Nine To Noon: Recent Episodes
RNZ
From nine to noon every weekday, Kathryn Ryan talks to the people driving the news - in New Zealand and around the world. Delve beneath the headlines to find out the real story, listen to Nine to Noon's expert commentators and reviewers and catch up with the latest lifestyle trends on this award-winning programme.
A large portion of Wellington's CBD is without water because a water pipe has burst. The outage is affecting at least 100 properties across Customhouse Quay, Waterloo Quay and the streets surrounding the area. Wellington Water says three water tankers are at Hunter, Waring Taylor and Lady Elizabeth Lane on the waterfront. It hopes to have water supply back on by the middle of the day. RNZ's Krystal Gibbons is on the waterfront
Andrew Leland first realised he had trouble with his vision when he was in high school, and he particularly struggled to see in the dark. By the time he was 19, he had been diagnosed with a degenerative retinal disease called retinitis pigmentosa. The diagnosis meant he would gradually lose his vision from the outside in, similar to looking through an ever smaller tube. Andrew Leland is now in his 40s, and is adapting to life with currently about six percent of his visual field remaining. It's been a major, if slow transition from full vision to what will eventually be near-total sightlessness. He's shared his story in a new memoir The Country of the Blind, which weaves his own, deeply personal experience grappling with his new life, into a cultural history of blindness. Andrew Leland speaks to Kathryn from his home in Western Massachusetts.
A British parliamentary researcher arrested on suspicion of being a 'Chinese spy' in March has been unveiled as Chris Cash, a 28-year-old who reportedly has links with many Tory MPs. The history graduate has released a statement through his lawyers insisting he is "completely innocent". Matthew Parris tells Kathryn how 'spy-mania' is sweeping UK media. And, a sketch of the Dover coast drawn by landscape painter John Constable more than 200 years ago is going up for auction. It was found in a suitcase during a house clearance.
Semiconductors or "chips" are the brains behind all modern technology, used in everything from smart phones, to kitchen appliances, cars, medical equipment, and defence intelligence. Over 90 percent of the most advanced chips globally, are manufactured in Taiwan, with half made by just one company, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC. Economic historian Chris Miller is the author of the Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology. He says Taiwan is also at the centre of one of the biggest geopolitical struggles of our time, with China's ongoing and increasingly aggressive demands for reunification.
Are our teachers getting the best education, before getting in front of the classroom? A new report by the think tank The New Zealand Initiative says the current university model of teacher education has major flaws. These include an insufficient focus on the science of learning; too little practical classroom experience for trainee teachers; inconsistent mentoring of trainees and poor preparation of primary teachers to teach across the curriculum, especially in mathematics and science. Kathryn speaks with report co-author Michael Johnston, former Victoria University Associate Dean, former Senior Statistician at the Qualifications Authority, now Senior Research Fellow at the New Zealand Initiative
The National Party's tax plan has an enormous hole in it, according to analysis by economists from both sides of the political spectrum. Their concerns centre on the proposed foreign home buyers tax - which National is relying on to raise $740 million a year. But using real estate data from Corelogic, the economists Michael Reddell, Sam Warburton and Nick Goodall, have calculated that revenue will fall short by 60 to 70 percent. Kathryn speaks with Sam Warburton and Corelogic's Nick Goodall.
How can we teach children to be financially capable, and whose responsiblity is it? Labour has a plan to require financial literacy to be taught in schools. Mint Asset Management's David Boyle, formerly with the Commission for Financial Capability, argues education must first begin at home. He says parents who help their children understand scarcity are doing them a favour in the long term.
Auckland maths teacher Subash Chandar K has a slightly larger classroom than most teachers, reaching tens of thousands of NCEA-level students with his maths video tutorials. He livestreams on YouTube from his lounge at night, showing how to solve maths problems, as well as going though practice NCEA exams, step-by-step. He's been making the videos for 10 years, and now has over 35,000 subscribers to his 'Infinity Plus One' channel, and last year had one million views of his videos. Subash Chandar K is a teacher at Ormiston Junior College in Auckland.
RNZ Otago-Southland reporter Tim Brown is in Dunedin, where deputy mayor Sophie Barker has recently resigned, citing difficulties working with mayor Jules Radich. And big changes for Gore District Council too, with CEO Stephen Parry resigning after highly-publicised fallout with mayor Ben Bell. Tim also looks at the latest on the controversial Tarras Airport proposal.
Anne Enright is the multi award winning Irish author of seven novels, collections of short stories, a non-fiction work about the birth of her two children, and she was the inaugural Laureate for Irish Fiction. The Gathering, won the Booker Prize in 2007 - about a woman trying to make sense of her brother's suicide as the large, dysfunctional family gather for his funeral. Anne Enright's latest book also shines a strong light on family relationships. In The Wren,The Wren, a famous Irish poet leaves his wife and two daughters - that abandonment rippling through the life of one of his daughters, and in turn, her daughter. The book has won high praise - fellow Irish writer Sally Rooney, author of Normal People, calls it "magnificent", while The Times calls Enright "one of our greatest living novelists". She speaks with Kathryn Ryan from her home in Dublin.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn ahead of a High Court decision on whether Qantas acted lawfully when it sacked 1700 workers during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and replaced them with outsourced casual workers. The airline argues it needed the flexibility, but the Transport Workers Union claims it was another move in Qantas' recent history of trying to ward off union strike action. Also, a new tourism campaign aiming to entice international tourists sees more than a 100% boost in Chinese visitors, month on month. China is now the second alrgest sourtce of inbound tourists after New Zealand. Karen Middleton is chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper.
From a urine testing kit for elite athletes, to a washer-dryer that requires no electricity ; and a specialised face shield to protect doctors from radiation. We meet three young inventors, finalists in the annual James Dyson Award. It's an international design contest that challenges young engineers to create a solution to a problem. It's open to university level students or recent graduates. Nick Holland is a 22 year old Industrial designer from Wellington, and the National Winner of the 2023 James Dyson Award. His invention is a more user friendly urine drug testing kit. Finalists, Joshua Unwin, invented a sustainable solution for washing and drying clothes, that requires no electricity. And Oliver Mortimer, has designed a head mask protecting physicians from exposure to ionizing radiation. All three will now all go on to be considered for spot in the coveted global top 20.
The nation's books have been opened - and while there is no forecast recession, and and inflation is expected to dip below 3 percent by December 2024, there are some ugly numbers in front of us. Tax revenue is $2.9 billion less than forecast, the deficit is $3 billion more than anticipated, and the pre-election update warns if operational spending in next year's Budget increases by a billion dollars more than planned, the deficit will not switch back to surplus over the ten-year projected period. Unemployment will rise to a peak of 5.4 per cent by 2025, while annual migration is forecast to be 33,000 more than forecast at 100,000. Kathryn talks to BNZ Head of Research Stephen Toplis and Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen about how this impacts the incoming government's options.
Patricia Highsmith was the brilliant, but notoriously prickly best-selling author of many psychological thrillers - including Strangers on a Train - adapted for screen most famously by Alfred Hitchcock - and her Ripliad series sparked by her novel The Talented Mr Ripley. A play imagining the her last few months living as a recluse in Switzerland sees a young man arrive at her door to convince her to pen a last Ripley book. But the reclusive author is living with lung cancer, done with the literary establishment and not inclined to oblige. And thus the scene is set for the play Switzerland, which is being performed by The Auckland Theatre Company, with Kiwi actor Sarah Peirse as Patricia Highsmith. Sarah Goodes directed the play's debut in Sydney back in 2014 and is bringing it to the stage in Auckland from September 19.
BusinessDesk investigations editor Victoria Young is looking into the money behind New Zealand Rugby - in particular, exploring the NZ Rugby-Silver Lake deal, and what it means for the All Blacks.
Peter Hubscher was a pivotal figure in the fledgling New Zealand wine market after dipping his toes in winemaking waters in Hawke's Bay in the 1960s. He's now written a memoir of his time at the top of the winemaking business, called The Vintner's Tale. But those early days exposed him to some fraudulent practices that were widespread at the time that nearly put him off his career altogether. Travels through Europe with his wife Pam opened his eyes to what could be achieved in New Zealand, and a chance encounter with Frank Yukich landed him at Montana Wines, where he rose to be its Managing Director. Over 40 years with the company, Peter helped establish sauvignon blanc as a seminal Kiwi brand, introduce techniques influenced by European and American vintners and connect the Montana name with Sunday Theatre, Wearable Arts and the national Book Awards. That love of the arts has meant no quiet retirement for him either - he and Pam founded the Tironui Music Trust which supports disadvantaged kids to learn music. He joins Kathryn to talk about his career.
The House comes back to Washington today after a months long recess. Big picture items have to get done within two weeks: namely passing the budget, or risking a government shutdown. But the two chambers have two completely separate spending universes. And Monday is a significant day - 22 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks. As Ximena Bustillo reports, most new recruits to active duty military service were either very young or not yet born when the attacks took place. Ximena Bustillo NPR politics reporter based in Washington
A Southland-based budgeting service says it is overwhelmed with calls for support as the cost of living bites. Financial mentors at Jubilee Budget Advisory Service in Invercargill say there has been more than a 30 per cent increase in people seeking one-on-one sessions since last August, when they advised around 550 clients. That number rose to 722 last month, around 135 one-on-one sessions a week. Jubliee Budget Advisory Service General manager Sharon Soper says many clients come through the door unsure how to pay for food or petrol. Others are making decisions on whether to sell their cars and even houses, unable to keep up with their mortgage after more than a decade of meeting repayments. She says while Southland used to boast a cheaper way of living, that is no longer the case.
Youth support workers are gathering in Lower Hutt this week for a symposium to tackle what is seen as a disconnect between schools and employers. The umbrella group Youth Employability Aotearoa is seeing young people fall through the cracks between leaving school, and finding their place in education or employment. Common issues for young people are a lack of confidence and feeling unprepared for the workforce, as well as decreasing literacy and numeracy rates. A report by the Ministry of Social Development also found 57 percent of surveyed employers were dissatisfied with the work-readiness of the school leavers. The Good Youth Employment Symposium will bring together the sector, working to bridge the gap, and help connect school leavers with employers. Kathryn speaks with Shirley Johnson, national coordinator of the umbrella group Youth Employability Aotearoa who is the organiser of the symposium, and Charlotte Bradley-Peni, who runs the Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs for the Westland District Council, which helps support young people into jobs.
The accountancy software firm, Hnry, aimed at sole traders, says its recent survey of political parties shows how out of touch they are with the needs of the sector. New Zealand has over 400,000 sole traders making up almost a fifth of the country's workforce. They are independent earners, freelancers, tradies, contractors and the self-employed - working across all industries. Hnry surveyed all the major political parties on their policies affected sole traders and says the results were illustrative and disappointing. Hnry Founder James Fuller says many tradies are experiencing mortgage stress and cost cutting, and expect better from any incoming government.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn to talk about the Rugby World Cup fever hitting the continent a week out from the opening match between France and New Zealand. Meanwhile investigations continue into Spain's football federation president Luis Rubiales over his kiss of player Jenni Hermoso just after the team won the Women's Football World Cup. Russian drones have hit infrastructure at Ukraine's Danube River port, which is essential for global grain exports, just a day before Russia-Turkey talks on the grain issue.
Auckland based singer, songwriter Ladi6 has been described as the local Queen of Hip-hop, Soul and R&B, and she now has a new accolade to add to the many that have gone before. She is one of this year's Arts Foundation Laureates, receiving the Theresa Gattung Female Arts Practitioners Award. Ladi6 has released several critically acclaimed albums spanning multiple genres, and was recognised in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, where she was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
A Christchurch-based group is poising itself to bring a new, sustainable method of cremations to New Zealand. Alkaline Hydrolysis - or 'water cremation' - is where a body is put into a tube containing 95 percent water and five percent alkaline and heated up and pressurised for three to four hours. The remains are then given back to the relatives - similar to a cremation by fire - while the water is treated and put back into the water cycle. It's touted as an environmentally friendly option to cremation by fire, which as well as releasing CO2 into the atmosphere, can stink out nearby neighbourhoods. Alkaline Hydrolysis is not currently legal in New Zealand; however, Water Cremation Aotearoa is working with the Ministry of Health to overhaul the Burial and Cremation Act of 1964. Water Cremation Aotearoa Founder Deborah Richards speaks with Kathryn Ryan.
The Electricity Authority says power retailers are not properly applying voluntary guidelines to improve protections for consumers, and it wants to make some of the rules mandatory. In particular, it says medically dependent consumers, those in financial difficulty and those facing disconnection need better protection. The Authority has just begun public consultation on its Consumer Care Guidelines which were introduced in 2021, but left to the power sector to follow voluntarily. Kathryn speaks with Electricity Authority Chief Executive, Sarah Gillies.
NZ Rugby is facing a new storm 10 days out from the Rugby World Cup with the release of a long-awaited governance review, Dana takes over the key findings. Dana Johannsen is Stuff's National Correspondent specialising in sport.
Yadana is along with the sounds of Brooklyn NYC discodelic darlings Say She She, Wellington's Grayson Gilmour and a 2021 reissue of an Afro-Caribbean reggae disco rarity - Love and Understanding by Muchos Plus.
The Whanganui District Council has a bit of a problem with its wastewater network and Mike says $50 million could be invested over the next 30 years, but the council also faces another problem - residents using illegal stormwater connections into their gully traps. In a sign of the cost of living crisis boxes of puppies have been found dumped at various Whanganui beaches and the pound is full. And Whanganui and Rangitikei's most famous cat, Rodney has died.
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews Biography of X by Catherine Lacey, published by Granta.
After getting curious about a vintage recipe for Pork Cake a few years ago, jazz musician B. Dylan Hollis posted a baking video on TikTok. Now millions of people watch him whip up bizarre creations from centuries past. "Suddenly I was going to estate sales and antique stores, looking for antique cookbooks and finding odd, wacky recipes in those. I've been a one-trick pony ever since."
Treated radioactive water from Japan's severely damaged Fukushima power plant has been released into the Pacific Ocean sparking a Chinese boycott of Japan's seafood products. The UN nuclear watchdog has found the release is safe and China has been accused of hypocrisy given its own track record of dumping nuclear waste. A group promoting Cantonese language in Hong Kong has shut down after authoriites raided the family home of the founder under the National Security Law. And with India set to play host to G20 summit this month, officials in Delhi are concerned about uninvited guests - monkeys. Elizabeth Beattie is a journalist based in Tokyo
Kiwi conservation groups in Northland are deploying a wide array of tools to investigate and prevent more dog attacks, after a cluster of deaths, particularly in Opua Conservation Area. Northland has been devastated by a string of kiwi deaths caused by dogs in the last few months. It's estimated dogs have been responsible for at least 22 deaths since the start of the year, but that number is expected to rise when necropsy results come back on a further four deaths. The Department of Conservation and the Far North District Council are investigating the attacks. Meanwhile groups such as Save the Kiwi is working with DOC, iwi, and other conservation and community groups to reverse the decline of the kiwi population. As part of that, they run kiwi avoidance training for dogs. Kathryn speaks to Emma Craig, Save the Kiwi's national dog specialist and Northland Regional Coordinator, as well as Adrian Walker, a DOC ranger based in Kerikeri.
The big supermarket chains will soon face fines of up to $3 million dollars, if they don't treat small suppliers fairly. The Government has released the details of its new Grocery Code of Conduct, its latest step to reform the grocery sector. Food price inflation is at its highest level in 36 years - with the main drivers a 14 percent rise in grocery prices, and more than 22 percent for fruit and vegetables prices.The Grocery code requires the two companies that run most of the supermarkets to pay their suppliers on time, have contracts in plain English, and deal with small suppliers in good faith. Breaches of the code could cost the supermarket companies up to three-million dollars, and individuals up to $200,000. Pierre van Heerden is the newly appointed Grocery Commissioner, charged with monitoring the code and keeping the supermarket chains in check.
Film and TV reviewer Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about Far North - a New Zealand production about the largely true story of a gang who tried to bring a half billion dollars' worth of meth to market, but were foiled by a Northland couple. Rose Matafeo's Starstruck is in its third season and From is a middle America mystery where a city imprisons all who enter.
Are you struggling with your child's tantrums? Michael Hempseed is encouraging parents to rethink tantrums and anger, and instead of punishing a child for lashing out, he says it's vital to understand the root cause of the behaviour. Michael Hempseed is the director of Frontiers of Hope, a specialist mental health service in Christchurch, and has worked with Dame Sue Bagshaw for many years at Te Tahi Youth, the youth health centre that she founded. Together they have written Calming Your Child: De-escalating Tantrums, Anxiety, Aggression and Other Challenging Behaviours. Kathryn talks to Michael about their tips for de-escalating tantrums, as well as exploring the possible causes behind problem-behaviour, such as anxiety, sensory processing issues, ADHD, and autism
Technology correspondent Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about what appears to be the biggest hack of the year so far - the mass exploitation of MOVEit Transfer software which has affected at least 60m people - probably more. He'll look at the Clop ransomware and the gang behind it, the threats they've made and who's been affected so far. There's been a cyber attack that has taken massive telescopes offline in Hawaii and Chile. Thousands of 'white hat' hackers at DEFCON have tried to break the latest AI chatbots in an attempt to point out their vulnerabilities - we should all be a bit worried. And Zoom's CEO has been caught out in a moment of honesty.
Peter Newport joins Kathryn to talk about the skifield barney over informal lessons that stemmed from a Wanaka building threatened with losing his season pass because he tried to teach some mates at Treble Cone. He'll also look at the difficulties Queenstown is experiencing with growth, specifically the Silver Creek subdivision for 500 new houses which is bogged down in technical, financial and planning problems. And as the proposed Tarras airport moves forward, Queenstown Airport is planning a $350m expansion - does the district really need two international airports?
It hasn't been the best morning for travellers trying to fly into or out of Auckland - or for commuters trying to get around the city. It was a bit of a pea-souper across the City of Sails, and although the thick fog has largely lifted - there's been a knock-on effect for flights to the regions. Ferries have also been affected. And to top it off a glitch has seen Auckland Transport's journey planner down for much of the morning. Kathryn gets an update from Auckland-based reporter Rayssa Almeida.
Dr Maria Pozza is exploring a frontier of outer space that not many have ventured into before. She is the country's only specialised space lawyer - dealing with the contractual obligations of those leaving earth for both commercial of military intelligence purposes. There's no shortage of work these days but international law in this realm is still not clear. Dr Pozza, the director of Gravity Lawyers, is often fielding calls from international space agencies and legislative development committees. She'll be speaking at this year's International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists, to be held in Auckland next month.
UK correspondent Dan Bloom joins Kathryn to look at the flight chaos in the UK after an air traffic control glitch caused the cancellation of thousands of flights. He'll also talk about James Cleverly's visit to China - it's the first visit by a Foreign Secretary in five years and comes amid mounting frustration among many Tory MPs that the government's policy on China is too soft. And the Mid-Bedfordshire by-election will finally be held after Boris Johnson-ally Nadine Dorries kept her promise to resign...months late. Could the safe Tory seat fall to the opposition - and in that case, which one? The battle is on between Labour and the Lib Dems. Dan Bloom is deputy editor of Politico London Playbook
As sea levels continue to rise, houses on stilts are being floated as a cost-effective option for homeowners to remain in flood-prone areas. The study, commissioned by Niwa, came after discussions with lower Waikato iwi and the question, 'What can be done if you don't want to leave?' Project lead for Niwa's Future Coasts Aotearoa, Dr Christo Rautenbach, says inland relocation is a last resort for many and the research, which provides cost estimates for raising various buildings, could be an alternative for those living in low-lying coastal zones
Consumer NZ says nearly a fifth of households have struggled to pay their power bills over the past year, while the big four generation and retail power companies or gentailers have made their largest-ever single-year rise in earnings. Meridian, Contact, Genesis and Mercury made $2.7b in operating profits, but Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy says it comes as many Kiwis can't afford to heat their homes. Kathryn talks to him about how switching companies can only go so far with power savings and why he feels the current market structure isn't providing sufficient competition.
There's a push for more transparency over which businesses are on the brink of insolvency, to protect suppliers, employees and customers from being caught up in the fallout. Data from credit reporting company Centrix shows 699 companies were put into liquidation in the first five months of this year - up from 539 in the same period last year. IRD initiates more than 60 percent of liquidations, after a period of non-payment - and in 2021, more than half of tax debt was made up of unpaid GST and employment related taxes. Victoria University of Wellington Professor of Taxation Lisa Marriott believes cetrain business tax debts could act as an early warning sign, and wants to see this information passed on to credit ratings agencies. In a statement Inland Revenue says publicly sharing information about tax debtors before it goes through the courts is not permitted - but adds it is increasing its focus on significant tax debts. Chapman Tripp senior associate Janko Marcetic specialises in liquidations, and agrees IRD has the ability to share information more effectively, adding it should also flag 'phoenix' companies, where a director restarts the business under another name.
So you didn't win $37m on Lotto - but that doesn't mean you won't get lucky. Every week some Kiwis receive large inheritances or relationship property settlements or find themselves with large amounts of cash after selling a business. But that doesn't mean your worries are over - they might just be different. Large sums of money can create fear and uncertainty; how should it be spent or invested and who do you trust? Money expert Liz Koh joins Kathryn to talk through some of the things to consider. Liz Koh is a money expert specialising in retirement planning. The advice given here is general and does not constitute specific advice to any person.
Author Saige England has taken on a rather uncomfortable subject in her new book about the early days of colonial New Zealand. During research for Ngai Tahu's land and fisheries claim before the Waitangi Tribunal, she came across details of the trade in body parts - specifically, the preserved heads of Maori. Saige says it was a history that shocked her and she's woven a young Maori woman's resistance to it in her new novel The Seasonwife. Saige has an MA in Creative Writing from the International Institute of Modern Letters, and has worked as a journalist both here in New Zealand and in conflict zones overseas.
Ash Davida Jane reviews Strong Words 3: The best of the Landfall Essay Competition Selected by Lynley Edmeades and Emma Neale published by Otago University Press
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about how the country's 'national carrier' is feeling the wrath like it rarely has in the past, following it posting a $2.4b profit this week off the back of a shambolic post-pandemic performance and ultra high airfares. Retiring Qantas CEO Alan Joyce revealed to a parliamentary committee this week that travellers hold $500m in credit from cancelled Covid-era flights but the airline's giving them till Christmas to use it or lose it. Australia will learn today when the proposed indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum will be held, two women will referee NRL matches this weekend and former deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has backed a recent call from retiring NZ Labour MP Jamie Strange to merge Australia and New Zealand.
Advocates for migrant workers who have been turned around at the border, or told not to travel here because they're at risk of exploitation, say they should instead be given open visas. Ten migrants have been turned around upon arrival in New Zealand, and up to 200 others warned not to come because they're caught up in visa scams - paying thousands of dollars for jobs that don't exist. A handful of employers are being investigated by Immigration New Zealand over the mistreatment of 115 migrant workers from India and Bangladesh. Last week Immigration Minister Andrew Little said the Public Service Commission would review the accredited employer visa scheme following whistleblower claims that checks on employers weren't being made. Anu Kaloti, Migrant Workers Association President, says the right thing to do now would be to allow those affected workers who'd already been granted visas to be given an open visa instead, that doesn't tie them to any one employer.
As the government promises a range of initiatives to boost nursing numbers, Massey University is scrapping its Bachelor of Nursing at its Auckland campus. From next year, the programme will be available at the Manawatu and Wellington campuses only. Massey University says discontinuing the course will "reduce the duplication of resources". The announcement comes a month after the government revealed a plan to address the nursing workforce shortage, including a 'significant increase' in the number of nurses trained domestically. The plan has been described as 'short-sighted' by both the nurses union and the Tertiary Education Union. Kathryn speaks with Kere Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere (president) of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation and TEU Organiser Ben Schmidt.
Dr Jack Poulson is a Silicon valley whistleblower shining a light on the link between tech companies and the military. Five years ago, he quit as a Research Scientist in Google's AI division, over plans the tech giant had to build a censored search engine for the Chinese market. That plan was shelved, but Jack Poulson felt strongly that tech company employees should have the right to know when they are working on projects they may find ethically unacceptable. He and several other tech defectors founded a non profit organisation called Tech Inquiry, with a mission to crunch data and map out relationships between big tech and governments. Dr Poulson says increasingly tech companies are evolving into military contractors.He's in New Zealand from New York, to speak at a Canterbury University workshop this week, and will deliver a public talk this evening.
Sam talks record-breaking results and not all of the good kind for NZ sports over the last few days. He looks at the repercussions on reputations and asks, is there ever a good time to lose in professional sport?
Even the gentlest of family pets can bite - for a range of reasons. Research by Auckland emergency doctor Dr Natasha Duncan-Sutherland has found there are around 25,000 dog-related injuries recorded each year - leaving hundreds of people in hospital. Dr Kat Littlewood is a Lecturer in Animal Welfare and Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, & Law at the School of Veterinary Science at Massey University. She's says there are some simple steps people can take to ensure they and the dog stay safe. Text questions for Kat to 2101 or email ninetonoon@rnz.co.nz.
Victoria discusses the Mainzeal Supreme Court judgement and the significance for company directors.The Supreme Court rejected an appeal the appeal of the four directors of the collapsed construction firm with $39.8m in damages, plus interest, awarded against them for breaching the Companies Act. Also workplace safety at Talleys is in the spotlight, and she looks at the locking in of some public service Chief Executives to the 2026 election and beyond. BusinessDesk investigations editor, Victoria Young.
Jonathan Leask is in Ashburton, where the effectiveness of newly implemented 30km/h zones around schools, outside of school hours, is under doubt. And, both major political parties have now committed to a second Ashburton bridge - but there is debate over the best location for it. Finally, the new library and civic centre has been gifted a new name - Te Whare Whakatere. Local Democracy Reporter - Mid Canterbury Jonathan Leask from the Ashburton Guardian
Preventing state-sponsored attacks from countries such as China, Russia, Iran and Syria is an ongoing battle for cybersecurity engineer, Denise Carter-Bennett. She works at Datacom, and has a background in ethical hacking, open source intelligence and malware analysis. She is autistic and was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and credits her neurodiversity for her success in the industry. She's an advocate for encouraging greater neurodiversity in the tech sector and is set to speak at the International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists, being held in Auckland next week. She's also a trustee of the New Zealand Network for Women in Security, where she's working to bring more Maori and Pasifika women into the industry. Denise Carter-Bennett is Ngati Whatua Orakei, Ngapuhi, and Ngati Hine.
The Republicans have kicked off their first debate of the election season - minus one Donald Trump. The former President was off being booked at a jail in Georgia with his now infamous photo - from which he's making lots of money through merchandise. As the race for 2024 gets underway, there's still three states holding gubernatorial races. Ximena looks at why, just because they're Republican-leaning, it doesn't mean conservatives are a shoe-in for the governor's mansion. Ximena Bustillo is an NPR politics reporter based in Washington.
Marine Biologist Brendon Dunphy explains why the Hauraki Gulf is seeing increasing numbers of stressed shearwaters and albatrosses. He says the food chain for titi, or sooty shearwaters - also known as muttonbirds - , is being affected by rising water temperatures. Dr Dunphy says some Hauraki Gulf birds are showing some worrying symptoms which relate to the rapidly warming planet.
Muriwai residents are absorbing yesterday's categorisation of their storm-damaged properties. 27 home owners have been told they do qualify for the buy-out scheme, but decisions have not been made about 41 others.Kathryn speaks with homeowner Kat Corbett, whose home is Category 3, and subject to the buy out.
Insurance premiums jumping by as much as 50 percent in a year has forced some councils to reprioritise what assets to protect. The increase has meant some memorial halls - the heart of rural communities - will be abandoned should disaster strike. With natural disasters occurring with more frequency and ferocity the feeling is that insurance is needed now, more than ever. However, councils say without additional support and no means to increase revenue streams they are left with little choice but to tighten their belts. Hurunui Mayor Marie Black, Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst, and Insurance Council NZ chief executive Tim Grafton speak to Kathryn.
Urban issues correspondent Bill McKay looks at how the built environment isn't as neutral as you'd think - it can be racist, sexist, elitist, ageist and ableist - and subtly and frequently manipulating us. He looks at the example of supermarkets, a place that is supposed to be easy and efficient for us to shop but uses design to get us to buy more. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Coffee Supreme is celebrating 30 years in the business, which began in a small Wellington cafe and has expanded into cafes around New Zealand, Australia and Japan. The company roasts locally in each market, with a seasonal focus on its beans and blends and long relationships with its growers in South America. To mark its anniversary, the company has released a book called "Open Sesame" which is the perfect coffee table book charting the changes over the years. Kathryn is joined by Andrew Low - Coffee Supreme's CEO - and Natalie Guest, who's been with the company for 10 years across a variety of jobs and is now its New Zealand wholesale manager.
Correspondents Dale Husband and Tim Hurdle join Kathryn to discuss Chris Hipkins ruling out any possibility of Labour working with New Zealand First and Winston Peters post-election - even as the party creeps up in the polls. They'll also talk about what to expect in the last week of Parliament, the passage of the Three Waters legislation, the boon to National Party coffers, the contempt ruling against National MP Tim van de Molen and what the PREFU opening of the books might reveal in two weeks. Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs programme. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, was the National Party Campaign Director in 2020. He is a director of several companies, including Museum Street Strategies, a public affairs firm.
Simon looks at recent sport in the City of Sails. He says Auckland's all excited with the Warriors in the top 4 in the NRL, although it's unclear if they'll be able to play at their home stadium, Mt Smart. Up the Wahs fever has hit town. Simon also talks to Kathryn about the impact the FIFA Women's World Cup has had on the city, and how Auckland Transport coped with the influx of fans. And the bus driver shortage is no longer, but there are still major issues with the ferries. He also gives an update on how Queen Street's facelift is going and why some residents affected by Cyclone Gabrielle are still in limbo.
When Brendan Watkins was a child, he was told he had been adopted through a catholic welfare agency in Melbourne in the 1960s. As an adult, he eventually tracked down his biological mother, and was stunned to learn she was a Catholic nun...and wanted nothing to do with him. It was another 30 years before a DNA test revealed the identity of his father; he was a Catholic priest. For Brendan, it was the end of a decades-long search, which had been obstructed by the Catholic Church, bent on protecting the identity of his father. Brendan Watkins speaks to Kathryn about finally telling his story in his memoir, Tell No One.
Sebastian says among the number of issues in Israel at the moment is the controversial judicial overhaul and the intensifying conflict with Palestinians. In Syria, there've been days of anti- government protests in the south of the country, Sebastian backgrounds what's motivating them and assesses the threat they pose to President Bashar al-Assad. And there's been a disturbing report about the hundreds of Ethiopian migrants killed in the past year at the Saudi Arabia border with Yemen. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.
New research has found rising profits have contributed to over half of domestic inflation in New Zealand during the cost of living crisis, according to a new report by FIRST Union, the Council of Trade Unions and lobby group Action Station. It argues that contrary to the public narrative, rising wages are only responsible for less than a third of domestic inflation, over the 18 months to December last year. The report says corporations seized the opportunity to increase their profit margins off the back of major struggles; most notably the Covid-19 pandemic, and severe weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle. Kathryn speaks with Edward Miller, a researcher and policy analyst at FIRST Union. In an earlier report published last year, he calculated that corporate profits spiked by 39 per cent in the year to March 2022, which he described as "the biggest increase ever seen".
Some of the world's biggest tech companies are now subject to new laws in European Union that are aimed at minimising harmful online content while protecting users' privacy. Last Friday the 19 largest platforms in the world - including the likes of Meta, Google, Amazon, Alibaba and TikTok - became subject to the EU's Digital Services Act. It requires them to do things like flag illegal online content and products, ban targeted ads and so-called 'dark patterns' that manipulate or trick users, introduce transparency measures, and mitigate the risk of disinformation, election manipulation and cyber violence and harm to women and children. Non-compliance could see fines of up to six percent of global turnover - and it's expected the new law will have a flow on effect outside the European Union. So have the platforms moved to make the required changes? And how has the new legislation been greeted in the United States, where most of the Big Tech companies are based? Kathryn speaks to the EU's envoy to the US, Gerard de Graaf, who is based in Silicon Valley. He's here for the Diplosphere Conference - focused on what the advance of AI means for all of us - that's happening in Wellington tomorrow.
Comedians Pinky Agnew and Kathryn Burnett bring a few laughs - how far would you go for a free train ride? Austria is offering a free rail ticket to anyone brave enough to get a very specific tattoo. And a mother's fairy-tale themed name for her new daughter has divided the internet. And, scientists offer an explanation after a new photo of outer space sends UFO hunters into overdrive.
Why All Black coach Steve Hansen has been making headlines! Sam says Sir Shag, the man who bleeds black, is going in camp with the Wallabies. The reaction has bordered on the Blackhearts/Coutts/Team NZ betrayal to begin with, but is slowly dissipating. Sam has a bit to say on this, including the optics being beyond unusual - even before all the explanations of doing it for his mate Eddie Jones as a favour and assurances he wouldn't don the green and gold tracksuit. Also, the All Blacks are about to meet the World Champions South Africa at Twickenham and why Upthewahs is a new phrase to get used to. And Sam marks the passing of doyen of the sports writing Ron Palenski.
David Keenan turned from music journalism to writing relatively late in his career - but did something unusual with his first book. After completing it, David Keenan fulfilled a vow he'd made to himself - and destroyed it. Not just by pushing delete - he took a hammer to his laptop. That was, he says, when the writing truly began. His award-winning debut novel, This is Memorial Device is set in the post-punk scene in his hometown of Airdrie in Scotland, based on a fictional band that has its own legion of fans in real life - and even a beer named after it. His second novel For the Good Times, set during the Troubles and influenced by his father and uncles' experiences in Belfast, made the Booker long-list. He quickly followed that with Xstabeth, Monument Maker and Industry of Magic and Light. Music trips through all his work - as it turns out, he has a real passion for New Zealand music - citing The Dead C as one of his favourite bands. He's in New Zealand for three events at Christchurch's WORD festival, which began on Wednesday and runs through the weekend.
Athletes from over 30 nations have gathered in Wanaka for the Winter Games which get underway today with an opening ceremony at Pembroke Park. In additional to the regular schedule of alpine, freeride and freestyle events, the Winter Games are also hosting the inaugural International Obsidian Challenge. The challenge pits the best freeski and snowboard athletes against each other in four teams - representing Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. The Winter Games are running from today until the 15th September. Kathryn speaks to Marty Toomey, the chief executive of the Winter Games NZ.
The Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of the four directors of the collapsed construction firm Mainzeal and ordered them to pay 39-point-8-million dollars for breaching the Companies Act. It's upheld lower court decisions that former managing director Richard Yan and three other directors, former prime minister Dame Jenny Shipley, Clive Tilby and Peter Gromm, traded the firm recklessly and failed to protect the interests of creditors. RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford discusses the case.
Prostate cancer campaigners are calling for a trial screening programme to be implemented as a first step towards curbing the 700 deaths a year from the disease. Over 4000 men are diagnosed each year with prostate cancer. Hamilton nurse Kristine Hayward's husband Bruce died from prostate cancer nearly four years ago, aged 66. She's gathered over 30 thousand signatures on a petition presented to parliament last month. Bruce, who was also a registered nurse, had regular medical check-ups with his GP which included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. These showed that his levels were rising - a key warning sign - but by the time he was referred to a specialist his cancer had spread and could not be treated. Kristine Hayward says current testing is unfunded, disorganised and inequitable, allowing too many men to die and the petition calls for a trial screening programme. Kathryn also speaks with Peter Dickens, Chief Executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about Waco: The Aftermath, a follow up series screening on Neon that looks at the fallout from the siege against Branch Davidians at Waco, Texas, and how it set the scene for the Oklahoma City bombing. She'll also talk about We Were Once Kids (Rialto Channel), which is a documentary exploring the divergent cast of the cult classic Kids and The Food Crisis, a new documentary from journalist Bryan Bruce screening on Sky Open (formerly Prime).
The birth of a child is supposed to be a time of joy and wonder at new life. But it also can be a very difficult time, and for thousands of New Zealand, childbirth can also lead to post natal depression. This might mean feeling down and worthless, low in energy and feeling like you can't cope. Clinical Psychologist Jacqui Maguire says it's really important to realise it doesn't mean you're a bad parent. She talks with Susie about symptoms and strategies, and says talking to your GP or Plunket nurse is the best first step, for anyone concerned they may be experiencing PND.
Technology correspondent Paul Matthews joins Kathryn to talk about the big changes to Europe's digital laws that come into effect from tomorrow impacting the largest social and tech companies in the world. What does it mean, who does it affect and when does the rest of the law kick in? And on the internet nobody knows you're a dog, or so the saying goes. However these days they might not know you're an AI botnet, with researchers uncovering extensive use of ChatGPT to create fake Twitter accounts designed to deceive.
RNZ's Jean Edwards is in Christchurch, where the dust is still settling following the Lauren Dickason trial. Jean looks back at how the case unfolded, after the mother of three was found guilty of the children's murders. And an update on missing real estate agent Yanfei Bao, who disappeared after showing a house for sale, and is now presumed dead.
Celebrated musician Don McGlashan has been inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame. He joined one of his first bands, Ethos, at the age of 15, then came Blam Blam Blam, The Front Lawn, The Mutton Birds, and a highly successful solo career. Don McGlashan is about to hit the road for a 20 date tour around the country, starting on Waiheke Island on Saturday night. He'll be showcasing songs from his latest album, Bright November Morning which was released last year, alongside some old favourites. He spends a lot of time in Vancouver these days, but is also involved in a range of projects here, including coaching an Auckland musician he met while he was an inmate, and Don was working on the TV series, Songs from the Inside. He's also working with the North Shore Brass Band, who are celebrating 100 years this year.
UK correspondent Dan Bloom joins Kathryn to talk about nurse Lucy Letby's conviction and sentencing for the deaths of seven babies in her care. There are questions over why she wasn't forced to attend her sentencing, and whether hospital bosses should've intervened earlier. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is getting ready for a "reset" as he trails in the polls and from next Tuesday London's Ultra Low Emission Zone is set for expansion a report suggests cabinet ministers sought advice on whether it could be blocked.
After three long years, Kiwi designers are set to hit the runway with the return of New Zealand Fashion Week. Like so many events, the pandemic put paid to two shows - in both cases just days out from when they were scheduled. But from next Tuesday through to Saturday Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre will showcase a range of designers and events for all audiences. Yasmin Farry is the event's general manager - she joins Kathryn to talk about what's on offer at this year's event. Also joining the conversation is Juliette Hogan. She established her brand in 2004 and opened her first store in Ponsonby in 2007 - she now has five stores. And James Bush, is a Wellington-based designer who spent years working in Paris, Brussels and London before launching his own fashion line in 2021.
Dentists are noticing a rise in people presenting with shoddy, often unsalvageable dental work which they had done cheap overseas. It's known as the 'Hollywood Smile' treatment, and often involves all of a person's teeth being shaved down, and veneers fitted on top. Due to its popularity in Turkey, many on social media dub it 'Turkey teeth'. Auckland dentist Dr Saud Ibrahim calls it the 'Hellwood Smile'. At least five patients a month - and sometimes that many in a week - come to him for help, after complications arise from the poorly done work. Consultants are often involved with connecting tourists with dentists overseas, using heavy handed tactics including following potential patients to cafes and hotels. As the work is not done in New Zealand, it is difficult to gauge just how many people are affected. But as Dr Ibrahim tells Kathryn Ryan, he is growing tired of having to break the news to people that their smiles cannot be saved. Kathryn also speaks to one of his patients.
Science commentator Allan Blackman joins Kathryn with three great studies - one that details how many lottery tickets you'd need to buy in order to guarantee a win, another that has uncovered details about Beethoven's health through just a simple lock of his hair and how scientists reconstructed a Pink Floyd song just by using patients' brainwaves. Allan Blackman is a Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology.
Workbridge Chief Executive Jonathan Mosen talks about the advances in technology in assisting people living with disabilities - and his bugbear that simple household appliances have failed to keep up
Western Bay of Plenty Local Democracy reporter Alisha Evans is in Tauranga, where a judge has ordered a rottweiler that bit a vet be put down, following a lengthy court battle. And Western Bay of Plenty is getting Maori wards next election, after a 12 year battle. It was a split vote, with three councillors against them. Meanwhile an ex-councillor has been thrown out of a meeting about the proposed Tauranga Stadium for being "disorderly". Murray Guy interrupted from the public gallery. Finally, an apology from a quiz team for dressing in Ku Klux Klan outfits at Kaimai community fundraiser.
Louise O'Brien reviews Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson published by Penguin Random House
Sometimes, shit happens. Ups and downs are a part of life, whether it's dealing with grief, a break-up, losing a job, an accident, or a global pandemic. We can't control what happens to us but we can learn to control how we respond to it. Kyle MacDonald is a pyschotherapist with over 20 years experience. He writes a weekly column about mental health in the NZ Herald, and co-hosts an award-winning radio programme, The Nutters Club. In his first book, Shit Happens: Lessons for dealing with life's ups and downs, Kyle MacDonald brings together the concepts he uses in his practice to help people through the tough times.
Two students at a school science fair in Dunedin have stunned the judges with their projects. Taking out the top prize at the Aurora Energy Otago Science and Technology Fair was Megha Senthilkumar, a year 11 student at St Hilda's Collegiate. She had designed and carried out a nationwide study on how sleep affects adolescent pupils. Her project was so impressive, the judges wanted to recommend her for a Prime Minister's prize, but she's too young to be eligible. Meanwhile Adam Ludgate, a year 9 pupil John McGlashan College discovered two planetary nebulas, winning the most promising year 9-13 scientist award. His project was so advanced, the judges needed help from an astrophysicist to assess his project. Kathryn speaks to the students about their projects.
A new technology that enables doctors to simulate real life operations and emergency procedures has been introduced at Wellington Hospital. The life-like mannequins can simulate real human physiological and emotional responses. Kathryn speaks with Dr Rose Elder, Wellington District's clinical lead of obstetrics, who says "Maia", a female birthing simulator, is being used to train medical staff.
Frustrations are building over slow progress to reassess manufacturers deemed to be putting tradies at high risk of silica dust exposure. Fatal lung disease silicosis can develop after breathing in silica dust when dry-cutting artificial stone - the type used for kitchen benchtops. In February this year, WorkSafe identified 78 businesses who were not compliant with protective measures to keep workers safe from silica dust inhalation. But as of July 31st, only 17 reassessment visits had been completed, and of those, some were still not effectively managing risks. In 2020, ACC developed a tool to identify people at risk of accelerated silicosis. As of August 1st, it had 190 claims lodged for assessment. The Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) has written to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety pushing for more urgency on the issue, saying the current arrangements fail to keep workers safe. In a response the Minister says it's increasingly clear it's an issue, but WorkSafe is taking a stricter approach to enforcement. Professor Lin Fritschi was active in the campaign to ban silica products in Australia - a move it is now fast-tracking, becoming the first country in the world to do so. Professor Fritschi and NZCTU president Richard Wagstaff speak with Kathryn Ryan.
Why is former All Black's coach Steve Hansen helping the Wallabies, what should we expect from the All Black's final World Cup warm-up this weekend against the Springboks and how have our athletes fared in the World Athletics Champs - and what does that mean for their Paris Olympics build-up?
Author Grant Henderson has plunged into the rich history of the Tongariro River and how it came to be one of the finest rainbow trout rivers in New Zealand - and quite possibly the world! He's explored how brown and rainbow trout came to be introduced to the river, the early anglers, the development of fishery and the river's growing international reputation over the 20th century. It hasn't been all smooth sailing; the introduced trout decimated native fish stocks, there were arguments over its name, disputes over angling etiquette and fear over the impact of the Tongariro hydroelectric scheme. Grant joins Kathryn to talk about what he found exploring over 100 years of the river's history in 'Fishing the Tongariro'.
Dileepa joins Kathryn to talk about the New Zealand supply chain strategy report that was released on Friday to little fanfare. He'll talk about what was in the report, but also what it left out - for example, promises around Auckland's Port. A large NZ business delegation has been sent to India amid calls from both countries to strengthen the relationship, and what's happening with Government funding for transport?
RNZ Palmerston North-based producer Jimmy Ellingham has just returned from Hawke's Bay, where he caught up with people impacted from Cyclone Gabrielle, six months on. And back in Palmerston North, a new centre for disabled children - Little Stars - has opened its doors. Also, flared tensions between the Mongrel Mob and Black Power, two weeks on from a gang shooting. Finally, former Black Fern Selica Winiata played her 100th game for Manawatu on Saturday.
