For our weekly catch-up with the Labour party Caeden chats to Priyanca Radhakrishnan about funding cuts to disability caregivers and job cuts at the Department of Conservation.

For City Counselling they also speak to Councillor Shane Henderson about Watercare signalling an increase in Water Rates, and a boost in funding for arts in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Caeden also speaks to Lola Fisher about the disestablishment of the Whanganui Youth Council.

And they speak to Professor Ralph Cooney for the University of Auckland about the importance of communicating Climate Change to the community.

And she speaks with Research Fellow Marnie Prickett about the Public Health Communication Centre of Aotearoa’s submission against the fast-track approvals bill ahead of opportunities for feedback on the legislation formally closing tomorrow.

The Public Health Communication Centre of Aotearoa have publicised their submission that is strongly against the proposed fast-track approvals bill. The submission outlines seven objections, ranging from democratic rigour to the imperative relationship between the environment and the health of New Zealanders. Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to research fellow Marnie Prickett about the organisation’s submission.

A reminder that today is the last day for the public to submit this legislation so if you’d like to share your feedback you can use the objections listed on the PHCC website to make your own.

Read the PHCC Summary here

Have your say on the Fast Track bill here

Disability communities have been rallying against a surprise change in purchasing rules in the Ministry of Disabled People Whaikaha. Communities have said the changes will have massive impact, despite no consultation on these changes or a formal announcement. 

The Department of Conversation also recently proposed staffing cuts to meet funding demands. DoC controls a third of Aotearoa’s landmass which is all conservation land. It remains uncertain how job losses in the Ministry could impact conservation land management.

For weekly catch-up with the Labour party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour spokesperson for Disability Issues and Conservation Priyanca Rahdakrishnan about both of these issues.

Watercare has signalled a potential rates increase for Aucklanders this year, while council balances needing funding for infrastructure in a cost of living crisis.

Disability communities have been rallying against a surprise change in purchasing rules in the Ministry of Disabled People Whaikaha. Communities have said the changes will have massive impact, despite no consultation on these changes or a formal announcement. 

The Department of Conversation also recently proposed staffing cuts to meet funding demands. DoC controls a third of Aotearoa’s landmass which is all conservation land. It remains uncertain how job losses in the Ministry could impact conservation land management.

For weekly catch-up with the Labour party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour spokesperson for Disability Issues and Conservation Priyanca Rahdakrishnan about both of these issues.

Whanganui Youth Council members have recently publicly spoken about the potential axeing of their youth council, as well as similar proposals in other regions.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board will be soon launching their Youth Seat Trial programme, built in partnership with local youth board Younite, to facilitate further meaningful youth engagement in local democracy for year 12 and 13 students in the area. Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair, Toni Van Tonder, about this initiative.

This week's edition of the 95bFM Top 10 sees Phoebe Rings' Mandarin Tree take the top spot, as Smashton and Big J continue their usual antics!

Rachel speaks to the leader of the opposition about public sector job cuts, media sector challenges and closure of Newshub and the government's first Resource Management Amendment Bill.

The government has proposed removing provisions which prevent new coal mining applications in natural inland wetlands and natural areas of significance.

Environmental advocates are warning this poses a threat to Aotearoa’s biodiversity and will contribute to the rise of global warming.  

Producer Rachel spoke to New Zealand’s Association of Scientists Co-President, Professor Troy Baisden, about this.