington Representative, Valerie Morse, about the New Zealand Defence Force’s contract with BAE systems.