Harry Ricketts reviews SAGA by Hannah Mettner published by Te Herenga Waka University Press
US correspondent Ron Elving gives the latest on tropical storm Hilary as it moves towards Nevada, after slamming California with flash floods. Also, a look at this week's Fox News political debate, which has one glaring republican absence. Donald Trump says he does not need to show up, as everyone knows his record. And why the debate could be a make or break for Florida governor Ron DeSantis. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
Driverless cars are no longer the thing of sci-fi movies, with California significantly expanding their use - and facing harsh criticism in the process. The state of California has passed a ruling which allows taxi companies 'Cruise' and 'Waymo' to offer autonomous rides, 24/7. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has promised Tesla robotaxis by the end of 2024, and Uber and Lyft are also considering how they break into the market. Autonomous vehicles did not exist when the Land transport Act was introduced in 1998, however regulations work under the assumption that when a vehicle is in operation, it has a driver. If vehicles with higher levels of automation, from three to five, were to operate here, the regulatory framework would no longer be fit for purpose. Silicon Valley veteran and artificial intelligence expert Jerry Kaplan speaks with Kathryn Ryan.
It's been a year since torrential rain caused devastating flooding in the Marlborough District resulting in a very scarred landscape, and disrupted lives and livelihoods. The August 2022 weather event followed one in July the previous year - which combined caused 8000 landslides. Marlborough District Council environmental scientist Matt Oliver says the extensive damage is not all weather related and human behavior has been a major contributing factor to instability in the area - including the clearing of native trees. This was born out in recent research by GNS, commissioned by the Council. There are still hundreds of people affected by both weather events living day to day on incredibly damaged land. The District Council is consulting ratepayers over a proposed $95 million plan for fixing the broken Sounds transport network. Kathryn speaks with Council soil scientist Matt Oliver and Keneperu Sound farmer Emma Hopkinson.
An education researcher says teaching is becoming a political football, as the election draws nearer. Labour says if it wins, teachers will be required by law to use government-approved approaches for teaching reading, writing and maths. It says these subjects are already compulsory - but the way in which they're taught varies between schools. National says Labour has just pinched its "teach the basics, brilliantly" policy, which mandates primary and intermediate children to spend an hour per day on reading, writing and maths, and be tested on these twice a year. National also intends to ban cellphones in schools and Labour will introduce compulsory Financial Literacy. Meanwhile, school attendance has been falling since 2015, as has New Zealand's performance in international education rankings. Kathryn speaks with Dr Nina Hood, an education researcher and the the founder of the Education Hub.
Today Kennedy speaks to Nine to Noon from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, where he is spending two weeks with a National Geographic group experiencing the glaciers, waterfalls, thermal areas, volcanoes and seas of this island of ice and fire.
New cookbook Mint Cakery is the accumulation of countless late nights and early mornings for Michelle Morfett. At just 22, the budding baker began selling her goods at Auckland's Hobsonville Farmers Market, and eventually opened a store at Point Chevalier. Over the years she jotted down notes and business ideas in what she called her "spontaneous decisions book". Now a mother, 30-year-old Michelle has self-published her first recipe book, dedicated to the goods which fly off the shelves at her store.
Gareth and Brigitte join me to talk about Labour's big week of policy announcements - we'll break them down and look at how and when they'll be paid for. We'll look at the politics of paid parental leave, MPs' valedictory speeches, what the polls are reporting and the Winston Peters conundrum for National. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government, a National Party member and currently volunteering for the party's deputy leader, Nicola Willis. Gareth Hughes is a former Green MP and now works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa.
NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell speaks to Kathryn Ryan as yet another building is deemed earthquake-prone. The council has been given seven and a half years to strengthen the Opera House and Michael Fowler Centre. Meanwhile Hutt Hospital's Heretaunga block may not be earthquake-prone after all, new documents show. And the Government is taking the reins on the 'Let's Get Wellington Moving' roading project. Finally, some happy news for mayor Tory Whanau's dog, Teddy, after he was kicked out of her office. Georgina Campbell is NZ Herald's Wellington issues reporter
A major tropical storm has brought strong winds and heavy rain to Mexico's Baja California region, and is now barrelling towards the southwest of the United States. Forecasters are warning the storm could trigger life-threatening and "catastrophic" flooding amid historically large rainfall. One person has died in Mexico as flash flooding turns roads into rivers, and in southern California, heavy rains and fierce winds have already begun to cause chaos, with California now in a state of emergency. Plus, as the region hunkers down for the approach of tropical storm Hilary, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit Southern California, north of Los Angeles, just a short time ago. Kathryn gets the latest from local correspondent Ira Spitzer in Berkeley, California.
For over 40 years, Rhys Buckingham has been in search of the bird that doesn't want to be found. The orange-wattled South Island kokako, also dubbed the 'grey ghost' is assumed to be extinct by the Department of Conservation, with no confirmed reports. But throughout the years enthusiasts have largely remained hopeful with some possible sightings and recordings of the bird's organ-like call. And thanks to funding from Re:wild, an American Conservation project, the search continues. Rhys is a founder of the The South Island Kokako trust.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn to talk about Spain's victory in the Fifa Women's World Cup, with fans saying they hope the win will boost the profile of the sport and put them on equal footing with men's teams. The team's success was even more remarkable given the reports of a breakdown in relations between players and the coach Jorge Vilda. Russia's plans to reclaim its space credentials has suffered a massive blow, with the loss of its Luna-25 rocket. And , Ukraine has received a boost from the Netherlands and Denmark, which have announced they will supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.
Former Gloriavale residents say they're sceptical about government plans to pass a law banning modern slavery, saying nothing has been done to stop the practice over decades at the West Coast Christian community. A proposed law change will require companies making more than $20 million annually to publicly report on how they are minimising exploitation. Last month six former Gloriavale women won a dramatic legal victory they say vindicates their claims of labour exploitation. The Employment Court found that the women were employees at the community, contrary to the arguments from Gloriavale and the findings of the Labour Inspectorate. The judge found that none of the plaintiffs were given a choice about whether they worked in the Gloriavale kitchen or laundry, that the decision was assigned at birth.The judgement also found the work was - quote - "unrelenting, grinding, hard, and physically and psychologically demanding". Gloriavale is appealing the decision. Meanwhile the Christian community's leader Howard Temple has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual offending against girls over more than 20 years. Kathryn speaks with former Gloriavale resident and one of the plaintiffs in the Employment Court case, Pearl Valour and the group's lawyer Brian Henry.
Earlier this month Nine to Noon looked at the issue of online fraud and whether banks could - and should - be doing more to protect customers' losses. Kathryn spoke with Jon Duffy from Consumer NZ about whether the New Zealand Code of Banking Practice was robust enough to protect Kiwi bank users, and anti-scam consultant Bronwyn Groot about the increasing sophistication of scammers. Millions are being stolen from Kiwis each year - likely a gross underestimate of the true situation because many victims feel embarrassed and don't report their losses. Nine to Noon has been seeking a discussion with the heads of the major banks in New Zealand to talk about the rise of online scams and how they're dealt with. Only one agreed. This morning Kathryn speaks with ANZ's CEO Antonia Watson.
Comedians Te Radar and Irene Pink have a few laughs including the tale of how two American tourist got to bed down up the Eiffel Tower.
Kirsty Pickett is in Te Anau, where Meridian Energy has a big new plan to provide more reliable flows down the Waiau River. And a rite of passage for schoolkids across Southland and Otago - Deep Cove camp - is closed after a slip.
Eden Denyer from Unity Books Wellington reviews Content Warning: Everything by Akwaeke Emezi published by Bloomsbury
In her book Unheard Voices, Dawn Mauldon reflects on her own experience as a CODA - child of deaf adults, growing up in post war Melbourne. She also delves into the experiences of her mother's childhoood, as a deaf child in the 1920's. Now aged 79, Dawn views her memoir as an historical document which shows generational change in terms of inclusivity and accessibility of those who are hearing impaired.
Asia correspondent Ed White discusses US soldier Travis King, who fled mysteriously across the demilitarised zone separating South and North Korea, as North Korean media finally comment on it. And three years after being detained in China, Australian journalist Cheng Lei has managed to get a message out from a Beijing jail. And worryingly there is a case of disappearing data in China as Beijing stops reporting key information including youth unemployment and Covid-19 death rates. Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times.
Ryan McNaught is best known by his nickname - Brickman. He's one of 20 official LEGO Masterbuilders in the world - the only one in the Southern Hemisphere and he's also the judge on the extremely popular TV series LEGO Masters Australia. Ryan is also the brains behind the Jurassic World exhibition that's on in Wellington at the moment - which involved over 10,000 build hours to create - and is the biggest exhibition the Brickman team have made. He joins Susie to talk through what it takes to put together a build like this, from first to last brick.
Parliament has given the green light to a new independent sport integrity commission focussed on athlete wellbeing and protection. MPs voted unanimously on Wednesday backing the creation of the Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission, which will be operational from next year as an independent crown entity. The Commission has a big remit. It will will develop the country's first ever Integrity Code - a kind of rule book for sport, and investigate any breaches of that code. It will also be a complaint and dispute resolution service, and will incorporate Drug Free Sport New Zealand and become the country's national anti-doping organisation. Sports Minister Grant Robertson says a central focus of the Commission will be on the wellbeing of participants and ensuring they have better support and protections to safely raise integrity matters. There have been a series of damning reviews into some of the country's elite sporting environments and bodies. One of the most significant was Cycling New Zealand and its treatment of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore, who died just over two years ago. Susie speaks with the chairperson of the Establishment Board, Auckland barrister Don Mackinnon and Olivia Podmore's mother, Nienke Middleton.
Film and TV reviewer Laumata Lauano joins Susie to talk about new movies out at the cinemas Scrapper and Jules. She'll also look at a Meiji-era anime on Netflix, My Happy Marriage and another Netflix series Survival of the Thickest.
Susie discusses the the thorny issue of limiting screentime for children with Dave Atkinson from the Parenting Place, and how do deal with the fallout from that.
Technology correspondent Bill Bennett joins Susie to break down the record fine One NZ - formerly Vodafone - received over its Fibre X network, why the Recording Industry Association of America is suing the Internet Archive for making it possible to hear old 78rpm records, how Zoom has had to change its policies after it was found to be using calls to train artificial intelligence and Netflix wants to expand the games it offers to include computers and TVs - could it succeed in streaming games where others have failed?
With the majority of the Coromandel Peninsula coastline forming part of the Hauraki Gulf there has been significant interest in the Government's announcement on a Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill and the release of the Hauraki Gulf Forum's State of the Gulf Report. John also talks to Susie about the local biking and cycling revolution and how things are faring with Waka Kotahi's create the vibe project in Thames. John Freer is CFM's local news reporter
Within minutes of the compound windows breaking, Dr Alia Bojilova and her two UN colleagues, were staring down the barrels of multiple guns ... and into the faces of the Syrian Free Army. It was 2013, tensions in Syria were escalating - and the threat of execution felt very real, Bojilova said. But remarkably, within hours, the military observer had managed to negotiate their release - drawing on all her skills as a former SAS psychologist to do so. Bojilova subsequently studied reslience, gained a PhD and has taken everything she has lived and learned and written a book, 'The Resilience Toolkit: A proven four-step process to unlock your true potential'. She speaks to Susie.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Susie to talk about the latest inflation figures, which show a slowing to its lowest level in 17 months. The Consumer Price Index was 6.8% in July, down from 7.9 percent in June. Will PM Rishi Sunak meet his pledge to halve inflation by the end of the year? A member of the British Museum has been sacked and police are investigating the theft of treasures including gold, jewellery and gems. And the King has led praise for the Lionesses after they beat Australia to make the World Cup Final - England's first since 1966. Harriet Line is Deputy Political Editor of the Daily Mail
A clinical psychologist and domestic violence specialist is calling for a specific law to tackle stalking, saying the current piecemeal approach isn't working for victims. Stalking and harassment are currently covered by different pieces of legislation, including the Harassment Act, the Family Violence Act and the Harmful Digital Communications Act. Clinical psychologist Dr Alison Towns has spent the last 30 years working with domestic violence survivors, as well as doing research into the topic. She is part of the Coalition for the Safety of Women and Children, and also helped establish the Family Violence Death Review Committee. Dr Towns says New Zealand needs a criminal stalking law, and police need to be better trained to identify and respond to stalking. Since 2020, successive Ministers of Justice have acknowledged the legislation needs to be reviewed, but work has since stalled. Alison Towns says stalking is a risk factor for further physical and sexual violence, and the delay is frustrating. Susie speaks with Dr Towns and also Chris Macklin, the convenor of the Law Society's Criminal Law Committee.
An Australian tourism group is pushing for trans-Tasman border rules to be loosened to make travel between Australia and New Zealand quicker and easier. Tourism & Transport Forum Australia says major reform is necessary, and is looking to new technology to achieve it - think digital arrival cards and facial recognition technology. The idea has support from above, with Prime Ministers Chris Hipkins and Anthony Albanese agreeing to create a joint taskforce to work on creating a more seamless border. So what could be in the pipeline... and could we soon be ditching our passports when we fly to Australia? Susie finds out from Margy Osmond, the chief executive of the Tourism & Transport Forum.
England's Lionesses have claimed their spot in Sunday's Fifa World Cup Final, dispatching Australia's golden girls in Sydney, three goals to one, in brutal and clinical fashion in last night's Semi-Final. The Matildas will face off against Sweden in the bronze medal match, but it's easy to imagine a different result for our Fifa co-hosts. Commenting last night's game was Amy Chapman, former professional footballer with more 20 caps for the Matildas. She speaks to Susie.
Many credit card providers offer rewards as an incentive for signing up, but how do they measure up? Simran Kaur joins Susie to talk about how much you have to spend in order to get any real benefit and what fees you could be racking up without you even knowing. Simran Kaur is the co-host of the podcast Girls That Invest. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
Author Charlotte Lobb's debut novel details life in a mental health unit - and the impact a stranger can have on someone's life.
With the election a couple of months away, Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon has been reminding politicians of the district's wishlist, particularly concerning roading. David discusses the changing nature of protests in the area which has been highlighted by Canterbury Rural Area Commander Inspector Peter Cooper. Former red zone land in Kaipoi has been identified as a possible future urban development area, and rural property owners near Rangiora have seen a large hike in their latest rates bill
Lynn Freeman reviews Far North by David White with Angus Gillies published by Upstart Press
Joan Skinner has been a midwife for 50 years, and during that time it's fair to say, she's seen it all. Since starting in the profession in 1976, midwifery has undergone extraordinary change; both in terms of the social and political context here in New Zealand, but also the way women are supported to give birth. She's seen a growing reliance on technology, the re-acceptance of birth at home, and the return of midwifery autonomy. Joan Skinner has recently written a book, Labour of Love, which is part social history of midwifery in New Zealand, but also part memoir about her incredible career. Beyond her time working here in Aotearoa, Joan has also consulted for the World Health Organsiation and the United Nations, including in Afghanistan, North Korea and Cambodia.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Susie to talk about charges laid against a 43-year-old man following threats made on a Malaysian Airlines flight from Sydney on Monday, which caused several hours delay after the plane turned back just an hour into its flight. Qantas has weighed into the national debate on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament - unveiling new livery with a big 'Yes23'. The nation has gone bonkers for the Matildas ahead of today's semi-final and was the "end" of Neighbours just a giant publicity stunt? Karen Middleton is chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper.
New Zealand's first kids show made by and for the rainbow community is now available to watch on the TVNZ website. Little Apocolypse is an eight part supernatural comedy/drama series, aiming to break the stigma of how queer characters are portrayed on screen. It was filmed entirely in Wellington, at Truby King House and Gardens in Melrose, with a diverse local cast and crew. Thomas Coppell, is the series co-creator, writer, and producer, He tells Susie how the project came about.
The latest figures on how much more money men earn relative to women is out, with women 8.6 percent behind this quarter. Those figures from Stats NZ measure median hourly earnings - with a rise for women of 7.7 in the year to June quarter to reach $30.15. Men were up 7.0 percent - making their median hourly take home pay $33. The gender pay gap has dropped from 16.2 percent when figures looking at the issue were first reported - in 1998. But pay gap campaigners say these stats only paint part of the picture - because it doesn't take ethnicity into account. For every dollar a Pakeha man makes, a Pakeha woman earns 89 cents, a Maori or Asian man 86 cents, Asian woman 83, Pasifika man or Maori woman 81...and a Pasifika woman earns just 75 cents. Last week the government announced an intention to get 900 entities with over 250 employees to publicly report their gender pay gap - widening to those over 100 workers ...after four years. Susie speaks with two people who are very concerned about the pay gap and public reporting of it are Dellwyn Stuart, co-founder of Mind the Gap and Latayvia Tualasea Tautai, Pasifika advocate and project manager at YWCA Auckland.
Businesses in the ski towns of Ohakune and National Park say recent snowfalls have been a lifesaver - they've gone from worrying about going under, to being busier than last year, and they're stoked about it. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts which ran the Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas, went into liquidation in June, owing tens of millions of dollars, after a two bids to buy the ski areas failed. The government stepped in just before the July school holidays, with a five-million-dollar loan to the liquidators to allow the season to go ahead, but negotiations about who will ultimately own the two ski areas continue. Central North Island iwi Ngati Tuwharetoa has reportedly confirmed it is also now in the bidding to buy RAL and is conducting due diligence. A decision on the ski fields' long-term future could be months away. Meanwhile the snow's been falling and visitors have been pouring in. Susie speaks with Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton, and James Bell, a bootfitter with TCB ski rentals in Ohakune.
New Zealand hosts its last game of the FIFA World Cup tonight, when Sweden play Spain at Eden Park. Glen chats to Susie about how the tournament has played out so far. Also Rugby's NPC model is under review, a motorsports wrap, and the Warriors are just one win away from securing a top four spot in the NRL, after beating the Tigers in Hamilton at the weekend.
Two teens. Two tragedies. And an unlikely friendship. Christchurch author Blair McMillan opens his novel with the escalating war in Syria, and the plight of Amir and his family. His surgeon father decides to try to send him and mother away from the violence - and Amir finds himself on a perilous journey - one that puts him on the other side of the planet. His path crosses with Milly, an angry teenager still reeling from the loss of her mother in the Christchurch earthquakes. Blair McMillan runs a swim school with his wife Karen by day - and Here Upon the Tide is his debut novel. He joins Susie to talk about it.
Labour has confirmed it will again use the same trio of ad agencies this election, despite a change in leadership, Victoria discusses this with Susie. And an appeal over a case concerning One NZ's misleading marketing of a home broadband scheme has led to what the Commerce Commission says is the largest fine ever levied by a court under the Fair Trading Act.
Otago correspondent Tess Brunton discusses another temporary closure of Oamaru Emergency Department, due to doctor shortages. And down in Gore, an $11,000 attempt to patch up relations between mayor Ben Bell and council CEO Stephen Parry. In Cromwell, frustrations over a decision by Waka Kotahi to oppose a proposed residential and business development due to its isolated location.
It's two years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and for the country's women, the time has passed with a slow but steady erosion of their human rights. Despite promising in August 2021 to honour women's rights, the Taliban have introduced restrictions aimed at eradicating the presence of women outside the home. They are banned from education after primary school, excluded from most jobs and unable to hold public positions. They're barred from the gym, public parks and playgrounds and last month were told they could no longer go to the beauty salon - one of the last places women and girls were free to meet. One of those determined to let the world know what's happening to women inside Afghanistan is Zahra Joya. She was just a child when the Taliban took over in 1996 - and banned girls from going to school. She dressed as a boy to get around the rule, with the support of her family. Zahra escaped Kabul when the Taliban seized control in 2021 and runs her company, Rukhshana Media, from London. Her efforts in giving a voice to the women who have been silenced earned her a place as one of Time Magazine's Women of the Year in 2022.
Ximena says abortion issues are top of mind ahead of 2024, but the GOP keeps losing on the issue at the local level. President Joe Biden has designated a new national monument near the Grand Canyon preserving land that is deemed sacred to Indigenous peoples. The move, which affects close to 1 million acres, will permanently ban uranium mining. There's more Supreme Court drama surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas and the reporting of gifts and Ximena will have another update on former President Donald Trump's indictment. Ximena Bustillo is an NPR politics reporter based in Washington
It is 20 years since the Boston Globe exposed the abuse scandal that rocked the Catholic church world wide. Two weeks ago The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry's released its interim report into Marylands School for disabled boys in Christchurch, finding widespread sexual and physical abuse of students between 1955 and 1984.The Press newspaper in Christchurch began reporting on the horrors at Marylands School in 2002. Martin Baron was the editor of the Boston Globe, and its award winning Spotlight investigative team which tenaciously uncovered widespread sexual abuse by priests, hushed up by the church paying private settlements to claimants. The story was adapted for the big screen - Spotlight winning two academy awards. He joins Susie Ferguson to talk about the impact of the Spotlight team's work, two decades on.
Budgeting services are calling for an end to attachment orders which take automatic debt repayments from people's benefits. The Ministry of Justice can impose an order on someone who owes money, for instance unpaid court fines, and deduct this from their weekly payments. Because it is easier legally to deduct from a benefit than a wage, 80 percent of the orders are on beneficiaries. Auckland Central Budgeting Consultants says it's adding financial strain on those who can least afford it. In a statement Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni says MSD does not have the authority to consider a challenge to a court attachment order. However staff are instructed to advise clients suffering undue hardship to contact the courts if they want a reassessment. Financial consultant and mentor Tim Maurice speaks with Susie Ferguson.
Labour's policy to remove GST on fruit and vegetables - previously labelled as 'boondoggle' by its own Finance Minister - has found few friends since its announcement on Sunday. Labour is promising to take the 15 percent goods and services tax off fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables from April 2024. But the policy has been almost universally criticised by economists and tax experts, who argue supermarkets will not pass on any savings to shoppers and that it will be difficult to administer. Consumer New Zealand, which pushed for the Commerce Commission inquiry into supermarkets, is also sceptical savings will be passed on. Susie speaks with Chief Executive, Jon Duffy.
2021 Great Kiwi Bake Off winner Alby Hailes joins Susie Ferguson to celebrate the release of his debut cookbook 'Good Vibes'. It's a book that connects food with how we feel. And it's the result of a journey that started in a Dunedin scarfie kitchen writing about cheap cooking, to dealing with the challenges of working as a doctor in mental health, of course to his Bake Off win.
We now know the shape of the Government's plan for a second harbour crossing in Auckland: car and truck tunnels similar to the Waterview tunnel, with a separate tunneled light rail route to Belmont, Takapuna and up to Albany. Bill breaks down some of the practical issues arising from the plan.
Brigitte and Gareth discuss yesterday's tax policy announcement from Labour. And the latest from the polls which suggest a possible return for Winston Peters' NZ First Party. A former National Party minister is also hoping to make a comeback this election - Alfred Ngaro is set to launch a new Christian party.
RNZ senior Auckland affairs journalist Todd Niall discusses the controversial plans for a second harbour crossing, as well as some new thinking about light rail. Todd also examines how the debate is impacting the relationship between the Government and Auckland Council.
David Hill reviews Erebus The Ice Dragon: A portrait of an Antarctic volcano by Colin Monteath published by Massey University Press
Christchurch scientist Andrew Bagshaw was killed in Ukraine in January, while volunteering as an aid worker, helping evacuees flee the front line. He and fellow British volunteer Christopher Parry were trying to rescue an elderly woman in an area of intense military action in the city of Soledar, when their car was hit by an artillery shell in January. Andrew was 47. His parents, Dame Sue and Dr Phillip Bagshaw and others have paid tribute to their son in a new book released today. The Quiet Hero is written by award-winning journalist Phillip Matthews and paints a picture of the unique man he was, and why he risked, and ultimately lost his life.
Debora Patta is in Ukraine looking at Russia's invasion is disrupting the global supply of grain. But a deal between Russian and African leaders could see six African countries receive grain for free. And, how Russia is interfering with a coup in Niger.
As New Zealand's wool prices reach some of the lowest levels in decades, one Tairawhiti business is working to revive the strong wool industry. Wisewool is family-run, headed by Henry Hansen, who's been in the wool industry for over 40 years, although he comes from a family with more than 120 years in the business. Conscious of a growing despondency amongst strong wool farmers and a waning industry, Wisewool was formed during the Covid lockdowns. The company creates a range of products, including wool blanketing and wool knops (small fluffy balls used as a filler ingredient) all which have a wide variety of uses. It's hoped as Wisewool gains prominence in the market, it will be able to offer sheep farmers a premium price above market value for their strong wool. Wisewool has also received funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries as part of its Sustained Food and Fibre Futures fund to continue to develop their products. Chief executive Henry Hansen tells Susie about the massive potential for wool as an alternative to almost any synthetic product.
A copyright expert says the rise of Artificial Intelligence means academics and authors are increasingly at risk of having their work taken without their knowledge and published. Last month, Wellington PhD student, Hayden Scott Thorne, had his academic thesis about the US Supreme Court published as a paperback book, for sale on major book sites such as Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. 'The Due Process Revolution' was available for $33.99 plus shipping. But Dr Thorne had never authorised a book to be published, and after getting in touch with the companies involved, has had it removed from sale. Last week, five books purportedly by American author Jane Friedman were pulled from Amazon after she complained they were falsely advertised as being written by her - she believes they were written by AI. Susie speaks with Dr Hayden Thorne, and Sam Irvine, chief executive of Copyright Licensing New Zealand.
Comedians Elisabeth Easther and Irene Pink have a few laughs and take us through the week that was.
The butterfly effect of selection decisions is being felt this week in the world of sport - Sam Ackerman looks at the return of top rugby coach Jamie Joseph to NZ and its potential implications, Eddie Jones's shock World Cup moves and the return of talisman Trent Boult from the Black Caps selection wilderness, plus new Kiwi World Champion Aaron Gate and why pitch invaders could cost the Warriors dearly.
RNZ Waikato reporter Libby Kirkby-McLeod discusses passenger train Te Huia, which is back up and running its full route from Hamilton to Auckland after a temporary halt due to safety concerns. And the latest on fresh sightings of Tom Phillips, who has been missing with his three children for more than a year. Also, Ngati Apakura, is a hapu near Te Awamutu, is is harvesting off their traditional land again after 160 years - it's now pushing to reconcile the impacts and harm caused by the Crown's attack on Rangiaowhia.
Melanie O'Loughlin reviews So Distant From My Life by Monique Ilboudo; translated Yarri Kamara published by Titled Axis Press.
Maud Arnold is one half of a sisterly duo who have been revolutionising the world of tap dance. She and older sister Chloe started dancing at an early age in Washington DC - learning a bit of everything - ballet, jazz and tap. But it was tap that really fired them up, with both having the opportunity to train with tap legends - Maud won a scholarship to the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. The pair founded an all-women dance band called Syncopated Ladies - a high energy celebration of female empowerment - which won the first dance crew battle on So You Think You Can Dance and has attracted world-wide fans and followers - including Beyonce. Their charity, the Chloe and Maud Foundation helps give underprivileged kids access to dance through events like the annual DC Tap Fest - the biggest tap festival in the world. New Zealanders can see Maud's work in a new movie out as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival, Theater Camp, about eccentric staff at a rundown theatre-focused summer camp. Maud joins Susie to talk about her role in choreographing the film and her love of working with young dancers.
RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins discusses a looming motion of no confidence in the government of Vanuatu, and a round up of other stories making headlines in the region.
A group representing three thousand commercial and residential builders says urgent action is needed from whichever party leads the next government to shore-up a vital sector. Master Builders has today released new research on the state of the industry and a challenge to political parties. It says the building industry has for too long been caught up in a boom and bust cycle that government can change. It wants housing to be designated as "critical infrastructure" ; prioritisation of public building and infrastructure projects during down-cycles and a speeding up of consenting. Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly says if changes aren't made more builders will fail and the homes, schools and hospitals needed around the country won't get built.
Leaders within the aged care sector are warning New Zealand could find itself short of tens of thousands of beds within the next two decades. Te Whatu Ora projects 78-thousand beds will be needed by 2040, but the Aged Care Association estimates we're on track to have only 33-thousand. Since January 2021, 21 facilities have closed up, due to staff shortages or damage from severe weather. And as of March 26, 136 patients were left waiting in hospital beds for aged care spaces to open up, compounding pressure on the health system. Te Whatu Ora says it is reconsidering the funding model for aged care. Susie Ferguson speaks to Aged Care Association interim CEO Katherine Rich, and Te Whatu Ora interim director of primary, community and rural, Emma Prestidge.
Film and TV reviewer James Croot joins Susie to talk about the big names joining season three of Only Murders in the Building (Disney+), the second season of Men in Kilts starring Outlander's Sam Heughan and Heart of Stone (Netflix)
According to clinical psychologist Judith Locke, modern parenting is often good intentions gone too far and doesn't set our kids up with essential life skills. She says we're creating bonsai children - those who thrive only when the conditions are perfect. She joins Susie to talk about how can we build their resilience and help them face challenges, especially as they head into exam season.
Technology correspondent Tony Grasso joins Susie to talk about how the security questions we rely on to our secure our accounts ..."what's your mum's maiden name?", "your first pet's name" could be vulnerable in the age of AI. A simple process error was behind the release of names on the Firearms Register, Tony looks at how it could've been avoided. Microsoft has been the subject of an attack by Chinese hackers, while the GCSB says Russia was behind a DDoS attack on the Parliamentary website and Tony will talk about why he believes MikroTik routers should be avoided.
Che Baker, editor of the Southland Times, talks about former New Zealand Idol contestant and now MoreFM broadcaster Steve Broad officially being confirmed the winner of a by-election and sworn in this week. Also Gore has a problem with feral cats and Invercargill's Queen's Park has issues with trees falling over.
Filmmaker Celine Song's first feature film is being described as the best Sundance Festival debut in years. Past Lives is a modern-day love story, centered on the lives two childhood sweethearts, separated when one - Nora - leaves South Korea for the US. Song, known for unorthodox and confrontational plays, wrote the film script in 2018, weaving in parallels of her own life as an immigrant to Canada. Her previous works include the critically acclaimed broadway show Endlings, and she also, among other projects, directed a live production of Chekhov's The Seagull using The Sims 4 on Twitch for New York Theatre Workshop. Past Lives is screening as part of the New Zealand Film Festival. She speaks with Susie Ferguson. Past Lives is screening as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Susie to talk about a cyber attack of the Electoral Commission, that's left the names and addresses of 40 million voters in the hands of the hackers - and has raised major concerns about the impact on public trust in the elections watchdog. Another big data breach has also exposed the names and details of 10,000 serving officers in Northern Ireland. In this case, it was the result of human error - but it's raised conerns about the increased risk of terror attacks there. The Tory party has been embroiled in another major row about immigration and England is celebrating its team's success in making the quarter finals of the Women's World Cup.
We are often given the advice to eat more plant-based foods for our health and the environment. On the back of this we've seen a huge influx of meat substitutes on the supermarket shelves - but how healthy are they? A study published this week set out to measure the nutritional and cost value of meat alternatives, and found that not all meat-free meals are equal. Dr Leanne Young, from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland is one of the researchers behind the study and joins Susie to share her findings.
Netsafe is reporting an 88 percent rise in cases of sextortion since 2019. It is a type of blackmail when someone threatens to share a nude image or sexually explicit video of you online - unless you pay them or provide more sexual content. Netsafe has received reports from victims from as young as 10, to over the age of 65. The majority of reported cases are from men, though women can be impacted too. NZ Police told it cannot provide data specific to offending where it is linked to the use of a dating app. However it says anecdotally offending linked to dating apps, social media, or other online platforms is a reality that people need to be aware of. Netsafe chief online safety officer Sean Lyons speaks with Susie Ferguson.
Budgeting services are frustrated at the Government's u-turn on plans which would require Buy Now Pay Later providers to do affordability checks before giving out loans. Officials had proposed requiring the checks on anyone borrowing more than 600 dollars, to make sure it wouldn't send them into a debt spiral. It prompted pushback from the Buy Now Pay Later industry, who argued they already protect consumers by freezing accounts when a payment is missed. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Duncan Webb has now concluded the checks would be "too onerous" given the providers only offer short-term, low-value loans. But David Verry , a financial mentor with North Harbour Budgeting Services and a former banker, claims the Government is "going soft on consumer protection".
Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Susie to talk about a new comparison of how various countries handled the Covid pandemic and the latest research into gene variations which can make some people less likely to get Covid and others more likely to get long-Covid. She'll also talk about a new database that's been created to document the 'unknome' - genes in the human genome that have been identified, but whose functions are not known. And there's been a super-charged saga over new superconductor LK-99. Siouxsie breaks it down. Associate Professor Dr Siouxsie Wiles is the head of Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University of Auckland.
With food price inflation the highest its been in decades, growing your own vegetables has never been more appealing. But if you're not sure where to start, or think your outdoor area isn't big enough, gardener Leah Evans is here to help. She's been growing her own food for nearly 25 years, including on a tiny patio garden. She is full of advice for how to get started with the basics, like creating good soil and compost, how to grow from seed, and even how to grow vegetables in pots. She talks to Susie about how to grow garden staples, such as beetroot, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin and zucchini, from her book Hands in the Dirt: Grow your own kai with Mrs Evans.
Kelly joins Susie to talk about repeat sex offender Jason Trembath's latest jail term for an indecent act in front of a tourist at a McDonald's carpark. The former representative cricket player, who was out on parole when the offending happened will remain behind bars until the end of the year - when his new sentence start. Another court case that's caught the headlines was that of the unnamed entertainment figure who was up on serious sex assault and drug offences. A jury this week returned mainly not guilty verdicts. Rotorua has been told it's getting a new courthouse - but where? And Kapa Haka legend Wetini Mitai-Ngatai has announced the group is retiring from competition. Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist with the Rotorua Daily Post
Sonja de Friez reviews We Need to Talk about Norman by Denis Welch published by Quentin Wilson Publishing
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Susie to talk about the determination of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to push ahead with the referendum on the Indigenous Voice, despite polling showing a drop in support for it. The Labor Government has changed how it refers to Palestinian areas, reinstating the term "Occupied Palestinian Territories" and vowing to strengthen its objections to "illegal" Israeli settlements. A Victoria woman who cooked up a deadly mushroom dinner and killed three of her guests says she didn't do it on purpose, as police investigate. And there's joy in Australia, with the Matildas through to the quarter finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age
National says if it becomes the Government, it will regulate all schools to ban cellphones all day in classrooms and in the playground. Leader Christopher Luxon says this will lift achievement by eliminating distraction, and enabling students to concentrate on learning. The Principals' Federation has dismissed the policy, calling it unnecessary and unworkable. A number of schools around the country have already implemented policies restricting cellphones. Susie speaks with Matt White is the Principal of Wairarapa College and Ann Brokenshire, Principal of Christchurch's Hillmorton High School, about how it is working in their schools.
A petition calling for Government buildings to be fitted out exclusively with wool carpets is finally set to be presented to Parliament. It follows a decision to fit more than 600 rural schools with US-made synthetic carpet which has drawn the ire of many farmers, including Canterbury farmer Angela Blair, who started a petition. A similar petition led by Amy Blaikie had already reached 15,000 signatures back in 2020, but due to an admin error, it was never presented to Parliament. Angela Blair will now present her petition before the house is suspended for the election, saying the Government claims it wants to back the wool industry but its actions don't back that up.
A new report examining how medicines are funded in New Zealand suggests it's too cost-focused and should instead be approached as an investment in Kiwis' welfare. The ShawView report - commissioned by Johnson&Johnson - says New Zealand is falling behind similar high-income OECD countries in providing access to new treatments. It suggests immediately funding the 109 medicines sitting on Pharmac's Options for Investment List, the creation of a government plan to increase the annual medicines budget to get it closer to the OECD average, developing new financing mechanisms, setting up a dedicated fund to finance innovative new medicines and creating a national medicine policy. Brendan Shaw is behind the report - he's worked in a number of roles across government, NGOs and pharmaceutical associations - including Medicines Australia and with the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations.
Our four-legged best friends are the subject of a new photography book; Dogs with Stories. The work of Mardo El-Noor, the book showcases one hundred adorable dogs and their owners, elaborately staged in their homes in a series of "hyperrealistic" photographs. By day, Mardo El-Noor makes a living as a director-designer of ads, music videos & other content, but in his spare time, he's worked on this book with Dobby, Pepsi, Alfred, Louie the Meatball and many more fluffy friends.
Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson joins Susie to look at the billion US dollars made by the smash-hit movie Barbie over the past three weeks. We look at what the 'Barbie' bump done for the US economy, and the profits of her owner Mattel. Meanwhile the world's biggest Youtuber, Jimmy Donaldson, or MrBeast, is suing the company behind his online fast-food chain MrBeast Burger for making "inedible" food that has disappointed his vocal fans. And could the Commerce Commission urge regulation to bring down surcharges for retail payments? Rebecca Stevenson is a senior writer at interest.co.nz
Matthew talks to Susie about the recent government announcement of the steps it'll take to the ministerial inquiry into land use. More than 50 people greeted Minister Peeni Henare at a Gisborne last week - but some got up and left, due to a feeling there's a lack of urgency. Ombudsman Peter Boshier visited the region last week too, calling for more "empowerment of iwi" post-cyclone. And Matthew has spoken to cyclone-survivor Tahu Owen-Ruru, who's in her 80s, about how she's rebuilding her life in the aftermath. Matthew Rosenberg, a local democracy reporter based out of the Gisborne Herald's newsroom.
A small fishing village in Portugal is home to the biggest waves in the world. Nazaré is known as the Mecca of big-wave surfing, attracting the world's most fearless surfers, all in pursuit of the chance to surf the mythical 100-foot wave. Journalist Matt Majendie spent a whole surf season hanging out in Nazaré, getting to know the surfing community and following their quest to surf the biggest wave in history - and live to tell the tale. He witnessed wipe-outs, rescues, tragedies, and death-defying escapes, which he has now told in his first book; Nazaré: Life & Death with the Big-Wave Surfers. Matt Majendie is currently sports correspondent with the Evening Standard, and the host of the podcasts Sporting Misadventures and Bloodsport.
US correspondent Ron Elving joins Susie to talk about the wait for Donald Trump's next indictment, expected from Fulton County Georgia over claims he tried to overturn the 2020 election result by asking officials to "find" votes for him. And Ohio voters are about to be asked whether they want the minimum threshold required to pass constitutional amendments raised - which some see as a proxy vote on the state's abortion laws. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
A new study has looked at whether overuse of the terms 'anxiety' and 'depression' could be diluting them. The study was led by psychology Professor Nick Haslam and a team of researchers at the University of Melbourne, who'd previously studied what happened to the word "trauma" as it became more widely used in psychology and society. In that instance, they found the trend contributed to "trauma" being broadened in meaning to include less severe experiences than previously considered. In this study they set out to determine whether 'anxiety' and 'depression' being used more often had led to the terms become less emotionally severe. Nick Haslam joins Susie to describe what he found.
Sometimes it takes an outsider looking in, to give a full and fair critique - and a recently commissioned report by a UK firm on the state of Auckland, has given the city plenty to work on. The 72-page 'state of the city' compared Tamaki Makaurau to 9 other similar cities around the world in terms of size and culture, including Brisbane, Copenhagen and Vancouver. London-based urban intelligence firm 'The Business of Cities' concluded Auckland outperforms its peers for its easy-going lifestyle, highly-regarded natural environment and great visitor experiences. However it warns the city needs to lift its game in infrastructure planning, attracting investment and talent, and addressing safety and housing affordability. Mark Thomas is a director at Committee for Auckland, one of three parties who commissioned the report. And Tim Moonen is the managing director at The Business of Cities.
Temperature records on land and in the oceans are toppling. Climatic extremes once considered rarities have become the "new normal," but what does "normal" even mean any more? Kennedy discusses recent extremes and considers their significance for planetary life.
Renowned chef Al Brown has just released Eat Up New Zealand: The Bach Edition, a collection of nostalgic recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients, kaimoana, and the occasional sweet treat. All things you feel like when you're kicking back on holiday and staying at a beloved old bach. Al Brown speaks with Susie, and shares a recipe for fried kina on toast.
Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Tim Hurdle join Susie to look at the big promises being made for second Auckland harbour crossing, continued poll slide for Labour and the left bloc, the battle of the policy costings, minor party manoeuvring and an end to ongoing industrial action by teachers and nurses. Gareth Hughes is a former Green MP and now works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, was the National Party Campaign Director in 2020. He is a director of several companies, including Museum Street Strategies, a public affairs firm.
Hawke's Bay Today editor Chris Hyde joins Susie to talk about the region's special visitors: the All Blacks. The team will do a working bee at Tangoio Marae on Tuesday, before their open training session at McLean Park at 9am on Wednesday, when thousands are expected to show up and wish them well for the World Cup. The collapse of a hillside on farm country behind Omahu during Cyclone Gabrielle revealed an astonishing find...in the floodwaters were the bones of five people thought to have lived and died no later than the 1700s. And Chris has more on the mystery of the failing hot water cylinders of Hastings.
Cynthia Morahan reviews Old Boy: My Dads Story of Addiction, Resurrection, Dumb Luck and Love by Georgia Tree published by Fremantle Press
Being able to make film and TV roles ‘Polynesian by proxy’ is one of the unexpected benefits of the job for Samoan-Kiwi actor Frankie Adams. The 29-year-old plays blue-haired Candy Blue in new Amazon Studios drama series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, which is based on the international best-selling novel by Australian author Holly Ringland.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Susie to look at talks aimed at finding a path toward peace in Ukraine that have taken place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the surprise inclusion of China. The weekend closed-door meet did not include Russia however, which had labelled them "futile". Meanwhile the war is creeping closer to Russia, with number of daring attacks inside the country - including Moscow's second-largest airport being forced to suspend flights due to an attempted drone attack. And Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has had another 19 years added to his jail sentence, while controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate has been freed from house arrest in Romania.
Top level rugby these days is a billion dollar industry. In this country, the US fund manager Silver Lake has invested $200 million in the All Blacks. New Zealand Rugby also has investors like Britain's richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and multi-national corporations such as technology group SAP, and Japanese pharmaceutical giant Taisho. But as the All Blacks have become commercialised, the tug-of-war between performance and making money has intensified. Gregor Paul is the New Zealand Herald's rugby columnist, who's just published a new book in which he asserts that the lure of monetising the All Black brand has impacted the performance of the players and the coaches. He speaks with Susie Ferguson.
A promised shakeup to the law governing charities is being criticised as a missed opportunity to make real changes and has instead delivered additional layers of complication. The Charities Amendment Act was passed in late June, with most of its provisions coming into force from early October. The history to the changes sought by the sector is long and complicated, and it was taken up by Labour in 2017 when it promised to review how the 2005 Charities Act was working. The government says the just-passed Charities Amendment Act will "modernise" the sector, cut red tape - particularly for smaller charities - and help them get on with their mahi. But those working with charities say that's not what it delivers - and instead of seizing the chance to boost charities' independence, it's helping to maintain a status quo where they're treated as little more than a delivery vehicle for government social services. Susie speaks to Andrew Barnes founder of trustee company Perpetual Guardian, which operates a Foundation and also owns the Givealittle crowdfunding site. She also speaks to Sue Barker, a lawyer who specialises in charities and public tax law and who has been following the progression of this legislation extremely closely.
There's cynicism a planned second harbour crossing in Auckland will actually come to fruition on time. The Government has agreed to the most ambitious of the proposed Waitemata Harbour plans, and will push forward with two three-lane tunnels for cars and trucks, and a light rail connection. As the tunnels are built, the use of the existing bridge would change, with two lanes becoming dedicated bus lanes, and some clip-on lanes for cycling and walking. The goal is to begin construction by 2029. It's marked down to cost between $35 and $44.5b, and it's not clear yet how exactly it will be funded... tolling and public-private partnerships have been pitched as possibilities. Labour and National are both in favour of the idea, but mayor Wayne Brown says it won't happen unless they work in partnership with Auckland.
With the Football Ferns' World Cup over, will their history-making campaign translate to increased interest and participation in the game, or will it be a short term sugar rush? Dana also looks at netball, and discusses whether the lack of hype around the Netball World Cup reflects the external challenges netball is facing with the global trend towards investment in women's sport. Is World Netball facing an existential crisis?
Waikato Police say they have received a number of tips from the public following yesterday's appeal for sightings of a ute linked to missing man Tom Phillips. Tom Phillips and his three children have been missing since December 2021 in the Kawhia area, but there were several sightings of Mr Phillips on Wednesday. Kathryn speaks with Inspector Will Loughrin.
Diane McCarthy, Local Democracy Reporter with The Whakatane Beacon speaks to Kathryn about the latest news from the Eastern Bay of Plenty. In Whakatane, much loved pohutukawa trees at one of the town's most scenic locations are dead or dying, district councils in both Opotiki and Whakatane are consulting on changing speed limits from 50kmh to 30kmh, and the Trust Horizon Light Up festival is drawing good crowds.
Roger Christensen of Unity Books Auckland reviews Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan published by Walker Books.
Asia Correspondent Ed White discusses the mysterious disappearance and shock replacement of a foreign minister which has turned into an embarrassing episode for Chinese president Xi Jinping. Also violence in India's north-east is flaring again between the Hindu majority and a Christian minority group. What is behind this, and will Narendra Modi, the prime minister, be forced to act?
