Seven podcasts for humanity
Whether you’re on your commute, washing the dishes or doing a workout at the gym, podcasts offer a portal into the ideas and issues that matter most to you.
With literally millions of podcasts to choose from, it can be hard to find the right programme for your interests. Here are seven of our favourite podcasts at Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, with a focus on human rights both here in Aotearoa and beyond.
Aotearoa podcasts
True Justice
Produced by JustSpeak, Re: news and the award-winning agency Popsock Media, True Justice explores the issues facing the justice system in Aotearoa. Over the course of five episodes, the series centres the voices of people who have first-hand experience – their hopes, their heartbreak, and the challenges they faced trying to escape the prison maze. The podcast also features perspectives from academics, activists and justice sector leaders, highlighting the deep-rooted issues affecting justice in Aotearoa, and exploring how the system could be changed for the better.
Find out more about Amnesty International’s work to transform the justice system into one that fully upholds human rights.
Innovation Nation
Innovation Nation is a podcast about systems-change in New Zealand’s public sector, with a focus on imbedding Indigenous knowledge. The show is produced by a team based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Council as part of The Southern Initiative (TSI). Over six episodes, host Shane Te Pou explores new, mana-enhancing solutions to some of the biggest social and economic challenges facing Māori and Pasifika communities in south and west Auckland. This series highlights many of the growing threats to human rights in Aotearoa and is well-worth a listen to learn more about the ways in which Mātauranga Māori can help to address these issues.
If you’re under the age of 25 and have an innovative idea for upholding and protecting human rights, Amnesty International’s Gary Ware Legacy Award is a great opportunity to bring your vision to life with up to $4500 in funding.
Taringa
If you’ve been inspired by Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, the Taringa Podcast is a great opportunity to continue your te reo journey. With over 300 episodes in both Māori and English, this show offers a wealth of knowledge on tikanga and te reo in a fun and approachable way. From karakia and whakapapa to vocab and grammar, the team at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa have built an amazing audible resource.
Amnesty International is committed to protecting and promoting tika tangata (human rights) for all in Aotearoa New Zealand. Respecting the human rights of Māori involves respectful use of te reo Māori. That’s why you’ll see more te reo Māori in our emails, website content, and social media posts. We’d love for you to join us on this journey to help te reo Māori flourish in Aotearoa New Zealand. Together, we can build a country where human rights thrive.
ACTivate
ACTivate is a monthly show brought to you by the Christchurch branch of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. Featuring recent news and interviews with people whose work is connected to defending and promoting human rights, this show is a great reminder of the power of the grassroots Amnesty movement.
You can get involved and help achieve more wins for humanity by joining the Amnesty Community.
International podcasts
Rights Back at You
Amnesty International has a strong track-record of producing top-class human rights podcasts. Joining this line-up is a new five-part series by Amnesty International Canada, which tackles anti-Black racism from a range of new angles. In each episode, host and Amnesty Digital Activism Coordinator Daniella Barreto examines a different threat to Black people’s freedom and security – from facial recognition technology to police violence – and centres the voices of those working to build a better future for all.
If you’re keen to play your part as an anti-racist ally, check out this brilliant guide by our colleagues at Amnesty International Australia.
Mothers of Invention
Mothers Of Invention celebrates feminist climate change solutions with a focus on the stories of black, brown and Indigenous women and girls. Produced by the former Irish president Mary Robinson, comedian and writer Maeve Higgins, and series producer Thimali Kodikara, the programme ran for three uplifting series from 2018-2020. As the climate crisis continues to threaten human rights around the world, this show is an invaluable source of inspiration and hope.
As a movement, Amnesty International is working hard around the world to show how climate instability is impacting people’s rights. Together, we are mounting pressure against governments and corporations that are obstructing solutions.
Take action for climate activists like Shahnewaz Chowdhury, whose rights are at risk in Bangladesh for speaking out about a new coal-fired power plant in his village.
The Documentary
Brought to you by the BBC World Service, The Documentary promises to “bring the globe to your ears”. Each week, award-winning journalists take a deep dive into a timely but otherwise untold story, centring the voices of people from around the world with unique first-hand experiences. The spin-off series, The Explanation, is a particularly valuable resource for those looking to learn more about key issues in the global news.
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