As the country faces both an economic crisis and an election, political parties on both of the aisle have very different proposals in mind when it comes to the minimum wage. Moreover, each party claims its respective approach is necessary for Aotearoa's economic recovery. 

Hanna spoke to Rod Oram, business journalist and political commentator, about whether low wages are necessary to sustain the economy.

New Zealand has an aging population with projections showing that by 2036, one in 4.5 Kiwis will be over the age of 65. Zoë discusses the implications of this with Age Concern's chief executive, Stephanie Clare. 

Today on the Wire with Zoë: 

Zoë Larsen Cumming interviews senior lecturer from Te Ipukarea Research Institute Rachael Ka'ai-Mahuta on Māori Language Week and the importance of Te Reo in Aotearoa’s culture.

Producer Aneeka Moheed interviews Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager Bjoern Spreitzer as part of our 95bFM Election Coverage. This week's theme is local economy. 

Finally, Zoë interviews Age Concern's chief executive Stephanie Clare on New Zealand's ageing population. 

Tourism is Aotearoa's largest export and the industry is suffering admist current Covid travel restrictions. Aneeka speaks to Bjoern Spreitzer, the General Manager of Tourism New Zealand's domestic tourism team about the value of domestic travel and importance of stimulating the domestic tourism market in Aotearoa. 

Zoë Larsen Cumming interviews senior lecturer from Te Ipukarea Research Institute Rachael Ka'ai-Mahuta on Māori Language Week and the importance of Te Reo in Aotearoa’s culture.

Ollie and Oscar discuss the weeks headlines in the hugely popular Friday staple

We started the hour in the East Coast where Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival is set to return. Reporter Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to CEO and Artistic Director, Tama Waipara, about the importance of showcasing local artists and culture.

National's Simon O'Connor joins us to talk housing. 

Rochelle Ade also joins us on the topic bringing her expertise on the topic of healthy homes. 

In the Community Garden, we are joined by Accelerating Aotearoa's Judy Speight to talk Local Employment Access Programs. 

All concluded by the week that was as curated by Ollie Joblin. 

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the show today.

Producer Jack Marshall speaks with National's Simon O'Connor on his party's housing policy ahead of the general election

Justin spoke to Labour's Andrew Little about the party's tax policy.

James Tapp spoke to the Opportunities Party's leader Geoff Simmons on their housing policies.