A critical shortage of qualified counsellors has prompted the Government to expand the pool of those eligible to fill the positions in its Counsellors in Schools programme. It now includes equine therapy facilitators, Master Carvers, youth workers, creative art therapists and music therapists. The Ministry of Education says most schools already have a counsellor and this rollout is mostly across selected primary and intermediate schools. But it's prompting concerns among qualified counsellors that students will not get the support they need, and could put children at risk. Meanwhile a recent nationwide study which canvassed every year 9 student between 2013 and 2017 has found those with mental health conditions are significantly more likely to fail exams, or be suspended. Students with any prior mental health condition were 11 percent less likely to obtain NCEA Level 1, and 50 percent more likely to be stood down. Those with any behavioural condition were 38 percent less likely to get NCEA Level 1 and 2.3 times as likely to be stood down. Sarah Maindonald is the president of the NZ Counsellors Association, and Professor Brigid McNeill is a researcher at Canterbury University.
New Zealand's carbon pricing system, the Emissions Trading Scheme, is a central tool in the country's climate change policy. Industries covered by the ETS must give the government a carbon unit for each tonne of emissions they produce. But the ETS has come under scrutiny after the government declined to follow Climate Commission advice late last year, to take action to keep the price of carbon units sufficiently high. The price plunged from nearly $90 to below $40 last month. After the government announced proposed changes to the ETS a fortnight ago, broadly in line with the Climate Commission's advice, the unit price recovered somewhat, to around $57 dollars. How do market based carbon pricing schemes work around the world ? Ian Parry is an international expert on climate mitigation strategies including carbon markets as Principal Environmental Fiscal Policy Expert in the IMF's Fiscal Affairs Department in Washington DC, and about to visit New Zealand.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about Mrs Davis - an Artificial Intelligence that a nun named Simone is tasked with helping to destroy. He'll also look at movie The Beanie Bubble (Apple), which draws on a 2015 article that explored the rise and fall of the infamous stuffed toy. And Past Lives is a romantic drama in which two childhood friends reunite long after one of them has emigrated from South Korea.
In parenting today we are exploring how play therapy can be used by parents and caregivers to respond to kids, and incorporated into every day activities. Angela North is a psychologist with 30 years' experience employing play therapy with children, adolescents and their families. She says it can be used to help to treat a range of emotional and behavioral problems. Along with Dr Stephen McKenzie, she has written the book Mindfulness at Play. It's a guide for helping parents to really be in the moment with the children despite the distractions of busy lives. Angela North says the principles of mindfulness can help children with self esteem and to manage their emotions.
Technology correspondent Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to talk about Unesco's call for a ban on smartphones in schools, warning policy makers against an 'unthinking embrace' of digital technology in education. Mark Zuckerberg's Threads platform started with a bang, but it appears to have fizzled out. The US is reportedly hunting hidden Chinese malware that could affect military operations and Tesla is alleged to have rigged its dashboards to overestimate the range of its cars - prompting so many range complaints it created a special team to cancel owners' service appointments.
Mayor Grant Smith is defending Palmerston North after ESPN reported a source close to the Spanish Women's World Cup team said they left the city two days early because it's boring. Staff cutbacks are brewing at Massey University, as the main campus in Manawatu, as well as Auckland and Wellington, has been unable to escape the troubles the tertiary sector is experiencing - falling student numbers and overseas students staying away. The University is asking for expressions of interest for voluntary redundancies. And Jimmy talks to Kathryn about two local centenarians, both WWII vets, Eddie Chapman, and Oliver Candy, who recently passed away.
Dean Bedford reviews Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?: Searching for the Truth on Political TV by Rob Burley published by HarperCollins
Kelvin Kong is Australia's first Indigenous surgeon, Ear Nose and Throat Specialist. A Worimi man, he has spent much of his career dedicated to early intervention for middle ear disease. As a doctor, researcher and lecturer, Professor Kong is well versed on inequities in the health system, and says some simple medical interventions for ear disease in children can change their ability to learn and their lives. He just returned home from a gathering in Auckland of 50 surgeons and surgical trainees of Maori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. He was a keynote speaker at the Indigenous Hui, organised by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about the government announcing new licences for North Sea oil and gas reserves, which PM Rishi Sunak says is "entirely consistent" with net zero commitments. Interest rates look set to be hiked again tomorrow, which will place further pressure on households. And plans to house asylum seekers on a giant barge have been delayed, amid reports it's been described as a "floating Grenfell".
Mike Hollings is retiring after 17 years at the helm of the country's biggest school , Te Kura, previously known as The Correspondence School. Enrolments at Te Kura have increased by more than 2,000 in the past year to 30,000 students - the equivalent of about 60 schools. The biggest increase is in the so-called "non-enrolled" category where a a student's previous school has taken them off the roll because they weren't attending. Yesterday new data showed 15-percent of last year's school leavers had no qualifications, and 20-percent were under the age of 17. So how does Te Kura keep young people with a range of challenges in the education system, and should it have a greater role for as a first school of choice rather than school of last resort? Mike Hollings speaks with Kathryn on the eve of his retirement.
One woman's fight for a uniform rule and greater penalties for misusing mobility parking spaces continues. Claire Dale petitioned Parliament last year - asking for higher penalties for people who park in a mobility spots and to expand it to include privately-held land that's used by the public - retail spaces and supermarkets, for example. She'll be making her case in person to the Petitions Committee later today. The Ministry of Transport provided a report on the issue to the Committee, saying it was "reviewing regulations" over the issue but that enforcement is complicated. In an interim report the Committee said it was "hopeful" the fine would be raised and that an education campaign would help educate people about misusing the parks. Kathryn speaks to Claire ahead of her select committee appearance.
The Police Association responds to the Police Minister's call for a greater role volunteer wardens to help patrol Auckland's city centre. The recent fatal shooting at a construction site has renewed calls from community and business leaders for more police on the streets. Police minister Ginny Andersen met with the central business association Chief Executive Viv Beck last week, suggesting that co-ordination between Maori and ethnic wardens could help free-up the police to respond to crime in the area. Kathryn discusses the suggestion with Viv Beck, is Chief Executive of Heart of the City and president of the Police Association, Chris Cahill.
Money expert Liz Koh looks at the issue of banking when you're a couple. One bank account or two? It used to be when a couple married they used one bank account, but that's changed as women become financially independent and combining resources is no longer the symbol of commitment in a relationship it used to be. Liz looks at the pros and cons of pooling your financial resources. Liz Koh is a money expert specializing in retirement planning. The advice given here is general and does not constitute specific advice to any person.
A collection of 200 stunning retouched photographs appear in the book Our Land in Colour.
The Nelson Hospital rebuild has been beset with delays, but last week, the Government announced $73m in funding to begin the long-awaited redevelopment. It is earmarked for design work of a new acute services building with 255 beds, a larger emergency department, as well as seismic strengthening. And Nelson and Tasman's new EBus service has been launched, with 17 new electric buses and new routes, including an express service between Nelson and Motueka and a dedicated airport bus service. Samantha Gee is RNZ's Nelson reporter
An unconventional theatre company which found short-lived fame on the streets of Wellington and New York is the subject of a new documentary currently screening at Whanau Marama: New Zealand International Film Festival.
The new ministry promised a commitment to delivering "bold and transformational change" for the disability community. So one year on, has it shifted the dial for New Zealanders living with disabilities?
A new report finds New Zealand universities have the highest ratio of non-academics to academics amongst English-speaking countries.
Sport commentator Marc Hinton take a look at the Football Ferns three performances during the FIFA Women's World Cup and what impact the tournament is having through the group stages. In the Netball World Cup, the Silver Ferns have cruised through their pool unbeaten as the tournament enters its 2nd phase. In All Black news, Ian Foster's side is now 3 for 3 after their Bledisloe Cup victory.
Now is the perfect time to be having a big clear out of the weeds in your garden - it'll save you time in the summer. And don't waste them - you can compost them while most are seed-free at this time of year. It's also a great time to transplant any trees or shrubs... Xanthe has some tips on how to do it without damaging them.
Victoria joins Kathryn to talk about where millions of dollars in donations to political parties since 1996 has been spent. BusinessDesk has been analysing who the biggest donors are and to whom they've donated.
Lee looks at how West Coast health services are continuing to struggle - with Coasters recently discovering they can no longer have surgery there for broken bones.
Carole Beu from the Women's Bookshop reviews Dice by Claire Baylis published by Allen and Unwin
Rachel Louise Snyder survived a harrowing childhood in an cruel, evangelical family to become a globally recognised journalist and author. She tells her story to Kathryn Ryan.
USA correspondent Ximena Bustillo Ximena talks bout the unsettling moment Minority Leader Mitch McConnell abruptly stopped speaking for 30 seconds, which has sparked concerns for the 81-year-old's health. She'll also look at how Congress seems on a collision course toward a government shutdown after the August recess and GOP hopefuls are seeking support in the key state of Iowa this weekend. Ximena Bustillo is an NPR politics reporter based in Washington
It's described as the country's oldest property claim, and one of the largest litigations against the Crown in New Zealand's history; the case of the Nelson Tenths Reserves centres on 15,100 acres of land in the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay region. In 1839, Maori customary landowners sold 151,000 acres of land to the New Zealand Company on the condition that ten percent of their land would be reserved for Maori in perpetuity. That agreement was never upheld. Rather than setting aside 15,100 acres, the Crown reserved less than three thousand acres. The landowners, now represented by Wakatu Incorporation, has been battling for more than 180 years to have that land returned to them. After the former National Government refused to consider their claim at the Waitangi Tribunal, the claimants instead took a case to the High Court, as a private law breach of trust case. The government fought the case all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 2017 found in favour of the owners of the Nelson Tenths. Since then, attempts at commencing out of court negotiations with the Crown, have not been successful. This month, the case will go back to the High Court to determine the extent of the Crown's breaches, led by kaumatua Rore Stafford, on behalf of the customary landowners. Kathryn speaks with Kerensa Johnston, chief executive of Wakatu Incorporation.
Nine to Noon looks at the rise of online financial fraud and whether banks could be doing more to protect their customers' losses. Millions are being siphoned off unsuspecting Kiwis each year - the latest report from the government's Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT - put financial losses at nearly $6 million in the first three months of the year. That's a 66 per cent jump on the first quarter of last year - and likely an underestimate of what's really going on, due to under-reporting. But what's happening if you're a victim of a scam? How likely are you to be able to recover your money and what role does - or should - your bank play in that? The banks have been criticised by Consumer NZ for failing to provide better protection for their customers, as technology increases the sophistication of the swindle. Kathryn speaks to Consumer's chief executive Jon Duffy about whether the New Zealand Code of Banking Practice is enough to protect Kiwi bank users from a good con. And Bronwyn Groot, who knows exactly how good the scammers are. She sees it everyday in her work as an anti-scam consultant for QRisk, and before that she was Fraud Education Manager at the Commission for Financial Capability and penned a book called The Little Black Book of Scams, which has just been republished through Netsafe.
Matthew talks to Kathryn about Garden Cities, how they're designed and the urban movement that supports them. Healthy Water has developed a plan to build 12 new flood detention parks along urban awa. The next step is to ensure that the construction of new housing doesn't exacerbate future flooding. Matthew says a good example is post-war housing built in Freeman Bay's Western Park. Star Block provides more concentrated housing while leaving the surrounding park to both absorb runoff and let flooding from the nearby park run through the grounds. Matthew Bradbury is an Associate Professor, leader of the Landscape Architecture Programme at the School of Architecture Unitec Te Pukenga
Kapiti-born Tamara Silk has been competing in drag racing competitions since she was nine years old. Now, at 28, she's officially New Zealand's fastest woman, having taken out the title just last year. Drag racing champion Tamara Silk speaks to Kathryn about becoming New Zealand's fastest woman.
Tamati Coffey has reversed his decision to retire, seeking to replace Kiri Allan as Labour's candidate for the East Coast. We'll talk about the latest Cabinet reshuffle - including David Parker departing revenue over the wealth tax decision, Labour's potential GST-exempt fruit and veges policy outed by National and how the smaller parties are positioning themselves to be potential coalition or support partners. Annabelle Lee-Mather is a journalist and television producer. Among her credits are Mata Reports, Gone By Lunchtime, The Casketeers, Hongi to Hangi and RNZ's New Zealand Wars series. Annabelle whakapapas to Ngai Tahu and Ngati Kahungunu. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, was the National Party Campaign Director in 2020. He is a director of several companies, including Museum Street Strategies, a public affairs firm.
Whanganui will have a chemo unit by the end of the year, three and a half years after its funding was announced. At the moment, patients have to travel to Palmerston North for treatment but the new, six-bed facility will get rid of at least some of those hours in the car. The Whanganui District Council is beginning work on its 10-year long term plan and Mike says it is aiming high - a population increase of 5000 by 2034. Meanwhile average weekly rent price has grown 9.1 per cent in the last year, much more than the national average of 4.8 per cent. And contractors replacing a 113-year-old wastewater pipe in Whanganui East hit turbulence recently when their drill kept getting jammed on wood eight metres down. Turns out it was 4575-year-old totara, perfectly preserved, even further down than the pumice layer from the Taupo eruption 1800 years ago. Mike Tweed is a Multimedia Journalist for the Whanganui Chronicle
Brazilian chef and Youtube star Guga who has no less than 12 million followers on social media including five and a half million subscribers to his YouTube channels. Born Gustavo Tosta, Guga has developed this huge following in particular for his multiple ways with steak - one of signature methods is reverse searing where a steak is slow smoked then followed by hot searing. He uses all sorts in his cooking: pellet smoker, charcoal grill, gas barbeque and is a fan of the sous vide machine - where food is cooked in a tepid water bath. His most-watched YouTube video entitled "Can DRY AGE save a $1 Steak?" has over 20 million views. Guga has a new book out - called Breaking the Barbecue Rules and he joins Kathryn from Miami.
Kerikeri builder Doug Sturrock was looking for sustainable building materials similar to those in available in Europe, but when he couldn't find them on the New Zealand market, he decided to develop his own. What resulted is Geobind, the country's first hemp binder, which is used to create a strong, concrete-like product called hempcrete. Hempcrete can be made into panels, and as a building material is breathable, regulates temperature and humidity, and is also mould resistant and fireproof. It's also carbon-neutral and absorbs more carbon dioxide per hectare than any forest or commercial crop. Geobind is backed by a grant from Callaghan Innovation. Builders are already enquiring in Taranaki, Wanaka, Nelson, and in his home town of Kerikeri, where he's got a show home at the concept stage.
Common ingredients found in products like shampoo and make-up are known to use child labour in their supply chains. World Vision New Zealand is calling for the Government to enact modern slavery legislation in a report released today, 'The High Price of Beauty: Child labour in global cosmetics'. Ingredients like shea butter, palm oil and cocoa are hard to trace, with New Zealand importing nearly $370m worth of cosmetics last year. The global cosmetic industry is estimated to grow by $115b by 2027. Kathryn speaks to Rebekah Armstrong, Head of Advocacy and Justice at World Vision New Zealand.
Comedians Te Radar and Michele A'Court bring a few laughs - ponder this! Would you wear a 'gratitude poncho'? In the UK a business school professor has been ridiculed for suggesting colleagues wear flipchart paper bibs and write messages of appreciation on each other.
New Zealand's World Cup quota just doubled - with the Football Ferns coming to the end of group play and the Silver Ferns just starting their netball title defence. Sam looks at history making moments lying ahead and talks to Kathryn about the Bledisloe Cup.
A pub has come to the rescue of Chocolate Fish Cafe, which has been forced to close for months after a suspicious fire at Shelly Bay seven weeks ago. Georgina has the latest, including an update on the asbestos removal after the fire. Also the human face of a strained health system. An 81-year-old woman on an operating wait list for the past year sat hungry and cold for two and a half hours expecting hernia surgery only to be told it was cancelled because the hospital was too busy. And the $1.25 billion Transmission Gully project remains unfinished, despite the motorway out of Wellington opening more than 15 months ago.
Airini Beautrais reviews Aria by Jessica Hinerangi published by Auckland University Press
Botanical artist Sue Wickison has just completed a book on the plants of the Qur'an. Born in Sierra Leone, trained as a scientific illustrator in the UK, she now lives on Waiheke Island. Sue says her passion for the natural world and history was nurtured during expeditions with her amateur botanist father. Together they would locate, collect and identify botanical specimens. After becoming fascinated with the plants mentioned in Islam's holy book she began an 8 year research collaboration with a Pakistani scientist to identify the specimens. The resulting book, Plants of the Qur'an is about botany, history and culture and includes reference to many present day consumables such as pomegranates, grapes, ginger and garlic.
New genetic analysis reveals dingo populations have less dog ancestry than previously thought. Although considered to be an Australian native - dingoes are thought to be descendants of South Asian wolves and possibly introduced to the country by seafarers. In recent decades, concerns have been raised that pure bred dingoes were on the decline due to crossbreeding with domestic dogs and wild dogs. There were also fears that interbreeding could result in dingo extinction.Dr Kylie Cairns is a a conservation biologist from the University of New South Wales. She has led a study which has shown dingo-dog mixes in the wild are rare, but pure bred dingoes are still at risk.
A new report has found most businesses are keen to invest in nature projects - but want easy and trustworthy ways to do it. The Sustainable Business Network surveyed 283 businesses of various sizes throughout the country about their attitudes to putting their money into nature projects. The findings include 82 per cent being keen to "do the right thing"; 57 per cent reported being asked by stakeholders to be more environmentally friendly; 68 per cent said the economic situation is hindering their ability to do that and 28 per cent said they didn't know which projects to support. As a result of the report the Sustainable Business Network launched its Regenerate Nature Programme in Auckland yesterday, aimed at connecting environmental projects with businesses looking to support them. Kathryn speaks with Sam Rowland, Sustainable Business Network's Programme Manager and lead author of the report and Pete Gillespie, founder and head brewer of Garage Project which took part in the survey and has been involved with various sustainability projects
The head of a high-powered women's football club says her organisation shows a new model mixing profit and purpose, is possible for professional sports teams. The Los Angeles-based Angel City Football Club is driven by its goals of equity and impact; and redirects ten percent of its sponsorship revenue to local community organisations. The football club has secured approximately US$50million in committed sponsorship revenue, and splits its donations across three areas; equity, essentials and education. Angel City is one of the world's only majority female-founded and female-owned professional teams. Its female-led ownership group include stars such as Christina Aguilera, Eva Longoria and Billie Jean King. Julie Uhrman is the president and co-founder of ACFC, alongside actress and activist Natalie Portman and technology venture capitalist Kara Nortman. Kathryn speaks to Julie Uhrman, who is currently in New Zealand for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
We're looking at how a range of emotions that children experience can be addressed through age appropriate books.
Technology correspondent Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about a pledge between AI companies and US President Joe Biden, and Elon Musk's Twitter rebrand.
Ash Davida Jane reviews Audition by Pip Adams published by Te Herenga Weka University Press
Aiden Aslin spent a harrowing six months as a Russian prisoner of war, and was eventually freed in a prisoner exchange in September last year.
Kiwi companies are being urged to let their employees down tools at 10am tomorrow and take part in what's being described as a 'social media self defence course'.
A welfare organisation for police officers says the incidence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among police officers is on the rise, and police management is neither recognising the condition nor responding to it.
Science commentator Laurie Winkless joins Kathryn to talk about research suggesting a key system of ocean currents could collapse in the next 25 years, plus cookware from 2000 years ago.
Auckland based sex therapist and porn researcher Jo Robertson tackles the thorny adult relationship issue of cheating.
At 70, Joan MacDonald was overweight, had high blood pressure, painful arthritis and found it difficult to walk up a flight of stairs. Seven years later, she’s a bona fide fitness influencer with her own website, app and book - and more than 1.8 million Instagram followers.
Australia correspondent Chris Niesche joins Kathryn to talk about why book store Big W has pulled a book for young people called 'Welcome to Sex' from its shelves. And the amount of cash in circulation in Australia's economy has declined for the first time since the introduction of decimal currency in 1966 - so is a cashless society closer to reality?
RNZ board member Jason Ake has resigned, after doubling down on public commentary about Kiri Allan. Mr Ake was appointed earlier this month. RNZ's Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch with the latest.
An arts programme that's been seeing great results through its work with recovering drug and alcohol addicts is concerned for its future when its funding runs out.
Auckland's dilapidated St James Theatre has been given a cash injection from the government - but the city's mayor says a matching Council payment won't be made unless construction is underway by next July. Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced a $15m contribution to the restoration of the St James - which has been closed for 15 years - to sit alongside funding from Auckland Council and the owner. But the New Zealand Herald reported this morning Mayor Wayne Brown had written to the Minister, to say the $15 million set aside by Council in 2016 would only be available until June 30 next year. He described it as "impetus" for the restoration to move forward and suggested if construction wasn't underway the Council would recommend the building is demolished. The St James is designated a Category 1 heritage building. So when WILL work begin on the St James? Kathryn talks to the building's owner Steve Bielby from Auckland Notable Properties Trust.
Flood affected West Auckland residents want clarity from the council about the status of their homes , six-months on from the Anniversary weekend event. Some are facing foreclosure on mortgages, unable to settle with insurers while they wait for category risk assessments, and meanwhile living in temporary accommodation - some paying rent as well as their mortgage. Auckland Council's emergency relief fund has been vastly oversubscribed, with more than $16 million in requests for help unmet. Meanwhile, a new Auckland Council estimate is that the cost of the region's devastating flooding earlier this year could reach $4 billion, up from an earlier estimate of $1.2 billion. Kathryn speaks with Morgan Allen, spokesperson for the group West Auckland is Flooding, and Todd Niall, Stuff's senior reporter covering Auckland.
Andrew Hubbard speaks to Kathryn about the troubles the Citizens Advice Bureau sees with car finance, and what to look out for with tricky insurance add-ons.
Business commentator Nikki Mandow joins Kathryn to talk about the return of the Chinese tourism market and how it might look different.
A comprehensive look at how Coromandel Peninsula is coping in the face of continuous bad weather.
Ralph McAllister reviews The Pole and Other Stories by J. M. Coetzee published by Text Publishing
John Fisher, the controversial owner of the Oakland A's is proposing to relocate the nine-time world baseball champions to Las Vegas. The departure of the major league baseball team would be the third, and final, major sports team to leave Oakland since 2019, a loss not only to the city's economy, but for the legions of passionate sports fans. It also points to a growing trend of professional teams and franchises becoming some the of the most coveted financial assets in the world. The Oakland A's were the subject of Michael Lewis' bestselling book Moneyball, and subsequent film starring Brad Pitt, but for journalist Dan Moore, the A's are much more; they're the team he's been supporting since he went to his first game with his dad at the age of six. Dan Moore recently wrote a piece for the website The Ringer, called The Long, Sad Story of the Stealing of the Oakland A's.
Ron brings the latest on investigations into Donald Trump's role in January 6 Capitol riot, as well as the much-hyped 'Barbenheimer'.
National is promising to change the longstanding GE laws if it becomes the government, so which sectors might move first in response?
We're checking in with two innovative co-housing initiatives at separate ends of the country.
Kathryn speaks to a track user who claims the situation is increasingly dangerous, and is concerned about the lack of action from authorities.
For the first time in nearly forty years, kakapo have returned to the New Zealand mainland. Kennedy talks about his experiences with the iconic, remarkable parrot of the night.
Two food lovers have teamed up to bring the taste of Thailand right into your kitchen. Chawadee - or Chow - Nualkhair is a Bangkok-based food writer and author of food blog Bangkok Glutton who teamed up with Devonport-based Lulu Taylor - after their kids became friends at school.
Political commentators Neale Jones and Liam Hehir join Kathryn to talk about Kiri Allan, NZ First's weekend convention, whether the gun debate could be revived by Thursday's shooting in Auckland
John Darby has quietly dedicated his life to science and wildlife conservation. He's a champion for the hoiho, the yellow eyed penguin, spending two decades supporting their conservation.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn to talk about the scenes of panic and chaos on the Greek island of Rhodes, where more than 30,000 people were forced to flee hotels and villages as wildfires raged.
New research shows consumers are still hesitant to support genetic modification and gene editing in New Zealand as the debate reenters the political agenda.
A merger proposal is being considered by a working group comprising all three councils in the South Wairarapa region.
A shock start to the week for the government with the resignation of the Justice Minister, Kiri Allan, after being charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest.
That football match at Eden Park!. Sam will try to contain his excitement over the Football Ferns victory over Norway in the FIFA Women's World Cup opener. And as one event soars, the Commonwealth Games due to be held in Melbourne has bitten the dust, with efforts underway to find a new host country. Sam also looks at poor form from spectators at the Tour de France.
A street artist with the moniker Clap has become a nuisance for some Invercargill business owners over the past year.. Graffiti has been showing up on buildings, and fences. In conservation news, four kakapo have been moved from Codfish Island, near Stewart Island, to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari which is a mainland ecological island in Waikato. This is in an attempt to restore the population of the flightless bird species. And Groundswell NZ is calling for its supporters to boycott Countdown supermarkets for a fortnight, saying the company blames farmers for its emissions. Che Baker is the editor of the Southland Times.
Lisa Adler from Unity Books Wellington reviews Be Mine by Richard Ford published by Bloomsbury Publishing
Cilla Glasson is a one-woman fund raising dynamo from Christchurch, having raised nearly ten million dollars for Christchurch's St George's hospital over the past 25 years. This includes a brand new MR linear accelerator used in the treatment of soft tissue cancers - the only one of its kind in New Zealand, and just the 100th in the world to be sold. It began treating patients last month. Cilla Glasson is a director on the board of St George's, and trustee on a number of charities including the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust, the youth development charity 180 Degrees and a director of the Salvation Army. She was made a member of the NZ Order of Merit in 2014.
A retired doctor is calling for changes to charity boxing matches, as more becomes known about the risk of death and injury from head trauma. In a newly-published piece for the New Zealand Medical Journal, Dr Pete Benny has questioned whether it's ethical for charities and corporates to benefit from people purposely attempting to concuss each other. He had a family member who died as a result of injuries sustained in a charity boxing match, and wants to see stronger rules introduced to protect novices in the ring. They include greater importance of head injury assessments in the event of suspected concussion, better matching of opponents in terms of size and strength, making the head sacrosanct - as the genital area already is and a stronger position on charity boxing by relevant medical authorities. Pete joins Kathryn to discuss this, along with Dr Rosamund Hill, an Auckland-based neurologist who's previously spoken out about banning charity boxing.
Film and TV reviewer Laumata Lauano joins Kathryn to talk about the new documentary Taking Care of Maya (Netflix), which focuses on the case of 10-year-old Maya Kowalski who was taken from her parents after medical experts disputed her illness. Totally Completely Fine (TVNZ+) is a new Australian series starring Kiwi actress Thomasin McKenzie and Gray Matter (Netflix), about a mother and daughter with superhuman - and dangerous - abilities.
Growing teen boys into happy, healthy men with Australian parenting expert, the so called Commonsense Queen, Maggie Dent. She's a former high school teacher, counsellor, mother of four sons, grandmother of seven, author of numeous books and the host of the ABC podcast Parental as Anything. She says adolescence is a confusing time for teens and their parents and carers - and our boys have some particular challenges that we need to understand if we are to guide them safely to healthy manhood.Maggie will be in Wellington next month giving a seminar on this topic.
Tech journalist Peter Griffin looks at the decision by Meta to release Llama 2 - a direct rival to ChatGPT - and make it open source for research and commercial use. What's in it for Meta? Meanwhile Microsoft has released the pricing for its AI-powered features it's bringing to its suite of products like Word, Excel and Powerpoint - and it'll cost you. And why are so many Silicon Valley leaders excited about anti-vaxxer Robert Kennedy Jr running for president?
An Auckland hotel guest says she heard five or six loud, quick gunshots and watched armed police clearing people away from the active shooting. Tracy Ayton is staying in a hotel overlooking the building, and said she went to the window after hearing a commotion outside. She speaks to Kathryn.
The Mosgiel Taieri's Community Board chair is horrified by a suspected arson on the property of a family of former refugees from Syria. The family say they are the victims of hate crimes, and have experienced a spate of attacks, police are investigating. Tim also talks to Kathryn about power price hikes in Rakiura stemming from Stewart Island's power grid being entirely dependent on diesel generation. Tim Brown is a based in Dunedin covering Otago and Southland for RNZ.
Vancouver-based filmmaker Anthony Shim whose new feature Riceboy Sleeps is gaining critical acclaim and winning awards. His South Korean family moved to Canada when he was a child and their experiences have helped to inspire Riceboy Sleeps which is featuring at the NZ International Film Festival . Anthony Shim has written and directed the film which is his second feature, he also has a background in acting. Riceboy Sleeps is about a single mother So-young who is bringing up her son Dong-hyun in a Vancouver suburb, and canvases their cultural challenges and the common immigrant struggles to provide a better life in a new country. The film's awards include this year's Canadian Screen Awards' nod for Best Original Screenplay.
Two people have been been killed by a gunman at a central Auckland construction site. Kathryn speaks with RNZ reporter Felix Walton who is on the scene. There's been significant disruption this morning to public transport through the Auckland CBD. Stacey van der Putten, Auckland Transport's Executive General Manager Public Transport Services updates the current situation This morning's shooting happened at the heart of the Auckland's commercial sector. Kathryn speaks with Auckland Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Bridges .
UK correspondent Lara Spirit joins Kathryn to talk about the three by-elections all happening this weekend and what it could mean for the Conservatives. Inflation has made an unexpected drop - and that puts pressure on the Bank of England, and MI6's boss has revealed its recruited a number of Russians disaffected by the Ukraine war.
It's been labelled the "trial of the century" in Australia. Ben Roberts-Smith was the country's most decorated living soldier, a recipient of the Victoria Cross, and even named Father of the Year. But in 2018 he was accused of murdering multiple unarmed civilians while on deployment with the SAS in Afghanistan. Veteran investigative journalist Chris Masters, together with colleagues Nick McKenzie and David Wroe, broke the story in 2018. Ben Roberts-Smith sued the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Canberra Times for defamation. But in June this year, after a lengthy and expensive trial, a federal court judge ruled that on the balance of probabilities, Roberts-Smith was complicit in four murders. The judgement is being celebrated as a win for investigative journalism and for the soldiers who stood up and gave evidence against their former colleague. Journalist Chris Masters has now released a book about his investigation, Flawed Hero: Truth, Lies and War Crimes. The story is not over though. Last week Ben Roberts-Smith said he will appeal the federal court decision, alleging the judge "cherry-picked" evidence in his judgement.
Police are responding to a serious incident on Auckland's Quay Street. RNZ understands the situation involves an active shooter. The police say the serious incident is contained to a building in lower Queen Street which is under construction. RNZ reporters at the scene have heard about 8 gunshots at the scene on Quay and Lower Albert street. Police have asked members of the public to avoid the lower Queen Street area and those already in the area to stay inside. For the latest, Kathryn speaks with RNZ's Felix Walton / Jeremy Rees.
Simran Kaur joins Kathryn to talk about pay transparency clauses, and how they've been used by employers to keep workers' salaries secret. Critics say it's helped to perpetuate the gender pay gap and Parliament's Education and Workforce select committee recommended reform over a year ago. Where's it at now? Simran Kaur is the co-host of the podcast Girls That Invest. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
Samoa has among the highest rates of obesity and type two diabetes in the world. Amy Maslen-Miller, also known as the Samoan Scientist, is a current PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, dedicating her time to researching how a traditional Samoan diet can help prevent type two diabetes in our Pasifika population. Her research goes all the way back to studying the diet and lifestyle of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Tauranga City Council is seeking feedback on a proposed $220 million stadium, there's a call from Western Bay of Plenty officials for the Government to upgrade a critical highway for the region and the rural community of Te Puna rallying to be heard about non-compliant industrial activity in their area.
Paul Diamond reviews Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville published by Text Publishing
Close to 70,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand are currently living with a dementia diagnosis. And that number is rapidly growing as the population ages, with an estimated 100,000 more to be diagnosed by 2050. The degenerative brain disease can affect thinking, independent function, and behaviour. But for many of us, navigating dementia is a personal and often heartbreaking story, as we watch someone we love change. But not everything has to, as Kristen Phillips illustrates in her loving book Dad, you've got dementia: Conversations with my Father. Now back in Wellington after 30 years in London, the basis of the Kristen's book began during phone calls with her father, Don, while she was still overseas.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to dissect the death of Victoria's Commonwealth Games dream, after Premier Daniel Andrews decided it was just too expensive for the state to host. Australia is set to have its first female central bank governor, with confirmation Michelle Bullock will take over the job - albeit a tough one with home owners struggling with the effects of 12 straight interest rate increases. A dingo cull could be on the cards after a woman out jogging on K'Gari - formerly Fraser Island - was attacked by a pack of four. And police are guarding a giant piece of what looks like space junk on a West Australia beach.
Revelations this past month of two more cases of inappropriate behaviour or misconduct by top-level sports coaches involving athletes shows there's still too little protection for sports women. Leading sports academic Professor Holly Thorpe says New Zealand is lagging behind what other countries' sports bodies are doing. Earlier this month, a 10 year coaching ban was handed down by Athletics New Zealand to top pole vault coach Jeremy McColl, after an independent investigation found him guilty of "serious misconduct" over a number of years towards athletes. It follows revelations last month, that several years ago, athletics coach Andrew Maclennan had a sexual relationship with a teenager he coached. Athletics is not the only sport grappling with the abuse of young athletes - with cycling, canoe racing, gymnastics, hockey and rugby also coming under scrutiny in recent years. Kathryn speaks with Professor in Sociology of Sport and Gender at Waikato University, Dr Holly Thorpe and Sports and Exercise Physician Dr Sarah Beable.
A new accessibility tool set to roll out across Apple devices can replicate a user's voice with enough accuracy to bypass banking recognition systems. From mid-September, iPhones will be able to parrot back anything you type in, after following just 15 minutes of randomised voice prompts. It is part of the iOS 17 upgrade, and it's just one of a range of new functions to assist people with disabilities. Apple is taking precautions to ensure the voice data cannot be hacked - the information is stored on the device itself, rather than being uploaded to a cloud. But it is a stark reminder of just how quickly voice cloning technology is progressing and the need for privacy measures to keep up. An early version tested by a staff member at RNZ managed to trick a phone banking voice authentication system. Kathryn Ryan speaks with RNZ Auckland office administrator Pratik Navani - he signed up to the Apple iOS beta release and has early access to the feature. She also speaks with Dr Dennis Desmond, a former US counterintelligence officer who lectures in cyber-crime and security at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and also disability advocate and Workbridge CEO Jonathan Mosen.
Glen Larmer digests the All Blacks win over the Springboks and muses over the options coach Ian Foster has for future team selection choices. The Warriors are hoping for an NRL playoff spot for the first time in five years, after an impressive win over the Sharks. The FIFA Women's World Cup is about to kick off and Wimbledon's done for another year with unseeded player Marketa Vondrousova's winning the womens title and Carlos Alcaraz defeating Novak Djokovic.
For half of the 20th century, the task of surveilling New Zealanders to root out spies, dissidents or enemy sympathisers lay with the police force. They were there during pre-war industrial action at the mines, tracking down men called to fight in World War One, at Depression-era protests and monitoring foreigners during World War Two. Large numbers of people were swept up in the surveillance net - most of them law abiding citizens. Authors Richard Hill and Steven Loveridge have pieced together how the state security apparatus worked, and the people and institutions that were seen as actual or potential threats to its interests. Their book Secret History: State Surveillance in New Zealand 1900 - 1956 is the first of two volumes.
Victoria Young joins Kathryn as BusinessDesk launches an investigation into the money behind our rubbish. It examines where exactly our waste goes and who stands to profit. She'll also discuss Awanui, our biggest lab provider, which says it won't pay dividends for more than two years, as its lab workers prepare to strike.
David Williams in Christchurch David joins Kathryn to talk about the departure of another member of the Collective Impact Board - which was set up after the Christchurch terror attacks and meant to act as a bridge between community and agencies. It was one of the easier recommendations of the Royal Commission to implement - so why has it been labelled a joke and not fit for purpose? He'll also look at staffing issues at Christchurch Hospital, the school that's finally got its quake rebuild and what he's dubbing "the world's most controversial cycleway".
Science writer Jennifer Ackerman's essays specialising on creatures in the avian world have appeared in a range of publications including : The New York Times, Scientific American, and National Geographic and she's the author of bestselling book The Genius of Birds which has been translated into more than 20 languages. Her most recent ornithology title What an Owl Knows: the new science of the world's most enigmatic birds is an homage to owls which are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Ximena joins Kathryn to talk about Congress looking to pass the annual defence bill but there have been some snags along the way. Joe Biden's relection campaign fund is looking healthy - he's raised US$72m in just three months. Donald Trump's legal woes continue, with a federal judge being urged to allow for a speedy trial in his documents case and farms in the US are increasingly being staffed by guest workers - but that's raising alarm with labour advocates.
During the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, Californian mum Kodye Elyse, like many, found comfort in sharing her life with her friends online. But after one video went viral, attracting hundreds of inappropriate comments aimed at her daughter, Kodye was quick to rethink how she shares her children online, and sound the alarm with her followers. It's known as 'sharenting'; it's when adults post updates or sometimes just too much information about their kids' lives. But a digital footprint is forever - and some US states are now considering what legal protections could be implemented to keep children safe. Representative Kristine Reeves is co-sponsoring a bill in Washington state aimed at providing better protection for the children of 'family vloggers'.
There's been a slight delay to the start date for the big changes coming to the national cervical screening programme offering a new option for women to test themselves. Currently women and people with a cervix, aged 25 to 69 are eligible for a cervical smear test every three years. The new system, introduces HPV testing as the primary screening test. It was initially going to be implemented later this month but this has now been put off until September. Te Whatu Ora has announced $7.3 million in funding to provide free cervical screening services for priority groups, including Maori and Pasifika and this has caused a delay to roll out of the self test programme. To discuss the implications for reducing the incidence of cervical cancer : Auckland obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Gill Gibson who is currently the vice president and president elect of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. And the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) clinical director Dr Jane O'Hallahan
Urban issues correspondent Bill McKay joins Susie to talk about the differences between the use of concrete and timber in the building industry and the carbon footprint created by their use. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
It's a family affair for mother and daughter team, Rowan and Lucy Miller who sell their hugely popular fritters at the Packhouse Market in Kerikeri. The hot green lipped offerings from Mrs Miller's Mussel Fritters will also be on the menu this coming weekend at the First Brew of Islands' Craft Beer Festival in Kerikeri.
Neale Jones and Brigitte Morten join Susie to talk about the devastating poll slump for Labour - which suggests rising odds of a change of government. Campaigning is kicking off, with Labour unveiling its first billboard and new "In it for you" slogan, while National pledged a half-billion dollar pothole policy. Where will Labour's tax policy go now Chris Hipkins has ruled out a wealth and capital gains tax, who's in Act's newly-revealed party list and what's happening with migration across the Ditch? Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government, a National Party member and currently volunteering for the party's deputy leader, Nicola Willis.
Whakatane District Council staff there are back in their own building after the controversial redevelopment. And an emotional day for Maori ward campaigners is being commemorated on the walls of the refurbished building.
From cat fleas to sequoia trees, nature's secret ingredients inspire new materials, some stronger than steel. Susie speaks with Professor Oded Shoseyov, renowned for his work in plant molecular biology, protein engineering, and nano-biotechnology. Along with his research team at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem he focuses on creating 'bio-inspired nanocomposite materials', that is, materials that mimic the structures and properties found in nature, which can be used to create new materials for use in, for example, human tissue regeneration, food packaging and 3D printing. Oded is the founder of eighteen companies, several of which are focused on engineering these new materials. And not only that the Shoseyovs have been in the wine business for 130 years! Oded's Ted Talk about harnessing nature's super powers has been translated into twenty-two languages and viewed by over 1.8 million people.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been trying to calm tension with a visit ot the West Bank city of Jenin. Three government officers had been forced to leave a funeral for two fighters killed in a two day long Israel operation. They were driven away by angry crowds. There have also been protests across Israel after the Government's push to overhaul the judiciary. The UN is speaking out about what it calls unacceptable conditions placed by the Syrian government on aid delivery to northwest Syria. And human rights groups are speaking out about Iran executing 354 people so far this year.
A group of volunteer divers with a mission to clean up Wellington Harbour have found their third piece of unexploded and potentially dangerous WW2 ammunition. Ghost Divers pulled up a small brassy object over the weekend - which a historian has confirmed is a fuze mechanism. The group called the Defence Force explosive ordnance disposal team to deal with it. Previously group founder and president Rob Wilson has found two unexploded artillery shells at Shelly Bay, and he says there's a growing list of things they're instructed not to touch.
New Zealand has a dismal record of deaths and injuries in the workplace, and there are concerns about what could happen if a post-graduate health and safety course at Victoria University is among those dumped to save costs. The University is the only one in the country to offer a specialised post-grad programme in workplace health and safety, but the institution has been reviewing which staff and courses will need to be cut in order to make savings. The Workplace Health and Safety programme has been offered since 2020 - part of a push after the Pike River mining disaster to reduce harm at work. In the first four months of this year there have already been 28 deaths as the result of a workplace accident, and seven thousand injuries that resulted in people being off work for a week or more. And Worksafe estimates there are between 750 to 900 work-related health deaths each year. Susie speaks with Mike O'Brien, independent chair of the Health and Safety Association New Zealand and Joanne Crawford, who's WorkSafe New Zealand Chair in Health and Safety at Victoria University's School of Health - and is one of the programme's lecturers.
Film and TV reviewer James Croot joins Kathryn to deliver his verdict on Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, the seventh film in the franchise - does it measure up? He'll also look at local Kiwi black comedy Creamerie season 2 and some of the offerings at this year's NZ International Film Festival, including Ms Information and Sweet As. James Croot is Stuff's Stuff to Watch editor
Kathryn talks with parenting coach and education consultant Joseph Driessen about parents can help their children develop independent learning habits.
Technology correspondent Paul Matthews joins Kathryn to look at some of the latest impressive advances brought to market in the last few years - including "electronic skin", storing energy as heat in a "sand battery" and biological storage. He'll also look at how Meta's Threads is going, one week on - how many users does it have and how's the feedback been? And as is often the way during tough economic times, there are also bargains to be had and many have come knocking on the door of Kiwi tech companies looking to make an acquisition. Paul is chief executive of CIO Studio.
Matt talks to Kathryn about the difficulties in donating blood in Marlborough, a boost for Blenheim's pool facility, the cost of fixing the region's roads damaged by flooding earlier this year and how Marlborough is celebrating Matariki.
Louise O'Brien reviews What About Men? by Caitlin Moran published by Penguin Random House
Genius, persistence and good luck have been critical to the great discoveries of modern physics, says Melbourne-based physicist Suzie Sheehy. She investigates the experiments which paved the way for radiation therapy, radio and the internet in The Matter of Everything: Twelve Experiments that Changed the World.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Kathryn to talk about the one story that's dominated the news headlines since Friday - the high profile BBC presenter who allegedly paid a young person for explicit messages. Huw Edwards was outed by his wife this morning, as she said he was in hospital with 'serious mental health issues'. The government is determined to push its controversial Illegal Migration Bill onto the statute book before Parliament rises for its summer recess next week - but is being stymied by the House of Lords. And the UK's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has told Ukraine at the NATO summit in Lithuania that it's not an "Amazon" service for weapons and it should show more gratitude for donations. Matt Dathan is Home Affairs Editor at The Times
Matariki is the star cluster most commonly known across the world as Pleiades. For Maori the rising of Matariki signal te Matahi o te Tau, the Maori New Year, and is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead. Kathryn speaks to Dr Dan Hikuroa, who says Matariki reinforces the importance of a kaupapa Maori approach to environmental management. Dan is an earth systems scientist at Waipapa Taumata Rau / University of Auckland, who uses a kaupapa Maori approach in much of his research. His recent research includes connecting science to indigenous knowledge: kaitiakitanga, conservation, and resource management and Te Maramataka, which is an Indigenous system of attuning with the Environment, and its role in modern health and well-being.
A large stockpile of the potentially explosive chemical, ammonium nitrate is being stored in the small Waikato town of Te Kōwhai, without resource consent. Ammonium nitrate is the chemical that caused a major explosion in Beirut in 2020, when it was stored incorrectly. While the risk of it exploding has been assessed by Fire and Emergency NZ as "low", the characteristics of the storage site potentially increases the risk, FENZ says. The storage of up to 249 tonnes of the material and application to increase that to 349 tonnes has alarmed the local community. Within just two kilometres of the site is a school, a childcare centre and a retirement village. It's also very close to a major gas pipeline. The Waikato Times has reported the material is owned by Australian company Orica, but is transported and stored in New Zealand by Move Logistics. It's now stored on a property owned by local company The Lummys Block Limited, without resource consent, although the application has since been lodged and is sitting with the Waikato District Council. Kathryn speaks with Brian Palmer, chair of the Te Kowhai Community Group and Stephen Darby who owns the local childcare centre.
