Image of gonorrhea via Flickr.
Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by 95bFM and VICE NZ.Research Finds Barriers Exist for Young Kiwis Getting STI checks
A recent study on STI testing among young New Zealanders investigated the barriers holding people back from getting checked out.
The research found three main types of barriers for students aged 15 to 24 in getting STI tests: personal—underestimating risk, perceiving STIs as not serious, fear of invasive procedure, self-consciousness in genital examination, and being too busy, structural—financial cost of test and doctor attitudes, and social—concern of being stigmatised.
"Some of the infections don't have any symptoms, so you don't necessarily know you've got an STI. You may suffer problems yourself later on, or you may pass that infection on to somebody else, so it's a good idea to check if you've been at risk," Family Planning's National Medical Advisor, Christine Roke, told 95bFM.
Family Planning provides free appointments for those up to the age of 21 in the hopes of removing some of the barriers young New Zealanders may face.Labour Workplace Policy Released
Labour announced their workplace policy yesterday, saying they are committed to making "sensible changes" to employment law.
The employment relations package includes lifting the minimum wage from $15.75 to $16.50, and plans to base future increases to the minimum wage on the cost of living for those on low incomes.
Labour leader Andrew Little said that over time the party wants to work towards lifting the minimum wage to two-thirds of the average wage.
Unions such as E Tū, the Public Service Association, Council of Trade Unions, and FIRST Union have celebrated the policy, saying that it provides real benefits and protections to working Kiwis.
The policy hasn't been immune from criticism though—the most controversial area of the package so far has proved to be Labour's plan to set basic employment conditions across whole industries, which would be agreed upon by each industry's respective businesses and unions.
Employers and Manufacturers Association chief executive Kim Campbell told RNZ a one-size-fits-all approach will create disruption and won't work for all businesses, while Business New Zealand chief executive Kirk Hope said such a policy won't help New Zealand achieve the productivity gains it needs.New Mental Health Helpline Launched
A new free phone-line with four digits has started up to support New Zealanders' mental health and wellbeing.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said that "Need to Talk? 1737" will make it easier for those in need to contact mental health and addiction professionals. The line is open 24/7, and is accessible by both landlines and cellphones with calls and text messages.
Research shows that four digit numbers are easier to remember and that a wider range of people who may have felt other lines were not suited to them will be more comfortable contacting the new helpline.Government Defends Decision to Grant Thiel citizenship
The Government has defended their move in 2011 to grant US billionaire Peter Thiel citizenship, despite the fact that the 49-year-old had only spent 12 days in New Zealand before the decision went ahead.
Prime Minister Bill English said exceptional circumstances are allowed for under the law, and that such exceptions help to encourage investment.
However, many have been critical of the move, with the Association for Migration and Investment chairperson June Ranson calling the decision "totally wrong", and Labour MP Iain Lees-Galloway saying Thiel could have made investments as a resident without citizenship.Iraqi Forces Recapture Mosul Mosque
Iraqi forces have recaptured the destroyed Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul, driving back militants from Islamic State.
The mosque has great symbolic importance for both sides as the site where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate, making his only public appearance as leader of ISIS.
The development means Iraqi government troops are now in the heart of the old city and are likely to recapture it entirely within a fortnight.
A US-led military coalition spokesperson has said some 84,000 square kilometres have been retaken and more than four million people have been freed from ISIS rule.Senior Catholic Cleric Charged with Sexual Assault
Australian cardinal, George Pell, has been charged with multiple counts of historical sexual assault.
The cardinal will appear in a Melbourne court next month, after charges were laid yesterday by Victorian Police.
Pell has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and said the court proceedings offer an opportunity to clear his name.
The cardinal is Australia's most senior Catholic cleric, considered number three in the Catholic hierarchy.Trump Lays Out New Visa Criteria
The White House has set out new criteria for visa applicants from six mainly Muslim countries.
The new rules require people from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen to have a "close" family or business ties to the US.
The new visa criteria was issued after the Supreme Court partially restored President Trump's travel ban.
The court also approved a 120-day ban on refugees entering the US, allowing the government to bar entry to those without a bona-fide relationship with an American individual or entity.
People already holding a visa and those with business of educational ties to the United States will be exempt.Sony Looks Set to Start Making Vinyl Again
Thirty years after abandoning vinyl production, Sony plans to start producing records again.
A factory in south-west of Tokyo will begin pressing records by March next year, with global demand for the format surging.
Sony stopped making vinyl in 1989 as consumers moved to CDs, but a resurgence in the format has prompted a rethink.
Sony has yet to confirm what music will be released in record format, but Japanese newspapers suggest the lineup will include popular Japanese songs from the past and chart-topping contemporary albums.Reporting by Alessandra Nixon, Leonard Powell, Ximena Smith and Ashleigh McCaull.
