Aotearoa in Focus

Back in April I had an accident (see thumbnail) and it left me with a concussion which made things tough. So to understand brain injuries and what support looks like I had a korero with Iain Watkins from Brain Injury NZ. Audio is a bit scratchy sorry, did my best to clean it. Want to know more about Brain Injury New Zealand: https://www.brain-injury.nz/ or call 0800 272 466Get your Flamingo Helmet for free here: https://shop.flamingoscooters.com/products/flamingo-helmet

You can't say that Yani Johanson does things quietly and for 15 years has been bringing a progressive voice to Christchurch City Council. We caught up last week for a korero on getting into politics, the environmental challenges for the Linwood area, and reflecting on the rebuild.

A quick explainer of Gloria of Greymouth with its creator, owner, and inhabitant Sam Duckor-Jones and of course Tammy 🐕

Going for a holiday or tiki tour is pretty great but how is it if you've got movement challenges? I'm currently in that situation so challenged myself to get to Māwhera Greymouth and learnt about the obstacles and support available. With guests Sam Duckor Jones, Glen from Duke Hostel, and Garry Farrow from WTS Waikato. Helpful resources I used: https://www.makingtrax.co.nz/travellers/inclusive-directory/https://www.freedommobility.co.nz/https://firstport.co.nz/assets/Uploads/nz-beaches-map.pdfhttps://beta.accessibel.co.nz/https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/walking-and-tramping/?Difficulty=Difficulty.List;Easiest&Options=EasyAccess$$bool;true

Kia ora, second bonus with historian and disability advocate Dr Hilary Stace plus some feedback on the last episode. Enjoy Hilary's deep dive.

Kia ora, as a bonus for all you policy wonks is the full clip of geneticist and historian Dr Hamish Spencer on the 1928 Mental Defectives Amendment Act.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Maya.A century ago our mental health system was fixated on eugenics and protecting the ‘white race’. So to understand everything playing out Doctors Hilary Stace and Hamish Spencer take us through the subject. This one is heavy and I won’t judge if you don’t listen but I made this because we can’t forget what’s been done. Sources:Eugenics at the Edge of the Empire – Edited by Diane Paul, Hamish Spencer, and John Stenhouse.New Zealand Between the Wars - Edited by Rachael BellShell Shock and the Politics of Asylum Committal in New Zealand, 1916-22 - John Weaver and David WrightWW100The Dark, Unknown Story of Eugenics in New Zealand – Tess McClureMental health impact a legacy of WWI? – Glyn HarperFlashback: NZ almost legalises eugenic sterilisation - Will HarviePlunket takes on its history, and future, to be 'a better Treaty partner' - Cate BroughtonMassey racism provokes call for university name change - Karoline Tuckey

I reckon Chris Finlayson is pretty cool because he just goes for it! In fact that kid in the 60s watching Perry Mason ended up shaping modern Treaty settlements and helped bring justice and recognition to Aotearoa's past. We caught up for a quick chat - sorry for being a bit off though, I blame the concussion :/Plus, check out his piece on co-governance on ETangata - https://e-tangata.co.nz/nzoa-pijf/chris-finlayson-co-governance-should-be-embraced-not-feared/?fbclid=IwAR1ypMKCkSHGsgRmzy1P7PGyMyDlA0o1OJyRXCfYoZ0N1KFzifI3uf6wdrIHave a great week everyone :D