Science commentator Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to talk about how smart watches could identify Parkinson's disease up to seven years before tell-tale symptoms appear. Electrons are round! How round? Very round! Allan will talk about why the discovery of their exactness matters. And did you know most common painkillers use chemicals from crude oil products? Researchers in the UK have managed to make them from pine trees instead. Allan Blackman is a Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology.
Hira Nathan takes that Kiwi can-do attitude into everything he does, from doing up houses, working as a sparky, to his latest venture - creating the worlds first bilingual gratitude journal with te ao Maori. Hira self published the Whakawhetai journal with the intention of maybe a few family and friends buying it - only to end up selling 3000 copies by himself. Whakawhetai journal was then picked up by publisher, Allen and Unwin, and his gratitude journal is now available in Whitcoulls stores around the country.
Stuff Senior Auckland Affairs Journalist Todd Niall takes us behind the bus drivers strike in the city and talks about the complex funding formula in which the budget constraints at Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, are hampering union efforts to secure a $30 an hour basic pay rate - the same which is paid for its members in Wellington. And now that the Auckland Council budget is sorted, thoughts are turning to to the city's commitment to reducing carbon emissions from transport - which need to be cut by 64% by 2030 to meet overall climate targets.
Jessie Bray Sharpin reviews Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs published by Penguin Random House
Author Emily Perkins has been brewing the concept of her new novel for a long time. And after many, many drafts, Lioness finally hit the shelves last week. It's her first new release in a decade, and one widely anticipated by the many followers of the award-winning contemporary writer. Perkins first won attention in 1996 with her first collection of stories, Not Her Real Name and Other Stories. Her other novels include The New Girl, Novel About My Wife, and The Forrests. Last year her play about AI - The Made - was produced by Auckland Theatre Company in 2022. She is also a teacher of creative writing , with connections to the Institute for Modern Letters at Victoria University of Wellington, and to Auckland University. Her new release Lioness, published by Bloomsbury, follows Therese, whose privileged world is shaken when her husband is accused of corruption.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn to talk about the damning royal commission report into the Robodebt scheme, where beneficiaries were chased for debt and private debt collectors were paid commissions for retrieving money from them. He'll look at which politicians have singled out for criticism for their part in the process - including former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Bernard will also look at the Voice to Parliament referendum and why the "No" campaign thinks it's well-placed to defeat it.
The government supported the need for electricity retailers to introduce mandatory minimum standards to protect vulnerable consumers - so why, four years later has nothing happened?. Consumer advocates are questioning the lack of progress. Deborah Hart is the chair of the Consumer Advocacy Council, an independent advocate for residential and small business electricity consumers.
All five major banks lifted their home loan rates over the last week. While most commentators are expecting the official cash rate to stay at 5.5 percent today, other countries' central banks are beginning to ramp up their tightening programmes, and are catching up on New Zealand's comparatively high cash rate. What will this mean for the strength of the New Zealand dollar, and therefore, the price of imports? Kathryn speaks with Jarrod Kerr, the chief economist at KiwiBank.
Home loan interest rates are still rising despite the Reserve Bank signalling at its last review that cash rate hikes may be at an end for now. The central bank will release its latest official cash rate this afternoon. Most economists are expecting the OCR to hold at 5.5 percent. All five major banks lifted their home loan rates over the past week ahead of today's OCR announcement. Already, 19,500 mortgages are behind on payments, which will increase, as rising interest rates bite. The confidence of homeowners has also taken a hit, with a new survey finding three percent of mortgage holders fear they'll have to sell their homes over the next year as a result of higher interest rates. A further 70 percent are worried about how they'll afford their repayments when they refix their loans. To discuss the situation, Kathryn speaks to Keith McLaughlin, the managing director of the credit bureau Centrix.
Following the All Blacks convincing defeat of Argentina, all eyes are on their upcoming clash with South Africa. Marc talks to Kathryn about whether the All Blacks are as good as the weekend's 41-12 result suggested in Mendoza. We are 9 days from the first match of the FIFA Women's World Cup, Marc explains why it's time for NZ to get excited.In cricket, it's now 2-1 in the Ashes series after England's victory at Headingley, Wimbledon is at the Quarter Final stage and Lisa Adams strikes another gold at the World Para Athletics champs in Paris.
There was a time when the Ford Cortina was ubiquitous in New Zealand. A hugely popular family car, or hotted up racer, seen up and down the country. Now a new book pays homage to all the Cortinas Marks I to V. Author and Cortina fan Gordon Campbell's book "Kiwis and Cortinas" places the car in New Zealand's motoring history. Gordon features 35 Ford Cortinas and their owners, from some who have just one Cortina to one who owns 12 and another who owns 26.
Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson joins Kathryn to talk about expansion plans for Supie, the online-only supermarket that was founded two years ago and is seen as a third challenger to the duopoly of Foodstuffs and Countdown. It's raised nearly $4m and is now planning physical stores - but the difference will be that they're smaller and possibly unstaffed, something that's becoming common in Asia. And BNZ says it'll stop using links in text messages sent to customers after a spate of text scams targeting its customers. Rebecca Stevenson is a senior writer at interest.co.nz
Sarah and Otis Frizzell have had varied creative and business careers in New Zealand and overseas. Otis is a practising artist, a former hip-hop performer and tattoo artist, whose also worked in broadcasting. Sarah hails from the UK and was an award-winning art director in one of New Zealand's top advertising agencies, DDB. But while travelling on honeymoon in the US and Mexico, the pair fell in love with tacos and the iconic Californian taco trucks. Both passionate cooks, the Frizzells trained with one of the best chefs in Mexico, and in 2013 launched one of Aotearoa's first gourmet food trucks. As well as the food truck - named Lucky - their products are stocked in food retailers nationally. The pair have a cookbook out - the Lucky Taco.
Ron says Ukraine and NATO are top of mind this week. Congress has returned but is very much at loggerheads. And former President Donald Trump continues to get bad news on the legal front but dominates the 2024 Presidential campaign picture as other candidates spin their wheels.
There are concerns the Therapeutic Products Bill currently making its way through Parliament could have unintended consequences for the cosmetics industry. The widereaching bill replaces the Medicines Act, currently the main legislation governing access to medicines and medical devices - and the Dietary Supplements Regulations which govern natural health products. The proposed changes would also overhaul the Sunscreen Act, which was brought in just last year - making redundant the work more than 50 companies are doing to meet the new standard. It would also mean any makeup product with an SPF over 30 - such as a foundation or lip balm - would fall under the new requirements, despite their primary function not being a sunscreen. Cosmetics New Zealand is at pains to remind people their industry is not just 'mascara and lipstick', warning many shampoos and toothpastes could be regulated out of the market. Martha van Arts is the general manager at Cosmetics New Zealand.
KiwiSaver balances are, not surprisingly, in retreat, as the recession bites. But research just released by the Retirement Commission shows the gender gap when it comes to KiwiSaver balances has grown larger, quicker. On average, men had a 25 percent greater KiwiSaver balance than women -- with the gap increasing five percent in just the last year. The widest gap is for women in their 40s and 50s - when the average difference reaches $14,500. Kathryn speaks to Dr Suzy Morrissey, the director of policy and research at the Retirement Commission.
Should we be investing in solar, wind, hydrogen or nuclear power? Carbon offsets or carbon credits? Alan Finkel was former Australian Chief Scientist from 2016 to 2020 he led the review of Australia's electricity market, the development of the national hydrogen strategy and the national low-emissions technology road map. He has been an adviser to industry and governments on both sides of politics across the Tasman. Now he has released his blueprint for the clean energy transition in a new book, called Powering Up: Unleashing the Clean Energy Supply Chain.
Kennedy joins Kathryn to talk about the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, which was one of Australia's apex carnivores. Why did it go extinct? And could genetic science bring it back to life?
Rekohu / the Chatham Islands is in a unique position for producing honey, as it is one of the few places in the world that is free of many of the diseases that affect bees. It's an opportunity that Go Wild Apiary has taken advantage of, creating a range of Tarahina Honey products with some of the healthiest bees in the world. The founder of Go Wild Apiary, Kaai Silbery, is also an award winning chef. She's developed an entirely new product; freeze dried honey, which she describes as like candyfloss, or a honey cloud.
Gareth Hughes and Brigitte Morten join Kathryn to discuss the key policies outlined by the Greens at the party's weekend AGM, more trouble at Oranga Tamariki, the government's announcements on nurses, National's plan for a third medical school and expectations on the Prime Minister's latest overseas trip.
Peter says it's been a bit of a treasure hunt finding all of the 50 tiny pounamu tiles installed in paving in the centre of Queenstown at a cost of $25,000. Rain, snow and general foot traffic has made them very hard to see and Peter says the vision the designers may have had for sparking, shiny green tiles - relating to the historical importance of valuable stones and minerals in the district - has been somewhat dulled by every day wear and tear as well as ongoing concern about the cost. Also an update on the town's housing crisis with reports up to 30 people have been living in one run down house - five in the garage. The garage tenants were paying over $1,100 between them and the total weekly rent income for the whole house was over $7,000. And it's been a tricky start to the ski season. Peter Newport is the Managing Editor, Crux, based in Arrowtown.
Bel Moneypenny from Scorpio Books in Christchurch reviews The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlane, published by Sceptre.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn to look at why the Dutch government collapsed after just 18 months in office. Conservative PM Mark Rutte has been one of the EU's longest serving leaders and is now likely to move into a caretaker role until new elections are held in November. And with the Belarus border just over 30 kilometres away from a planned NATO summit this week, host country Lithuania is taking no chances on the safety of world leaders. Big security measures are being put in place in the capital Vilnius to protect the US president and dozens of other leaders turning up for the summit.
Small business start-up in Wellington, Caring Stay aims to provide safe homes for people to recuperate from illness. Founder, Lizzie Scott is currently vetting home owners willing to provide accommodation - particularly to patients who are being discharged from hospital, but who may still need support as they recover from surgery. In effect it is a home-stay offering short term care for people, who may feel vulnerable about returning to their own homes. Lizzie Scott says she's already heard from an oncology clinic seeking places for out of town patients to stay.
People with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have a vastly higher chance of getting caught up the criminal justice system, according to the first-ever population level study. Otago University researchers examined a three-year birth cohort spanning from 1992 to 1995, and compared this with health data to identify the 5-7 percent of people with ADHD. They then looked at criminal records between the group's 17th and 25th birthdays. Those with ADHD were 2.1 times as likely to be proceeded against by police, 2.2 times as likely to be charged in court, and 2.3 times as likely to be convicted. Most shocking, was the finding they are nearly five times as likely to be imprisoned, compared to those without ADHD. Warren Forster is a barrister and researcher. Nick Bowden is a researcher with the Better Start National Science Challenge, which focuses on mental health research for children and young people. The study was funded by the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation and the New Zealand Law Foundation, with support from Better Start: E Tipu e Rea National Science Challenge.
Comedians Pinky Agnew and Irene Pink have a few laughs and take us through the week that was: The plumbing vans some drivers are mistaking for police. And a hidden safe's secret contents uncovered under a false floor in Lower Hutt, and now on their way to the rightful owner. Plus, Auckland's elusive, lawn-destroying pig has finally captured - but not before leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
A fall from grace for pole vault guru Jeremy McColl, who this week copped a 10-year ban for serious misconduct, sports commentator Dana Johannsen explains what led to the unprecedented sanction. And there have been amazing Kiwi athelete performances in Europe in recent days. The stand-out was Zoe Hobbs notching up the qualifying time for the Paris Olympics, but Dana says there were also impressive showings from Eliza McCartney, Hamish Kerr and Tom Walsh.
Fine new releases from singer-songwriter royalty Lloyd Cole and PJ Harvey, and an unreleased gem from the Breeders' now 30 year old classic album 'Last Splash.
A medical school for Waikato is back in the mix after National announces it will go ahead if they are elected. And Waikato University's long awaited new development, The Pa, is due to open on Monday. Hamilton Gardens has been named by Trip Advisor as one of the top one-percent of travel experiences in the world. And a majestic 200-year old waka celebrates 50-years of being on display at Waikato Museum.
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews The Birthday Party by Laurent Mauvignier, published by Fitzcarraldo Editions.
Dr Paola Magni has always been fascinated by the natural world despite being raised in an apartment in Italy in a dense urban area. As far back as she can remember she was always curious about everything around her and fascinated by worms, maggots and all insects life. Now the very bugs she observed as a child are helping to solve crimes. and her scientific prowess has been used in cases before court in her homeland Italy, and since moving to Western Australia she has been involved in forensic cases there. Paola Magni is based at Murdoch University in Perth.
Vietnam has banned the new Barbie movie because the American movie is said to feature a scene with a South China Sea map showing the nine-dash line. This is used on Chinese maps to illustrating its claims to parts of the South China Sea. After years of testing and negotiations Japan has finally won international approval to release treated nuclear waste into the Pacific Ocean. And Beijing has a new foreign relations law designed to strengthen Xi Jinping's hand in responding to western technology and trade sanctions.
A team of scientists, including a Kiwi, have for the first time observed the early universe running in extreme slow motion, unlocking one of the mysteries of Einstein's expanding universe. Because of the accelerating expansion of space, time in the early universe - when it was just a billion years old, is perceived as being five times slower than it is today. It's the first time the effect has been observed since it was first predicted by Albert Einstein more than a century ago. Quasars are supermassive black holes at the centres of early galaxies, and it was by unlocking their mysteries that the team was able to use them as 'clocks' to measure time near the beginning of the universe. Kathryn speaks to Professor Geraint Lewis, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Sydney and lead author of the study. He worked on this with University of Auckland statistician Brendon Brewer.
The pandemic may no longer be the daily disruptor that it was, but its impact is still being felt every day in the classroom. A recent report from the Education Review Office said NCEA achievement rates have fallen, with some students more than a year behind where they should be. Those from poorer communities were the furthest behind. Absences are also a serious issue - with regular attendance dropping to 40 percent last year before returning to 51 percent by its end. So what will it take to support kids back into the classroom, and to help get their grades back to where they were pre-pandemic? Dr Jesse Dvorchak says similar things are happening in the US. That's where she's based as head of Digital Assessment and Evaluation at Cambridge Assessment International Education. She'll be presenting to principals and teachers in New Zealand later today on how best to assess where students are at following years of Covid disruption, while ensuring all students are heard and included.
The founder of a programme that encouraged Kiwi kids to get into the great outdoors says he can't understand the rationale for pulling the plug on it. Mick Abbott set up the Kiwi Rangers programme with partner Carli Richter in 2009, with help from the University of Otago and Otago Institute of Design and the support of local Department of Conservation Rangers. It was taken over by DOC in 2014, and became the Toyota Kiwi Guardians Programme.Tens of thousands of kids took part in nature-based adventures and actions at sites all over the country, with the opportunity to earn medals. But last Friday Toyota and DOC announced the quote - "difficult decision" - to wind up the programme from August 1. Mick, who's also a professor of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University, says he can understand the department's need to focus on biosecurity - but says efforts still need to be made to encourage younger generations into the outdoors.
Film and TV reviewer Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to look at the latest season of dystopian tech drama Black Mirror, Jury Duty (Prime Video), which has been touted as a real-life Truman Show where every jury member on a fake trial is an actor - except one. And Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (Neon) is the school holiday movie for the kids that everyone needs to watch.
Dr Mohamed Alansari, senior researcher at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research is back on Nine to Noon to share findings from a report looking at how principals view their work. More than 3,645 teachers from 223 schools were surveyed, along with 227 primary and secondary principals.
Technology journalist Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to look at the madness happening Twitter, with limits now imposed on how many tweets users can see. What impact will that have on advertising? It comes as Mark Zuckerberg gets set to launch his network to rival Twitter called Threads. The Meta founder needs a win, after his failed US$14b punt on the Metaverse. And we look at the latest battles in the semi-conductor chip war, as China looks to impose export restrictions on two key metals needed for chip manufacture and the US introduces sanctions on chip technology.
Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau's tipsy Friday night has resulted in the restaurant she dined at facing backlash over the incident, but its owner is unfazed. An investigation has been launched after Wellington City Council committed a "serious harm data breach" by releasing personal details of people involved in road crashes including some names and medical details. And some Wellingtonians may face boil water notices this summer. NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell.
A heartfelt apology can go a long way, but getting it right seems impossible for many people. Whether it's a politician passing off blame, the classic 'I'm sorry, but', or the YouTube star who last month sang her apology with a ukelele. Longtime journalists and friends in the US, Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy, launched sorrywatch.com in 2012. It's a website dedicated to analysing apologies - or the lack-of - across the news, history and culture. The pair have learned enough over the past decade to launch a book on the matter: 'Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, The Case for Good Apologies'.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about the National Health System marking 75 years - amid warnings that unless there are drastic changes it might not make it to 100. The King and Queen were in Scotland for a special service where Charles was presented with the symbols of his authority there. And three Just Stop Oil protesters have been arrested after their activities stopped play during the third day of Wimbledon.
A high school teacher is warning science education is in decline, with not enough specialist teachers, or support for the subject from the Ministry of Education. Dr Andrew Rogers is the head of the chemistry department at St Peter's College in Auckland. He says the subject is becoming watered down, and some schools are avoiding teaching the more difficult NCEA science standards or discouraging students from sitting exams if they have enough credits. New Zealand's international PISA results, particularly for maths and science, have been in decline for at least the last 10 years. Kathryn speaks with Dr Andrew Rogers, who is also the chair of Science OlympiaNZ.
A Government decision to fit more than 600 rural schools with synthetic carpet is drawing the ire of many farmers. They'll be sourced from US-based company Milliken. It's left many wondering why officials haven't opted for locally sourced wool carpets, especially given the raft of climate regulations agriculture now has to meet. But the Ministry of Education says the carpet tiles are completely recyclable, and also - crucially - meet the fire requirements of the Building Code. Kathryn speaks to Wools in Schools NZ campaigner Tom O'Sullivan, and Ministry head of capital works Sam Fowler.
Just five years after opening, Māngere's Nga Hau Birthing Centre could be closed due to a lack of funds. The prospect has led more than 5000 concerned mothers-to-be and women who have given birth there to petition the government and Te Whatu Ora to help step in. The primary birthing unit has been funded by the Wright Foundation up until now, but the charity now says it needs public funding to keep it open. The majority of women giving birth there are Maori or Pasifika, and the petition highlights the important role the centre plays in the community. Te Whatu Ora says there are three other birthing units accessible to those in the region, as well as Middlemore Hospital. Kathryn speaks with Rebecca Kingi who recently gave birth there who says it's the only local unit and is desperately needed.
Money expert Liz Koh joins Kathryn to talk about what a recession actually means and whether we should be worried. She says a downturn in economic activity can be bad news for business as consumers spend less - but it can be a good antidote for inflation, and a time when communities can come together to help those who need it most. Liz Koh is a money expert specializing in retirement planning. The advice given here is general and does not constitute specific advice to any person.
Landscape designer and gardener Xanthe White talks about how to deal with saturated soil and how to plant appropriately.
Logan talks to Kathryn about Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark's relationship with local mana whenua, which has been described as fractured. There's sadness in the city as iconic department store H&J Smith will close in November. Southland has launched its 'Beyond 2025 Regional Plan'. There's a key emphasis on diversifying Southland's economy so it's not just reliant on agriculture and Tiwai. And Southland's premier club rugby final is looming with Eastern-Northern Barbarians taking on the Pirates-Old Boys. Southland Tribune editor Logan Savory - based in Invercargill
New research reveals the age of your brain and body can appear many years older, or younger than your actual chronological age. And within your body different organs can age at different rates. Professor Andrew Zalesky from the University of Melbourne's Department of Psychiatry and Biomedical engineering is part of a research team that has masterminded a method to measure organ age - concluding they're not necessarily in sync with the person's time on earth. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Medicine. Professor Zalesky says this the first study to look at organ specific biological ageing - including the brain and seven body systems.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the concern over the resilience of the travel industry after days of chaos in airports at the start of the school holidays. High winds in Sydney caused much of the problem, and an 80-flights-an-hour cap at Sydney Airport made it hard for airlines to play catch-up. Australia's new National Anti-Corruption Commission has started work, with a warning to politicians not to "weaponise" its work. Controversial right-wing MP Pauline Hanson has hired two top barristers to represent her in a defamation case brought by a Greens senator she tweeted should "p*** off back to Pakistan" and the Australian cricket team has asked for extra security as the abuse continues from England fans after that out-of-crease stumping at Lords. Karen Middleton is chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper.
Caulerpa is an invasive exotic seaweed that can grow from a speck to the size of a rugby field in a matter of weeks in the right conditions, smothering everything in the water column. The seaweed called Caulerpa has been found in waters at Great Barrier Island (Aotea), Great Mercury Island (Ahuahu), and the Bay of Islands, and is worrying marine experts. A collaborative project between the Northland Regional Council and MPI is now underway to try to tackle the Caulerpa problem in the Bay of Islands. They're taking a two-pronged approach to fight the invasive species, sinking swimming pool chlorine pellets, and nailing down tarpaulins in the Albert Channel. Kathryn speaks with John Walsh, MPI's Director of Response and Kaeden Leonard Northland Regional Council's Marine Biosecurity Manager. If you spot Caulerpa, take a photo, record your location and phone the Pest and Disease Hotline at 0800 80 99 66 or complete the online reporting form at report.mpi.govt.nz.
Last week Auckland Transport presented its budget for the coming year - with less money in the kitty for what it plans to do. It has just over one billion to spend on capital projects, 10 per cent down on what was originally planned for in the Regional Land Transport Programme, and with $125 million to be prioritised on flood and storm recovery. It's been undergoing a restructure, with nearly 150 jobs gone as part of the $32.5 million in savings imposed by Auckland Council. Last week's board meeting was told "reliability issues continue to erode customer trust and confidence", with satisfaction with the system in May at 23 per cent. All this as Mayor Wayne Brown continues with his war on road cones, on Monday tweeting the results of his social media polls asking people how they felt about them. The man in charge of Auckland Transport is Dean Kimpton. He started in April - and has signed up for a fixed term of 18 months.
There have been some remarkable performances from Kiwi sportspeople overseas in the last few days, from sprint tracks to race tracks and to golf courses. Sam breaks down their success and looks at why the spirit of cricket is being being placed on such a pedestal after the latest ashes controversy.
To a collaboration between farming and art. The Gullies Arts Residency was established last year, and is set on a 250 hectare sheep and beef farm in the Rangitikei District, belonging to Laura and Richard Morrison. This year's recipient is interdisciplinary artist Caroline McQuarrie. She is spending the 8 week residency using local wool to explore the settler history of the region through embroidery and weaving. And Laura Morrison will tell us about how her he farm came to be a focal point of artistic endeavour.
How retailers handle big data, Victoria talks to Kathryn about using the Privacy Act to understand how the Warehouse marketed to her personally. She'll also talk about what tweaks to the Serious Fraud Office's reporting regime means.And transport fleet management software company ERoad is in play, with the sudden appearance of listed Taiwanese telematics company Brillian on the share register with a 17.734% shareholding in Auckland-based ERoad. BusinessDesk investigations editor, Victoria Young
Susan talks to Kathryn about the invasive seaweed, caulerpa, which is threatening boating in Bay of Islands and beyond. Also, work is beginning on a new $20 million Okara marina for Whangarei Harbour. And Whangarei District Council discusses managed coastal retreat for houses impacted by erosion. Northland Local Democracy reporter Susan Botting based at the Northern Advocate in Whangarei
Collier Landry was just 12 years old when his father murdered his mother, thrusting him into the spotlight as the lead witness in court. While it was widely reported at the time, much lesser known is what happened to him next. He was ostracised by both sides of his family and lost his family home, pet dog and younger sister who had just been adopted. Now 45, Collier Landry is releasing a podcast exploring the lives of the survivors beyond the headlines, and the ethics of true crime as a form of entertainment.
US correspondent Ximena Bustillo joins Kathryn to talk about the big decisions that have been delivered by the Supreme Court in the past week, all while questions are being raised about the conduct of some Justices and whether the country's highest court needs a code of ethics. And as the hot weather continues what are the risks for employees who have no choice but to work outside? Ximena Bustillo is an NPR politics reporter based in Washington
An estimated 8000 people experience modern slavery here in New Zealand, according to this year's Global Slavery Index. But Kiwi businesses and their customers could unwittingly be contributing to the misery of many more, due to a lack of knowledge of what's going on in our supply chains. Some 50 million people globally are subject to modern slavery - half in forced labour - which generates about US $150 billion each year. While countries like the UK and Australia have taken legislative steps to combat the problem, the New Zealand government's plans for a modern slavery law has yet to be introduced. A report from World Vision out last month found many businesses don't know where their products are being made, who's making them or whether modern slavery is involved. So how do we shine a light on what's going on in our supply chains? Robin Mellon is the CEO of Better Sydney, and a leading expert on property, supply chains and sustainability.
The consumer watchdog is warning about AI-powered digital billboards now in use in shopping malls, and the lack of disclosure about the data they're using. Consumer NZ says the billboards, called "SmartScreens", film shoppers, analyse their biometric data, and then serve up targeted advertisements in real time, based on a person's age, gender and even mood. These billboards are already in use in Westfield shopping centres in Auckland and Christchurch. But Consumer chief executive Jon Duffy says customers may not be sufficiently aware of the data being collected about them, and how that data is being used.
The rise in the popularity of touchscreen Eftpos machines is leaving some blind low-vision New Zealanders with no option but to share their private details with strangers. The terminals are one of the newer rollouts in a decade of transition towards buttonless self-checkouts. But the advancement in technology means those who are vision impaired can no longer punch in their pin-code, if Paywave is not an option. Wellington's Callum McMenamin, a digital accessibility advocate who has low vision, speaks to Kathryn Ryan.
Urban issues correspondent Bill McKay joins Kathryn to talk about two events that see communities getting together to sort out their own issues from housing to urban design - with or without central and local government assistance. One is the Co-housing Hui organised by the Housing Innovation Society and the other is this week's Uptown Futures Festival.
Herbs have so many varied uses and health benefits. Jane Wrigglesworth writes for numerous publications including NZ Gardener and Lifestyle Block - she specialises in gardening, herbs and herbal remedies. Her book, Everyday Herbalist contains information about how to grow herbs and also the many ways they can be used for health and wellbeing.
Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Ben Thomas talk about the Prime Minister's trip to China which was shaping up as a success until it was overshadowed by what was happening with Minister Kiri Allan at home. Will Allan last as a Minister - and what happens if she doesn't - could a snap election be on the cards? They'll also talk about Jan Tinetti's reprimand, Labour's fundraising woes and how National's election campaign is shaping up.
Local democracy reporter Matthew Rosenberg is based out of the Gisborne Herald's newsroom.
Kim Pittar from Muir's Independent Bookshop Gisborne reviews My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor, published by Penguin.
While the parallels between the fictional Roy family from the mega hit television series Succession and the Murdochs are obvious. There is another media dynasty whose family squabbles are as much an influence on the show as Rupert and his children. At one time Sumner Redstone was one of the most powerful and wealthy men in American entertainment and media. At his peak Sumner owned Viacom, Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and publisher Simon & Schuster as well as a successful theatre chain. But a divorce, bedroom maneuvering, issues with naming a successor and the aging media mogel's philandering let to his empire's decline. Someone who knows the ins and outs of this story is New York Times reporter Rachel Abrams who along with her colleague James Stewart have weaved through court files, interviews and news stories to write the book Unscripted: The Epic Battle For a Hollywood Media Empire.
Hundreds of people have been arrested after several nights of rioting in France. The unrest follows the fatal shooting of a 17 year old boy by police in the Paris suburb of Nanterre. During ongoing protest action, projectiles have been hurled at police, cars torched and streets barricaded in centres across the country. The social tension has extended to an attack on the home of a mayor in suburban Paris and his wife and children were injured as they fled. Thomas Sparrow also speaks to Kathryn about the European Summit following the failed Wagner mutiny in Russia. And Far right parties are on the rise in Europe.
On any given day all sorts of meals and baked items are being posted for sale on social media sites, many from unregistered kitchens. New Zealand Food Safety is warning that purchasing cooked food online can be risky and safety standards are in place for a reason. There are strict rules around homekill and fish catch and if people are selling cooked food they must be registered. Jenny Bishop is the acting deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety and encourages people to speak up if they suspect there are online vendors who may not be following the rules.
It's one year since the establishment of Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora. It was the biggest overhaul of our health system in decades, bringing together 20 District Health Boards around the country and establishing, for the first time, an independent authority tasked with managing Maori health policies, services, and outcomes. The overall aim: to reduce inequity, while eliminating duplication, waste, and bureaucracy. But critics say chronic staff shortages persist, IT systems still don't talk to each other, staff still don't even have a common email address and tens of thousands of patents are still waiting months for surgery. A plan to disestablish 1600 mostly non-clinical roles has been delayed. One year on - is anything better? Kathryn speaks with Professor Robin Gauld Co-Director of the Centre for Health Systems and Technology at Otago University's Dunedin School of Medicine and Otago Business School, who has been studying health systems here and around the world for years.
Comedians Elisabeth Easther and Pinky Agnew with a few laughs including the story of an Ohio grandmother who became a lifeguard so her local pool wouldn't have to close.
The Warriors vs Rabbitohs are sold out - a week in advance for a game in the middle of the season. Sam says they've achieved several full houses already this season - and there's a distinct feeling there will be more to come. Sam also talks to Kathryn about the Black Ferns, the Football Ferns and the Belgian shot-putter who had to step in to do the hurdles for her team!.
David talks to Kathryn about the North Canterbury Mayors reaction to the Future of Local Government report, Rangiora High School's curriculum review and the Oxford Area School Observatory installing a meteor camera and progresses dark sky reserve plans. Also he has recently been to Kaikoura looking at Environment Canterbury's pest control and wetland restoration projects, housing developments and the town's own version of the popular Christchurch Brick Show.
Harry Broad reviews It Doesn't Take a War: A Life Forever Changed by the Hyde Railway Crash written and published by Elizabeth Coleman.
Kim Yo-Jong is the daughter of former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and youngest sister of the current leader Kim Jong-Un. As a direct descendant of the Mt Paektu bloodline, she was addressed by her parents as "Princess", and since her brother's acsention as leader has represented or been present with him at many high-level meetings with South Korea and the US. Aged in her mid-30s, she holds the government rank of Vice Director of the Korean Workers Party Central Committee - yet as a new book explores, her power is much greater than that. She controls the country's Propaganda and Agitation Department, and since 2021 is said to have gained authority to order executions. Behind her back, North Korean officials reportedly call her "the Devil Woman" - with speculation she may one day take over as Supreme Leader. Dr Sung-Yoon Lee is a North Korea expert based at Tufts University in the US and has explored Kim Yo-Jong in his new book The Sister.
The Solomon Islands' Prime Minister has asked for a review of his nation's security treaty with Australia. Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has spoken of what he calls his country's 'troubled economy' in his state of the nation address. And a total of 18 Fijian Drua players have been selected in the 39-member Flying Fijians rugby union squad to prepare for the 2023 Pacific Nations Cup series in July and early August.
The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation has a big weekend ahead in Te Anau celebrating a century of wapiti hunting in New Zealand. Fiordland wapiti, which in North America are known as elk, are prized by hunters, and here conservationists argue that they are a threat to native forests. An agreement between the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, and DOC provides for 1000 of the most inferior animals to be culled annually. Hunters from all over the motu became caretakers of the 175,000 hectare area known as the Wapiti Area of the Fiordland National Park 20 years ago. The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation's President Roy Sloan says this weekend is time to reflect on what's been achieved - and there's lots of variety is in store with wild food stalls, fun for kids, seminars on conservation, health and wellbeing and knife making.
Doctors are calling for a ban on direct to consumer advertising for prescription medicines, a move they say would reduce over-diagnosis, over-treatment and treatment related harm. New Zealand and the United States are the only two developed countries that allow unrestricted advertising of branded prescription medication. A new Therapeutic Products Bill is being introduced to replace the country's outdated Medicines Act, and is being viewed as the perfect opportunity to regulate the industry. Kathryn speaks to the Chief Executive of Medicines NZ, Dr Graeme Jarvis and Associate Professor of psychological medicine at Auckland University David Menkes.
Tomorrow the high-profile role of the Children's Commissioner will officially be disestablished, replaced with a board of three to six members - a move many fear will significantly weaken the power of the role. The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 splits the office's advocacy role from its monitoring function, creating a new entity called the Independent Children's Monitor, which will be housed within the Education Review Office. The change has been highly controversial and was opposed by all political parties, apart from Labour. Of the 499 public submissions, only eight expressed their support, with an overwhelming majority strongly opposing the bill. Opponents were concerned the change would dilute the office's role as an advocate and would lose its independence, ultimately leading to worse outcomes for tamariki. Kathryn speaks with Judge Frances Eivers, the current Children's Commissioner, who follows Judge Andrew Becroft, Russell Wills, John Angus, Dame Cindy Kiro, and the late Ian Hassall, who have all been powerful advocates for children.
Film and TV reviewer Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about the latest - and likely last - installment of the Indiana Jones franchise: Dial of Destiny (in cinemas). She'll also talk about new Disney drama Class of '09, which follows a group of FBI agents over the course of 30 years as they grapple with some big changes in how technology affects their roles. And Inky Pinky Ponky is a new Kiwi show on Maori Television which follows a young fakaleiti who starts another new high school and must overcome the same bullying attitudes to find a place she belongs.
Declining regular school attendance has been the focus of a lot of political debate here, and in term one last year only 46 percent of students reached the benchmark for regular attendance. It's also a hot topic across the Tasman where a Senate inquiry is looking into the problem in Australian schools. Michael Hawton is an Australian registered psychologist, a former school teacher and the founder of Parentshop which is a resource hub for parents, educators and child family specialists. He says school leaders report that student anxiety is a most significant concern and it is having an impact on them staying away from school.
Technology commentator Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about how OpenAI's Sam Altman tried to water down landmark AI legislation coming out of the EU, the security researchers who worked out how to use fluctuations in lighting to decode secret passkey encryption data, the bluetooth car battery checker sold in NZ that's been found to be siphoning up users' location data to Hong Kong and China and the Elon Musk-Mark Zuckerberg planned MMA-style 'cage match'.
Details of Southland's long term plan - Beyond 2025 have just been unveilled, Kirsty talks to Kathryn about what's in the significant document. She also celebrates the success of three Te Anau locals back from the World Mountain and Trail Running championships. And a review is underway into Te Anau-Manapouri airport Manapouri and there's been some vandalism on reserve land in Manapouri. Kirsty Pickett is the co owner of the Southland App based in Te Anau, covering Southland and Fiordland.
Brette Harrington is an expert skier who really can who can do it all, including slalom, slopestyle and backcountry skiing. But it's climbing where Brette really distinguishes herself; whether it's bouldering, high-grade rock climbing or ice climbing. She's considered one of the world's leading rock climbers, and has pioneered first ascents in the US, Canada and Patagonia. In 2015, Brette became the first person, male or female, to free-solo climb Chiaro di Luna in Patagonia without any equipment or protection, a feat ranked as one of the ten most legendary free solos in history. All the more extraordinary is she has continued to climb following the tragic death of her partner and fellow mountaineer Marc-André Leclerc, who died in an avalanche in 2018. She says she has found solace in the mountains, and knows he would have wanted her to keep climbing. Originally from Lake Tahoe in the US, Brette now lives in British Columbia in Canada, but speaks to Kathryn from Queenstown, where she is a keynote speaker at the Mountain Film and Book Festival.
UK correspondent Dan Bloom joins Kathryn to look at the landmark decision that's looming on the controversial policy of sending illegal migrants to Rwanda - something the Home Office says could cost nearly £170,000 per person. London mayoral candidate and former Prime Ministerial adviser Daniel Korski has quit after allegations he groped TV producer Daisy Goodwin and mortgage lenders have agreed to a 12-month grace period before repossession proceedings start - but will that be enough to help struggling mortgage holders?
This morning Nine to Noon looks at the issue of greening up the country's energy - and the hefty price tag that comes with it. Two weeks ago on the programme Kathryn spoke with Graeme Peters, who'd just stepped down as the head of the Electricity Networks Association, which represents 27 lines companies around the country. He warned the level of investment needed to maintain the industry's infrastructure and enable a transition to a low-carbon economy would see a doubling of power bills within the next five years. A report from the Boston Consulting Group last year put the total cost of getting the country to 98 percent renewable electricity by 2030 at $42 billion. So is that feasible? Is the existing structure of the industry working well for customers? Do we need a separate Ministry of Energy help drive policy and regulatory settings? And could technological breakthroughs - like the creation of microgrids discussed on the programme yesterday with researcher Dr Jeremy Watson - help inject some self reliance for households when it comes to power generation? Kathryn is joined by Megan Woods, Minister for Energy and Resources.
The New York Times is reporting a senior Russian General had prior knowledge of the attempted mutiny against Vladimir Putin by the Wagner group. It reports that US officials briefed on intelligence on the matter are trying to learn if General Sergey Surovikin, the former top Russian commander in Ukraine, helped plan last weekend's extraordinary, but short-lived mutiny led by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. The Kremlin has dismissed the report as "speculation" and insisted Russia's army and people are unified around the President. The Wagner group leader is now in exile in Belarus following a deal struck by the Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko. Kathryn speaks to Owen Matthews, a veteran Moscow correspondent who penned the book Overreach about Vladimir Putin and the origins and motivations for going to war in Ukraine. He believes the Russian President's instinct will be to launch a purge on his enemies.
Science correspondent Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about how researchers have identified a hormone linked with morning sickness which may help with the development of new treatments for extreme morning sickness at least. It appears morning sickness comes from a hormone called growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) which is made by the foetus which women have different susceptibilities to. A new study suggests a bacterium commonly found in the gut and mouth could play a role in the development of endometriosis. And between 1993 and 2010, humans have managed to tilt the axis of the Earth by 80 centimetres - all by pumping water out of the ground and moving it elsewhere. Associate Professor Dr Siouxsie Wiles is the head of Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University of Auckland.
A beautiful new book puts New Zealand's forgotten female photographers back in the frame. History has largely forgotten women who first took photographs, not to mention those who made it in front of the lens. Here, curator of historical photography at Te Papa Tongarewa, Lissa Mitchell's new book shines a light on women's contribution, both amateur and professional, in early photographic studios and on location. She walks Kathryn through Through Shaded Glass: Women and Photography in Aotearoa New Zealand 1860 -1960, from Te Papa Press.
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response or ASMR is a perception phenomenon that generates a bioelectric current through auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory or perceptive stimuli. When it passes through the nerves it can produce a pleasant feeling, or a trancelike feeling of relaxation and euphoria. Kirsten plays some songs that contain some ASMR sounds, including one from Benee that was specially made in conjunction with mental health and neuroscientists to help reduce anxious feelings. Kirsten Zemke is an ethnomusicologist at the University of Auckland's School of Social Sciences.
David looks at national air quality standards, how to improve them and how Christchurch is shaping up. Also the community safety intiatives have been implemented following the Royal Commission into the Christchurch terror attack, have all the recommendations come to pass?. And he has an update on the controversial temporary cycleway near Hagley Park. David Williams is a South Island reporter for Newsroom
Ralph McAllister reviews My Friend Anne Frank by Hannah Pick-Goslar, published by Penguin Random House
"You've got to laugh" is an oft used expression. Dr Ros Ben-Moshe says for our wellbeing, we actually do HAVE to laugh more. She is a positivity, resilience and laughter-as-therapy academic at La Trobe University in Melbourne. She's a researcher and author and teaches positive psychology. Dr Ben-Moshe says there's a huge body of evidence that laughter - whether a spontaneous belly laugh, or intentional giggle, can release happy hormones; dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. Her latest book is called The Laughter Effect: How to Build Joy, Resilience and Positivity into Your Life.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about how the cost of a working holiday maker visa will jump by $130 on Saturday to $640 - with the potential it could be cut to one year. There are concerns about the effect it could have on regional Australia. Support for the Voice to Parliament has slumped in the latest poll, along with Albanese's ratings. And ticket scalpers beware - the Victorian government has declared Taylor Swift's concert next year a "major event", meaning ticket scalping laws will apply to protect fans from being ripped off. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age
As the power went out for many in the Hawke's Bay during Cyclone Gabrielle, the vulnerability of the country's electricity network was laid bare. But a team of researchers at Canterbury University are hoping to explore the value of microgrids in delivering some self reliance for households when it comes to power generation. Microgrids are a small power system that can be installed in individual homes and businesses, allowing them to generate and store power for themselves and others in their neighbourbood. Dr Jeremy Watson is leading the research team that will investigate and design new controllers that optimise microgrid use through solar and other methods of energy generation.
A $128m bailout for cash-strapped universities will still not be enough to prevent major job losses at the Universities of Otago and Victoria. Yesterday the government announced the rescue package for tertiary institutions which have struggled with falling enrollments, biting inflation and the lingering effects of Covid.The University of Otago is dealing with a $60m deficit, and Victoria University a $33m deficit. Both universities are proposing sweeping job cuts.The funding will however buy universities some time and is being welcomed as a move in the right direction. Kathryn speaks with Helen Nicholson, the acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago and Nic Smith, the Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington.
Joe dissects the Super Rugby final, a tough loss for the Chiefs to take, but was it a fitting end for Crusaders coach Scott Robertson and veterans Sam Whitelock and Richie Mo'unga? He looks ahead to Thursday to the Black Ferns first test of the year against the Wallaroos in Brisbane. Then in cricket, there's the White Ferns ODI and T20 series in Sri Lanka and Wimbledon begins this week, with the seeds revealed today.
Wellington-based artist and author Bob Kerr didn't have to look far for inspiration for his new book. He found it in a suitcase on top of a wardrobe. It was full of photos his father had taken on his journeys around the world as a merchant seaman, including during World War Two. Bob's incorporated those photos and stories in his new graphic novel Jack and Sandy: One War, Two Friends, Three Generations. The character of Sandy is loosely based on his father Robert, who was third engineer on the Sydney Star when it took part in Operation Substance, which helped supplies to Malta in 1941. Bob is well-known for his historical landscape paintings but is also an award-winning children's writer. He was the co-creator of Terry Teo and The Gunrunners, which was twice brought to the screen - first in 1985 and again in 2016.
New Zealand banks are under fire for failing to protect customers from financial frauds, with losses from scams estimated at close to $200 million a year. Rebecca also talks about the banking study. She says the Commerce Commission has taken the media bull by the horns on this, cranking out lots of information, asking for lots of feedback, and defending the market study regime. Commerce Commission chairman John Small held a conference call with competition general manager Antonia Horrocks last week where he said the Commission's three market studies had already benefited NZ consumers. Rebecca Stevenson is a senior writer at interest.co.nz.
Western Bay of Plenty Local Democracy reporter Alisha Evans based in Tauranga with SunLive.
Joanna Ludbrook from Chicken and Frog Bookshop in Featherston reviews Matariki by Gavin Bishop, published by Penguin.
Camping on snowy mountain ranges in a tent, with ice falling into his sleeping bag during a mammoth ski traverse of the Southern Alps, mountaineer and adventurer Erik Bradshaw thought there had to be a better way to get out into the mountains. Erik had a simple but brilliant idea to convert a large plastic water tank into a four-bunk hut, which he called a Turk, and have it choppered into the back country. It was a crazy idea that was initially met with a lot of scepticism, but ever an optimist and a boundary pusher, he persevered. He established the Mountain Turk Club and found a community of people keen to help out and bring his vision to life. And what developed is an epic, five-hut ski trail from Coronet Peak to Treble Cone ski fields called the Mahu Whenua Traverse. A documentary has been made about Erik's mission; Mountain Turks is currently screening at the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival. Kathryn speaks with Erik Bradshaw and the documentary's director, Mark Johansson.
Ron talks to Kathryn about what the Biden administration is saying about the Wagner Group revolt in Russia and the implications for Vladimir Putin and his ability to hold onto power. Also the 'indictment effect' on Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
Private details of voters names and addresses will no longer be available publicly, or be allowed to be sold to third parties, if recommendations by the independent electoral review are adopted. These are part of a sweeping review into the country's electoral system including a proposal to lower the voting age to 16, lowering the threshold for a party to make it into parliament from five percent to three-and-a-half per cent and a public referendum on a longer Parliamentary term. The review is also recommending a proposed a cap on the total amount a donor can make to a political party or candidate, and that financial donations to political parties above $1000 should be publicly reported. Kathryn speaks with Professor Andrew Geddis, a panel member of the Independent Electoral Review and a lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the University of Otago.
A landfill in the Wellington suburb of Tawa has been fined for a foul stench described by local residents as "sulphurous" or like "sewage", and which has been tormenting them for years. The Porirua City Council was fined after dozens of complaints were made in just a few hours on Saturday the 10th June, and another fine is possible for another smelly incident a few days later. The odour from the Spicer Landfill has been the source of hundreds of complaints to the Greater Wellington Regional Council in recent years. It is majority owned and managed by Porirua City Council. There were 148 complaints in the year to September 2021, 422 complaints in the year to September 2022 - and 894 complaints in just the last 8 months to June. Residents are frustrated that that the smell has been getting worse, despite efforts from the Porirua City Council - and are worried about plans to extend the life of the landfill to 2050. Kathryn hears from frustrated Tawa resident Phil Doomen, as well as David Down, the Porirua City Council water and waste manager.
