The government has announced its intention to scrap legal funding for section 27 cultural reports. These reports are used in court sentencing for judges to learn more about the offenders’ cultural background and their lives. This decision has been criticised, with experts saying that scrapping reports would make trials slower and more expensive, and would negatively impact Māori. 

Olivia talked to Professor of Law at AUT, Kris Gledhill, about this decision, the issues with it, and how Aotearoa New Zealand compares with other countries.

Producer Olivia spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland Law School, Vernon Rive, about the Smith and Fonterra climate change court case. 

She also spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland’s Department of Commercial Law, Gehan Gunasekara, about Foodstuffs’ facial recognition trial.

And she spoke to Professor of Law at AUT, Kris Gledhill, about the Government's decision to scrap legal aid for section 27 cultural reports.

Foodstuffs is rolling out a facial recognition trial to identify and deter shoplifters. Many have criticised such use of facial recognition technology, noting that it is a slippery slope, and can encroach on people’s privacy. 

Olivia talked to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland’s Department of Commercial Law, Gehan Gunasekara, about the potential benefits and issues with utilising this technology, and possible actions the Government should take in protecting privacy. 

The Supreme Court in the recent Smith v Fonterra case ruled that Iwi Leader Mike Smith can proceed to trial against Fonterra, and six of the other largest greenhouse gas emitters. In this case, he argued that their emissions would harm him and his interests to customary land, including loss of cultural and spiritual sites, and fisheries. 

Olivia talked to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland Law School, Vernon Rive, about this decision. He also discussed what judicial decisions means for overarching climate action, and other implications of this case.

Rachel speaks to the leader of the opposition about Grant Robertson's recent resignation from the Labour party, recent poll results and policy coming out of the government as of late. 

Maté Vella talks about Family Band's debut single, Large Dirt Piles, out today via Sunreturn.

Rob Bollix talks wonderful science and fossil stuff.

Estère is in the studio talking about her Mākara Peak EP release tour and upcoming performance at Splore. 

Justine Sachs gives you the union and employment lowdown on Red Dead Redemption. Whakarongo mai nei!

The Labour Party’s controversial Three Waters reforms were repealed last week. National’s replacement plan seeks to address the complaints of many who pushed back against the bill, while maintaining support for challenged regions. 

Additionally, this Sunday saw National Leader Christopher Luxon pushed out of the yearly Big Gay Out event by protestors. Amongst other issues, the protestors are standing against proposed changes to the school curriculum, removing and replacing gender, sexuality, and relationship-based education guidelines. 

Producer Castor spoke to National’s James Meager about the Three Waters replacement, including recent environmental concerns. He also discusses the curriculum changes, and how the National Party supports queer young people.