Trigger warning: this next piece contains discussion around suicide and sexual violence.

On Tuesday a report on the health of trans and non-binary New Zealanders revealed some alarming statistics on psychological distress, discrimination and ongoing barriers to health services. The report titled “Counting Ourselves” is a comprehensive study claiming to be the first of its kind in this country, including a survey of one thousand one hundred and seventy eight trans and non-binary participants aged between fourteen and eighty three. The report is stated to be a resource for helping bring about long overdue change, calling for various improvements to laws, policies and training as well as the provision of clear pathways to gender affirming healthcare. William Boyd spoke with Dr Jaime Veale, the study’s Principal Investigator and Senior Lecturer in psychology at the University of Waikato. Will started off by asking Dr Veale to give a brief summary of the report and its aims. 

Where to get help -

Mahuru Māori is coming to an end. This is the month long initiative for Te Reo Māori where you commit to what you can for the entire month. Paraone Gloyne, a Māori language advocate, said at the beginning of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori this year that we should be thiking of the month rather than the just the week and putting more resources ino the month. Lillian Hanly spoke with him about this wero and, as it was Mahuru, he couldn't speak in English so we have translations being read by Tuwhenuaroa.

The current benefits system is from a different time, harking back to times of World Wars and the Great Depression. The most common recipient of the benefit is no longer a male Pākehā war hero, but rather solo mothers, and disproportionately mothers who are Māori, Pasifika or have disabilities. These women are subjected to intrusive investigations, probing questions, regulations that keep them from seeking work, and policies that keep them from pursuing meaningful relationships.

95bFM reporter Rachel Simpson spoke to Georgie Craw, executive officer of Child Poverty Action Group. The group recently released a briefing paper calling for the government to take urgent action on the benefits system, which was delivered to the Prime Minister’s electoral office, along with a petition signed by 8,000 people.

E whai ake nei, Coming up on the show today!

Many women are arriving at retirement with less savings than men and inequity issues like these require new, forward thinking solutions. Care credits are just one of the many ideas the Commission for Financial Capability is exploring in its three-yearly Review of Retirement Income Policies to help improve the wellbeing of people on their road to retirement. To find out more about care credits and the review in general, Olivia Holdsworth spoke to Interim Retirement Commissioner Peter Cordtz and began by asking what exactly is the Review of Retirement Income Policies.

This week on Green Desk Mangrove Mitch koreros with Shark Scientist Riley Elliot about the global decline in shark populations. Riley and Mitch discuss the recent decision made by New Zealand to vote no against the protection or Mako Sharks at CITES and the change in behaviour that he has seen in sharks as a result of human impacts on their environment. To begin, Mitchell asks Riley about the role sharks play as apex predators and how important they are to our global ecosystems.

Our Local Body Election coverage continues! Ted Johnston is a criminal lawyer from Otara, where he grew up. Johnstone is one of the candidates running for Mayor. Laura went into more detail about some of the policies and ideas Johnston has put out so far, but she started by asking what is important for the role of the Mayor, and why he would be the right person for it.

Sherry speaks with National co-ordinator of School Strike 4 Climate, Sophie Handford, ahead of their third protest on the 27th of September. She asks Sophie on the movement’s demands, and changes after criticisms following the last protest for alienating pacifika voices due to the timing with polyfest. Sophie also discusses the implications on local body elections with the increased awareness of the climate crisis. Sherry begin by asking Sophie  to outline what’s new with the upcoming protest.

New Zealand has one of the higest rates of obesity in the world - but how much does advertising have to do with it? A health expert is calling for greater government regulations around how food is advertised, especially to children. Lachlan spoke with Professor Jim Mann from the University of Otago about advertising, the difficulty around food and social media and what the government can do to help people make more informed decisions around their diet.

On the Wire today: Professor Jim Mann joins us to discuss food advertising and whether the government needs to bring in more regulations. Southern Cross is back discussing all the news across the Pacific. Sherry chats with Sophie Handford, national convenor for School Strike for Climate. Finally, Green Party Co-Leader James Shaw has his regular chat with Jemima, this week discussing emissions from business and the climate crisis risk assessment.