Kennedy reflects on a visit to what is regarded as one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia: the marae complex at Taputapuatea, on the island of Ra'iatea, from where the voyagers who discovered Aotearoa set sail. He'll also talk about the NZ Garden Bird Survey, which is underway this week.
Cordon Bleu-trained chef Wendy Morgan pretty much grew up in a Canterbury pie shop. She's packaged up a lifetime's knowledge of pies into her debut cookbook - "Who Made all the Pies: The Ultimate Collection of Pastry Treats for Every Kiwi Household".
Political Commentators Lamia Imam and Liam Hehir join Kathryn to talk about the National Party's weekend conference and its pledge to introduce harsher sentences as part of its law and order policy. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has begun a week-long tour of China, what does a successful trip look like? Lamia and Liam will also discuss Michael Wood's implosion and what changes may come to how conflicts of interest are declared and the latest poll results.
A rates rise in on the card when the Thames Coromandel District Council meets tomorrow to discuss the annual plan and weekend rain has caused more roading problems on the Coromandel Peninsula. John Freer is CFM's news reporter.
Jane Westaway reviews Independence Square by Martin Cruz Smith, published by Simon & Schuster.
Traci Houpapa has been named amongst the BBC's 100 most influential women in the world and as one of the top ten most influential women in NZ agribusiness. Traci Houpapa has an extensive CV, she is an award-winning company director and she chairs the Federation of Maori Authorities and is also an advisor to Maori, Government, public and private sector entities on strategic and economic development.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn to talk about the silence from Vladimir Putin following the weekend's extraordinary armed mutiny and march on Moscow by Wagner mercenaries. Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who's been highly critical of Russia's war planning, has apparently agreed to go into exile in Belarus. And for the eighth week in a row, thousands of people across Serbia have turned out for protests against the government.
Two separate probes are underway into legal protection for Retirement Village residents, but advocates say they're taking so long, many won't be around to see the results. 55,000 New Zealanders live in retirement villages but residents have long complained about unfair terms that leave them out of pocket - backed by the Retirement Commissioner, who has said they have less protection than tenants in the private rental market. After years of lobbying, a review into the Retirement Village Act is now being conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and in May the Commerce Commission launched an investigation into potential breaches of the Fair-Trading Act. Neither is expected to report til at least next year. Brian Peat, President of the Retirement Village Resident's Association and Graham Wilkinson, the president of the Retirement Village Association speaks with Kathryn.
Special security measures remain in place in Moscow after the weekend's short-lived rebellion by the Wagner mercenary group. The measures were introduced when Wagner's leader Yevgeny Prigozhin instructed his troops to march on the capital after taking control of the southern city of Rostov-on Don. Prigozhin yesterday withdrew after an amnesty deal allowing him to move to Belarus was agreed. But what's the long-term damage? The US says the mutiny has exposed cracks in Vladimir Putin's leadership. Kathryn talks to Luke Harding, an award-winning Guardian journalist and former Moscow correspondent about the weekend's events and the longer-term implications. His latest book is called Invasion: Russia's Bloody War and Ukraine's Fight for Survival.
Comedians Te Radar and Michele A'Court with some eye raising stories including the exuberant Price is Right contestant in the US who dislocated his shoulder while gesticulating on the show.
The All Whites stand against racism has the football world talking.- but will the sport's governing body back them up? Sam also looks at what happens next and questions why the All Blacks stole the thunder from an epic-in-the-making Super Rugby Pacific decider.
The mystery of a new Hawke's Bay Hospital. Te Whatu Ora says it's too soon to be talking about the possibility of one, but Chris says that's what everyone's been doing for the past month or so. The chat started with Tukituki MP Anna Lorck, saying that it's Hawke's Bay's time, and the region is next on the list nationally, and that she'd heard a business case for a $700m+ new hospital was well advanced. Not so, said Te Whatu Ora, but then it gave a little nugget to everyone by saying it was doing a feasibility study. Chris Hyde is the Editor of Hawkes Bay Today.
Tilly Lloyd from Unity Books Wellington reviews The Future of Geography: How Power & Politics in Space Will Change Our World by Tim Marshall, published by Simon & Schuster.
Nathan James Thomas has lived away from New Zealand for 10 years, currently he's living in Europe. While traversing the globe he's carved out a living as a writer and he is the founding editor of Intrepid Times, which is an online magazine that publishes narrative travel writing. In his new book - Untethered - Living the digital nomad life in an uncertain world - there's a wealth of information for people contemplating the lifestyle. Untethered is a reality check and addresses the joys of, and the misconceptions about the digital nomadic life.
Fears are mounting that Manipur, in North East India, is on the brink of civil war. The state, which boarders Myanmar, is strategically significant, but tensions have long brewed with different armed separatist groups forming in across the state. There are reports groups have looted thousands of weapons from police armouries. In Japan, a parliamentary report released this week has found that 25,000 people were forcibly sterilised in Japan under its post-World War Two eugenics law. The law which targeted people with physical disabilities or those with mental illness challenges, was repealed in 1996. Two nine-year-olds were among those who were victims, And in Singapore, police are rolling out more patrolling robots, as the force continues to "augment frontline officers" as part of its strategy to boost police presence. Elizabeth Beattie is a journalist based in Tokyo.
Director Russell Chadwick's documentary Good Boy follows a very furry friendship and work relationship between US animal trainer Doug Seus and a 680 kilogram bear. Good Boy refers to a massive Kodiak Bear named Bart who has appeared in several Hollywood movies, including White Fang, Legends of the Fall, and the aptly named The Bear. The documentary is part of the Doc Edge Festival.
Tai Rawhiti residents are on edge as a state of emergency is in place again after being battered by heavy rain, with more expected tonight and over the weekend. A severe red weather warning the highest possible level is in place until Sunday. The inland community of Te Karaka has been hardest hit, where the Waipaoa river has burst its banks, and huge slips have been reported. Major roads across the region are closed, farms are sodden and slip prone, and some schools are closed. The advice across Tai Rawhiti is stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Kathryn hears from Toby Williams, Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chairperson who farms at Whangara, between Tolaga Bay and Gisborne, Sandra Faulkner who has a farm in Muriwai, south of Gisborne and is also a Federated Farmers board member, Greg Shelton, Tolaga Bay Civil Defence Manager and Jaclyn Hankin, Waka Kotahi NZTA's regional manager of maintenance and operations for the Central North Island.
Film and TV correspondent James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about a new offering from Disney, Elemental, which is in cinemas. Jennifer Lawrence has a new romantic comedy out called No Hard Feelings (cinemas). Idris Elba has a new airplane thriller series called Hijack, and Disney's Stan Lee documentary delves into the life of the man behind Marvel.
Sex therapist Jo Robertson on navigating the porn talk with neuro-divergent children, rainbow kids and children with disabilities. Jo is the Research and Training Lead for The Light Project, a charitable trust researching media influences on youth sexual culture and how to have positive conversations about it.
Technology correspondent Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to talk about the Commerce Commission's Telecommunications Monitoring Report and why rural telecoms is now the main political and regulatory frontier for the sector. Starlink's entry to New Zealand has made some think problems with rural access to broadband is now solved - but is it? Bill also looks at the implications for the massive data breach at Australian law firm HWL Ebsworth after a ransomware attack and why Reddit has suddenly become extremely popular.
The New Plymouth District Council has pushed ahead with an average rates rise of 12.4 percent despite being faced with an at times hostile Civic Centre crowd. Robin also has the latest on what's happening with Whanganui's velodrome. And success of the National Indoor Bowls Championship, hosted in New Plymouth with more than 500 people taking part.
Laura Caygill reviews This Is Not a Pity Memoir by Abi Morgan, published by HarperCollins
Kiwi swimming star Lewis Clareburt has his sights firmly set on next year's Paris Olympics and is considered a real medal prospect, but as a top international swimmer he's chosen an unconventional road as he chases Olympic glory. The 23-year old set the pool alight at Birmingham last year, winning two gold medals and becoming the first Kiwi man to win Commonwealth Games gold since Moss Burmester in 2006. Four years earlier he'd won Commonwealth bronze. But rather than pursuing his sport overseas or taking up a lucrative US college scholarship, the Wellingtonian chooses to live, work and train in the capital, swimming at local pools, often seen sharing a public lane. Clareburt, who is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria University is coached by Gary Hollywood who says the medley specialist has the ability to be the best in the world if he wants to be. Lewis Clareburt joins Kathryn to tell her about his Olympic preparation and the challenges of being an elite swimmer based in New Zealand.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opting out of endorsing a report that his predecessor Boris Johnson mislead Parliament over Partygate. It comes as an invitation for staff aides to "jingle and mingle" at a Christmas party in 2020 under lockdown restrictions surfaced. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is to haul Britain's lenders in as the mortgage rate crisis continues to bite and a gang targeting luxury cars in leafy Surrey suburbs has been busted - in some cases the cars were already being sold over the Channel before their owners woke up and realised they were missing.
More "banging" noises have been heard from the ocean in the search for a missing submersible that had been visiting the wreck of the Titanic, but authorities still don't know what the sounds are. Rescuers are now focusing their search on a remote area of the Atlantic Ocean where the undersea noises were detected. Search and rescue teams are in a race against time to find the vessel with five people on board - it's estimated their oxygen will run out by tonight. A massive operation led by the US Coastguard is underway, but they are describing it as "extremely complicated". Kathryn speaks to Stefan Williams, a professor of Marine Robotics at the University of Sydney.
Toxic landfill under a South Dunedin seaside sportsfield is presenting an expensive barrier to shoring up against coastal erosion. Kettle Park tops a former landfill site, where rubbish was dumped in the first half of the last century. It's right next to the sand dunes at St Claire's Middle Beach. As part of Dunedin City Council's long term Coastal Plan to protect the wider St Clair to St Kilda coast from sea level rise, environmental and engineering consultancy Tonkin + Taylor has drilled 60 boreholes in Kettle Park to analyse soil samples. They found copper, lead and zinc, some in very high concentrates. The Tonkin + Taylor report warns of the risk of exposing the waste following a series of storms which have eroded the dune system over the past ten to fifteen years. It's estimated excavating the site could run to tens of millions of dollars, unless alternative barriers are put in place to prevent the sea from clawing out the contents of the rubbish dump. Kathryn speaks with Mayor of Dunedin, Jules Radich.
Staff and students at Victoria University in Wellington have been shocked at the institution's cost-saving plans, which would involve axing hundreds of positions and getting rid of whole subjects. The university has a forecast $33m deficit, but the cuts would see 229 full-time roles cut and subjects like secondary teaching, German, Italian, Latin, tourism management, theatre, design tech and geophysics gone entirely. The TEU yesterday held a rally at the university and has pledged to fight the cuts. Kathryn speaks to Dr Sue Cherrington, who's head of the Wellington Faculty of Education, president of the VUWSA Jessica Ye and New Zealand School of Music student Cadence Chung.
Simran joins Kathryn to discuss why women are disproportionately affected during a recession compared to men. Simran Kaur is the co-host of the podcast Girls That Invest. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
Oranga Tamariki has launched two investigations after allegations of staff at its youth residences acting inappropriately to young people. Chief executive Chappie Te Kani says the allegations involve inappropriate sexual behaviour. The police are investigating and Oranga Tamariki will conduct its own internal investigation. From parliament, RNZ Deputy Political editor Craig McCulloch.
When Brittany Farrant-Smith finally sought help for her eating disorder, her own GP told her she had nothing to worry about - and she should go "eat a bar of chocolate every day". Her friends had staged an intervention to get her to the doctor - now they insisted she seek a second opinion. That doctor referred her for treatment that would - after time on a lengthy waitlist - see her get the intensive treatment and therapy she needed. She's now written a book that she wishes she'd had as she undertook her journey back to health. It aims to correct the misconceptions about eating disorders, point out the lies of diet culture and share the recovery stories of others. It's called Living Full: A Guide to Overcoming your Eating Disorder and Brittany joins Kathryn to talk about what she hopes people will take away from it.
RNZ reporter Tess Brunton joins Kathryn to talk about the decision to cut a multi-million dollar centre that would've housed teaching and professional development from Dunedin's new health precinct. Concerns dozens of migrant workers are being exploited by Queenstown employers who are not meeting minimum conditions required by their visas. And whanau have been offered support in the wake of last week's raids in Southland that resulted in 85 charges against at least 20 people linked to the Mongrol Mob.
After taking many knocks on the field former All Black front rower Carl Hayman talks about the effects of his early onset dementia and the degenerative brain condition CTE chronic traumatic encephalopathy. He debuted for the All Blacks at aged 21, as the 1000th All Black, and went on to play 45 tests, in a 17-year professional rugby career, retiring at 35. He is now one of nearly 400 former rugby union, rugby league and football players who are taking legal action against sports governing bodies on claims they suffered brain injuries during their careers. The 43 year old wants the revelation of his degenerative brain condition - CTE or chronic traumatic encephalopathy - to lead to changes for current and future rugby players. His memoir, Head On, co written with Dylan Cleaver, also reveals the hard drinking culture in rugby in Hayman's formative years; that he is an alcoholic who has used booze to self medicate physically and emotionally over many years.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about Parliament finally passing legislation to enable a referendum later this year on whether to enshrine formal recognition of Indigenous people via a permanent advisory body to government in the constitution. New South Wales is to consider broadening its rollout of seatbelts on buses in the wake of a horror crash that killed 10 in a wedding party. There's been an outcry over hospital patients in Queensland being housed at a Gold Coast theme park due to bed shortages. And confectionary stalwart Fantales are no more... Karen Middleton is chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper.
A veteran banker says the Commerce Commission's inquiry into banking will achieve "diddly squat". The regulator is to do a market study of the banking industry, looking into competition for personal banking service: loans, mortgages, credit cards and other services.It will also look into the ability of consumers to switch banks easily and barriers to new entrants.The government has asked the Commerce Commission to undertake the probe, citing record high profits of more than 7-billion dollars raised concerns that the industry is not working well for New Zealanders.The banking sector says there is plenty of competition in their sector but they'll cooperate with the inquiry.David Cunningham has been in the banking sector for over 30 years, both with Westpac and latterly as Chief Executive of The Co-operative bank. He says the inquiry will be thorough but will not deliver any change.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts will file for liquidation today, after two options to take over management failed to gain enough support among creditors at a crucial meeting yesterday. The coming days are pivotal as the liquidator tries to sell the assets of Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas to two separate bidders. A big question is whether Department of Conservation concessions can be transferred to new owners in enough time for the ski areas to open in a matter of weeks. Since RAL went into voluntary administration late last year, owing $45 million, PWC's John Fisk and Richard Nacey have been trying to stitch a deal together to enable the ski areas to continue. John Fisk says yesterday's vote was the worst possible outcome. So with the clock ticking, can a deal still be done?
Earlier this morning the All Whites refused to take the field in the second half of their match against Qatar in Austria because of racial abuse. New Zealand Football said on social media that Michael Boxall was racially abused during the first half by a Qatari player...adding that because no action was taken by match officials the team decided not to come out for the second half. And the first All Black squad of the year has been announced with 36 players named for the Rugby Championship, Glen unpacks who has made the cut.
A historical mystery novel set in 1914 Fiji takes readers back to the era of British colonialism - and an economy supported by indentured labourers brought over from India to work on the nation's sugar cane plantations. A Disappearance in Fiji is on the surface a whodunnit set in tropical Suva, but at its heart, it's a story of the plight of indentured Indian labourers and the impact of British colonialism in the Pacific. It's the work of Nilima Rao, an Australian debut author who has been looking at her own Fijian Indian heritage and has traced the story of her great grandparents who went to Fiji in the early 1900s to escape poverty.
Victoria discusses two recent big developments involving pharmacy retailers - The move to scrap a $5 prescription charge and a victory by independent pharmacies in their case against Countdown supermarkets. A key argument the independents made was that the DHBs had been wrongly swayed by Countdown pharmacies' policy to waive the government's $5 prescription fee on most medicines. What does this mean for the sector and for the likes of Chemist Warehouse. Victoria also looks at commercial property trends. BusinessDesk investigations editor, Victoria Young
What was once a commercial airport is now struggling to retain users and investment. Mary talks to Kathryn about whether Masterton's Hood Aerodrome is stagnating. She also elaborates on why Wairarapa is a perfect example of how New Zealand runs on volunteers. In the spirit of Volunteer Week Mary highlights the work of the Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade's Medical First Response and the Wairarapa Rescue Trust. And Christmas is coming early to Greytown with the month long festival of Christmas kicking off in July.
A challenge to swim every lake in the South Island, no matter how cold the water and how hard they are to reach, has brought together a Queenstown swimming club. Members of the Southern Lakes Swimming Club set a challenge to swim every named lake in the South Island. Realising the scale of the project, but also the opportunity it presented for keen outdoor swimmers, they opened it up to all swim clubs in Te Waipounamu. So far about 90 lakes have be ticked off the list but more than 250 lakes remain to be swum in the Lake Attack Challenge, with swimmers going to extraordinary lengths to reach some of the most remote lakes. It's now the subject of a short film Out of the Pool and Into the Wild, which will premiere at the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival this Sunday. Kathryn speaks with Paul Jaquin, the president of the Southern Lakes Swimming Club who came up with the Lake Attack Challenge, alongside the film's director Marijn Wouters, and Sara Metzger, another keen swimmer in the Southern Lakes Swimming Club.
The US secretary of state Antony Blinken has just visited China meeting with leader Xi Jinping and other officials. He has described the Beijing talks as candid, substantive and constructive. His previous scheduled visit was delayed as a Chinese spy balloon flew over the US, before being shot down. And it's Juneteeth in the US, the third year since the holiday was given federal status by President Biden in 2021. It commemorates the fall of slavery in Galveston, Texas. Ximena Bustillo is an NPR politics reporter based in Washington
After two years in the making a new disability centre for pre-schoolers has opened in Napier aimed at helping children with developmental differences. The Pudney Hub is the creation of Esk Valley couple Glenn Bond and Clare Pudney. Clare who is a Speech Language Therapist is the Clinical Director of the facility, while Glenn who has background with not for profit organisations is the executive director. The couple say it's a much-needed resource for parents and caregivers needing help for their young children with disabilities to reach their full potential. The centre's focus is providing education and support, including speech-language and occupational therapy, to children under five. Glenn Bond says it's a difficult road for whanau, when their child isn't meeting developmental milestones and there's limited support available for pre-schoolers in the regions.
Dairy owners are vying for a place on a scaled-back list of retailers who will hold on to their smoked tobacco licence by the year's end. Only one in 10 shops who currently sell cigarettes will still be able to by next July - a cutback from 6000 dairies to 600. It's part of the bid to make New Zealand smokefree by 2025, but despite that goal being embarked upon as far back as 2011, some shop owners feel 'sprung upon', due to the late rush of policy change. It is a double edged sword. In some cases cigarette sales revenue accounts for up to half of a dairy's revenue stream - and a spot on the list is a lifeline. But with 230 ram raids in the first four months of this year, security concerns are rife for those who will continue being able to sell cigarettes, causing some, like Pukekohe's Lochview Dairy owner Ravi Singh, to opt out - despite the crushing financial losses. Dairy and Business Owners Group chair Sunny Kaushal is leading a group of concerned owners to Parliament tomorrow, urging for more clarity over the reduced list, which is set to be decided by November.
Urban issues correspondent Bill McKay jumps back in history to a time when the Railways Department ran a successful building programme in the 1920s that ensured its employees had somewhere to stay. 1600 houses were built, often in the space of two weeks by 2 - 3 carpenters. It was a forerunner to the famous state houses of the First Labour Government. Could we learn something from this prefab period in our history? Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Rewena baker George Jackson's bread flies off the shelves of his Whanganui shop which opens three days a week. The Rewena recipe has been in his family for generations. George Jackson says it's all about keeping it real and traditional.
The Government has released its draft plan for the Emissions Trading Scheme to incentivise greater emissions reductions instead of just planting trees. The scheme is a government-run market where polluters buy credits to emit.Under current settings it is cheaper to for firms to buy credits from tree planting rather than actually cutting pollution. The Climate Change Commission believes the ETS in its current form is a threat to achieving the country's reduction targets. Hamish tells Kathryn the Government wants public feedback on its plan, as well as on how to treat permanent forests planted in order to sell credits on the scheme.
NZ Herald Supercity reporter Bernard Orsman says it's been a few weeks of drama around the Auckland Council budget, which finally passed last week after months of public debate and contentious final meetings. Wayne Brown's first budget as Mayor was approved by a vote of 14-6, with one abstention. Majority agreement was reached to sell a 7 per cent stake in Auckland Airport. And it's a big day for motorists in the region today with the opening of the long awaited 18 kilometre, $880m Puhoi to Warkworth motorway.
The FIFA Women's World Cup kicks-off at Eden Park on July 20th. It's in the league of being the most attended women's sporting event ever. Kathryn speaks with FIFA's Chief Women's Football Officer, Sarai Bareman who's running the show, and is the world leader in women's football. Sarai's journey to FIFA towers in Zurich began in West Auckland, were she grew up in a rugby-mad family, herself playing at Massey Rugby Club, before switching codes and progressing as a footballer to represent Samoa. Today her goal is to have sixty million women involved in football.
Debora talks to Kathryn about whether Vladimir Putin come to South Africa for BRICS? The summit comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will be held in Johannesburg in August. Also African leaders have been visiting Ukraine and Russia with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa says the war must end. And Debora discusses the reaction and ramifications of severe anti-gay legislation in Uganda, including potential death penalty
University of Auckland Audiology Professor, Grant Searchfield says older people with undetected and untreated hearing loss are at risk of more rapid cognitive decline. With an ageing population, in the next 20 years, people with dementia is set to double. Professor Searchfield says multiple studies of ageing populations have shown that people with normal hearing, or with hearing normalised through the use of hearing aids have better cognition - than those with hearing loss who are not using aids. He says a Government subsidy for the devices, while not a cure for dementia, could potentially reduce the escalating costs of dementia care.
The Commerce Commission is investigating whether food delivery service HelloFresh has breached the Fair Trading Act for charging customers for meal kits they haven't ordered, sometimes even sending debt collectors for payment of unwanted boxes. In the past 12 months, the Commerce Commission has received 104 complaints about HelloFresh, including problems with subscriptions, promotions, pricing, quality and refunds. People have also been frustrated by the company's poor customer service where complaints or questions have to go through a chat function on the app or website. Customers who do manage to find a phone number, say they encounter unhelpful customer service representatives, described by consumer advocates as being well-known tactics to make cancelling subscriptions as difficult as possible. Kathryn speaks with Aucklander Francine Cameron, one of the many customers who's had problems with HelloFresh, and Chief Executive of Consumer NZ, Jon Duffy.
Comedians Donna Brookbanks and Irene Pink with some stories to smile at, including the first edition copy of George Orwell's 1984 which has been returned to an Oregon library - it was checked out 65 years ago!
New Zealand is starting to have honest conversations about rugby and its increasingly unstable throne at the top of the sporting food chain in Aotearoa. Sam an breaks down what this means and what we're missing in the debate - as well as the big sporting topics of the week.
Kelly Makiha has been covering the case of Jodie Nicoll who has spoken out about being sexually abused for nearly 3 decades at hands of her step-father. He has been sentenced to 10 years preventive detention. Kelly is also covering a current case where a leading entertainment figure in on trial for the rape and sexual assault of nine women. Also, there's been a damning report on the Four Canoes Hotel by FENZ - stating likely death or injury likely in the event of fire. And there's a new luxury spa is in Rotorua, the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa has opened just in time for winter.
Carole Beu of the Women's Bookshop in Auckland reviews Where Light Meets Water by Susan Paterson, published by Simon & Schuster Australia.
A spectacular collection of Persian and oriental handmade carpets, all hand-picked by Wellington man Richard Pointon, are being celebrated in an exhibition, a final tribute before his business closes its doors after 37 years. Richard Pointon passed away in 2020, after dedicating his life to collecting and selling beautiful unique carpets. Over the course of his career he travelled many times to Turkey, India, Nepal, China, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, developing life-long friendships with the people he worked with. He was also instrumental in setting up initiatives in India and Afghanistan to help preserve old weaving techniques. His Petone-based business, the Richard Pointon Collection, is set to close in a few months' time. But first, a selection of some of his finest pieces from the collection have formed an exhibition at Drive-Thru gallery in Wellington. Kathryn speaks with Richard's son, Nicholas Pointon, and also Kane Laing, owner of Drive-Thru gallery and a former employee of Richard Pointon's.
RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins has a raft of stories including a United States Government official, Bill Russo saying Washington needs to be judged by its actions as it recommits to greater involvement in the Pacific. Also Koroi details Pacific territories representation at the UN decolonisation committee in New York. They are also driving momentum at the International Marine Organisation to clean up international shipping. And in sport a look at Tonga's teams for the forthcoming world cups in netball and men's rugby. They include superstars who formerly appeared for Australia and New Zealand.
The adventuring began a few years ago when Brad Ryan realised his Ohio based Grandmother, Joy Ryan had never seen a mountain. A plan was hatched for them to visit all 63 US national parks. Now aged 92, Joy and grandson Brad last month completed their mission, when they spent time in the National Park of American Samoa. They're back home in the US. You can follow their epic journey on instragram @grandmajoysroadtrip
An energy drink that has nearly twice the legal limit of caffeine is banned in New Zealand, but is still for sale on Facebook marketplace. Prime energy drinks contain 597 milligrams of caffeine per litre, while the legal limit is 320 milligrams of caffeine per litre. Some retailers were selling the drink until they were issued with warnings of prosecution and fines of up to $100,000 for selling the drink. Listings on Trade Me were also eventually pulled, but the drink is still for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Public health experts are particularly worried about the risks of children consuming these drinks, which are heavily promoted by influencers on YouTube, like boxer Logan Paul and rapper KSI. Kathryn speaks with Jenny Bishop, Food Safety acting deputy director-general at MPI and Dr Ali Hill from the Department of Human Nutrition at the University of Otago.
An independent investigation is underway into how an RNZ digital journalist was able to insert Russian propaganda into stories about the war in Ukraine. RNZ has stood down the journalist and since last Friday has reviewed 300 of 7000 international stories he edited and published on the RNZ website. 22 have been corrected. Dr Joan Donovan is at the forefront of research into media manipulation, disinformation and online extremism. She is Research Director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. She has testified before Congress, and recently published "Meme Wars," a book she coauthored with two other members of the Technology and Social Change Project. She's in New Zealand with the support of the US State Department speaking at a series of meetings and workshops in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.
Film and TV reviewer James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about Kiwi comedy Homebound 3.0 (Three), a new series from Disney that catches us up on The Full Monty boys 25 years on, Based on a True Story (TNVZ), for all the true crime podcast fans still waiting for season three of Only Murders in the Building to land and You Hurt My Feelings (cinemas), which stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Most babies say their first word sometime between 12 and 18 months of age. But for some young children, language takes a bit longer. Kathryn talks with speech and language therapist Christian Wright about developing the communication skills of late talkers - children who by 18 months are using less than 20 spoken words. He'll answer your questions - email them to ninetonoon@rnz.co.nz or text us on 2101.
Technology correspondent Paul Matthews looks at new rules adopted overnight by the EU around AI use in an effort to manage the privacy risk while adopting the technology. What do the new rules say? And in New Zealand, MBIE, became the first government ministry to ban ChatGPT use by staff last week. Paul will also look at new Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino and what her appointment might mean for the troubled platform. Also: Romance scams, investment scams, text scams and more as a big rise in digital scams - online and via text - hits New Zealand. What should you look out for?
The Whanganui and Ruapehu public remain up in arms about high petrol prices in their districts, significantly higher than Rangitikei, so why are locals having to pay through the nozzle? Mike also talks to Kathryn about what's happening on the Castlecliff coastline, and why a popular Whanganui swimming sport is now in a sorry state. Also community stalwart Eddie Tofa's latest charity fundraiser. Eddie runs the River City Boxing Gym and is the boss of the Whanganui Boxing Association.
Shaun Barnett reviews Great Stories of New Zealand Conservation by Alan Froggatt, published by Upstart Press.
In 2018, Ben Lott was competing in the GODZone adventure challenge when he fell, suffering a life changing brain injury. Within weeks, he'd lost his speech, his job, his partner and some of his friends. Someone who didn't leave his side was fellow racer, Scott Worthington. As Ben faced an arduous recovery, Scott encouraged him to set goals to get back into nature. After tramps, kayaking trips and bike rides, the pair their sights on a slightly bigger challenge; the Yukon 1000, the world's longest canoe race. Capturing that journey was journalist Mike White, who accompanied the pair on their trip to Canada. It's now the subject of a short film - Finding Ben, screening at the Mountain Film and Book Festival.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn for the latest on the attacks in Nottingham that left three people dead. Boris Johnson has quit Parliament, now he awaits the verdict from a Parliamentary inquiry into Covid parties during lockdown. His resignation also prompted others to quit - although there is some doubt about whether Johnson ally Nadine Dorries has actually done so.
Four months after Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread damage to infrastructure around the North Island, a crucial link on the East Coast's State Highway 35 has been reconnected today with the opening of the Hikuwai Bailey Bridge. The bridge connects Gisborne and Tolaga Bay with the rest of the East Coast, including Tokumaru Bay, Ruatoria and the East Cape. It's a major step in Tairawhiti's recovery after the cyclone, but stretches of the state highway are still vulnerable, and residents fear they're just another big storm away from being cut off yet again. Some people have had to change doctors and other health care from Gisborne to Whakatane as roads have become too unreliable. Kathryn speaks with Jaclyn Hankin, Waka Kotahi NZTA's regional manager of maintenance and operations for the Central North Island and Mahanga Maru, a Ruatoria local and owner of Air Ruatoria.
Anger is mounting among parents of high school students missing out due to on-going teacher strikes. The Government and the Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) have been in negotiations for almost a year. While primary school teachers have reached a settlement, secondary teachers rejected the latest Ministry of Education collective agreement offer. Two year levels each day are being rostered home, across four days of the week. A parent petition to the Ministry of Education and the PPTA went on line on Monday pleading to stop the rostered days off. Kathryn is joined by Ngaire White, whose 16 year old daughter was sprung a mock maths exam with less than a day's notice because of impending strike action, and Hamilton-based parent of two Jono Skipwith who launched the petition. Also, senior education lecturer at the University of Waikato, Dr Katrina McChesney who, while sympathising with parents and students, thinks the action is necessary to forestall further teacher shortages.
Science correspondent Laurie Winkless joins Kathryn to talk about why severe air turbulence is getting worse. A new study from the University of Reading took 40 years of observations from aircraft and satellite and found the likelihood of hitting clear-air turbulence has increased. So where are you most likely to encounter it? She'll also talk about a new study which has found squeezing molecules together could help reduce chemical waste and how robots in sewers are helping to combat dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Laurie Winkless is a physicist and science writer.
Psychologist Karen Nimmo says her clients often speak about their regrets, thinking about what might have been, or wishing some aspects of their lives had panned out differently. Karen talks to Kathryn about some of the most common regrets people have.
The Gore District Council saga continues with a petition calling chief executive Stephen Parry to resign presented at a council meeting yesterday. The petition had gained nearly 4900 signatures. It alleged there was a toxic, bullying culture the Gore District Council's CEO has a known history of. Former Invercargill Mayor, Sir Tim Shadbolt is wanting a statue to be made and erected in the city in his honour. However, Che says it appears the current mayor Nobby Clark doesn't agree. Sir Tim has declined to have a prominent Invercargill reserve, or the swimming pool, named after him as a part of a civic tribute.
Chris joins Kathryn to look at this weekend's Kings Birthday awards, and the historic parity they've created for women. For the first time in five-decades the honours had an equal number of female recipients, including the three highest levels of achievement. So who received them? And an inquiry is set to get underway into the domestic violence deaths of four Aboringinal women in the Northern Territory. It seeks to explain why, despite multiple red flags and calls for help, the women were unable to be saved.
The future of skiing on Mt Ruapehu is reaching a critical point with a watershed creditors meeting set for next week. Cabinet has agreed to support separate private bidders to run Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields after the previous operator, Ruapehu Alpine lifts, went into voluntary administration last year, owing millions of dollars. Whakapapa Holdings Ltd and Pure Turoa are separately seeking to purchase the assets of the respective ski areas, and want to open for skiing and boarding in the coming weeks. However a group of life pass holders are putting up a separate proposal to keep the ski areas in community ownership. Next Tuesday RAL creditors - including that block of life pass holders, will vote on the proposals. Meanwhile local iwi have criticised the process, saying they have not been adequately consulted. Kathryn speaks with head of Whakapapa Holdings, former Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas' chief executive Dave Mazey; and Sam Clarkson Life Pass Holders' representative and local business operator.
An academic is warning cuts to university staff is short-sighted and will undermine the government's own science goals. Hundreds of academic jobs at the University of Otago and Victoria University of Wellington face being cut as tertiary institutions across the country tackle ballooning costs and declining roles. Dr Nicola Gaston is the co-director of the MacDiarmid Institute and a professor in the department of physics at The University of Auckland. She says the proposed cuts not only jeopardise the national research capability but also highlight the need for a collective approach to address the funding crisis. She is calling for a rethink of how we fund and operate our universities and research institutes.
Stuff senior sports writer Marc Hinton looks ahead to the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals and the Crusaders-Blues rivalry. Ian Foster will unveil his first squad of 36 All Blacks this weekend, can we expect any new faces?. The Warriors have had another statement performance for the NZ NRL side with a 36-14 victory over Canberra across the ditch. And with Serbia's Novak Djokovic crowned grand slam champion in the French Open over the weekend in Paris, the debate continues about whether he's the greatest male tennis player of all time.
As the cost of living continues to put the squeeze on many households, we look at new research from Consumer NZ which suggests insurance is becoming a casualty. Many people are choosing to cancel or not renew their house or contents insurance - but are there ways to bring down the cost of your premiums and still have the cover you need?Consumer has also looked into the power providers leading the pack when it comes to happy customers, and the top tips to make your money go further when you're travelling. Gemma Rasmussen, head of campaigns and communications for Consumer joins Kathryn.
The Finance Minister of France has secured another deal to combat rising grocery prices for consumers, with firms such as multinational Unilever agreeing to cut prices on hundreds of products. What is being done in New Zealand to make food more affordable?. Rebecca also talks to Kathryn about ChatGPT's owner OpenAI being been hit with a defamation lawsuit, believed to be the first of its kind. And Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, is heading to America, and the mega-deal matches his greatness.
The invasive Gold Clam has been found in the Waikato River. Andrew says it's a concern because the exotic species is a prolific breeder - producing 400 offspring in one day - which can clog up water-based infrastructure like water treatment plants and irrigation systems. Fieldays kicks off tomorrow - after Covid it's now back to its regular June schedule and a decision is due on Friday on the final plan for Founders Theatre.
Dad and daughter Rajorshi & Leela Chakraborti, dreamed up the plot for a children's book on walks together during the first lockdown. Leela was just 8 years old then. Now, their book The Bad Smell Hotel, has just been published. It is set in the future, where robots do everything for humans, but where flatulence afflicts so many people that children have to leave their families and live in Bad Smell Hotels. The hero, Jerry, manages to resolve the crisis. Raj is the author of six novels, one of which was longlisted for the 2019 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Leela is 11 now, at intermediate school, and they both join Kathryn with their story.
Ron joins Kathryn to talk about tomorrow's scheduled court appearance for former President Donald Trump on 37 charges relating to how he handled classified documents after he left the White House. He's landed back in Miami to face the charges, which he denies, and many of his supporters have travelled to Florida to support him, raising security concerns. Meanwhile Ron says Congress is hobbled by internal struggles of Republicans, and Democrats continue to have doubts about President Biden. Ron Elving is a senior editor and correspondent, Washington Desk for NPR News
A new study investigating the availability of reliable broadband in rural areas, and the impact this has on lives and businesses, is being welcomed by farmers. The Commerce Commission's study aims to paint a picture of the rural telecommunications market, including the options available to communities, businesses and farmers, beyond the national UFB fibre footprint, and how these are priced and performing. Fibre has been rolled out to 87 percent of the country's households, mainly in urban areas. That means more than one in every ten homes don't have it, mainly in rural areas. Federated Farmers did a survey last year showing coverage, reliability and speed of mobile and internet services for many farming families and businesses are treading water, if not going backwards. Almost 1 in 5 farms are moving to relatively expensive satellite broadband, such as Star Link, where fibre isn't available. Kathryn speaks with Federated Farmers national telecommunications chairperson Richard McIntyre and Chief Executive of the Tech Users Group Craig Young, who is also welcoming the review, but cautions satellite connection is not a good enough option.
Is New Zealand ready for the scale of electrification it's going to need in the future? And what will it cost us to get there? Kathryn's guest this morning is the former chief executive of the Electricity Networks Association, which represents all 27 lines companies that operate the poles and wires bringing power to homes and businesses across the country. Graeme Peters left last month after eight years in the role, but his departing comment that households will be paying twice as much as they do now for electricity within five years generated some headlines. More sectors, like transport, are going electric - and that's going to require more investment in electricity generation and distribution - with a corresponding increase in charges. Graeme joins Kathryn to talk about the implications.
Today Kennedy speaks to us from the island of Ra'iatea in French Polynesia, the island from which the discovers of Aotearoa set forth centuries ago. He also speaks about his new underwater memoir which is being launched this coming Sunday.
Northland's Veggie Tree Cook School creator Anna Valentine with tips on getting more plant based food onto your plate. From how to make a vege stock to a meatless cottage pie loaded with nutrients, there are more than 100 vegetarian based recipes in her new book Abundance. And Anna says they can easily be adapted to vegan or gluten free meals.
A Parliamentary inquiry has been launched and Michael Wood has temporarily lost his transport portfolio, after he failed to disclose and sell his shares in Auckland Airport. Mr Wood told the Cabinet Office numerous times he would dispose of the shares, but had failed to do so. Neale, Tim and Kathryn discuss whether he will be able to return as Transport Minister. National says the government has killed the He Waka Eke Noa plan, and that it is no longer a bipartisan process. Party leader Christopher Luxon claims the government is no longer working in consensus with the sector on its agricultural emissions plan. And a new poll is suggesting crime is registering more and more as a concern with voters Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, was the National Party Campaign Director in 2020. He is a director of several companies, including Museum Street Strategies, a public affairs firm.
Samantha details the lengthy fundraising efforts by Motueka locals for an indoor swimming pool. Also an update on West Coast flood protection funding, Nelson's flood recovery, Blenheim's new library's continuing woes, and Nelson's Tahunanui Beach closes this week for excavation of contaminated sawdust.
Billy Bush played 37 games for the All Blacks between 1974 and 1979, achieved a century of games for Canterbury and captained for the Maori All Blacks. Since his playing days, he has been involved in the sport as a coach and an administrator. His services to rugby have also resulted in being appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and he is a life member of the NZ Maori Rugby Board. Now 74, he drives buses on long haul runs around the South Island. His new book Billy Bush: A Front Row View on Life has been co written with Phil Gifford.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn to talk about the early successes being reported by Kyiv, as Ukraine launches its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russian forces.
A Gisborne-based research project is using MRI scanning to study the impacts of methamphetamine in the brain. Early data from the 'The Matai meth recovery study' project is showing changes to the brain are potentially reversible. Kathryn speaks with the principal researcher, and a community advocate who has himself overcome a meth addiction.
There is concern the years-long waitlist for sperm donors is driving people towards unregulated Facebook groups, in their desperation to start a family. Fertility Associates group medical director Dr Andrew Murray and Love Makes a Family founder Christian Newman speak to Kathryn Ryan.
Comedians Michele A'Court and Irene Pink with the Friday funnies, including smiling lessons in Japan for people who became so used to wearing face marks during the pandemic, they're being taught how to grin again.
At last there's peace in our times for golf - but who is the real winner in the proposed merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf? Dana has the details on the extraordinary development, and casts her eye over the Silver Ferns line-up for next month's Netball World Cup.
Wellington indie singer/ songwriter Lontalius (Eddie Johnston) releases his fourth album this week, and it's a luxuriously sad delight. We'll hear two songs from that today, followed by an early track from Northampton's Bigga Bush and a dancefloor classic from Grace Jones, who just turned 75.
Kawerau District Council is under fire from its community who are fed up with paru or muddy water coming from their taps. The town that once boasted it had some of the best drinking water in the country has been dissatisfied with the water since the council started chlorinating the system in 2019 to comply with new national standards. Diane also talks to Kathryn about submissions for the Eastern Bay of Plenty local alcohol policy and a quirky story about people making music with the aid of tractor noise.
Roger Christensen of Unity Books Auckland reviews Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley, published by Oneworld Publications.
Science writer Michael Spector isn't alone in thinking the Covid-19 pandemic has ushered in dramatic and lasting change across the world - he just thinks most of us have overlooked what could be the greatest scientific development in the history of humanity. In his new audiobook Higher Animals: Vaccines, Synthetic Biology, and the Future of Life, he explores how mRNA vaccines have transformed the scientific landscape and helped spark a biotechnology revolution. He also believes we have only just scratched the surface of what the technology is capable of. He talks to Kathryn about the many ways the technology is going to change the way we live and how we need to safeguard against it's potential misuse.
As the death toll from a three train collision in Odisha, India, Ed talks to Kathryn about the reprisals and political fallout from the tragedy. Also, reports this week have suggested that the head of the CIA made a secret visit to China in May in an urgent bid to get relations between the two superpowers back onto a more stable footing. And in South Korea Seoul residents were told to evacuate the city in a false alarm after a failed North Korea satellite launch. Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times.
Daniel Mulholland a master-builder, only his bricks come in bright colours and are made of hard plastic. Dan tells Kathryn his relationship with LEGO is a bit more intense than the average person. He's a medic: from the age of seventeen with the NZ Army, and then as a paramedic. During his career he's witnessed a lot of trauma. Following a diagnosis of PTSD and depression he's rebuilt his life, with the help LEGO, and a community of fellow Big Kids, which he helped to establish. Now he's the subject of a sweet film Big Kids premiering in the DOC Edge Film festival tonight.
Airlines are pushing back on Auckland Airport's plans to raise landing charges from July, to help fund its multi-billion dollar renovation plans. That plan includes integrating the domestic and international terminals, a new baggage system, and airfield expansion. Passenger charges for both domestic and international jets will double during the next five years, starting next month.Rivals Qantas - which owns Jetstar - and Air New Zealand, quickly united in a warning that the charges would need to be passed onto travellers, and this could "close the door" on tourism. Cath O'Brien is the CEO of the Board of Airline Representatives - or BARNZ. Also Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui.
Auckland councillors head into a second day of debate in their efforts to finalise Mayor Wayne Brown's budget, The proposed share sale of airport shares is expected to dominate proceedings and several amendments have been tabled in a bid to break the impasse. his includes looking at alternatives to the contentious selling off of the city's airport shares. During a a nine hour meeting yesterday, the Mayor backed down on selling all 18 percent of the council's Auckland Airport shares - settling now for just eight percent..This scenario would achieve savings of $28 million next year. Mr Brown has proposed a general rates increase of 7.7 percent for residential households, which is one percent higher than the previous figure. Simon Wilson is a Senior Writer NZ Herald based in Auckland and he is keeping watch on proceedings.
Film and TV reviewer Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about Deadloch (Prime Video), an Australian comedy thriller starring New Zealand's own Madeleine Sami, who was interviewed on Nine to Noon two weeks ago. He'll also look at the New Zealand debut of its own version of Couples Therapy (ThreeNow) and Platonic starring Seth Rogan and Rose Byrne.
Angela Pedersen is the founder of Oh Baby, pregnancy and parenting magazine and the mother of three teenagers. She says in the face of challenging behaviour, ensuring children have clearly set boundaries in their early years can pay dividends for parenting adolescents.
Technology journalist Peter Griffin is along to talk about how China has gained the edge in key technologies and how a central part of the AUKUS pact between Australia, the UK and US looks at how to counter that. Peter will talk about what those critical technologies are, and argue the case that New Zealand would benefit from joining the non-nuclear part of AUKUS. He'll also discuss Infratil's move to buy up a remaining stake in One New Zealand - formerly Vodafone and give his take on Apple's new Vision Pro headset.
A memorial service will be held in Wellington for the Loafers Lodge residents who died in last month's fire and Georgina has details about what the money raised by the mayoral relief fund is going towards. Meanwhile a man appeared in court this week on five counts of murder related to the fatal fire. Also Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has had a tough week and she has commented that criticism of her meeting attendance is gendered. And seven city councillors have lost confidence in the Let's Get Wellington Moving.
David Hill reviews Under the Weather by James Renwick, published by HarperCollins Publishers NZ.
