One in five Kiwi young people are overweight, and the stats are getting worse. Last year, tuck shop guidelines came into force, which prevented New Zealand schools from selling unhealthy foods. Labour created the policy, National recently scrapped it, and the Greens are petitioning to get it back again. Health experts thought banning junk food was a good way to get young people’s eating habits on track. So, why has there been harsh public reaction to the idea? Jehan Casinader is a Wellington-based journalist and youth affairs commentator.
Listen/Download Jehan Casinader on the Junk Food Debate
The Labour leader say that the party will be selecting a strong candidate to face off whoever National chooses to run in the soon to be vacated Mt Albert seat when Helen Clark takes up her new job at the United Nations. Mr Goff also answers the accusation from investigative journalist Ian Wishart that Helen and the Labour Government effectively bought Helen’s job at the UN through increased Aid donations over their term in power. Mr Goff also reports that he has just returned from a progressive solution summit in Chile.
Listen/Download Phil Goff on the progressive solution
The National party cabinet is shaping up and coalition agreements are being set in stone, giving us a better idea of where policy is headed, in particular investment in broadband infrastructure. How will new policies and investment in new technologies affect the creative economy? Vincent ponders this and more.
Listen/Download Vincent Heeringa on Uncertain Times
Prime Minister Helen Clark has said she will “play opposition” to what John Key stands for “to the grave”
When asked if she was prepared to face John Key and National from the opposition benches Miss Clark was optimistic that a Labour-Green ticket will win this week’s election.
Helen also clarified that the recently announced Redundancy policy will become a permanent component to the social welfare system.
Listen/Download Helen Clark on fighting to the grave
Prime Minister Helen Clark doubts the truth in figures out today that say National plan to spend more than Labour on Infrastructure initiatives if they win the election on November the 8th
Helen is hoping a spend up on public works will offset the negative effects of an economic downturn. At the same time the downturn is helping those trying to get into a first home.
Despite the benefits of having many coalition partners Helen says the official strategy for a Labour led government is two ticks for Labour.
Is she expecting a television attack ad? Find out…
Listen/Download Helen Clark two weeks out
The Government’s books are opening today and many are picking a lot of red numbers to show up, so what can a Labour Government do to protect New Zealand from the worst of the global financial crisis?
Helen Clark says policies that promote growth with a sustainable edge is the way forward. She also says National maybe over promising and under delivering on the tax cut package expected to be announced on Wednesday.
Meanwhile Peter Sharples of the Maori Party says Helen is tired and washed out, however the Prime Minister prefers to rely more on the kind words of Sharple’s co-leader and says Sharple’s mouth tends to run away on him.
Finally what is the greatest national security risk to New Zealand? Find out in today’s interview with the Prime Minister.
Listen/Download Helen Clark for the 6th Oct 2008
Act party candidate for Botany Downs has been courting controversy with a new billboard which says “vote Wang, get Wang and Wong”. National MP Pansy Wong is not happy. Ken Wong explains…
Listen/Download Kenneth Wang on what’s wong