LOCAL NEWS
A recent study on STI testing among young New Zealanders investigated the barriers holding people back from getting checked out.
The research found three main types of barriers for students aged 15 to 24 in getting STI tests: personal—underestimating risk, perceiving STIs as not serious, fear of invasive procedure, self-consciousness in genital examination, and being too busy, structural—financial cost of test and doctor attitudes, and social—concern of being stigmatised.
"Some of the infections don't have any symptoms, so you don't necessarily know you've got an STI. You may suffer problems yourself later on, or you may pass that infection on to somebody else, so it's a good idea to check if you've been at risk," Family Planning's National Medical Advisor, Christine Roke, told 95bFM.
Family Planning provides free appointments for those up to the age of 21 in the hopes of removing some of the barriers young New Zealanders may face.Labour Workplace Policy Released
Labour announced their workplace policy yesterday, saying they are committed to making "sensible changes" to employment law.
The employment relations package includes lifting the minimum wage from $15.75 to $16.50, and plans to base future increases to the minimum wage on the cost of living for those on low incomes.
Labour leader Andrew Little said that over time the party wants to work towards lifting the minimum wage to two-thirds of the average wage.
Unions such as E Tū, the Public Service Association, Council of Trade Unions, and FIRST Union have celebrated the policy, saying that it provides real benefits and protections to working Kiwis.
The policy hasn't been immune from criticism though—the most controversial area of the package so far has proved to be Labour's plan to set basic employment conditions across whole industries, which would be agreed upon by each industry's respective businesses and unions.
Employers and Manufacturers Association chief executive Kim Campbell told RNZ a one-size-fits-all approach will create disruption and won't work for all businesses, while Business New Zealand chief executive Kirk Hope said such a policy won't help New Zealand achieve the productivity gains it needs.
Advertisement
A new free phone-line with four digits has started up to support New Zealanders' mental health and wellbeing.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said that "Need to Talk? 1737" will make it easier for those in need to contact mental health and addiction professionals. The line is open 24/7, and is accessible by both landlines and cellphones with calls and text messages.
Research shows that four digit numbers are easier to remember and that a wider range of people who may have felt other lines were not suited to them will be more comfortable contacting the new helpline.Government Defends Decision to Grant Thiel citizenship
The Government has defended their move in 2011 to grant US billionaire Peter Thiel citizenship, despite the fact that the 49-year-old had only spent 12 days in New Zealand before the decision went ahead.
Prime Minister Bill English said exceptional circumstances are allowed for under the law, and that such exceptions help to encourage investment.
However, many have been critical of the move, with the Association for Migration and Investment chairperson June Ranson calling the decision "totally wrong", and Labour MP Iain Lees-Galloway saying Thiel could have made investments as a resident without citizenship.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Iraqi forces have recaptured the destroyed Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul, driving back militants from Islamic State.
The mosque has great symbolic importance for both sides as the site where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate, making his only public appearance as leader of ISIS.
The development means Iraqi government troops are now in the heart of the old city and are likely to recapture it entirely within a fortnight.
A US-led military coalition spokesperson has said some 84,000 square kilometres have been retaken and more than four million people have been freed from ISIS rule.Senior Catholic Cleric Charged with Sexual Assault
Australian cardinal, George Pell, has been charged with multiple counts of historical sexual assault.
The cardinal will appear in a Melbourne court next month, after charges were laid yesterday by Victorian Police.
Pell has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and said the court proceedings offer an opportunity to clear his name.
The cardinal is Australia's most senior Catholic cleric, considered number three in the Catholic hierarchy.Trump Lays Out New Visa Criteria
The White House has set out new criteria for visa applicants from six mainly Muslim countries.
The new rules require people from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen to have a "close" family or business ties to the US.
The new visa criteria was issued after the Supreme Court partially restored President Trump's travel ban.
The court also approved a 120-day ban on refugees entering the US, allowing the government to bar entry to those without a bona-fide relationship with an American individual or entity.
People already holding a visa and those with business of educational ties to the United States will be exempt.Sony Looks Set to Start Making Vinyl Again
Thirty years after abandoning vinyl production, Sony plans to start producing records again.
A factory in south-west of Tokyo will begin pressing records by March next year, with global demand for the format surging.
Sony stopped making vinyl in 1989 as consumers moved to CDs, but a resurgence in the format has prompted a rethink.
Sony has yet to confirm what music will be released in record format, but Japanese newspapers suggest the lineup will include popular Japanese songs from the past and chart-topping contemporary albums.Reporting by Alessandra Nixon, Leonard Powell, Ximena Smith and Ashleigh McCaull.