This week on Politics Central, Maritime Union spokesperson Victor Billot claimed cancelling the upgrade of the existing Interisland ferry fleet with two large ferries was a critical error from the Government, and Friday's Aratere grounding was a long time coming after years of warnings.

Later, Children's Minister Karen Chhour unveiled her plan to cut down youth offending by introducing a new declaration for young offenders to ensure they face tougher consequences and are better supported to turn their lives around.

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The Children's Minister says initiatives to address youth crime will provide needed consequences for young offenders.

The Government is proposing to introduce a Youth Serious Offender declaration, meaning the courts could send them to a military style academy.

Legislation will be introduced before the end of the year, while a pilot academy begins in Palmerston North at the end of July.

Karen Chhour says we can't keep letting young offenders keep causing harm in local communities.

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Several inquiries are underway after a suspected steering problem saw the Interisland ferry Aratere run aground near Picton.

On Friday night, the ship became grounded.

It was re-floated successfully last night on the high tide.

Maritime Union spokesperson Victor Billot believes it could be a while before the ship is back sailing.

"They're going to have to look at the steering system, obviously, they're going to have to look the hull...it's going to be a long time."

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This week on Politics Central, Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman discusses whether peace in Ukraine is possible as world leaders gather in Switzerland to try and build support for Ukraine’s peace proposals - and if Putin's 'unrealistic' offer is cause for hope.

Later, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, talks about the Government's announcement of a roadshow consultation on work health and safety.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands for a ceasefire have been rejected by European leaders at a Ukraine summit.

The leaders of Italy and Germany have lambasted Putin's proposals, which included Ukraine handing over more territory to Russia.

It comes as world leaders meet in Switzerland to discuss ending the conflict.

New Zealand foreign affairs expert professor Robert Patman says Putin wants the invasion to be internationally recognised.

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This week on Politics Central, Minister Shane Jones has confirmed the Government will lift the ban on oil and gas exploration, as he believes New Zealand's natural gas reserves were declining and sustainable sources like wind, solar and hydro were too inconsistent.

Later, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey joined in to discuss the significance of Men's Health Week.

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Men’s Health Week is set to run from June 10-16, encouraging men to get on top of their wellbeing – both physical and mental.

New Zealand still has one of the highest rates of youth suicide in the developed world, and many are suffering from some strain of mental distress.

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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Shane Jones says oil and gas exploration is necessary to deal with energy security issues, as natural gas reserves rapidly decline.

The Government is reversing the oil and gas exploration ban, beyond onshore Taranaki.

It comes after around 20,000 people marched in Central Auckland yesterday, to protest the Fast Track Approvals Bill.

Resources Minister Shane Jones says about 20 percent of all our energy needs are related to gas.

"Because of the chilling effect of Jacinda Ardern's announcement in 2018, we're relying progressively more on Indonesian coal."

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