The Panel with Chris Clarke and Lizzie Marvelly (Part 1)
The number of flu cases are at very low levels for July, when flu infection normally peak. There have been extensive promotions for the flu vaccine this year, after a increase of hospitaliations and deaths during the nothern hemisphere winter. However experts are warning not to be complacent as the numbers could rise soon. Dunedin Inland Revenue staff are on strike today but they haven't just been picketing, this afternoon they have been doing volunteer work at the gardens of the Otago Community Hospice. This is the second time in three weeks IRD staff have walked off the job, as a dispute between union and government departments continue. We ask the panelists whether community work is a good public relations tactic, and whether strikers would garner more sympathy. Wellington is facing major issues with its bus network with 50 bus drivers on strike over what they deem dangerous and unlawful shifts. Some are calling for the Greater Wellington Regional Council to step in and sort out the ongoing dispute between the driver's union and Tranzit. The Regional Council maintains it has nothing to do with them. We ask the panelists if this attitude is good enough from a public organisation. A Salvation Army survey has found nearly half of New Zealanders have gone without heating to save money. The report some kiwi families were sleeping on mattresses in their living rooms and leaving the door of the oven open for warmth this winter. Many people didn't go to the doctor because of cost. Jono Bell, Manager for The Salvation Army's welfare services, tells us whether these results reflect what the organisation is seeing in the community. A Rotorua shelter for homeless people has been forced to shut over fire compliance. The shelter does not meet fire standards so it has had to be closed over the prospect a massive fine. At least 30 people have been out back onto the streets this weekend the founder says. Tiny Deane from Visions of a Helping Hand Charitable Trust joins the panel to explain the situation further.