British writer Victoria Smith's new book HAGS, the Demonisation of Middle Age Women focuses on a generation of women, whom she says are vilified by society. Past "the three Fs" (fertility, femininity, and f***ability) and now invisible, she argues. The concept of an older woman as a shrew or a witch, has a long history and representations in popular culture. What is different for the Gen X middle age woman, Victoria Smith tells Kathryn Ryan is that younger women are among the critics. Victoria Smith is a regular contributor to the Critic, writing on women's issues, parenting and mental health. Her work has also appeared in the New Statesman.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Kathryn to discuss Prince Harry becoming the first royal in more than 130 years to give evidence in court this week. He's there over claims of phone hacking by the Daily Mirror, but he struggled through his evidence. Another story dominating news in Britain is the explosion of a strategically important dam in southern Ukraine, Rishi Sunak's visit to the White House and trouble in the world of golf.
An immune boosting vaccine substance developed by two Wellington academics is now being commercialised. Victoria University Associate Professors Mattie Timmer and Bridget Stocker made the initial discovery five years ago, and have been developing the ingredient, known as an adjuvant. Adjuvants are added to some vaccines to improve their efficacy and reduce side-effects. Now, along with Victoria University's commercialisation office - Wellington UniVentures, the academics have licensed some of their adjuvants to a US biotech company that will see them used in human clinical trials across a wide range of diseases. They're also preparing to spin-out a new company that will produce adjuvants and sell them onto companies that make vaccines for animals.
It's crunch time for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown as he attempts to get his final budget signed off by city Councillors. The main sticking point is the sale of the Council's $2.2 billion worth of shares in Auckland Airport. The council has a $375m dollar Budget hole and Mayor Brown maintains privatising the airport shares is the only way to keep household rates rises to 6.7 per cent (in line with inflation) and to avoid cuts to social services and the arts. However it's not clear whether he has the numbers to get his budget passed. One of those firmly behind the Mayor is Howick Ward Councillor Maurice Williamson, who joins Kathryn to talk about the process today and Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Angela Dalton who's against the airport share sale.
Migration numbers have returned to pre-Covid levels. But are these migrants going where we need them to? Kathryn discusses with Professor Paul Spoonley, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Honorary Research Associate in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University.
Having previously explored musical depictions of chickens, goats, cats and dogs on Nine to Noon, this week it behooves Ian Chapman to turn his attention to horses. In doing so he finds that equine-inspired songs feature widely within popular music and beyond.
Residents in rural Gisborne are feeling forgotten following Cyclone Gabrielle and upset over the state of the roads. Matthew has been speaking to 81 year old Jim who faces winter living in a caravan. Matthew has also spent some time travelling rough roads to Ruatoria where he met with the people behind iwi station Radio Ngati Porou, witnessing what a community lifeline they are - getting messages out during severe weather. And Gisborne is about to open multi-million dollar pool complex, but one local swimming club is upset after missing out on the contract Local democracy reporter Matthew Rosenberg is based in the Gisborne Herald's newsroom.
When Helene Ritchie was young, her mother used to explain away their lack of relatives by saying "they just perished". Her lack of understanding led to a 50-year journey to find out how her family came to be Jewish refugees in New Zealand. Kathryn hears Helene's story.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the decision to pardon and free Kathleen Folbigg, the woman once dubbed Australia's worst female serial killer for the deaths of her four baby children.
Anxious Massey University students say they are ill-prepared to sit exams on-line, supervised by AI, as now required by the university. Kathryn speaks with Massey University Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes, and Massey's Student Association presidents Jake Law, Aniva Feau and Ramairoa Tawera.
Kathryn speaks with the man tasked with heading the goverment's Cyclone Recovery Taskforce on the massive and complicated job ahead. Sir Brian Roche chairs the Cyclone Recovery Taskforce - intended to be the bridge between local authorities, the government and the private sector as the long road to rebuild stretches ahead.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch looks at the second season of local documentary series No Place Like Home, screening on Stuff and YouTube, this time featuring the journeys of six refugee families as they settle in New Zealand. She'll also review The Clearing, the first "scripted" Australian series that's an eight-part psychological thriller based on the book by J.P Pomare and stars Miranda Otto and Guy Pearce. And The Great is back for a third season on Neon.
Of all the species on Earth, we're the only one that has a prolonged period of dependence following our birth. But what is childhood and how has it changed? Dorsa Amir is a developmental scientist based at the University of California.
Cybersecurity expert Tony Grasso joins Kathryn to talk about the big drop in earnings cyber-crime gangs are experiencing as victims refuse to pay ransomware demands.
Alisha talks to Kathryn about how paid parking in Tauranga's city centre has reduced the number of people visiting. Bill Campbell who owns the gift and souvenir store, Fancy That is leaving the CBD after 15 years. He's fed up with parking and ongoing constructions issues. Alisha has an update on Chopper, the rottweiler who bit a vet.
On a cold Melbourne night, the body of a woman is found in a grimy, graffiti-riddled alleyway. But the position she's found in - and the giant mural she's found beside - makes the hairs on Detective Inspector Robbie Gray's neck stand on end. The detective is back in Chris Stuart's second novel The Glasgow Smile, which teases out the victim's possible links the civil unrest on Melbourne's streets and the secrets held by her dysfunctional family.
Join us for a few laughs with comedians Irene Pink and Donna Brookbanks including the story of the monks who got into a spot of bother with meth and some of the most unusual pet insurance claims on the year.
Sam reflects on a big sporting week in this country - from the legacy left by Sir Murray Halberg to the futures of other New Zealand athletes and teams being up in the air. Also the action from the FIFA world cup, including Australia advancing.
Mellissa Oliver from Unity Books Wellington reviews What Writers Read: 35 Writers on Their Favourite Book edited by Pandora Sykes, published by Bloomsbury In this love letter to reading, curated by Pandora Sykes in aid of the National Literacy Trust, bestselling and beloved writers share their favourite books: the ones they hold most dearly, that they return to time and again and that helped make them the writers they are.
There's plenty going on in the City of Sails under new Mayor,Wayne Brown, Stuff's Senior Auckland Affairs Journalist Todd Niall talks to Kathryn about the financial challenges facing the council, replacing directors and relationship building.
American author Celeste Ng is best known for her novel Little Fires Everywhere, a family drama set in Celeste's own hometown; the upscale suburb of Shaker Heights, Ohio. bvShe now has a new book, Our Missing Hearts. Set in a dystopian, but chillingly realistic America, a political and economic crisis has led to anti-Asian racism and violence.
Koroi Hawkins is a journalist with RNZ Pacific. He speaks to Kathyrn from Da Nang, Vietnam where the Pacific Tuna Commission is meeting, to decide the future of the world's largest tuna fishery.
At Manurewa West Primary School the standardised maths assessment was rewritten to reflect real-life contexts and cultures of the school, student achievement has shot through the roof. The driving force behind this is one of the school's deputy principals, Shea Bowden. She joins Kathryn to talk about how the programme was built and tailored to her school and the boost it had for the children - not just in maths - but in other areas of their education.
DNA ancestry tests might solve some personal curiosity - but are they gifting a treasure trove of data to third parties? Professor Peter Dearden, from the Department of Biochemstry at the University of Otago, and Director of Genomics Aotearoa, says a growing number of people are choosing home test kits without understanding the consequences.
Film and TV correspondent James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about Banshees of Inisherin (cinemas), a TV series sequel to the popular '80s kids' fantasy movie Willow (Disney+) and Quebec-set murder mystery series Three Pines (Prime Video).
How do children develop social skills and how best can parents support this? Wellington speech and language therapist Christian Wright has some strategies and he'll take your questions
Technology correspondent Peter Griffin looks at how the country's video games industry has become a creative powerhouse, generating $407m in the last financial year, and is now under threat from tax breaks across the Tasman. Why hasn't the games industry here enjoyed the same concessions the film industry enjoys? And 2022 hasn't been the best year for Big Tech. Peter looks at the five big themes that have shaped the world of tech here and abroad this year.
Gina Rogers reviews We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman, published by Harper Collins
In Palmerston North, the dilapidated and crumbling former central post office in the city centre has been sold and will be turned into a hotel. It's been a long time coming. RNZ's Manawatu Reporter, Jimmy Ellingham tells the story, along with the fate of the old Manawatu Gorge and a tribute to Black Cap Ross Taylor from his old high school.
Andris Apse is one of our leading landscape photographers, world-renowned in his field. His new book The Deep South - from the Wilds of the South Island to Antarctica is the latest in a series showcasing regions he's photographed.
Science commentator Laurie Winkless joins Kathryn with three quirky recent studies: procrastinating before bedtime might be bad for you, the tiny jelly-fish relative that jets through water and physicists have designed a 'splash-free' urinal. Laurie Winkless is a physicist and science writer.
It's Te Papa's most successful exhibition ever - so popular in fact, it's been extended twice and will be on display until at least 2025. Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War opened on April 18, 2015, to mark one hundred years since the Anzacs' campaign and more than 3.5 million people have now seen it - many of them repeat visitors. Kathryn is joined by Sir Richard Taylor, head of Weta Workshop.
RNZ journalist Tim Brown joins Kathryn to talk about the controversy surrounding Gore's new Mayor Ben Bell and the attempt by seven councillors to oust his choice of deputy, Queenstown's vulnerable migrants are being squeezed more than ever by rental prices and the mystery of the missing albatross eggs is still unsolved, three weeks later.
Michael Lipman was concussed 30 times, during his career as a professional rugby player, and has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and early onset dementia. He talks to Kathryn about writing his book detailing how his traumatic brain injuries have impacted his lives and making the case for urgent changes to concussion protocols in contact sports.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn to talk about how the Government's industrial relations reforms look set to pass, and how they'll be a big win for workers and higher wages. He also talks about the National Party opposition to the Indigenous Voice for Parliament and the election result in Victoria confirms the Liberal Party.
Lizzie Bayliss is an Auckland teacher on a mission to inspire others in the classroom who may be wading through exhaustion and red tape. She's founded a journal - called everyday, containing articles from practitioners across the sector and designed to be dipped in and out of to help teachers who want to grow and develop their skills in the classroom. Lizzie Bayliss says it's not that teachers don't want to develop professionally - they're often just ground down.
Lawyers say industrial action by court staff is slowing down proceedings by up to 50%. Vice President of the Criminal Bar Association, Chris Wilkenson-Smith, says the current industrial action is making things significantly worse. Kathryn also speaks with PSA national sector justice lead Willie Cochran
Sports commentator Steve Holloway joins Kathryn to talk about the games that have happened overnight in Qatar, how this tournament is important for the legacies of Ronaldo and Messi and what neighbour Australia needs to do to stay in the competition. He'll also talk about the NZ national league final happening this weekend between Auckland City and Wellington Olympic. Steve Holloway is Premium sports editor at NZME, co-host of a podcast called Between Two Beers and a former NZ national league footballer.
Talking about death can be uncomfortable for most people, but the author of a new book is hoping to shine a little light and hope on the subject. Susan Marsden spent 10 years working in oncology before moving into palliative medicine in the late 1980s. Susan has shared her experiences of working with those at the end of their lives in her book Thank You, Elisabeth.
Senior writer at interest.co.nz Rebecca Stevenson examines whether the four-day work week has reached a tipping point? And there is more competition in the grocery sector with new online supermarket, Teddy launching in Auckland and Queenstown.
Kiran Dass reviews Downfall: The Destruction of Charles Mackay by Paul Diamond, published by Massey University Press
Matthew Rosenberg, a local democracy reporter based out of the Gisborne Herald's newsroom talks to Kathryn about the abandoned San Rosa boat, a historic rail bridge that is no longer safe for the city's iconic steam train, and catalogues the cost of cleaning up the ever popular Waikanae Beach ahead of summer.
Challenging our own negative bias is the most helpful tool for day-to-day mental health, says English psychologist Dr Julie Smith. To help more people understand and practice this ability – "the main tool therapy uses" – Dr Smith started making short videos for social media. Two years on, she has over 4 million TikTok followers and a new book Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Everyday Tools for Life's Ups and Downs.
Ron Elving talks to Kathryn about a nasty controversy about Donald Trump having dinner last week with Nick Fuentes, plans for new majority party in US House are roiled by the leader lacking votes to be Speaker and there's a special runoff next week in Georgia that could break the 50-50 tie in the Senate.
Grape waste from the wine industry is being turned into carbon-soaking biochar - which also enriches the soil. Kathryn speaks with Professor Stephen Joseph, an internationally renowned expert on biochar, and Central Otago grape grower James Dicey - who's been making and using biochar from grape vine cuttings for eight years.
InternetNZ has released the findings of a systemic review into racism in the organisation, following an incident last year involving a video threatening violence against Maori. Kathryn speaks to Dr Karaitiana Taiuru, an academic and Maori digital rights expert. She is also joined by InternetNZ's chief executive, Viv Maidaborn.
Kennedy talks about his recent visit to the Antarctic Peninsula and he also has an update on the Australian man aiming to the youngest person to row solo across the Pacific Ocean.
Seeing the first fresh asparagus of the season land in the supermarket is a treat for most of us. Alongside strawberries it's the taste of summer on the way. Asparagus is versatile, goes with any meal, and can be cooked and ready to serve in minutes. During the height of the season, the spears can literally grow right before your eyes - up to 15 centimetres a day. Waikato asparagus grower Andrew Keaney says while asparagus is easy to grow, harvesting is done by hand making it not only back-breaking but incredibly labour intensive. At the height of the season, one million spears are handpicked each day in Waikato alone. He shares his favourite ways to eat asparagus and tips on how to choose the tastiest, most tender bunch.
We talk about the Reserve Bank's projections for recession - will it see the government rein in spending and will it impact Labour's election chances? We look at the compromises made over the hate speech law and how political parties reacted to the voting age judgement. Gareth Hughes is a former Green MP and now works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member
Ray Shipley from Scorpio Books in Christchurch reviews The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty, published by Penguin Random House
Jacob McSweeny talks to Kathryn about the sudden closure of the Ohakune Courthouse, the challenges facing the Whanganui pilot academy, the rescuing of plant material from the historic Bastia Hill garden and does Marton have a mystery parking warden?.
It was an email from a friend offering a investment opportunity he couldn't turn down that transformed Christchurch man Danny de Hek into a self confessed Crypto Ponzi Scheme buster. Since that email de Hek has produced more than 130 videos taking apart the crypto currency investment, which he calls a dangerous and deceptive scheme. Recording from his Christchurch home he has caught the attention of the those pushing the scheme, including death threats, and his efforts have also been profiled in the New York Times. Danny says the whole thing is a typical multi level marketing scam, but because it uses the blockchain it makes it much harder to track down who is in charge, leaving those on the bottom, some of who have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars, with nothing.
As freezing weather sets in, Ukraine is racing against the clock to repair damage to electricity and water infrastructure across the country after a relentless wave of Russian missile strikes. European Union leaders gathered in Kyiv for the commemoration of the Holodomor famine that killed millions of Ukrainians in 1932 and 33....they were also there for a summit to launch a new initiative to help developing countries facing famine and drought. And rescuers are searching for about a dozen people still missing after a deadly landslide on the southern holiday island of Ischia near Naples.
Are we ignoring some of our most critically endangered species because they're not cute and charismatic enough? While native birds like the Kakapo and Kiwi get the lionshare of public attention and conservation money may endemic plants, fungi, marine invertebrates and algae are on the brink of extinction. Biologist Sophie Fern has recently finished a thesis which looks at the role charisma plays in conservation priorities. She talks to Kathryn about why New Zealand's conservation effort needs to be more equitable or else risks pushing those less glamourous species to the brink of extinction. [audio_play]
A literacy programme for children created in New Zealand and used by thousands of schools around the world is undergoing a refresh - but will it be enough to satisfy its critics?
Comedians Te Radar and Pinky Agnew are along with some fun and a British recipe for slow cooked cash.
Athletes around the world and here in Aotearoa are speaking up this week, confronting issues on and off the sporting fields, velodromes and waters. Sam explains why this is such crucial crossroads particularly with the controversy surrounding the Football World Cup.
Sonja De Friez reviews Unstoppable Us, Volume 1 by Yuval Noah Harari, published by Penguin Random House
Stand on one leg, take a cold shower, go for an early morning walk. Health journalist and television presenter Dr Michael Mosley speaks with Susie Ferguson about his new book Just One Thing - How simple changes can transform your life.
Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times based in Seoul. He talks to Susie about signs that Xi Jinping's plans for an exit from the Zero-Covid strategy are already unravelling. In Bangladesh, mountains of clothes are piling up in factories and Malaysia finally has a new Prime Minister.
The Rural Health Network - Hauora Taiwhenua is proposing a pilot scheme which would see local medical students receive the bulk of their training using distance learning, with block courses at main hospitals. Susie speaks with Grant Davidson, the chief executive of Hauora Taiwhenua, the Rural Health Network and Dr Bryan Betty, the medical director of the Royal College of GPs.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Susie to talk about Netflix's new sci-fi drama 1899, the strange-but-true tale of Pepsi's promise of a harrier jet upon collection of 7 million "Pepsi Points" - and the 20 year old who took them at their word (Netflix). He'll also look at Christmas movie Spirited (Apple TV) - which is not one for the kids!
Neuroplasticity educator and parenting expert Nathan Wallis talks with Susie about different parenting styles. Are you a brick wall, jellyfish or a backbone parent? And what is best for children, according to the research.
Tech commentator Paul Matthews joins Susie to talk about the latest developments at Twitter since Elon Musk took over. Things are looking increasingly dire economically for 2023, so why is the tech sector looking so upbeat? And are autonomous vehicles spying on us?
Harry Ricketts reviews My American Chair by Elizabeth Smither, published by Auckland University Press
A decision to leave New York behind to settle on Stewart Island, has helped to provide the inspiration for Jessica Howland Kany's first book, A Runner's Guide to Rakiura draws on her love of fitness and the outdoors. She talks to Susie about what inspired her to write the book and what took her to the deep south.
Correspondent Matthew Parris joins Susie to look at how the UK's highest court has ruled against plans by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to hold a referendum vote on Scottish independence. He'll also talk about Britain sending helicopters to Ukraine, the politicisation of this year's Football World Cup and how the Home Office is being hit by delays in processing asylum claims
In her book In her book, How to Grow an Athlete dietitian and nutritionist Lea Stening : From Playground to Podium she shares tips on optimum nourishment for all ages, from sporty kids to record breaking athletes. She talks to Susie
Looking for an EV? Which to choose? How does the clean car rebate work? Fully electric or hybrid? Ecotricity CEO Al Yates joins Susie to discuss and answer some of the most common questions about EVs.
New Zealand is heading for a likely recession, after the largest increase to the official cash rate on record. So how deep will this recession be, for how long, and who will feel it worst? Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen.
The Christmas switch has been flicked on, and it's hard to avoid it. Today Kathryn is joined by money expert Simran Kaur to talk about how social media can help pile on the pressure to get the perfect Christmas gift. How can you make sure to stick to your Christmas budget and not give in to peer - and inflationary - pressure?
A writing career spanning 50 years has taken Neville Peat around the world, across Aotearoa, and to the very outer reaches of New Zealand's marine realm. Neville has written more than 40 books over that career, covering themes of geography, history and the natural environment, but its the country's many islands that are the subject of his latest book.
Geologist Bruce Hayward's latest book Mountains, Volcanoes, Coasts and Caves: Origins of Aotearoa New Zealand's Natural Wonders takes the reader around the motu. It tells of the history and geology of land forms, landscapes and coastal wonders, and contains pictures and aerial photography by Alastair Jamieson and Lloyd Homer.
Tech giant Meta says its planned changes to Instagram and Facebook will help keep its youngest users safer online, but the company hasn't ruled out pushing forward with a kids-only Instagram. "But is it too little to late"? Kathryn talks to David Monahan from FairPlay,
Life pass holders for Mt Ruapehu's troubled ski fields have two more days to indicate whether they're willing to stump up funds to help save Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields.
The Polytech semester draws to a close for the last time, as we know it, this Friday. It is also just six weeks until the new, single-entity mega polytech is due to launch. But with key staff and salaries issues still to be settled, is it ready? Kathryn speaks with Education Minister Chris Hipkins.
The Men's Football World Cup is underway in Qatar under clouds of controversy. so will politics continue to dominate the news, or will football take over? Joe also reviews the All Black's final test of 2022. was it symbolic of their year in general? And it's been a massive few days for Kiwi golfers with Lydia Koh continuing to shine.
An artist is bringing some of our lesser-known endangered animals to the fore. In her beautifully illustrated book Tiaki designer and native-bird enthusiast Jean Donaldson shifts the focus from kakapo and kiwi to endangered gravel maggots, sea slugs. Jean tells Kathryn it's a conservation call to arms for pre-teens and teenagers.
Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
Phil Vine reviews Starry Messenger by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, published by HarperCollins Publishers
For 22 years a photography project called I'm Not a Look-Alike has been underway across the globe. Canadian François Brunelle has been taking pictures of doppelgangers, people who are unrelated but look strikingly similar.
Donald Trump is running for President again. NPR's Washington DeskDanielle Kurtzleben talks to Kathryn about the reception that is getting in the US and also who may run against him.
The family of veteran Wellington photographer Peter Bush is struggling to find a home for his vast collection of 300,000 images portraying eight decades of sporting and socially significant events. His daughter Rachel Bush talks to Kathryn about her efforts to find a permanent home for the images.
Social media giant Meta claims it has new tools to prevent online predators targeting teens on Facebook and Instagram. It says it's improving privacy settings to help prevent teens from connecting with adults whom the platforms deem as `suspicious', Kathryn speaks with Chief Executive of Netsafe Brent Carey.
New Zealand is set to push ahead with open banking - continuing the trend toward using technology to open up the banking system. Kathryn is joined by Jason Roberts, FintechNZ's executive director and Rob Nicholls, Associate Professor in regulation and governance at the University of Sydney's Business School.
Bill joins Kathryn to talk about Waka Kotahi announcing a round of consultation on the next Auckland Harbour crossing, and whether there was much in the government's latest updates on its RMA reforms. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Auckland pizzeria Dante's has secured a top 10 spot for the Asia Pacific region by an Italian-led global ranking of the very best pizza. Dante's co-owners, Kevin Morris and Enis Bacova talk to Kathryn about what makes a great pizza.
In politics with Gareth Hughes and Liam Hehir, we look at the government's RMA reforms and whether National leader Christopher Luxon was really prepared for it. Was he also caught short on the details of his own party's position on climate change?
Actor and playwright Morgana O'Reilly is bringing back her solo theatre show Stories About My Body to Auckland after sold out seasons earlier in the year. She talks with Kathryn about the frankness and honesty of her solo theatre performance.
CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta has been in Somalia witnessing harrrowing scenes of famine and drought. She says climate change induced starvation is killing children and almost half the 16 million people who live in Somalia are facing extreme hunger.
New research reveals over half Kiwi kids aren't learning to swim because lessons are unaffordable. The majority of Kiwis live within 5 kilometres of the sea Last year ninety New Zealanders drowned, the most since 2011. Eight of them were under fourteen. Now there's a push to make swimming lessons more affordable, in the wake of a Swimsafer Report by Swim Coaches and Teachers New Zealand. The survey shows 31% of parents believe their child's swimming skills and confidence in the water are low. More than a third say they, or a family member, have had a bad experience in water. Fifty-two percent of parents surveyed said swimming lessons cost too much. In response to this, 'Swim It Forward' is launching this week - New Zealand's first SWIMSAFER Week - where more fortunate families are being asked to donate money towards swiming lessons for those less so. Kathryn is joined by President of Swim Coaches and Teachers NZ, Daniel Fulton and eleven-time gold medallist, World Champion in Para swimming and SWIMSAFER Week Ambassador, Dame Sophie Pascoe.
New Zealand's electricity sector can deliver massive reductions in our carbon emissions but rapid transformation must start now - according to a new report. Report co-author Richard Hobbs joins Kathryn - he leads energy, climate change and sustainability for Boston Consulting Group in NZ.
Comedians Te Radar and Michele A'Court bring a few laughs and ponder whether you should brush your teeth before or after breakfast.
Martene McCaffrey from Unity Books Auckland reviews Nevada by Imogen Binnie published by Picador.
Leading Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley's new book unwraps the story of the boy pharoah who captured the world's imagination. Tutankhamun inherited the pharonic throne age eight years old. His intact tomb was discovered to great furore a hundred years ago this month, in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter. Tutankhamun is Egypt's most famous king. His exhibitions draw huge crowds as it travels the world. His appeal is perhaps summed up in the title of Joyce Tyldesley's book Tutankhamun: Pharaoh, Icon, Enigma. She shares ten perspectives on the pharaoh's life, death and enduring legacy with Kathryn Ryan.
Koroi talks to Kathryn about COP27 and the frustration that some Pacific countries are feeling. A Canadian deep sea miner, the Metals Company, has announced the completion of a controversial mining trial in the Pacific ocean. And excitement is building with Toa Samoa's debut at the Rugby League World Cup finals.
The Correspondence School Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu is celebrating its centenary with a new book tracking its rich and colourful history. The school which began in 1922 with only a few dozen students has touched the lives of millions of New Zealanders to become a national institution and the largest school in the country. From back block country stations to far flung lighthouses, it delivered distance learning to children in some of the country's most remote places before expanding to include children with disabilities and any child who couldn't attend school. Later it grew further to include early childhood and adult education, along with dual learning for students wanting subjects not offered at their own school. The book - Going the Distance - traces the history of the school through pictures, personal stories and memories from the teachers, students and families for whom correspondence provided an educational lifeline. Kathryn is joined by author Gael Woods.
The National party wants to bring back military style bootcamps to "re--programme" young repeat offenders. The policy announced yesterday would see repeat offenders aged between 10 and 17 convicted of serious crimes like ram-raids, armed burglary or assault potentially sent to new military academies run by the Ministry of Justice and the Defence Force. The party says, if necessary, young offenders could be monitored by ankle bracelets. National rolled out nine-week boot camps when it was in Government in 2010 that later reported high levels of reoffending and were shut down over an apparent lack of participants. In 2017 it revived the policy on the campaign trail. Kathryn speaks with Chester Borrows, former Minister for Courts in the John Key-led National Government. He has spent 45 years in the criminal justice system as a police officer, lawyer and is a current member of the Parole Board.
Film and TV reviewer Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about new doco series Brave New Zealand World (Prime) which looks at the impacts of climate change, nuclear war, pandemics and AI could have on New Zealand. She'll also look at Irish horror film Mandrake (Shudder) and Rogue Heroes, which follows a group of reckless mavericks who band together to form the world's greatest Special Forces unit, the SAS during the darkest days of World War II (TVNZ+).
In our parenting slot today wellbeing and emotions facilitator Cat Levine on recognising anxiety in children. She is facilitating a series of online workshops aimed at helping teachers and school support staff to identify and work with nervous and apprehensive students. She has some tips for nurturing healthy minds.
Technology commentator Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to talk about fast-moving situation with Twitter, how the collapse of the world's second largest crypto exchange is casting a dark shadow over the sector, plans by Australia to crackdown on cyber crims after a disturbing hack on a medical insurer left millions with their private health data exposed and how there could be billions in economic benefits from taking fibre to the regions.
Cynthia Morahan reviews Life: What Nat to Do by Nat's What I Reckon, published by Penguin Random House.
Cricket is a game layered in statistics, mythology and history. But in their new book journalist Tim Wigmore and sports economist Stefan Szymanski use data and statistical analysis to understand the changes the game is going through and predict how it will grow in future. The book Crickonomics: The Anatomy of Modern Cricket touches on all aspects of the game, from the rise and impact of Twenty20 cricket, how India came to dominate the game both on and off the pitch and the reason behind New Zealand cricket's recent success. Kathryn talks to Tim about his love of cricket, how they came together to write the book and some of the most interesting discoveries in the data.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about Dominic Raab, the deputy Prime Minister, who's accused of bullying officials when he held previous government roles. He's denied the allegations and asked PM Rishi Sunak to launch an inquiry into his own conduct. And fuel and energy costs have pushed overall inflation to 11.1% - its highest level since 1981, while food price inflation was sitting at 16.2% in October.
A new residential centre for people with eating disorders, set to open next April, already has a lengthy waiting list. The Recovered Living NZ centre north of Christchurch has been established by Kristie Amadio, with philanthropic funding. Kristie herself has recovered from a severe eating disorder but says she was unable to get the care she needed in New Zealand, and ended up going into a residential centre in Los Angeles at a cost of nearly $2000 a day. She hopes the centre, set to open in April, will help people like herself. But she says she's already overwhelmed with enquiries.
COP27, the UN's climate conference, is drawing to a close in Egypt - leaving delegates from nearly 200 countries with the job of settling on an agreement that lays out the ways forward for tackling the climate crisis. Back home, companies that form part of the Climate Leaders' Coalition - and are responsible for some 60 per cent of New Zealand's emissions - have released their fourth annual snapshot of how they're doing. The Coalition was launched in 2018 and its 93 signatories represent 34 per cent of GDP and have turnover of $126b. The Snapshot Report looks at the progress signatories have made in delivering on lowering emissions and investing in climate action. This year's report says despite tough economic conditions almost all signatories have re-affirmed or increased their planned investment against last year's collective commitment to invest $9.5 billion over a five-year horizon to reduce emissions. The Coalition's convenor is Jolie Hodson - also head of the telco Spark.
In today's science slot, Professor Allan Blackman looks at the case of Kathleen Folbigg - dubbed 'Australia's worst female serial killer' over the deaths of her four children. A second inquiry into her convictions has been fuelled by the intervention of a group of researchers who suggest a genetic mutation may have caused their deaths. Allan will also talk about a new study into why some people are mosquito magnets and how low frequency bass can really rock a dance floor!
What would you do, if you arrived home to find your wife naked - but for an apron - bleaching a stain from the carpet that only she can see? It's the set-up for Fiona Sussman's latest page-turning novel - in which two couples who have known each other for years have their lives turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis - and then by a mysterious death. Fiona is an Auckland-based writer who's written short stories and novels - including Addressed to Greta and The Last Time We Spoke, which won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel in 2017. Fiona trained in medicine and was a GP for years - experience she's taken and used for the book, called The Doctor's Wife.
Jenna Todd of Time Out Bookstore reviews Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson, published by Text Publishing.
We look at how British culture and identity have historically been used by Kiwi and other Commonwealth marketers and advertisers to sell products abroad. Felicity Barnes is a senior lecturer in history at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. She has researched how advertisers between the first and second world wars constructed a shared British identity in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. What she's found is outlined in her new book Selling Britishness: Commodity Culture, the Dominions and Empire. During the inter-war period New Zealand, Australia and Canada, filled British shop windows, newspaper columns, and cinema screens with "British to the core" Canadian apples, "British to the backbone" New Zealand lamb, and "All British" Australian butter. Felicity Barnes says a thread running through the marketing was selling a Dominion-styled British identity. Some international advertising campaigns featured touring sports-people and politicians championing the products of their home countries to British shoppers. And from 1934, here is Australian test cricket captain Bill Woodfull's appeal for Empire buying, talking about being part of one big British family.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about efforts by law enforcement to minimise the damage done by hackers who got the private health data of more than 9 million customers and started to release it on the dark web after a ransom was refused. PM Anthony Albanese is confident relations between his country and China are entering a new era after he and President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the G20. Flooding has again hit towns in central west New South Wales and anti-vax tennis champ Novak Djokovic will be allowed to play in the Australian Open despite his deportation and 3-year ban earlier this year.
A pilot programme set to run in Auckland is looking at how park and ride services could be adapted to scoot or bike and ride instead. The aim is to take the pressure off park and ride services which have become extremely popular and - at times - oversubscribed. Researchers at Auckland University's School of Architecture and Planning have received funding from Waka Kotahi to trial a six-month programme that will use the city's Panmure station to base a micro-mobility hub with e-scooters, e-bikes and powered bike racks to connect commuters with where they want to go. A series of mini-hubs will extend the reach of the hub network beyond the rail station area. Dr Tim Welch is the pilot's principal investigator and joins Kathryn to explain how it'll work - and why he believes any attempt to lure commuters from their cars brings benefits for the whole community.
Poland's government is holding an urgent meeting of its national security and defence committee after reports Russian missiles crossed into its territory, killing two people. It's believed two stray missiles hit a Polish village near the border of Ukraine. Local firefighters told Reuters two people had died in an explosion - a senior US intelligence official told the Associated Press the missiles had crossed into Poland, which is a member of NATO. Russia had been bombarding cities in Ukraine overnight New Zealand time - hitting cities including Kyiv and Lviv in the west, Kharkiv in the northeast and Odesa in the south. Ukraine's government says it's the heaviest wave of missile strikes in nearly nine months of war. Kathryn speaks with Warsaw-based Deutsche Welle correspondent Rafal Kiepuszewski.
The government is planning to ditch the Resource Management Act - promising a faster and more simple way to manage the built and natural environment. Two new bills replacing the RMA should become law next year, with the new system expected to take about a decade to bed-in. A third bill focussed on climate, will set out how managed retreat would work and who would pay for it, but that may not be passed before next year's election. The Environment Minister David Parker says the changes will free-up land and resources for more housing, and save developers, infrastructure providers and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
Steve Holloway is a sports reporter with NZME, former NZ national league footballer and co-host of the Between Two Beers podcast.
If you're interested in keeping healthy happy chickens, Dr Andrea Graves has written an ideal handbook to help you along the way. Using her knowledge from a PhD in animal behaviour and her practical experience with keeping chickens, Andrea describes how we can satisfy chickens' foraging obsessions, house them well and manage their interesting social lives. She also describes how to use them to grow healthy food. She joins Kathryn to share her chicken-whispering secrets.
Rebecca talks to Kathryn about yet another crypto washout, this time FTX. Can the last crypto exchange turn off the lights?. And all the things Elon Musk has done since he took over Twitter. Rebecca Stevenson is a senior writer at interest.co.nz
A sweet gesture by Shaan Caskey's four-year-old daughter was the catalyst for the New Plymouth man to write a book for kids whose parents need a lot of rest – Daddy Needs to Sleep Today. Shaan has a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a series of concussions he's undergone since childhood.
Ron takes an in depth look at the US mid-term election results. Republicans will have a slim majority in House of Representatives, not what they had expected at all. At least 20 seats fewer, maybe more like 25 fewer than forecast. The Senate will be 50-50 or possibly could have 51 Democrats, depending on a runoff in Georgia next month. If it's 50-50 it will be what it's been the past two years. Ron says there's been an unexpected boost for President Joe Biden, who is now more likely to run again, while heavy blows are raining down on Donald Trump, whose hand-picked candidates mostly lost in the important races. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis won re-election by 20 points and emerges as strong rival to Trump for 2024 .
Families who've spent months and even years in emergency housing in Porirua are among those being assisted by a new job and skills hub in Cannons Creek. Le Fale job and skills hub opened last month, established as part of the Porirua Development Project. It's being run by the community services arm of Whanau Manaaki Kindergartens. The hub is open to all with community navigators helping to connect people with training, advice, job opportunities and financial skills as well as practical things like childcare, the right clothes to wear or assistance with driver training. Kathryn speaks with community services senior lead Caroline Mareko, and Le Fale community navigator, Fala Tavita.
A massive and irreplaceable archive of historically significant photographs is up for sale on the open market, after a lengthy ordeal abroad that almost saw them destroyed. Dubbed the Fairfax Archives, in 2013 the collection of 1.4 million photographs was sent by Fairfax Media to the United States to be digitised. However the company carrying out the digitisation later became linked to sports memorabilia fraud, was raided by the FBI and later bankrupted. The collection of images, as well as others from Australian newspapers, were seized and held as collateral on a US$14 million loan, and were in danger of being destroyed. An L.A-based gallery has since bought the entire archive, and is putting some of the photos up for sale. Described by historians as the country's "national photo album", the archive spans from 1840 to 2005. It includes historic moments like the 1981 Springbok Tour protests, the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, the aftermath of the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake and Sir Edmund Hillary's ascent of Mt Everest - as well as royal visits, Auckland's Queen St and 40,000 pictures of the All Blacks. So where should the Fairfax Archive ideally end up? And what does the sale of the collection mean for the preservation of our history? Kathryn speaks to Daniel Miller, the owner of Duncan Miller Gallery in Los Angeles and Dr Paul Moon, a professor of History at AUT who was asked by Duncan Miller Gallery to help identify the images.
Cruise ships are back in our ports, but concerns have been raised in Christchurch and Dunedin over visitors clogging up public buses and potentially spreading Covid 19. Many cruise liners visiting here are struggling with Covid cases - a ship which just spent two weeks in New Zealand ended its tour with 800 cases on board. Christchurch City councillor Sara Templeton says there aren't enough public buses to meet cruise ship demand and she believes some locals are choosing not to travel because of overcrowding and fears cruise ship passengers may be spreading Covid. She tells Kathryn believes cruise companies should be providing transport for their passengers.
Kennedy joins Kathryn from the Southern Ocean - he's midway through a National Geographic expedition cruise, taking a loop from Ushuaia to Falkland Islands to South Georgia to Antarctic Peninsula and back to Ushuaia. He'll talk about what he saw on the Falklands, but mostly about South Georgia, where the beaches are packed with fur seals, elephant seals and penguins coming and going from sea. On the hillsides, albatrosses nest and penguins create their colonies. The island is rich in history, too. He visited Shackleton's grave in Gryvitken and wandered around the rusting machinery, tanks and paraphernalia of the abandoned whaling station.
With weeks to go before the end of the school year ideas about what to put in your children's lunch box could be running out. Kathrine Lynch is a budget food blogger based in Hamilton. She has some great tips about stretching your grocery dollar and filling school lunchboxes with appealing, tasty and economical kai for hungry kids, such as recipes for Hidden Vege Muffins, Burger Bites, and Almond & Apricot Bliss Balls.
Neale and Brigitte join Kathryn to talk about the Prime Minister's criticism of big bank profits as interest rates march upwards, reappointment of Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr and the Commerce Commission decision to monitor oil company margins. And the select committee hearing the Three Waters legislation reports back on Friday - will the government stay full steam ahead?
Now, to the innovative automation - born of necessity - to oyster farming, developed by a Marlborough oyster farmer , and now being used internationally. Aaron Pannell (pron Panel) , and his wife Debbie, sarted Marlborough Oysters 12 years ago. They have a hatchery, and export their shellfish to 15 countries. But the challenging conditions in which they grow , and the eventual reach of an oyster parasite to their production, put their business under enormous pressure just a few short years ago. Oyster farming is a tough, physical, and labour intenstive business. As is the case so often, necessity was the mother of invention. As was good observation... Leading to a whole new automated system on their oyster farm - called `Flip Farm.' The second business , initially to make their own operation easier and more financially viable, is now running alongside the seafood operation, and drawing orders internationally. Flip Farm, which allows for much easier access, management and harversing of oysters grown in very deep waters, has also won awards. It's being used globally by 70 other oyster farmers. (we have a video on our webpage - and a gallery of pics) So, where was Aaron Pannell at , and what is the story behind that eureka moment to mechanise...?
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney has the latest on the deadly explosion in Istanbul. He also talks to Kathryn about Russia's major military defeat as its troops withdrew from Kherson as Ukraine begins clearing the city of the mess and mines that have been left behind. Italy's new far-right government is in a stoush with France after it refused to let a migrant boat dock which is against EU and international law. And an Iranian man without a passport who lived in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport for years, inspiring the Steven Spielberg film The Terminal, has died at the airport of a heart attack.
Contact Energy has launched a new paid parental leave policy it believes is among one of the most generous in the country.
Toots, not tweets. Extinct mammals, not birds. As more users seek to leave an Elon Musk-run Twitter they're turning to Mastodon. But how does it work?
Submissions close at the end of this week, on the government's agricultural pricing emissions plan. Last month the government made what farmers say are significant changes to the proposals reached by the farmer, government and iwi working group, He Waka Eke Noa. Sector groups responded vehemently, saying the changes upset the delicate balance they had struck. Sheep and beef farmers estimate they could lose up to 20 percent of their production, forcing them to sell up or convert productive land into forestry. The Government admits sheep and beef farms will be hit disproportionately and wants to work with them, but farmers are sceptical. Kathryn speaks to Tairawhiti farmer Toby Williams and Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard about their concerns and whether there's any hope of finding a middle ground
Comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks with a few laughs, including a warning from the National Park Service in the US about the Sonoran Desert Toad, it is toxic and should not be licked!.
Dana Johannsen talks to Kathryn about tomorrow's Black Ferns final and whether they can trump England. We're also into the crunch point in the tournament for the Rugby League World Cup, and the Kiwis have drawn the Kangaroos in this weekend's semifinal.
Tilly Lloyd of Unity Books reviews Remainders of the Day: Diaries from the Bookshop, Wigtown by Shaun Bythell, published by Profile Books.
Debut crime writer Jacqueline Bublitz burst onto New Zealand's crime writing scene last year with Before You Knew My Name, it has now sold over 100,000 copies in Australia and New Zealand alone - an extremely rare feat for a debut New Zealand novelist.
Asia correspondent Ed White reports from South Korea where the country is still reeling from the Halloween crowd disaster in Seoul, with attention very much turning to who should be held responsible.
More than 50 of Aotearoa's loveliest gardens feature in the new hardcover book New Zealand Gardens to Visit. It's the work of former NZ House and Garden journalist Rosemary Barraclough and photographer Juliet Nicholas, who travelled from Northland to Southland capturing the stories of gardeners and their beautiful properties.
New research from the Growing Up In New Zealand longitudinal study shows how much easier it is for families to fall into disadvantage than it is to claw a way out. Dr Kate Prickett is a lead researcher for Growing Up in New Zealand and Director of Roy McKenzie Centre for the Study of Families and Children at Victoria University.
Film and TV reviewer James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about the latest - and controversial - series of The Crown (Netflix), a new Western starring Emily Blunt called The English (Amazon Prime), Selena Gomez's new documentary My Mind and Me (Apple TV), a documentary for space lovers called Good Night Oppy (Amazon Prime) and David Farrier's jaw-dropping film Mister Organ (cinemas).
For many new parents, getting out of the house can be a mission with nappies, change of clothes, food, buggy or front pack. Ceana Priest says - don't be daunted by that. She's mum to six year old Finn, and she's been taking him on adventures since he was a baby.
Technology commentator Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about the 11,000 jobs being cut from Facebook's parent company Meta, the explosion in generative AI, a programming tool that can write code in a number of languages and a Melbourne artist granting licensing rights allowing him to create new works long after he's dead.
Ash Davida Jane reviews Tauhou by Kotuku Titihuia Nuttall, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press
The award winning children's show Bluey is among the top ten most streamed shows on TVNZ On Demand. Animator Kiwi Rich Jeffery was lured across the Tasman to work on the show. He speaks to Kathryn about his career and the secret of Bluey's success.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to look at the first resignation from Rishi Sunak's cabinet, nurses are set to go on strike at some of the country's biggest hospitals and Home Secretary Suella Braverman has branded Just Stop Oil protesters who blocked a major motorway as "extremists".
Susan Marshall is back home and earning a well-deserved break after running from 6am to 11pm.... for 50 days. She was the first woman - and fifth overall - across the line in the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence race in New York. So would she do it again?
One of the country's biggest investment funds, ACC, has launched a $100 million Climate Change Impact Fund. Kathryn speaks to James Muir, ACC's Climate Change Impact Fund Manager.
It's still too early to say what the final results will be in the US midterm elections as counting continues in many states. . US correspondent Ron Elving discusses the complexities.
There's no doubt that Christmas is one of the most expensive and stressful times of the year. Many families find themselves still paying off Christmas debt months later. Money expert Liz Koh joins Kathryn to talk about how to enjoy Christmas without feeling guilty about overspending. It involves setting a Christmas budget and sticking to it - and she has some tips to make it easier.
Author and documentary filmmaker Bill Morris takes us back in time in his new book The Road to Gondwana - in search of the lost supercontinent. Bill says without Gondwana the planet and the trees, plants and animals we live amongst would be very different. He joins Kathryn for a deep dive into the lost continent.
BBC documentary maker and Oxford historian Dr Janina Ramirez unveils the women forgotten by history. In her new book; Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It, Dr Ramirez brings to life the medieval women that have been forgotten, underwritten, or deliberately erased from history.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about suspected visa scams that have brought 100,000 workers into the country, new figures show who the biggest spenders were among independent MPs and Victorians are set to go to the polls in two weeks.
Anti-government protests in Iran are into their eighth week and show no sign of letting up, despite a massive crackdown by authorities. So how should the West respond? Kathryn speaks to Kylie Moore-Gilbert - A British-Australian academic held for 804 days in Iran.
A new report by a high level United Nations expert group says too often private sector climate pledges lack credibility and are little more than greenwashing. Chair of the New Zealand Climate Commission, Dr Rod Carr, is one of 17 experts appointed by the Secretary General to the group which wrote the report.
We take a glimpse into what is a hugely populated and important sporting calendar right now and Sam looks into why margins matter.
