New research looking into vaccination hesitancy in Aotearoa has been released from the University of Auckland.

The research was prompted by lower rates of vaccination following the covid-19 pandemic. The research aimed to uncover what was most important to Kiwi’s considerations around vaccination.

Nicholas spoke to lead investigator Associate Professor Amy Chan, about the study’s findings.

Nicholas speaks up with the Green Party's Dr Shane Reti about the passing of Greens MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.

Nicholas also spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland Amy Chan on new research into vaccine hesitancy. 

Sofia spoke to veteran activist and Head Chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa John Minto about the hows, whys, and whens of protesting, narrowing in on the current Palestine protests occuring across the country.

Oto spoke to John Crocker from Unite Union, a union that advocates for migrant workers amongst a number of groups, who said that there was more to the scheme than what was found in the review.

Nicholasalso speaks to AUSA president Alan Shaker about devolpements in the association.

As a new batch of freshers begin university, we return to the basic fundamentals of protests.

Sofia spoke to veteran activist and Head Chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa John Minto about the hows, whys, and whens of protesting, narrowing in on the current Palestine protests occuring across the country.

They discuss historic legislation born out of protesting and how to get involved in protests if you haven't before!

Head to the PSNA website for resources in solidarity with Palestine.

On Wednesday the 21st of February New Zealand was shocked to learn of the sudden passing of Greens MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.

Efeso began his career as a youth worker before joining the Auckland Council as a councillor for the Manukau ward. 

He later ran for Mayor with the endorsement of both Labour and the Greens, before campaigning for the Green party in last year's election.

In his maiden speech Collins highlighted his wish to be a champion for underserved and underprivileged members of our society;

"The government cannot be a bystander to people suffering confusion and disenfranchisement. New Zealand must close the divide between those who have and those who have not, because the reality for my community is that those who have more money often wield more power, more health, more housing, more justice, more access, more canopy cover, more lobbyists with swipe cards, and more time,"

Nicholas spoke to Green Party co-leader James Shaw about the passing of his friend and colleague Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.

AUSA President Alan Shaker joins the Wednesday Wire team in the studio to discuss; 

O-Week 2024, the merger between AUSA and PGSA, constitutional reform and the opening of the rec centre

Family Bands "Large Dirt Piles" takes out the number 1 spot for the final Top Ten show of February 2024

In our weekly interview with National’s James Meager, producer Castor began with National’s promised ban on wearing gang patches in public. The ban is due to come later this year as part of a bundle of legislation aimed at reducing gang presence in communities. 

A similar law was passed by the Whanganui District Council in 2009, which was later reviewed by the High Court and found to be unlawful and in violation of the Bill of Rights. 

Castor then briefly discussed Labour’s clean car discount, which was repealed by the National government on the 31st of December last year. Ministry of Transport data shows that registrations of new electric vehicles have decreased from 1 in 4 in 2023 to 1 in 26 in January this year. 

Harriet Fraser-Barbour of Aussie band Workhorse is in Aotearoa following two weekends of shows at the legendary Camp A Low Hum. She speaks with Rachel about the festival experince and her shows in Tāmaki Makaurau this week. Catch her playing Whammy Backroom this Thursday with Danika and Jazmine Mary, and Ding Dong lounge on Friday with Babe Martin, Georgie Knight and Keeskea.

Alice Canton is back in the studio and joined today by Paddy Free (Pitch Black) who is the sound designer of the FNZ national tour of Hatupatu | Kurungaituku : A Forbidden Love, presented by Taki Rua. The show is in Auckland from 28 February to 2 March at Q Theatre, tickets from Q Theatre’s website