One of New Zealand's leading landscape photographers Rob Brown has been travelling to Rakiura for many years now. His popular book Rakiura: The Wild Landscapes of Stewart Island was first published in 2006, and has now been revised with new photographs, and updated information.
Business correspondent Pattrick Smellie joins Kathryn to talk about the big 'r' - recession. Pattrick also counters the narrative that "New Zealand has lose 50-thousand jobs to get inflation under control" and argues that an independent inquiry needed into the Manaaki/We Are Indigo saga.
Louise O'Brien reviews A Guest at the Feast by Colm Tóibín, published by Simon and Schuster
Journalist and best-selling author Ben Macintyre is behind some of the most thrilling tales of espionage and World War II non-fiction; A Spy Among Friends, The Spy and the Traitor, Agent Sonya and many more. Kathryn speaks to Ben Macintyre about his new book Colditz: Prisoners of the Castle.
US correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben joins Kathryn on the final day of campaigning ahead of the Midterm elections tomorrow.
It's a big week for Canterbury - Cup and Show Week in fact. Tracy Ahern is the general manager of the NZ Agricultural Show, she joins Kathryn to talk about why there's a focus this year on getting as many kids along as possible.
As the cyclone season gets underway in the South Pacific, it's hoped a new type of insurance on offer could help ease the burden of a storm's aftermath for those on lower-incomes. UNCDF programme manager Krishnan nd Tower's chief underwriting officer Ron Mudaliar.
Bill McKay updates us on Auckland's Queen Street, the City Rail Link and Panuku's plans for urban development around the stations - and points out a few problems. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Naomi Toilalo has always loved feeding people and absorbed cooking skills from her Nana and Mum while being raised on a farm in South Otago. With a background at Maori Television as a presenter, actor and director, food has increasingly featured in her life. A few years ago she was the runner-up in TVNZ's Great Kiwi Bake Off, and since 2020 she has hosted The Giving Series. It's an online show where people nominate recipients to receive her baking. Her latest venture is a cookery book - Whanaukai Feel-good baking to share aroha. The recipes including one for Iced Buns Paraoa Pani Reka are in English and te reo Maori.
Auckland City's budget woes, and the potential impact on ratepayers and services. The council has this morning made a statement to the NZX saying it is facing "increased pressure" on its budgets due to rapid rises in inflation and interest rates. Auckland's new mayor Wayne Brown has said the council is already looking at a budget hole of $270 million for the next financial year, but he has said rate rises will be limited and the deficit will have to be filled through savings and efficiences. Kathryn speaks with RNZ Auckland reporter Amy Williams.
Lamia and Brigitte join Kathryn to talk about Labour's annual conference this weekend, and the extension to the childcare subsidy. The changes kick in from next April - will it ease the squeeze on households...and the polls? The inflation bogeyman remains, while Labour is gunning for National's taxcut package. Meanwhile National's candidate selection is facing scrutiny. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Lamia Imam worked for two years for the Labour Party in the Leader of the Opposition's office under Phil Goff, David Shearer and David Cunliffe. She also worked for the Ministry of Justice, before gaining a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently works for a large technology company in Wellington.
Bronwyn Wylie-Gibb of University Book Shop, Dunedin reviews Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson, published by Penguin Random House.
Tony Armit was 18 when he began building a 28 foot wooden yacht. The year was 1951, and he was young man keen for adventure. Three years later, he christened the yacht Marco Polo and with old school mate Brian "Tig" Loe, set sail from Auckland on an epic voyage which would take them around the world, becoming the first New Zealanders to do so. 70 years later - Tony Armit has written a book about the journey.
Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher joins Kathryn to look at how Iranians are continuing to defy a crackdown, as protests following the death of Mahsa Amini reach their 50th day. Benjamin Netanyahu is already trying to form a new government after his Likud party's decisive win in elections last week and 10 football unions have responded to a letter by Fifa to "focus on the football", amid concerns about the country's human rights record as the World Cup kickoff looms. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.
Delegates from nearly 200 countries have kicked off the U.N. climate summit in Egypt with an agreement to discuss compensating poor nations for mounting damage linked to global warming. New Zealand's climate change minister James Shaw and 13 officials are among the estimated 40-thousand attending. It's the first time the issue of compensation for developing countries has been on the agenda of the annual summit and comes as the UN weather and climate agency released a new report saying the past eight years were on track to be the warmest on record. Kathryn speaks with the Guardian's Environment Correspondent, Fiona Harvey from Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.
Eggs were once a cheap and cheerful way to fill your supermarket trolley, but prices have skyrocketed - up more than eleven percent on a year ago. For egg producers it's been a perfect storm of challenges. Not only has the cost of feed increased due to the war in Ukraine, but many have shelled out hundreds of thousands of dollars transitioning their farms ahead of next month's deadline to stop battery cage egg production. The national laying hen flock has declined putting a squeeze on supply and many supermarkets have said they won't take alternative colony farmed eggs from 2025. So how ready is the industry for the changeover to battery cage-free farming and will the price of eggs keep on rising? Kathryn speaks to the Executive Director of the Poultry Industry Association Michael Brooks and the Ministry of Primary Industries' National Manager Animal Welfare Compliance Peter Hyde.
It's a crucial weekend for many of our national sporting teams, with many in sudden death mode. Commentator Sam Ackerman joins Lynn to run the rule over the chances of our men's and women's rugby and league teams, as well as the Black Caps.
Auckland's Lil Chief label has built a mighty reputation for thoughtful, nuanced indie pop gems. To celebrate the label's 20th Anniversary, we'll hear classics today from key Lil Chief artists Jonathan Bree, Princess Chelsea, Voom and The Tokey Tones, followed by some reggae-disco from Devon Russell.
Melissa Oliver from Unity Books Wellington reviews The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel, published by Penguin Random House.
Online payment service Wirecard was once Germany's biggest tech darling and the country's answer to Silicon Valley, at its peak valued at more than 24 billion euros; until 2020, when it was exposed as one of the most audacious corporate frauds of the modern era. A tip-off in 2014 started Financial Times journalist Dan McCrum on a seven year investigation, uncovering corrupt business practices and fraudulent financial reporting. But as he pursued the story, Wirecard fought back viciously; with online abuse, hacking, electronic eavesdropping, physical surveillance and intimidation. But the house of cards eventually came crashing down. Dan McCrum tells the story in his book Money Men: A Hot Startup, A Billion Dollar Fraud, A Fight for the Truth, which been made into a Netflix documentary; Skandal! Bringing Down Wirecard.
RNZ Pacific Journalist Koroi Hawkins on Vanuatu's new parliament, the death of Filep Kamar, a leader of the west Papuan freedom movement, the Pacific preparing for COP27, and the latest in Pacific sports.
There's intense competition for the charity dollar, and increasingly more diverse ways are being used to attract people to donate their money and time. One initiative is the volunteer-run social impact organisation 10x10. It was started by a group of young friends in Sydney nine years ago and has grown into a successful global movement. To date 4-million dollars for 300 charities has been raised worldwide. Alaina McGregor heads 10x10 Aotearoa and says you don't need to be wealthy to be a philanthropist.
It's been a disappointing start to Guy Fawkes and firefighters warn the combination of dry windy conditions, coupled with two years of Covid restrictions, could push the firework risk sky high. Fire crews remain at the scene of this week's large fire at Pegasus Bay in north Canterbury which was started by fireworks. The fire is still burning but firefighters say they've managed to keep it from spreading further overnight. Fire and Emergency's Community education manager Adrian Nacey joins Lynn to discuss the concerns about the weekend ahead.
An environmental group is threatening legal action if the Department of Conservation doesn't cancel a permit which authorises Waka Kotahi, the transport authority, to kill kiwi and other species during the building of a bypass in Taranaki. Under the Wildlife Act, DOC is able to grant permits to capture alive, or kill, wildlife if it furthers the purpose of the Act - which is wildlife protection. This permit will allow NZTA to kill 46 species, including ones that are already in serious trouble like the North Island brown kiwi/Kiwi-nui, short-tailed and long-tailed bats, and Archey's frog, as well as tui, kereru, kokako, and piwakawaka/fantail. The Mt Messenger Bypass is a new six kilometre road in Taranaki, from Uruti to Ahititi. The Environmental Law Initiative estimates it will involve the destruction of 30 hectares of native forest and significant wetlands in the Mangapepeke Valley. Waka Kotahi says all of the environmental consents needed for the project have been approved, and it has worked closely with DOC, and other groups, during the investigation and design of the route. Lynn speaks to Mike Britton, the chief executive of the Environmental Law Initiative.
Film and TV reviewer Laumata Lauano joins Kathryn to talk about Duckrockers (TVNZ+), the prequel series to the film Sione's Wedding. She'll also look at the new series of Heartbreak High (Netflix), which is set at the same high school 20 years later and Uraia Tabua is a vlogger who documents life in Fiji (YouTube).
According to the World Health Organisation, children under 5 need 180 minutes of physical activity every day. To help early childhood teachers give pre-schoolers the physical activity they need to succeed, health science researcher Wendy Pirie has developed a programme called MAPP – Movement Active Physical Play.
Tech correspondent Tony Grasso joins Kathryn to look at what's happened to Symantec - it was one of the first IT security companies to develop commercial anti-virus software, but is anti-virus "dead" like the company's senior VP says? GCHQ in the UK has raised security concerns about Chinese technology - with some experts citing smartmeters made in China as a specific risk. And Blackbyte ransomware is managing to get around signed drives - which were supposed to be the ultimate in security authentication. Tony Grasso is Principal Consultant at cybersecurity firm TitaniumDefence. He worked at GCHQ in the UK and is a former Intelligence Officer in New Zealand.
Melanie O'Loughlin from Lamplight Books in Auckland reviews A Fortunate Woman, by Polly Morland, published by Picador.
Aucklander Albert Cho posts hilarious and extremely honest food reviews – with beautiful photos – on the Instagram account @eatlitfood. In the new memoir I Love My Stupid Life he shares his life story through food stories, including recovery from an eating disorder and becoming the target of "bland Kiwi racism" after a bagel shop review.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Kathryn to talk about how new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may have to abandon his flagship Conservative leadership campaign pledges, amid a worsening economic backdrop. He's clashed with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over the asylum system and former Health Secretary Matt Hancock who resigned under a cloud is kicked out of the Tory party for appearing on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.
The queue for mourners to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II was one of the biggest in history, with 250,000 people waiting up to 24 hours, in a queue 16km long. A team of experts had been planning for this expected queue for many years in a project codenamed 'Operation Feather'. Professor Keith Still advised on the project, as well as 'Operation Marquee' and 'Operation Unicorn'. His expertise in queueing theory blends mathematics with behavioral psychology and is used around the world; at sports games, religious festivals and theme parks. Kathryn speaks with Professor Keith Still, a visiting professor in crowd science at the University of Suffolk, who has taught and advised on crowd science for 30 years and has lectured at the Cabinet Office Emergency Planning College.
More heavy rain is hitting the West Coast this morning putting residents on alert. The Coast is among 12 regions identified in a government report where some communities are at the most risk of flooding. The report names 44 communities nationwide which are considered vulnerable because they're unprepared - with no plans to build protection such as flood walls, and because of low average incomes, their local authorities cannot raise rates to fund the work needed. The report excludes large urban areas that might have pockets of vulnerable communities at high risk of flooding. So far this year, extreme weather events have cost $298 million to insurers. The massive storm in August in Nelson and Marlborough alone resulted in just over 3000 general insurance claims, with a provisional value of nearly $48 million. So what does this report - naming individual communities - mean for the abilities of those homeowners to get insurance cover? Kathryn talks with the Insurance Council Chief Executive Tim Grafton.
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about new research that has found bumblebees will play with tiny wooden balls - despite there being no reason to do so. The aye-aye, a primate in Madagascar, has a particularly bad habit of picking and eating what they find up their nose, and information on how we walk can help a smartphone calculate our five-year risk of dying. Associate Professor Dr Siouxsie Wiles is the head of Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University of Auckland.
A number of countries around the world are experiencing population decline, or depopulation. Japan, for example saw a population loss of 644,000 in 2020 and 2021, and it's population is expected to decline by 30% in the next 40 years, and then halve by the end of the century. It is estimated that 23 countries will see a halving of the population between now and 2100, while others experience growing populations. Demographer and Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley of Massey University says countries need to be ready for the change.
Unemployment has remained unchanged at 3.3 percent in the three months ended September. Average wages have risen strongly, growing 2.6 per cent in the three months ending on September 30. What does this mean in terms of potential for further aggressive rate rises by the Reserve Bank? Kathryn speaks to RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford.
Joanna Ludbrook from Chicken and Frog bookstore in Featherston reviews Pipi and Pou and the Raging Mountain and Pipi and Pou and the River Monster, written by Tim Tipene and illustrated by Isobel Te Aho-White, published by One Tree House.
Whether it's big tech, big pharma or big supermarkets , Sally Hubbard argues monopolies have a vise-like grip on our lives. She is an antitrust expert and Director of Enforcement Strategy at the US Open Markets Institute. She served as an Assistant Attorney General in New York's Antitrust Bureau, and is the author of new book Monopolies Suck. Ms Hubbard argues that a monopolized economy works for only a select few, and leave the rest feeling left out and left behind. She says industry self regulation has been failure and monopolies actually stifle innovation.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about how Covid infection rates have shot up in Victoria raising concerns about a new wave. The man accused of raping a Parliamentary staffer will be retried after his trial was aborted due to a juror bringing in a document relating to sexual assault. The Government is looking at how to push prices back down, including a possible price cap on gas and King Charles may not feature on the next incarnation of the $5 note.
Some of the country's most disadvantaged regions have been identified in a government report as being at the most risk of flooding. Not only are they are most risk - the report says they are also totally unprepared. 44 communities are named in the report - they're considered vulnerable because they're not planning to build protection such as flood walls, and because of low average incomes, cannot raise rates to fund the work. Kathryn speaks to Jacqui Church, Waikato District Council Mayor and Gisborne District mayor Rehette Stoltz.
A new study suggests a significant number of undergraduate students are uncomfortable sharing their views in class on certain topics - such as gender, politics, religion and sexual orientation. Almost 800 students from Otago, Auckland and Victoria Universities participated in the study, about their comfort speaking in academic settings. Up to 40% said they would feel uncomfortable 'speaking up and giving their views' on gender, politics, religion, and sexual orientation. And 65 per cent said they would feel uncomfortable discussing at least one of these topics. Kathryn discusses the findings with Dr Jamin Halberstadt, a professor in the department of psychology, University of Otago.
Sports commentator Steve Holloway joins Kathryn to talk about the women's draw for the World Cup, throw forward to the start of the men's World Cup in Qatar later this month and find out what's going on with the All White's coach. He'll also touch on what's happening in the EPL and New Zealand's national league. Steve Holloway is Premium sports editor at NZME, former NZ national league footballer and co-host of the Between Two Beers podcast.
In photographer Jane Ussher's latest book, she has turned her lens on the diverse and eclectic interiors of New Zealand homes. Over a two year period she shot more than 300 pictures which have ended up in the hardback book - Rooms - Portraits of remarkable New Zealand interiors. They are from homes from Mangonui in the Far North, to Dunedin and showcase a diverse range of decorating styles and homes.
Rebecca talks to Kathryn about how Inland Revenue collected an extra $33 million from international firms as part of a campaign to keep COVID-19 wage subsidy money in New Zealand and there are changes on the horizon for competition law - what will it involve?
In March this year, the Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was found, three thousand metres under the icy Weddell Sea - 107 years after it sank. The British maritime archaeologist Mensun Bound, along with a large team of scientists, meteorologists, engineers and dive specialists found the ship still still in remarkably good condition. For Bound, the search for Shackleton's ship was the culmination of a lifetime fascination with the explorer and his Antarctic expeditions. He speaks to Kathryn about his new book, The Ship Beneath The Ice.
Prosecutors have charged a Canadian citizen in a hammer-attack on the husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. And as Elon Musk's Twitter takeover is complete, Ron says Elon Musk has already begun to abuse it, retweeting a link to a scabrous and false report about the attack on Paul Pelosi. Meanwhile the Democrats are bearing the brunt of bad feelings over inflation and other economic issues. Ron also ponders whether Joe Biden will pull the the plug on his own re-election campaign relatively soon. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
Wilderlab took out the Supreme Award at MPI's annual Biosecurity Awards last night. Wilderlab monitors thousands of kilometers of our waterways for tens of thousands of species every week. Thanks to powerful and portable new e-DNA testing kits, early detections of rare and invasive organisms have lead to successful eradications. All from just a cup or two of water. Community scientists, Regional Councils and DOC are among those using the tech to combat biodiversity and biosecurity challenges. Kathryn speaks with Shaun Wilkinson, principal scientist and founder of the Wellington-based environmental DNA testing lab, who is calling for a national conservation and biosecurity pest-monitoring programme.
It's nearly three weeks since administrators were called in to oversee Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, so what's happening now? RAL which runs the Whakapapa and Turoa skifields on the mountain, put itself into voluntary administration owing tens of millions of dollars. It blames the pandemic, coupled with this winter's terrible ski season. The government has knocked back any suggestion of a further bailout -beyond the $15m in loans made to RAL since 2018. John Fisk of PWC is one of two administrators tasked with trying to salvage the business.
Kennedy Warne highlights the efforts of a young Australian attempting to row solo across the Pacific. Tom Robinson has been rowing for 4 months, having left Peru on 1 July. The 23 year old is almost half way, about 400 km north of the Marquesas, but it's a tense time. The current keeps pushing him north, and there are very few islands, inhabited or uninhabited, in those latitudes. He will run short of food in another month or so, and the cyclone season is about to begin. Kennedy has been tracking his progress, reading his blog and listening to a satellite phone conversation he made in mid-October with a boating website in Maine, only the third conversation he's had with anyone since the voyage began.
Christall Lowe is a photojournalist with a love of food who's used her skills to create a visually stunning book celebrating kai, whakapapa and whanau. She begins by sharing her first food memory - of her nana feeding her kamokamo mashed with butter - and writes about how her family shaped her experiences with food...particularly her grandad's "master hangi".She describes herself as a home cook and the book - Kai: Food stories and recipes from my family table - as 20 years in the making. She shares two recipes: Feijoa icecream and Honey-roasted yams with feta whip.
Kathryn, Lamia and Trish discuss the marathon debate that has marked the passage of the Fair Pay Agreement law. It's a fundamental shift in employment relations, but could it be first on the chopping block if National gets into power and what else would National scrap? Also they take a look at some interesting candidate selections within National and touch on the size of the economic challenge ahead for the government.
What's the future of our galaxy? How did we come to be? What does it mean to live a small, finite life in a vast, eternal universe? Rock-star English professor of particle physics at the University of Manchester, Brian Cox CBE is bringing his new show Horizons: A 21st Century Space Odyssey, to New Zealand in December. Backgrounded by this year's Nobel Prize in Physics going to Alain Aspect, John Clauser and Anton Zeilinger for their research into Entangled States, essentially their experiments in quantum mechanics that lay the groundwork for Space computation, Kathryn spoke with Brian Cox to discuss the latest advances in our understanding of black holes, quantum theory, planetary science, biology, astronomy and cosmology, and how he covers these off in his new show.
Can the European Union expect a reset with Britain under new PM Rishi Sunak? Hopes that Northern Ireland would finally get a power-sharing government after months of political deadlock appear to have been dashed and why is there a growing list of differences between the French and German governments?
Environmental Toxicologist warns the risk to Aotearoa's marine life from chemical contaminants in the sea, river and streams are intensifying. Local and global research has found an unprecedented number of diverse chemicals in waterways which threaten the health of New Zealand's unique ecosystems. University of Auckland and Cawthron Institute ecotoxicologist, Louis Tremblay says on top of 100 million registered chemical compounds, a large number of new ones are added daily. Dr Tremblay is looking into the risk such chemicals pose on the health of eco-systems in Aotearoa.
New Zealand-based casinos are launching unregulated online gambling platforms out of Malta, which bypass local regulations. In New Zealand, it's illegal for casinos to provide online gambling services, but it is legal for people to gamble on offshore websites. Moving operations to Malta means these casinos still reach New Zealand customers -- however our laws and regulations do not apply, and communities do not benefit from taxes and levies. Christchurch Casino's new online operation out of Malta follows Sky City's launch from the same country back in 2019. Under the Gambling Act, government-owned Lotto and the T.A.B are the only operators able to offer online services. The Department of Internal Affairs is looking to update and modernise the two-decade old legislation for a more online world, which may allow more online gambling platforms to operate here legally. Kathryn speaks to Maria Bellringer, the director of AUT's Gambling and Addictions Research Centre.
Sam Ackerman talks about the real question left unanswered by the scheduling blunder for the Black Ferns and All Blacks, a landmark week in Secondary Schools rugby and what can rain on the Black Caps parade at the T20 World Cup.
Catriona Ferguson reviews Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North by Rachel Joyce, published by Penguin
Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year in 2021 for her advocacy work for survivors of sexual assault. And she's now told her story -- in her own words -- in a memoir called The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner. She speaks to Kathryn about her life, activism and the impact of speaking out.
There's been high drama in Beijing at the conclusion of the Chinese Communist party five-yearly party congress. Asia correspondent Ed White talks to Kathryn about how any hopes of reconciliation between the west and China now fading.
Our Short Story competition judges, writers Harry Ricketts and Rebecca Reilly, announced the five winners of the 2022 Nine to Noon Short Story competition.
Anti-smoking groups are sounding the alarm at the growing number of vape shops in the country, with 300 new stores opening up since February alone. Kathryn speaks to Letitia Harding, chief executive of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation and Janet Hoek, a professor of Public Health at the University of Otago.
There's growing concern for the mental health and wellbeing of doctors and medical specialists navigating a stressed health sector. In an editorial published in the NZ Medical Journal today, burnout, depression and anxiety are increasingly common diseases amongst doctors, impairing their ability to perform at work and home and cope with life stressors.
Film and TV reviewer Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about the second season of The White Lotus (Neon), new Netflix series The Watcher - which is based on a creepy true story, and The Stranger (Netflix) a film also based on a true story of one of the largest investigations and undercover operations in Australia.
Leaving home for the first time as a young adult can be a daunting prospect - not only for the leaver, but for anxious parents left behind. Joining Kathryn today to talk about the life skills parents can teach their kids is comedian, dad and Parenting Place pou tangata Pio Terei.
Technology correspondent Peter Griffin joins Kathryn to look at the hefty fines being introduced to the Australian parliament this week for repeated or serious privacy breaches, tech company earnings what do their results say about the health of the economy and what are some of the key tech takeaways from China's 20th Party Congress?
Quentin Johnson reviews The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman, published by Penguin Random House
Whether accidentally, or by design, humans have had a great impact on the face of New Zealand. Richard Wolfe unravels the history and considers our future in his 41st book: Footprints on the Land: How Humans Changed New Zealand.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye looks at the line-up of new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet and some of the decisions he's made in his first full day in office - including abandoning fracking.
South Aucklanders are growing their own organic fruit and veg in a company carpark. As a way of easing staff shopping bills, Mangere-based drinks distributors Hancocks has lined its car park with garden pods for growing fresh produce.
Outgoing Principal Youth Court Judge, John Walker, tells Kathryn about how youth court has changed over the years. He says the young people who do come before the court have complex issues underlying their offending - and the challenge is to address those issues early to avoid a "revolving door".
Auckland Art Gallery's Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera Art and Life in Modern Mexico exhibition saw the highest visitation numbers on record for a ticketed exhibition's opening weekend since 2011. Kathryn is joined by Kirsten Lacy, who's the director of the Auckland Art Gallery, to talk about the pair's popularity.
Andrew Hubbard, the acting chief executive of Citizens Advice Bureau joins Kathryn to look at private sales, like buying of Facebook Marketplace, and what your rights are if something goes wrong.
Cynthia Morahan reviews A Pocketful of Happiness by Richard E. Grant, published by Simon & Schuster. [picture id="4LJMCYP_A_Pocketful_of_Happiness_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]
Historian Dr Jock Phillips' latest work tells the story of New Zealand using 100 objects. Objects such as the sewing kete of an unknown 18th-century Maori woman; cannons from the Endeavour; the shields used by Springbok tour protestors and the soccer ball given as a tribute to a victim of the Christchurch Mosque shootings.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn to look at what was included in the latest Budget, the fourth in two years. The $7.5b plan is designed to help ease the cost of living ahead of new inflation figures out today.
Outward Bound in New Zealand turns 60 this year - and in the time it's been running, some 70,000 Kiwis have gone through the programme. Kathryn is joined by Outward Bound's CEO Malindi Maclean and Darryl Carpenter, who was an Outward Bound instructor in the 1990s.
Minister for Agriculture Damien O'Connor talks with Kathryn Ryan about the tough choices farmers are facing, including looming emissions pricing, and the temptation to sell into carbon farm forestry.
Andrew says the pressure points for private media companies continue: Stuff is re-arranging its smallest newsrooms to create a regional breaking-news team, which may end up meaning job cuts. And the price of newsprint continues to rise, up 20-30 per cent in the past year. And National says it will de-merger TVNZ and RNZ if it wins the election in a year's time. How would those involved in the new public media organisation create a success if that's hanging over their heads?. Also, the BBC turns 100.
The age of free trade agreements is over - could this be a blessing in disguise for NZ producers? And could Auckland Mayor, Wayne Brown inadvertently stiffen the government's spine on 3 waters.
Gareth, Brigitte and Kathryn talk about how the Hamilton byelection is an unwelcome litmus test for Labour, the Government's decision to dump its Covid powers and a possible Royal Commission into the Covid response. The economic hangover continues, could National's social investment proposal work and the PM has met with Auckland's new mayor.
He's one of New Zealand's best-known chefs but a new book takes an intimate look at the life of Simon Gault beyond his culinary skills. He's been the driving force behind Bell House, Euro, Jervois Steak House, Gault's on Quay and Giraffe - and spent five years as a judge on Masterchef New Zealand. A scare with Type-2 diabetes helped shape his interest in getting healthier and he fronted two TV shows encouraging others to do that: Why are We Fat and Chef on a Mission. Perhaps less well-known is Simon's passion for flying - something he goes into depth in, in his new biography Simon Gault: No Half Measures. It's been written with help from journalist and restaurant reviewer Kim Knight. And for the food-lovers among us, it's also peppered full of Simon's favourite recipes.
The Republicans are slowly chipping away at Democrats' formidable lead with Latino voters. Danielle explores some of the theories about why this is happening. She also looks at a national "don't-say-gay" bill. House Republicans have introduced a bill that would prohibit federal funds from being used to support any 'sexually-oriented' programs, events, and literature for children under 10; ban federal facilities from hosting or promoting such events or literature; and allow parents and guardians to sue government officials, agencies and private entities if a child under 10 is 'exposed' to such materials. Danielle says it has very little chance of passing in this Congress.
Zinc is widely used to galvanise steel and iron, putting a protective layer over it to make the metals non-corrosive. But the process creates a lot of waste, and recycling zinc is more emissions-intensive than mining it in the first place. It's a problem Jonathan Ring went back to university to solve, working on it for his masters at the University of Canterbury under engineer Aaron Marshall. Together the pair co-founded Zincovery - which recycles zinc dust back its pure form. Jonathan joins Kathryn to explain how Zincovery's technology works and their plans for scaling up.
Submissions on a sweeping review of electoral rules close in three weeks. The Independent Electoral Review is considering almost everything to do with the running of elections, political donations, who should vote, how long those elected should stay and whether the MMP threshold of 5% should be reduced. The review was announced by former Justice Minister Kris Faafoi earlier this year and the independent panel appointed after cross party consultation.The review panel is holding public meetings in person and online, and public submissions are open until mid November. Kathryn speaks with deputy chair of the Independent Electoral Review panel, Victoria Unversity Associate Professor, Maria Bargh.
The United Kingdom has its third leader in two months, after Rishi Sunak won the Conservative Party's latest leadership contest. The former chancellor will take over from Liz Truss, who resigned on Friday - just 45 days into her premiership following a disastrous mini-budget that sparked economic turmoil. Mr Sunak will be sworn in after meeting with King Charles tomorrow after his nearest rival, Penny Mourdant, apparently failed to secure the 100 nominations required to stay in the race. There had been speculation Liz Truss' predecessor Boris Johnson could make a comeback, but early yesterday he released a statement saying he had decided not to run. So who is Rishi Sunak, and will he be able to bring some stability to the Tory Party? Kathryn is joined by UK correspondent Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor at The Times.
Sam looks ahead to the FIFA World Cup draw for next year's women's world cup, with New Zealand and Australia co-hosting the event. Meanwhile the Women's Rugby World cup is nearing the business end. The Black Ferns have one last chance to earn a place in the team for the knockout stages this weekend against Scotland. And the best province in NZ rugby is decided this weekend, but Sam ponders - where is the hype?. Canterbury and Wellington are the finalists.
From Melancholy, dream-like ballads to post-punk surf instrumentals, Israeli singer/ guitarist Charlie Megira covered a lot of musical ground before his suicide in 2016. We hear two key tracks from him today, alongside an 80s classic from Auckland soul/ ska pioneers The Newmatics and some bracing Kenyan funk from Jimmy Mawi.
Olly Clifton of Unity Books Auckland reviews Liberation Day by George Saunders, published by Bloomsbury Liberation Day is Saunder's fifth short story collection and first book-length piece of fiction since his Man Booker Prize winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo (2017). As usual, the collection is a playful satire of American life, but with an even keener eye for the unique humiliations of post 2020 living.
We see their work, but do we know their names? The Kiwi women architects who have contributed to our built environment since the mid 1800s. Wellington historian, Elizabeth Cox highlights the work of hundreds of women in her book Making Space: A history of New Zealand women in architecture. 30 architects, architectural historians, academics and students have collaborated on the finished work which contains more than 400 photos. It tells a story of the barriers women have faced in an historically male dominated profession, and champions the work of women whose careers had not been documented. Lynn talks to Elizabeth Cox and to architect and educator Lynda Simmons who has written two chapters.
Koroi talks to Lynn about Vanuatu's snap elections results, coalitions are forming but some names are popping up on both sides!. In Samoa, the leader of the Oppostion has been suspended from Parliament for two years. And Koroi highlights some of the big Pacific community events coming up this Labour weekend. Koroi Hawkins is a journalist with RNZ Pacific
As New Zealanders, birds are our great love and the 141 reptile species that live here tend to be disregarded, says herpetologist and wildlife photographer Sam Purdie. He's written a photographic identification guide to Aotearoa's reptiles and amphibians - A Naturalist's Guide to the Reptiles & Amphibians of New Zealand.
Scientists at Otago University and Callaghan Innovation believe bowel cancer could be detected by a breath test. Their research focusses on identifying a set of compounds in breath that may help identify the presence of cancer or precancer in the bowel. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world with more than 3,000 people being diagnosed and over 1,200 dying from the disease each year. Currently, diagnosis relies on invasive and expensive colonoscopy, usually once someone has symptoms. Callaghan Innovation Principal Research Scientist Dr Joseph Deere is one of the research team.
There are calls for a general election in the UK, where a third prime minister could be put in place in under two months. Following what's been described by the Opposition Labour Party as a "revolving door of chaos", out-going Liz Truss (who claims the dubious record of completing Britain's shortest term as Prime Minister, just 45 days in Number 10) resigned in the early hours of our morning. A new Conservative leader is likely to be in place by this time next week. They need to get the backing of 100 MPs by Monday to enter the race. Pundits are tipping Liz Truss's close contender Rishi Sunak to take over, and Conservative MPs have already openly pledged their support for him. There's also speculation Boris Johnson might tip his hat at it, again. It's reported he's getting similar backing from Tory colleagues. Lynn Freeman is joined by Hugo Gye, Deputy Political Editor of The iPaper, based in the House of Commons press gallery.
Tamar Munch has been watching local series A Question of Justice (Prime TV) which looks as aspects of our legal system, Shantaram - streaming on Apple TV+ and The Vow: Part II (Neon) which delves deeper into the NXIVM cult.
The teenage years are difficult enough, without adding the challenges of social media and the impact it has on growing brains. We put a fence children when they're toddlers, so do we need to put a virtual fence around teens' social media use? Kathryn is joined by Kathryn Gray, Head of Middle School at St Margaret's College.
Technology correspondent Paul Matthews joins Kathryn to talk about how New Zealand has been running the world's longest-running online underground market for illegal drugs. What is the dark web and how has New Zealand's 'Tor Market' managed to evade authorities for so long? Elon Musk's SpaceX company has announced they're now going live with their much mooted fast internet for planes. How fast will it be and most importantly, how reliable? Speaking of Elon Musk, his on-again off-again purchase of Twitter appears to be on again, however he's facing all kinds of lawsuits and investigations. Will he buy Twitter and where will it end?
When former international footballers Dr Michele Cox and Maia Jackman hit middle age, like many women, they starting coming up against a range of issues: health concerns, menopause , financial worries, deaths of loved ones and relationship issues. It was a time in their lives when they thought they ought to have it sussed: job, house, thriving kids and relationships and self confidence to sail through it all. Instead, at times they felt like they were hanging on by their fingernails. and they realised that was the case for many women in their age bracket. So they got together to tackle middle-age issues head on - and the result is their book, just published called "Murdering Middleage : Surviving and Thriving in Midlife". Michele Cox played for the Football Ferns and headed Women's Football for NZ Football. She has a PhD in Physical Activity from AUT, as well as an MA in Psychology, and she is the author of five books on sport and excellence. Maia Jackman played for and captained the Football Ferns - she represented New Zealand in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup and was selected for the FIFA All Star World XI, the only NZ women's player ever selected.
It's been an extraordinary evening in UK politics, with some pundits saying it looks like a "death spiral" for Prime Minister Liz Truss, who's been in the job for just six weeks. There was total chaos in the Commons during a vote on fracking with reports of Tory MPs being "manhandled" into the voting chamber. The drama continued when Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigned over two data breaches, launching an attack on Liz Truss' premiership in her resignation letter. She's reportedly been followed by Chief Whip Wendy Morton and her deputy.
Do animals experience emotions? And how can we know when we can't ask them? We should focus on what the positive emotions of our fellow animals reveal - rather than the negative, says animal behaviour expert Ximena Nelson.
12 years on from the Pike River mine disaster, the Health & Safety body for the sector says there's still too much tolerance for workplace injury. MinEx is funded by the sector, and tasked with keeping mines, quarries and tunnel projects free from fatalities, injuries and diseases. Chief Executive Wayne Scott says if someone dies in the workplace in New Zealand, too many think 'shit happens' - and move on. He compares this with Australia, where he says workplace deaths are treated very seriously. He speaks with Kathryn, along with Jodi Goodall - a leading Australian figure in health and safety - she was a key contributor to a seminal report in Queensland two years ago which was critical of the state's record of mine and quarrying injuries and deaths.
Science correspondent Laurie Winkless joins Kathryn to talk about new research into how fast are oceans are warming - and the impact it might have. She'll look at the discovery of a heavy metal in the atmosphere of two, ultra-hot gas giants and how VR can now deliver you smell - in this case, wine in a virtual wine cellar!
In his book The Clarence: People and Places of Waiau Toa, rural journalist Tim Fulton explores more than 200 kilometres of mountains, rivers and valleys bordering Canterbury and Marlborough. Tim tells Kathryn his book is not exclusively a farming or a Pakeha settlement story, it also pays tribute to Maori settlement and ongoing connection to the area, as well as the people who have worked the rugged land for generations.
Chris Tse reviews People Person by Joanna Cho, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press
Pulitzer Prize winning American author Annie Proulx talks to Kathryn about her latest book, Fen, Bog and Swamp. The 87 year old writes about the history of wetland destruction and the role it plays in the climate crisis and says swamps can protect against climate change if we only let them. The non fiction work presents the case for ignoring wetland destruction at our peril. The Shipping News and Brokeback Mountain are among Annie Proulx's most well known works of fiction, both which were made into movies.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the decision by the Albanese Government to reverse the Morrison Government's 2018 recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It's prompted Israel to call in the Australian ambassador in protest. A review of how Medicare's billing arrangement works is underway after ABC's 7.30 current affairs programme aired allegations of systemic fraud. The trial of Bruce Lehrmann, accused of raping former ministerial staffer Brittany Higgins, is nearly complete and Australian netball team the Diamonds are refusing to wear the logo of their new corporate sponsor - Hancock Prospecting.
Wood is making a comeback as the construction industry looks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from high carbon materials like concrete and steel. The government's Building for Climate Change programme has set a target of near-zero building related emissions by 2050. In Switzerland construction is underway on the world's tallest residential building with a load-bearing structure in wood. The 100-metre tall wooden apartment tower Rocket&Tigerli is being built by Scandinavian architect firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Its head of global innovation Enlai Hooi says the use of timber in high rise construction reduces carbon emissions, provides quality housing and reconnects people with nature. He's in New Zealand to speak to at an event organised by MidRise Wood Construction and joins Kathryn to talk about how climate change is fuelling a wooden construction renaissance.
Two sisters behind a new foundation say reducing inequalities for women and girls is top of their agenda. Theresa and Angela Gattung last night launched the Gattung Foundation, a charitable organisation that will focus on five areas the sisters really care about: lifting female, Maori and Pasifika voices; growing stronger families; advancing education; reversing poverty cycles; and improving animal welfare. Theresa Gattung is a former CEO of Telecom and is a well-known business leader and philanthropist. She'll be a Trustee of the Gattung Foundation, while Angela, with an extensive background in education and the charitable sector will be its executive director. The pair join Kathryn to talk about why they've made this move, and the Foundation's objectives.
When there is a large age gap between two people in a relationship, Liz Koh outlines a number of issues that arise when considering long term financial planning and how they can be resolved.
Credit card rewards have begun plummeting, and the reason may not be what you'd expect. Consumer NZ's head of communications and campaigns Gemma Rasmussen joins Kathryn to explain.
Rebecca Stevenson talks to Kathryn about Elon Musk and Twitter, including the federal investigation over his conduct in his takeover deal for the firm.
Consumer prices rose 2.2 per cent in the three months ended September - well above expectation. RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford joins Kathryn to discuss the latest figures.
The government says it wants the Shakespeare in schools programme to continue, after its funding was cut by Creative New Zealand. RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher talks to Kathryn with the latest.
Carole Beu of the Women's Bookshop in Ponsonby reviews Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, published by Faber.
Dan Schreiber has made a career of combining quirky facts with comedy. He's a Q.I 'elf' - part of the team of researchers behind the popular quiz show Q.I, co-hosts a spinoff podcast called No Such Thing As A Fish, and is behind the Museum of Curiosity, a comedy talk show on BBC Radio 4.
US correspondent Ron Elving says with the US elections being held next month, voting processes are under stress and scrutiny. This amid a backdrop of inflation running hot, interest rates continuing to rise and a looming recession.
It's been a tough season for many whitebaiters - some say it's been one of the worst they can remember. NIWA freshwater ecologist Mike Hickford and DOC's Director Aquatic Kirsty Knowles join Kathryn to discuss how changes in habitat are affecting whitebait.
Changes to ADHD care under consideration by health officials are long overdue and will benefit a growing number of adults being diagnosed with the condition. Kathryn talks with ADHD NZ Chair Darrin Bull and Auckland mother-of-two Megan Hutchison who was diagnosed with ADHD in July.
Kennedy has an update on incoming flights of bar-tailed godwits, arriving on our shores from Alaska. He also explores a remarkable new decision from the Supreme Court on the place of tikanga in New Zealand law, and takes us offshore to listen in on the humpback hit parade.
Kathryn speaks to Alex Elliott-Howery, one half of the Cornersmith cafe and cooking school in Sydney, which she runs with her longtime friend Jaimee Edwards. The Food Saver's A-Z: The essential Cornersmith kitchen companion is the result of many years of swapping ideas for making the most of what they've got.
Gareth Hughes is a former Green MP and now works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.
David Hill reviews The Axeman's Carnival by Catherine Chidgey, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press
Former Kiwi rugby league star Kevin Iro has gone from sports champion to ocean champion. After an exceptional 14 year professional and international sporting career Iro moved to the Cook Islands where he was alarmed to find once vibrant reefs and lagoons, damaged and depleted.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn to talk about the difficulties facing Italy's coalition of far-right and rightwing parties just weeks after winning elections. The death toll from an attack on a training centre for Russian recruits and a vigil has been held for two men killed in a shooting at a gay bar in Slovakia.
Data from the online job marketplace SEEK suggests employers can boost their chances of locking in the right person for the job by making some simple adjustments to the recruitment process. SEEK NZ Country Manager Rob Clark explains.
If the government's zero emissions target is to be met - we'll need another 1.5m low emission cars on our roads in the next 13 years. So is our charging infrastructure up to the job? Kathryn talks with Acting CEO and ChargeNet Director Damon Birchfield.
It's been a rough weekend for UK Prime Minister Liz Truss. Kathryn speaks with Westminster correspondent Hugo Gye.
Comedians Donna Brookbanks and Irene Pink with some of the lighter stories of the week.
The Black Ferns will be looking to get down to business against Wales this weekend at the Rugby World Cup following the hoopla of the opening of the tournament. Dana talks to Lynn about how women's sport is marketed and whether the emphasis is right. She also discusses the Silver Ferns success over Australia and ponders whether the Ferns selectors got it wrong for the Commonwealth Games?, The T20 World Cup is about to start in Australia, and Jesse Ryder is back playing international cricket - albeit at the men's indoor cricket World Cup.
Gail Pittaway reviews The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li, published by HarperCollins Publishers
Finding a way that allows humans to communicate with whales has become the obsession of wildlife film-maker Tom Mustill. His first encounter with a whale was very nearly his last. In 2015 he was out whale watching off the coast of California, when a humpback breached his kayak, tipping him and his companion into the water. Since then Tom Mustill has wanted to understand whales, if possible to learn how to communication with them. So he went in search of researchers who could help him in this quest and has written about it in How to Speak Whale: A Voyage into the Future of Animal Communication.
An historic quinquennial congress of the Chinese Communist party will get underway in Beijing this weekend. Ed talks to Lynn about the congress and why is it so important for the future of China and its leader Xi Jinping, and how China's security forces are preparing for the congress. And Sri Lanka's energy and economic crisis is making it turn to Vladimir Putin's Russia, of all places, for support. There are also more signals from Japan that a big change is coming that will overturn the country's long-standing pacifist policy. Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times.
If you can count on one hand, the number of close friends you have, you've probably got it right. Oxford University anthropologist Professor Robin Dunbar reckons five is the magic number. In addition you might have 15 "good friends", who you see for coffee or a regular catch-up, 50 people you might see casually and you might have up to 150 "meaningful contacts". He's also studied the seven factors that are weighed up when making a potential friend, and put it all in his new book Friends: Understanding the Power of Our Most Important Relationships.
A home-grown programme teaching mindfulness to tens of thousands of school children around the country is bringing more calm and less anxiety to the classroom, according to an independent evaluation. Pause Breathe Smile is a programme developed by Grant Rix, in collaboration with the Mental Health Foundation. It is funded by Southern Cross and deployed in over 340 schools and kura , reaching 90,000 children. An evaluation by Christchurch research consultancy Mindquip has found a range of benefits including an improvement in focus, perseverance, helpfulness and self-motivation and a decline in apprehension, anxiety and pessimism.
A proposal for a land based salmon farm planned for near Twizel was unveiled yesterday, with the government committing $16.7 million to it. Mount Cook Alpine Salmon says the farm will be waste free, returning all the water used in the farm back to source in the same state it was taken. Exported salmon earns the country more than $100 million a year, but the sector faces many challenges - environmental impacts and rising sea temperatures key among them. The country's largest salmon producer, New Zealand King Salmon has had to dump fish, closes farms and let go of staff due to warmer water temperatures brought on by climate change. To discuss the land based salmon farm project Lynn speaks to Mount Cook Alpine Salmon Chief Executive David Cole and Maren Wellenreuther, a marine biologist and seafood scientist at Plant and Food Research in Nelson.
Viewing commentator James Croot joins Kathryn to look at new, star-studded conspiracy tale Amsterdam (cinemas), Lena Dunham's adaptation of Catherine Called Birdy (Amazon Prime), a new twist on Romeo & Juliet in Rosaline (Disney+) and the new - and final - season of Derry Girls (Netflix).
Registered nutritionist and specialist in infant, child and maternal nourishment, Vanessa A Clarkson's new book Motherfood has over 40 recipes to help expectant and new mums rise to the task. They're plant-based, wholefood recipes for drinks, meals, breakfasts, snacks, and desserts (all low in refined sugars). Vanessa is an advocate for healthier food systems. She has worked with Australian supermarket Coles to remove food additives, salt and sugars from everyday foods as part of Australia's Health Star Rating system, and is studying towards a PhD in food system transitions at the University of Melbourne.
Technology correspondent Mahsa Mohaghegh joins Kathryn to talk about targeted advertising; how it works, what the difference is between first and third-party cookies and Google's cookie-replacement developments. She'll also talk about efforts by Elon Musk to activate Starlink in Iran to help combat an internet ban amid mass protests. And why are researchers are teaching robots to laugh? Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh is Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering - Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Director of Women in Technology at the Auckland University of Technology.
In his new book Fake Believe, writer and filmmaker Dylan Reeve takes a deep dive into how alternative beliefs are shared and adopted here in New Zealand.
Prime Minister Liz Truss says she won't make any cuts to public spending - but has warned there'll be "difficult decisions" ahead. And the chaos after the 'mini-Budget' is continuing- with the markets in meltdown again today. The Bank of England said it'll end its emergency bond buying bailout - designed to stabilise the markets - on Friday, prompting fresh fears of instability. And King Charles will be crowned on May 6 - but could it be a cut-price coronation?
Art-lovers are stepping over thresholds to see some spectalular works adorning Auckland's offices and corporate foyers, in a tour called The Corporate Contribution offered by Dr Linda Tyler, Associate Professor Museums and Cultural Heritage, in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Auckland, Part of the 2022 Art in the City programme, Linda is walking a group through some of Auckland's major commercial buildings, offering glimpses of the role the city's corporate community plays as patron to the arts. Linda also discusses with Kathryn the lack of understanding some corporates have for art works inherited in newly acquired buildings.
Gas bills will rise by an average of 11 percent next month for Contact Energy customers, and 10 percent for Genesis customers - if not on fixed term contracts. Electricity prices are also on the rise, by an average of 8 percent for Contact customers; Genesis does not yet have that figure available. The size of the increases vary from customer to customer, and depend on where they live, and which plan they are on. One Contact Energy customer in Wellington has been notified of a 15 percent increase in their electricity price. The companies have pointed to low gas production, and the increased cost of carbon credits, for rising gas prices. However the four major generator-retailer companies; Contact, Genesis, Mercury and Meridian, have doubled their profits in the last 12 months from $788 million to more than $1.5 billion. Kathryn speaks to Mike Fuge, the chief executive of Contact Energy and Paul Fuge, the manager of Powerswitch - Consumer NZ's price comparison website.
It's been a rough couple of years for the arts sector, but things are getting back to normal - with the Auckland Theatre Company releasing its line-up for its 2023 season this morning. Kathryn is joined by the ATC's artistic director Jonathan Bielski.
In 1966 Robert 'Skip' Gardner hopped the Tasman and brought a small group of grifters with him to run a company that was looking distributors to sell its cosmetics through dairies and milk-bars. The story of New Zealand's biggest swindles, by true-crime author Scott Bainbridge - who's also written Without Trace and Still Missing.
Sonja de Friez reviews The Crown in Vogue by Robin Muir and Josephine Ross, published by Hachette
Australia correspondent Chris Niesche looks at efforts to recoup millions from victims of Sydney fraudster Melissa Caddick, plans to restrict digital streaming services from having access to certain live sports and more rain is forecast for a flood-weary New South Wales.
A New Plymouth based freight trucking and warehousing business is entering the coasting shipping market - with a cargo ship capable of running on methanol - if and when the biofuel is available. Kathryn speaks with MOVE executive director Chris Dunphy.
A group of Ruapehu shareholders and life pass holders says appalling governance by the board of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is to blame for the company going into voluntary administration. Kathryn speaks to Sam Clarkson spokesperson for the Ruapehu shareholders and Life Pass Holders group, and owner of the Skotel at the foot of Whakapapa ski field also John Fisk - of PwC, one of two appointed as the voluntary administrators and Leigh Berry, who runs Ruapehu Mountain Lodge.
Media commentator Andrew Holden joins Kathryn to look at attempts by Canada to introduce legislation similar to Australia's that would compel the likes of Google and Meta to negotiate deals with publishers. Select committee hearings have continued into the TVNZ/RNZ merger and Stuff's online video about foetal alcohol spectrum disorder has won an international award. Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
He's been the face of, and driving force behind, kids' television in New Zealand for decades. But Jason Gunn is turning over a new leaf - literally - with the release of a book he's co-written with his brother Andrew. It's called Jason Mason and the World's Most Powerful Itching Powder. Kathryn talks to him about the elements of a good children's book, his time creating and presenting children's television and how he's been helping adults to conquer their fear of public speaking.
Business commentator Nikki Mandow has been looking at the big issues from the Agri-food-tech 2035 Oceania Summit, including a focus on alternative food proteins and difficulty getting funding for innovation in the agriculture. Nikki Mandow is Newsroom's business editor
Stella Chrysostomou of Volume Books in Nelson reviews Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie, published by Penguin Random House.
Journalist-turned-author Jane Harper's first novel The Dry was published in 2016 and quickly snapped up and turned into a movie starring Eric Bana. Her second novel Force of Nature, a sequel to The Dry, is also set to get the big screen treatment with filming recently completed in regional Victoria. Jane followed up with two more novels, The Lost Man and The Survivors. Her fifth novel, Exiles, has just been released... this time her detective Aaron Falk is in South Australian wine country investigating the disappearance of a mother whose 6-week-old baby is left behind at a pram at a festival. She joins Kathryn to talk about how her signature settings have helped to kickstart a whole genre of Australian back-country crime. If you're keen to hear more from Jane - and you live in Auckland - she'll be doing an event at the Takapuna Library tonight.
US correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben joins Kathryn to talk about Republicans' focus on rising crime levels - as a way to counter Democrats' strengths on the issue of abortion. President Biden announced thousands of marijuana offenders will be pardoned, as the drug becomes more legal and widely used. And billions of dollars is flowing following the passing of the CHIPS Act in August as a way to shore up the US semiconductor industry.
California's most senior food and agriculture official is in New Zealand at the moment with a delegation of growers, talking about the potential for New Zealand's agri-food sector in the Golden State. New Zealand recently signed a cooperation deal on climate change with California, to promote sharing of information, experiences and research in reducing emissions as well as working together on projects that are good for the climate. New Zealand exports to California last year earned $2.3b, while imports from California cost nearly $1b. Karen Ross is the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. She's here speaking at the 2035 Oceania Summit in Auckland - along with delegations from Australia and the Pacific, discussing food threats and opportunities in the region.
The Government is proposing bringing in agriculture emission levies from 2025. It has announced its response to submissions from the Climate Change Commission and the farming partnership He Waka Eke Noa. It supports farm-level pricing but says that will be challenging to achieve by 2025. The rate of the levy will be set by the Government. It's an alternative to including farmers in the Emissions Trading Scheme and it will make New Zealand is the first country in the world to seek to put a price on agricultural emissions. Kathryn speaks with Kelly Forster He Waka Eke Noa Programme Director.
A deadly wave of Russian missile strikes across Ukraine has killed at least 11 people and injured 64. Russia's attacks are the most widespread since the early weeks of the war - hitting major Ukrainian cities from Lviv near the Polish border, to Kharkiv in the north east. The barrage of attacks was in retaliation for Saturday's explosion on the only bridge to Russian-occupied Crimea. Russian president Vladimir Putin has said the strikes targeted energy, military and communications facilities. But the cruise missiles hit busy intersections, parks, children's playgrounds and tourist sites. Sofia Koczmar-Tymoshenko is a journalist based in Lviv, who has just returned from Kyiv.
In the aftermath of the local elections Bill reminds successful candidates what Councils are for - and why business models and business people aren't necessarily good at it. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Nelson based food writer Nicola Galloway has taught cooking for 20 years. She says she often gets asked the same questions which she's tried to answer in her new book "The Homemade Table". She shares tips on making home-made staples such as breads, preserves, dairy products and ferments.
Brigitte and Gareth look at how the local body elections shook down - particularly in our biggest cities. The Government's books are better than expected - will that heat up the tax cut debate? And former Minister Kris Faafoi is copping some flak for his new job. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Gareth Hughes is a former Green MP and now works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa. He is no longer a member of any political party.
Laura Caygill reviews Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout, published by Penguin Random House
Many people know that ancient Māori studied the lunar cycle and used it to guide their daily gardening and fishing practices. Less well-known is what the moon's phases taught them about emotional health. Following on from Aroha (her best-selling collection of Māori proverbs), psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder has written a book of "daily wisdom" inspired by the Māori moon. She talks to Kathryn Ryan about the life lessons in Wawata: Moon Dreaming.
Katy joins us from Brazil, where Jair Bolsanaro has confounded expectations by forcing a run-off vote against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the country's Presidential election. He got 43 percent of the vote, while Mr Lula got 48, just short of the 50 percent needed to avoid a second round later this month. The run-off election is later this month.
An aviation veteran says the proposed new international airport in Central Otago is unnecessary and will negatively impact the local area. Christchurch International Airport, owned by the council and crown, is planning to build an airport in Tarras, capable of landing wide-bodied jets. So far it has spent $45 million buying farm land in the sparsely populated valley, and claims the airport terminal it builds will be "climate positive". Norm Thompson is a former Air New Zealand deputy chief executive, former Queenstown airport board member, and deputy chair of MBIE's Tourism Infrastructure Fund. He received the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to aviation and tourism. He says there is plenty of capacity in existing airports. Kathryn also speaks with Suze Keith from the local group Sustainable Tarras which says the airport project will be damaging to the environment and could end up being a white elephant for Christchurch ratepayers. Michael Singleton from Christchurch International Airport responds.
Of all the newly-elected mayors around the country, none woke up this morning with a bigger to-do list than Wayne Brown. He secured the top job in Auckland with a decisive win over his nearest rival Efeso Collins - in the end there was a 54,000 vote margin between them. The 76-year-old has so far shunned media interviews following his win, preferring to spend time yesterday with his family. He was due at the Auckland Council chambers at 8am this morning to meet his CEO Jim Stabback and get his hands on information about the state of the city's finances. Mr Brown positioned himself during his campaign as a "Mr Fixit" - so what's he got lined up in his sights? Kathryn is joined now by senior Auckland affairs reporter for Stuff, Todd Niall.
Comedians Michele A'Court and Irene Pink are excited about the world's biggest bouncy castle coming to Auckland.
Sam looks ahead to a big weekend of sport with the official start of the Women's Rugby World Cup.
Some voices just cannot be denied, and Grant says it is with the weightless falsetto of Josh Lane from San Diego sweet soul luminaries, Thee Sacred Souls. We'll hear tracks from Young Moon and classic Dunedin trio, Doublehappys.
Tilly Lloyd from Unity Books Wellington reviews The Story of Russia by Orlando Figes, published by Bloomsbury.
A fault on one of the two power cables linking the north and south islands this morning lead to a warning of possible powercuts by the grid operator Transpower. Kathryn speaks with Chief Executive Alison Andrew.
Doctors are always in a race against time and the fear of harming a patient never really goes away, says Izzy Lomax-Sawyers. In the new book Vital Signs, she chronicles her first year as a junior doctor at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital.
RNZ Pacific journalist Koroi Hawkins discusses the first in-person meeting for the Pacific Islands News Association since the start of the pandemic held last week; the US-Pacific partnership agreement signed this week and fears the Fijian language is at risk.
Should a two-billion dollar plan to transform Tauranga's central city be signed off by the city's four commissioners project be rather than elected representatives? Kathryn speaks with Council's commission chair Anne Tolley, and President of the Mt Residents and Ratepayers Association and Tauranga Ratepayers Alliance spokesperson Michael O'Neill.
The copper network is being retired, so what now for vulnerable customers who rely on the land line? Kathryn is joined by Chorus spokesperson Steve Pettigrew and SPARK Product Director Tessa Tierney as well as Caitlin Cherry from Consumer NZ.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about the launch of AMC+ in New Zealand and one of the big shows it'll be screening - an adaptation of Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire. He'll also talk about Netflix's Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and Disney's latest Star Wars offering Andor.
Teacher, author, public speaker and CEO of Spectrum Education Karen Boyes says study skills can also teach life skills. She shares tips for students and parents.
Mark Pesce discusses plans by the San Francisco City Council to make it legal for police to watch citizens' private feeds from their surveillance cameras. Google is going to start watching to see if your personal information shows up on the Internet and Japanese researchers have created a cyborg cockroach.
Gina Rogers reviews Do Let's Have Another Drink: The Singular Wit and Double Measures of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother by Gareth Russell, published by Harper Collins.
Francoise Malby-Anthony has spent the last 35 years in South Africa - 25 of them running an elephant reserve called Thula Thula. Francoise's first book was called An Elephant in My Kitchen -- that actually happened -- her latest is The Elephants of Thula Thula.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Kathryn to talk about Liz Truss's promise to get the country through "stormy days", while admitting her policies would cause "disruption".
China loomed large over a US-Pacific Island Summit in Washington last week. Kathryn discusses the latest with Anna Powles, senior lecturer at Massey University's Centre for Defence and Security Studies.
Power and gas distributor Vector is warning against what it calls "disorderly decarbonisation", without also investing in digital technology to manage peak time demand. It says the sector needs a ministry driving the change. Kathryn speaks with Vector's Chief Executive Simon MacKenzie.
Science correspondent Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to look at the newly-announced winners of the Nobel Prize for Physics, new research which suggests planting trees in dry areas can actually help increase atmospheric warming and DNA has helped crack a century-old mystery about New Zealand's only extinct freshwater fish. Allan Blackman is a Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology.
Dr Toni Lindsay is a clinical and health psychologist, and author of The Certainty Myth; a guide for anyone struggling with uncertainty in their life. Whether it's caused by the pandemic, a relationship breakdown, job loss, illness or something else, uncertainty can often lead to anxiety. But Dr Toni Lindsay has practical tools to help manage the anxiety that can come about when our lives feel chaotic and uncertain. She currently works at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse cancer treatment centre in Sydney, working both adults and adolescents.
Martin Fisher reviews The English Text of the Treaty of Waitangi by Ned Fletcher, published by BWB.
Since the death of Apple's controversial co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011, the tech company's massive success has been due to internal collaboration as much as innovation, says New York Times tech reporter Tripp Mickl. He explores the once-tight relationship between the company's post-Jobs culture change in the new book After Steve: How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul.
Correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the trial getting underway for the man accused of raping former ministerial staffer Brittany Higgins at Parliament in 2019.
Nearly 300,000 people are expected to attend major stadium events in Auckland this summer as the city, and the country, gets back to a bit of post-Covid normal.
Our national power grid is aging, yet we're needing more and more power. Is it up to the job? What are the solutions?
Music commentator Kirsten Zemke joins Kathryn to talk about the ingredients to an "epic" playlist in an era where technology makes it easier than ever to compile options for you. What makes a song epic - and what would make your list? Kirsten Zemke is an ethnomusicologist at the University of Auckland's School of Social Sciences.
Liz talks to Kathryn about- the ability to withstand life events that impact your income or assets. She says financial resilience has three aspects - your personal characteristics, your financial resources and your financial capability. Liz Koh is a money expert. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
In his twenties Michael Whittaker started losing his vision due to a progressive condition, retinitis pigmentosa. He was an international model at the time, and still fits in some modelling assignments alongside his studies. Michael talks to Kathryn about how he's had to adapt to living with deteriorating sight, the help he's received from Blind Low Vision NZ and also the common prejudices he's had to deal with. Now aged 32, he's at the University of Auckland, working on a PhD in NZ Literature. He is focusing on the inaugural New Zealand Poet Laureate Michele Leggott who also lives with the same progressive condition.
Nikki Mandow takes a look at managed retreat and councils' willingness to accelerate planning, the potential of green hydrogen and its role in the America's Cup, plus how embedded carbon works in the construction industry. Nikki Mandow is Newsroom's business editor.
What will the world look like in 2050? What will be our biggest challenges and the major issues shaping our world? And what countries will have the biggest economies? Hamish McRae is one of Europe's leading speakers on global trends in economics, business and society. He's also an economic and finance journalist and editor at The Independent. In his new book The World in 2050: How to Think About the Future, he maps out the next thirty years - and he has a well-established reputation for predicting global trends; thirty years ago he did a similar exercise in his book The World in 2020: Power, Culture and Prosperity; and warned, among other things, of Brexit, a populist revolution in America, and a global pandemic.
Ron Elving talks about how the US economy and inflation, which has slightly slowed, and also how the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian will affect elections. There is also more concern about President Joe Biden's state of health.
Advocacy group JustSpeak's new five-part podcast series True Justice gives a new perspective on life behind bars. It journeys through the justice system, from the moment of arrest to life after prison. True Justice is hosted by Cousins and Breaker-Upperers actor Ana Chaya Scotney,and Victoria University Wellington Criminology student Tommy Doran, who spent time in prison as a young meth addict. True Justice urges rehabilitation and restoration, and confronts what is described as the ''out of sight, out of mind' nature of our justice system. Kathryn is joined by Executive-Director of JustSpeak Aphiphany Forward-Taua and Tommy Doran.
Auckland commuters are set to have their travel plans derailed for large chunks of the coming year. KiwiRail and Auckland Transport yesterday announced plans for a major rebuild to rail lines across the city which is says will "future proof" the network for decades to come. A number of train lines will be shut for months next year, while the tracks are upgraded. Thousands of commuters on the Onehunga, Southern and Eastern lines will have to catch buses instead. But the news has been described as a bombshell - some public transport advocates say this will send tens of thousands back into their cars. And business associations are worried. Kathryn speaks with David Gordon, Kiwirail's Chief Operating Officer - Capital Projects & Asset Development and Amanda Wellgreen, Town Manager for Onehunga Business Association.
Kennedy talks to Kathryn about godwits which are currently en route to New Zealand from Alaska, the gannets of Cape Kidnappers and one of the most ancient Gondwanan forests: the Daintree rainforest.
Auckland mates Charlie Farrelly-Gruar and John 'Seymore' Harrison share a passion for delicious kai and deep kōrero.
Kathryn, Brigitte and Lamia discuss National holding firm on tax cuts, constant pressure on the Government over social housing and what the latest political poll shows. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Lamia Imam worked for two years for the Labour Party in the Leader of the Opposition's office under Phil Goff, David Shearer and David Cunliffe. She also worked for the Ministry of Justice, before gaining a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently works for a large technology company in Wellington.
Kim Pittar from Muirs Bookshop in Gisborne reviews All The Broken Places by John Boyne, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Businessman and entrepreneur Ian McCrae founded Orion Health three decades ago, but after 30 years at the helm he's appointed a new CEO - his son in law Brad Porter. Ian McCrae remains an Executive Director at Orion. He talks to Kathryn about the growth of his family business and says it's almost impossible now for Kiwi health software vendors to get started in New Zealand and get their first sales here.
The Russian President has suffered another humiliating defeat in Ukraine, just a day after he was condemned by the West for escalating the war by declaring the annexation of four eastern Ukrainian regions. There are fears about what the annexations could mean in terms of Vladimir Putin's use of military options, given he now claims he's defending Russian territory. Ukraine has vowed to continue recapturing land seized by Russia. Also, Europe contemplates the likelihood of a far-right PM in Italy and in Denmark, there's royal intrigue as Danish Queen strips her grandchildren of titles.
The National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing has been running a programme in some High Schools aimed at identifying students' undetected hearing loss. In the last survey, of 15 High Schools, there were alarming results. One in five young people had abnormal screening results and more than 30 percent complained of ringing in their ears, or tinnitus which can lead to hearing loss in the future. Foundation Chief Executive Natasha Gallardo is calling for a government funded nationwide adolescent hearing screening programme. Newborns are screened, then 4 year olds have a before-school check, but she says there is nothing else during the school years to pick up potential hearing loss.
Cotton buds, drink stirrers and PVC food trays are among a raft of products that have been banned under new waste rules; the first of three key phases to ban throw-away plastic and polystyrene packaging. So what does it mean for recycling? Kathryn is joined by Ministry for the Environment's Director, Waste and Resource Efficiency Shaun Lewis and Wellington City Council's Solid Waste Manager Stefan Borowy.
Comedians Te Radar and James Elliott with some of the lighter stories of the week, including how M&M's got their name.
Sam looks at the renewed push to support womens sport in this country, whether referees should put down the whistle and pick up a microphone, the Kiwi connection in the NRL Grand Final and why everyone's getting upset about playing to the letter of the law - it's just not cricket, or is it?
From construction of a multi-purpose bridge over the Ganges to restoring the power grid in Afghanistan, New Zealander Shanny Campbell has worked on some major global infrastructure projects. As a specialist in international development she's worked in 26 different countries over the past 26 years. She is currently the Asian Development Bank's country lead in Tajikistan where the Ukrainian conflict is taking an unexpected toll. Shanny speaks to Kathryn from the Tajik capital of Dushanbe about what's happening in the region, how her career began and where her work has taken her.
From construction of a multi-purpose bridge over the Ganges to restoring the power grid in Afghanistan, New Zealander Shanny Campbell has worked on some major global infrastructure projects. As a specialist in international development she's worked in 26 different countries over the past 26 years. She is currently the Asian Development Bank's country lead in Tajikistan where the Ukrainian conflict is taking an unexpected toll. Shanny speaks to Kathryn from the Tajik capital of Dushanbe about what's happening in the region, how her career began and where her work has taken her.
From construction of a multi-purpose bridge over the Ganges to restoring the power grid in Afghanistan, New Zealander Shanny Campbell has worked on some major global infrastructure projects. As a specialist in international development she's worked in 26 different countries over the past 26 years. She is currently the Asian Development Bank's country lead in Tajikistan where the Ukrainian conflict is taking an unexpected toll. Shanny speaks to Kathryn from the Tajik capital of Dushanbe about what's happening in the region, how her career began and where her work has taken her.
Louise O'Brien reviews Abominations by Lionel Shriver, published by HarperCollins Publishers.
Louise O'Brien reviews Abominations by Lionel Shriver, published by HarperCollins Publishers.
Louise O'Brien reviews Abominations by Lionel Shriver, published by HarperCollins Publishers.
Hong Kong calls time on zero-Covid, ending quarantine measures but hopes are still dim that China will follow suit. In Cambodia, more than four decades after the Khmer Rouge was ousted, the 91-year-old former prime minister of Pol Pot's genocidal regime has lost an appeal in what will likely be the final case heard by the UN-backed tribunal in Cambodia. And in Japan the state funeral of former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe this week drew many world leaders and Japan's imperial family, but the proceedings were somewhat overshadowed by protesters who marched on Japan's parliament.
Dave Ferguson is the kiwi entrepreneur behind Nuro - the California based driverless delivery start-up. Nuro has developed small, electric, driverless vehicles which can deliver food, groceries and medicines which the customer accesses using a pin code on a touchscreen. Nuro has piloted autonomous local deliveries in markets in Texas, Arizona and California where it has regulatory approval to "drive" on public roads. As well as Domino's pizza, the company is now working with delivery giant FedEx, Uber Eats, and a chain of pharmacies and supermarkets. Dave Ferguson grew up in Wellington and got his undergraduate degree from Otago University.
Dave Ferguson is the kiwi entrepreneur behind Nuro - the California based driverless delivery start-up. Nuro has developed small, electric, driverless vehicles which can deliver food, groceries and medicines which the customer accesses using a pin code on a touchscreen. Nuro has piloted autonomous local deliveries in markets in Texas, Arizona and California where it has regulatory approval to "drive" on public roads. As well as Domino's pizza, the company is now working with delivery giant FedEx, Uber Eats, and a chain of pharmacies and supermarkets. Dave Ferguson grew up in Wellington and got his undergraduate degree from Otago University.
Dave Ferguson is the kiwi entrepreneur behind Nuro - the California based driverless delivery start-up. Nuro has developed small, electric, driverless vehicles which can deliver food, groceries and medicines which the customer accesses using a pin code on a touchscreen. Nuro has piloted autonomous local deliveries in markets in Texas, Arizona and California where it has regulatory approval to "drive" on public roads. As well as Domino's pizza, the company is now working with delivery giant FedEx, Uber Eats, and a chain of pharmacies and supermarkets. Dave Ferguson grew up in Wellington and got his undergraduate degree from Otago University.
The headache of how to retrofit social housing to make it warmer and more energy efficient is a global one. But a company in the UK may have a remedy - it's pushing past an initial, successful pilot project to wrap more houses in what it calls 'energy pods'. Energiesprong, which is Dutch for "energy leap", originated in the Netherlands and is now being promoted across Europe. The retrofits are done offsite and then assembled within 15 days - which means minimal disruption for the tenants. It's financed by the savings made on energy bills and maintenance over 30 - 40 years. To explain more Kathryn is joined by Emily Braham, who's a director with Energiesprong UK and spoke earlier this week about the company's model to the Green Building Council's Housing Summit.
The headache of how to retrofit social housing to make it warmer and more energy efficient is a global one. But a company in the UK may have a remedy - it's pushing past an initial, successful pilot project to wrap more houses in what it calls 'energy pods'. Energiesprong, which is Dutch for "energy leap", originated in the Netherlands and is now being promoted across Europe. The retrofits are done offsite and then assembled within 15 days - which means minimal disruption for the tenants. It's financed by the savings made on energy bills and maintenance over 30 - 40 years. To explain more Kathryn is joined by Emily Braham, who's a director with Energiesprong UK and spoke earlier this week about the company's model to the Green Building Council's Housing Summit.
The headache of how to retrofit social housing to make it warmer and more energy efficient is a global one. But a company in the UK may have a remedy - it's pushing past an initial, successful pilot project to wrap more houses in what it calls 'energy pods'. Energiesprong, which is Dutch for "energy leap", originated in the Netherlands and is now being promoted across Europe. The retrofits are done offsite and then assembled within 15 days - which means minimal disruption for the tenants. It's financed by the savings made on energy bills and maintenance over 30 - 40 years. To explain more Kathryn is joined by Emily Braham, who's a director with Energiesprong UK and spoke earlier this week about the company's model to the Green Building Council's Housing Summit.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about the latest season of Alice Snedden's Bad News (streaming on The Spinoff), Australian psych hospital drama Wakefield streaming on Neon and WHANAU 2021, the fourth instalment of a longitudinal documentary series funded by NZ On Air and streaming on MAORI+.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about the latest season of Alice Snedden's Bad News (streaming on The Spinoff), Australian psych hospital drama Wakefield streaming on Neon and WHANAU 2021, the fourth instalment of a longitudinal documentary series funded by NZ On Air and streaming on MAORI+.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about the latest season of Alice Snedden's Bad News (streaming on The Spinoff), Australian psych hospital drama Wakefield streaming on Neon and WHANAU 2021, the fourth instalment of a longitudinal documentary series funded by NZ On Air and streaming on MAORI+.
New research reveals ways teachers are challenging students to be the best they can be. For what the Teaching, School and Principal Leadership Practices Survey reveals about strengths and needs in our schools, and also where teacher morale is at, Kathryn is joined by New Zealand Council for Educational Research Senior Researcher Mohamed Alansari.
New research reveals ways teachers are challenging students to be the best they can be. For what the Teaching, School and Principal Leadership Practices Survey reveals about strengths and needs in our schools, and also where teacher morale is at, Kathryn is joined by New Zealand Council for Educational Research Senior Researcher Mohamed Alansari.
New research reveals ways teachers are challenging students to be the best they can be. For what the Teaching, School and Principal Leadership Practices Survey reveals about strengths and needs in our schools, and also where teacher morale is at, Kathryn is joined by New Zealand Council for Educational Research Senior Researcher Mohamed Alansari.
It's been a big week in technology, with commentator Bill Bennett joining Kathryn to talk about the data breach at Australian telco Optus, Covenant Eyes - a new app that can look at everything on your phone - including pornography and has been popular in US churches, the rise of productivity theatre among those working at home and Vodafone's new rebrand.
It's been a big week in technology, with commentator Bill Bennett joining Kathryn to talk about the data breach at Australian telco Optus, Covenant Eyes - a new app that can look at everything on your phone - including pornography and has been popular in US churches, the rise of productivity theatre among those working at home and Vodafone's new rebrand.
It's been a big week in technology, with commentator Bill Bennett joining Kathryn to talk about the data breach at Australian telco Optus, Covenant Eyes - a new app that can look at everything on your phone - including pornography and has been popular in US churches, the rise of productivity theatre among those working at home and Vodafone's new rebrand.
Paul Diamond reviews He Reo Tuku Iho: Tangata Whenua and Te Reo Maori by Awanui Te Huia, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.
Paul Diamond reviews He Reo Tuku Iho: Tangata Whenua and Te Reo Maori by Awanui Te Huia, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.
Paul Diamond reviews He Reo Tuku Iho: Tangata Whenua and Te Reo Maori by Awanui Te Huia, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye joins Kathryn to look at the market meltdown that followed new Prime Minister Liz Truss and her finance minister's comments about cutting taxes to stimulate the economy. Tory MPs are furious and calling for a U-turn - or yet another change of leader. Labour's held its annual conference, saying it's ready to lead and just after the nation united in grief to farewell the Queen the Royal Family is in hot water, with the Palace imposing strict controls on what footage from the state funeral can be reused by broadcasters.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye joins Kathryn to look at the market meltdown that followed new Prime Minister Liz Truss and her finance minister's comments about cutting taxes to stimulate the economy. Tory MPs are furious and calling for a U-turn - or yet another change of leader. Labour's held its annual conference, saying it's ready to lead and just after the nation united in grief to farewell the Queen the Royal Family is in hot water, with the Palace imposing strict controls on what footage from the state funeral can be reused by broadcasters.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye joins Kathryn to look at the market meltdown that followed new Prime Minister Liz Truss and her finance minister's comments about cutting taxes to stimulate the economy. Tory MPs are furious and calling for a U-turn - or yet another change of leader. Labour's held its annual conference, saying it's ready to lead and just after the nation united in grief to farewell the Queen the Royal Family is in hot water, with the Palace imposing strict controls on what footage from the state funeral can be reused by broadcasters.
The Restaurant Industry Association says a trend for establishments to charge cancellation fees for no shows is likely to become normal practice across the sector. After covid lockdown restrictions lifted some diners noticed a change when making an online booking - where restaurants require credit card details to charge fees in the event of a cancellation. Restaurants argue cancellation fees are necessary as rising costs are squeezing margins and cancellations can add to that. But some in the sector think investing in the admin needed to enforce these fees will turn some business owners off. Kathryn talks to Marisa Bidois CEO Restaurant Industry Assn and Tash McGill, President of NZ Food Writers.
The Restaurant Industry Association says a trend for establishments to charge cancellation fees for no shows is likely to become normal practice across the sector. After covid lockdown restrictions lifted some diners noticed a change when making an online booking - where restaurants require credit card details to charge fees in the event of a cancellation. Restaurants argue cancellation fees are necessary as rising costs are squeezing margins and cancellations can add to that. But some in the sector think investing in the admin needed to enforce these fees will turn some business owners off. Kathryn talks to Marisa Bidois CEO Restaurant Industry Assn and Tash McGill, President of NZ Food Writers.
The Restaurant Industry Association says a trend for establishments to charge cancellation fees for no shows is likely to become normal practice across the sector. After covid lockdown restrictions lifted some diners noticed a change when making an online booking - where restaurants require credit card details to charge fees in the event of a cancellation. Restaurants argue cancellation fees are necessary as rising costs are squeezing margins and cancellations can add to that. But some in the sector think investing in the admin needed to enforce these fees will turn some business owners off. Kathryn talks to Marisa Bidois CEO Restaurant Industry Assn and Tash McGill, President of NZ Food Writers.
It's less than two weeks since Air New Zealand started flying direct between Auckland and New York, but it's had to offload bags, passengers and make plans for a possible pitstop in Fiji.
It's less than two weeks since Air New Zealand started flying direct between Auckland and New York, but it's had to offload bags, passengers and make plans for a possible pitstop in Fiji.
It's less than two weeks since Air New Zealand started flying direct between Auckland and New York, but it's had to offload bags, passengers and make plans for a possible pitstop in Fiji.
Performing arts reviewer Michael Hooper joins Kathryn to talk about New Zealand Opera's current tour of MacBeth. It's a new production by Netia Jones, conducted by Brad Cohen and features Phillip Rhodes and Amanda Echalaz in their international role debuts as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Performing arts reviewer Michael Hooper joins Kathryn to talk about New Zealand Opera's current tour of MacBeth. It's a new production by Netia Jones, conducted by Brad Cohen and features Phillip Rhodes and Amanda Echalaz in their international role debuts as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Performing arts reviewer Michael Hooper joins Kathryn to talk about New Zealand Opera's current tour of MacBeth. It's a new production by Netia Jones, conducted by Brad Cohen and features Phillip Rhodes and Amanda Echalaz in their international role debuts as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Temperatures dropping to minus 57 degrees, 16 weeks of darkness, isolation stretching to eight months and logistical challenges. That's what five scientists faced during the first winter at New Zealand's Vanda Station in Antarctica in 1969. On the shore of Lake Vanda in the Dry Valleys, the group were investigating the strangely snowless landscape, and why the lake, while covered in metres of ice, had waters reaching 25 degrees at the bottom of the lake. It was a remarkable expedition, not just for its scientific contributions, but for the limited supplies and extreme conditions they endured. Kathryn speaks to two of the group; Al Riordan and Simon Cutfield, who have written a book of their experience; Keep in a Cool Place: The First Winter at Vanda Station, Antarctica.
Temperatures dropping to minus 57 degrees, 16 weeks of darkness, isolation stretching to eight months and logistical challenges. That's what five scientists faced during the first winter at New Zealand's Vanda Station in Antarctica in 1969. On the shore of Lake Vanda in the Dry Valleys, the group were investigating the strangely snowless landscape, and why the lake, while covered in metres of ice, had waters reaching 25 degrees at the bottom of the lake. It was a remarkable expedition, not just for its scientific contributions, but for the limited supplies and extreme conditions they endured. Kathryn speaks to two of the group; Al Riordan and Simon Cutfield, who have written a book of their experience; Keep in a Cool Place: The First Winter at Vanda Station, Antarctica.
Temperatures dropping to minus 57 degrees, 16 weeks of darkness, isolation stretching to eight months and logistical challenges. That's what five scientists faced during the first winter at New Zealand's Vanda Station in Antarctica in 1969. On the shore of Lake Vanda in the Dry Valleys, the group were investigating the strangely snowless landscape, and why the lake, while covered in metres of ice, had waters reaching 25 degrees at the bottom of the lake. It was a remarkable expedition, not just for its scientific contributions, but for the limited supplies and extreme conditions they endured. Kathryn speaks to two of the group; Al Riordan and Simon Cutfield, who have written a book of their experience; Keep in a Cool Place: The First Winter at Vanda Station, Antarctica.
Shaun Barnett reviews Sylvia and the Birds by Johanna Emeney & Sarah Laing, published by Massey University Press.
Shaun Barnett reviews Sylvia and the Birds by Johanna Emeney & Sarah Laing, published by Massey University Press.
Shaun Barnett reviews Sylvia and the Birds by Johanna Emeney & Sarah Laing, published by Massey University Press.
The Building Brothers Construction company is a Tongan family affair. The three Tuipulotu brothers, Mapa, George and Fou started off labouring, but since qualifying as builders they've formed their own company and are now helping other young labourers to further their skills. The company does a range of construction work, building houses, renovating and commercial construction. The brothers are hoping to help to regenerate their home patch in the East Auckland suburb of Glen Innes. Growth in the area is being overseen by the Tamaki Regeneration Company, which is jointly owned by the Government and the Auckland Council. Mapa Tuipulotu says they're keen to be involved.
The Building Brothers Construction company is a Tongan family affair. The three Tuipulotu brothers, Mapa, George and Fou started off labouring, but since qualifying as builders they've formed their own company and are now helping other young labourers to further their skills. The company does a range of construction work, building houses, renovating and commercial construction. The brothers are hoping to help to regenerate their home patch in the East Auckland suburb of Glen Innes. Growth in the area is being overseen by the Tamaki Regeneration Company, which is jointly owned by the Government and the Auckland Council. Mapa Tuipulotu says they're keen to be involved.
The Building Brothers Construction company is a Tongan family affair. The three Tuipulotu brothers, Mapa, George and Fou started off labouring, but since qualifying as builders they've formed their own company and are now helping other young labourers to further their skills. The company does a range of construction work, building houses, renovating and commercial construction. The brothers are hoping to help to regenerate their home patch in the East Auckland suburb of Glen Innes. Growth in the area is being overseen by the Tamaki Regeneration Company, which is jointly owned by the Government and the Auckland Council. Mapa Tuipulotu says they're keen to be involved.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about why no Covid-19 vaccines have been ordered for 2024, the huge data breach affecting Optus customers and the shape of the first national anti-corruption commission has been revealed.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about why no Covid-19 vaccines have been ordered for 2024, the huge data breach affecting Optus customers and the shape of the first national anti-corruption commission has been revealed.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about why no Covid-19 vaccines have been ordered for 2024, the huge data breach affecting Optus customers and the shape of the first national anti-corruption commission has been revealed.
An ambitious international project to map the seabed is calling on boaties with echo technology and GPS to help out. A target was set to map the entire seabed by 2030 at a UN ocean conference in 2017. Five years on and project Seabed 2030 is gathering pace, but needs volunteers. Twenty-five percent of the ocean floor has been mapped so far - about the size of Europe. To fully understand ocean currents and their effect on climate change, an adequate map is required. Seabed 2030 aims to collate bathymetric data to produce a definitive map of our ocean floor by 2030, and make it available to anyone who's interested. To help with the remaining many millions of square kilometers of seabed - about 270 million - calls are out for mariners to turn ocean mappers and become citizen scientists. Kathryn speaks with Jamie McMichael-Phillips from Seabed 2030.
An ambitious international project to map the seabed is calling on boaties with echo technology and GPS to help out. A target was set to map the entire seabed by 2030 at a UN ocean conference in 2017. Five years on and project Seabed 2030 is gathering pace, but needs volunteers. Twenty-five percent of the ocean floor has been mapped so far - about the size of Europe. To fully understand ocean currents and their effect on climate change, an adequate map is required. Seabed 2030 aims to collate bathymetric data to produce a definitive map of our ocean floor by 2030, and make it available to anyone who's interested. To help with the remaining many millions of square kilometers of seabed - about 270 million - calls are out for mariners to turn ocean mappers and become citizen scientists. Kathryn speaks with Jamie McMichael-Phillips from Seabed 2030.
An ambitious international project to map the seabed is calling on boaties with echo technology and GPS to help out. A target was set to map the entire seabed by 2030 at a UN ocean conference in 2017. Five years on and project Seabed 2030 is gathering pace, but needs volunteers. Twenty-five percent of the ocean floor has been mapped so far - about the size of Europe. To fully understand ocean currents and their effect on climate change, an adequate map is required. Seabed 2030 aims to collate bathymetric data to produce a definitive map of our ocean floor by 2030, and make it available to anyone who's interested. To help with the remaining many millions of square kilometers of seabed - about 270 million - calls are out for mariners to turn ocean mappers and become citizen scientists. Kathryn speaks with Jamie McMichael-Phillips from Seabed 2030.
Protests in Iran have intensified this week, sparked by the death of a Kurdish woman in police custody - and buoyed by wider anger at the treatment of women in the republic. 22-year-old Mahsa Amini had been detained by morality police in Tehran for not wearing her hijab correctly. Authorities claim she suffered "sudden heart failure", but her family and protesters have accused the government of her murder. The protests against her death have galvanised a wider demonstration against the restrictions on women's lives, and poses the biggest challenge to the Khamenei regime in years. So could this popular revolt be a watershed moment for Iran? Kathryn speaks to Golnaz Esfandiari, a senior correspondent for RFE/RL, focusing on Iran, and Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and activist, who now lives in exile - in an F.B.I safehouse, in the United States. She's the founder of several online movements, including #WhiteWednesdays, #MyCameraIsMyWeapon and #MyStealthyFreedom. With a large social media following back in Iran, she has helped galvanise the country's women to protest the hijab by encouraging them to post images of themselves defying the strict dress code laws and trashing their head coverings.
Protests in Iran have intensified this week, sparked by the death of a Kurdish woman in police custody - and buoyed by wider anger at the treatment of women in the republic. 22-year-old Mahsa Amini had been detained by morality police in Tehran for not wearing her hijab correctly. Authorities claim she suffered "sudden heart failure", but her family and protesters have accused the government of her murder. The protests against her death have galvanised a wider demonstration against the restrictions on women's lives, and poses the biggest challenge to the Khamenei regime in years. So could this popular revolt be a watershed moment for Iran? Kathryn speaks to Golnaz Esfandiari, a senior correspondent for RFE/RL, focusing on Iran, and Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and activist, who now lives in exile - in an F.B.I safehouse, in the United States. She's the founder of several online movements, including #WhiteWednesdays, #MyCameraIsMyWeapon and #MyStealthyFreedom. With a large social media following back in Iran, she has helped galvanise the country's women to protest the hijab by encouraging them to post images of themselves defying the strict dress code laws and trashing their head coverings.
Protests in Iran have intensified this week, sparked by the death of a Kurdish woman in police custody - and buoyed by wider anger at the treatment of women in the republic. 22-year-old Mahsa Amini had been detained by morality police in Tehran for not wearing her hijab correctly. Authorities claim she suffered "sudden heart failure", but her family and protesters have accused the government of her murder. The protests against her death have galvanised a wider demonstration against the restrictions on women's lives, and poses the biggest challenge to the Khamenei regime in years. So could this popular revolt be a watershed moment for Iran? Kathryn speaks to Golnaz Esfandiari, a senior correspondent for RFE/RL, focusing on Iran, and Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and activist, who now lives in exile - in an F.B.I safehouse, in the United States. She's the founder of several online movements, including #WhiteWednesdays, #MyCameraIsMyWeapon and #MyStealthyFreedom. With a large social media following back in Iran, she has helped galvanise the country's women to protest the hijab by encouraging them to post images of themselves defying the strict dress code laws and trashing their head coverings.
Andrew looks at the range of responses surfacing about the new public media organisation arising out of RNZ and TVNZ.
Pattrick talks about NZ's $30 billion carbon emissions "hole". Also, the strange case of Tim Boyd, an Australian who wangled the top job managing Christchurch city's infrastructure despite having some $30 million of unpaid civil judgments against in various US courts dating back over the last decade or so. Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
Neale, Tim and Kathryn talk about Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the UN and her return to a tough domestic agenda, including some headwinds over the shape of the income insurance scheme. Also they discuss the concerns about a potential conflict of interest over contracts awarded to Nanaia Mahuta's husband. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Tim Hurdle is a former National party advisor and was campaign director for National at the 2020 election.
Nash Edgerton has worked as a stuntman on films including The Matrix trilogy, The Thin Red Line and as doubling for Ewan McGregor in two of the Star Wars prequels. He directed all episodes of black comedy-drama Mr InBetween and two feature films: 2008's The Square and Gringo in 2018, which starred Charlize Theron, David Oyelowo and his younger brother Joel Edgerton. He's made music videos for Bob Dylan, Brandon Flowers and Empire of the Sun. His latest work, Shark, will be part of the Show Me Shorts Festival which kicks off next week around the country in cinemas and online. It's part of a trilogy, along with Spider and Bear....and could be described as extremely black comedy.
Nash Edgerton has worked as a stuntman on films including The Matrix trilogy, The Thin Red Line and as doubling for Ewan McGregor in two of the Star Wars prequels. He directed all episodes of black comedy-drama Mr InBetween and two feature films: 2008's The Square and Gringo in 2018, which starred Charlize Theron, David Oyelowo and his younger brother Joel Edgerton. He's made music videos for Bob Dylan, Brandon Flowers and Empire of the Sun. His latest work, Shark, will be part of the Show Me Shorts Festival which kicks off next week around the country in cinemas and online. It's part of a trilogy, along with Spider and Bear....and could be described as extremely black comedy.
Nash Edgerton has worked as a stuntman on films including The Matrix trilogy, The Thin Red Line and as doubling for Ewan McGregor in two of the Star Wars prequels. He directed all episodes of black comedy-drama Mr InBetween and two feature films: 2008's The Square and Gringo in 2018, which starred Charlize Theron, David Oyelowo and his younger brother Joel Edgerton. He's made music videos for Bob Dylan, Brandon Flowers and Empire of the Sun. His latest work, Shark, will be part of the Show Me Shorts Festival which kicks off next week around the country in cinemas and online. It's part of a trilogy, along with Spider and Bear....and could be described as extremely black comedy.
Danielle says candidates are shunning debates this year: It was once a given that candidates, especially those seeking statewide office in a midterm election year - would face off with their main opponent for three or more one-on-one debates, so voters could see them side by side and hear them answer questions and explain their positions on the issues. But she says many candidates are skipping the debate ritual all together. In Nevada and Missouri, it appears likely there will be no debates between major party Senate nominees. And the House GOP has unveiled a roadmap for if they win in November: The "Commitment to America" includes four broad pillars focusing on the economy, safety, individual freedom and government accountability. Danielle Kurtzleben is a political correspondent assigned to NPR's Washington Desk
University of Canterbury epidemiolgist Associate Professor Arindam Basu says it's crucial to combine disease surveillance and climate modelling to pre-empt future pandemics. In the last three years the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared two public health emergencies of international concern: COVID-19 and monkeypox. Dr Basu says these are not separate issues The spread of disease from animals to humans is on the rise with the increasing destruction of natural habitats from global warming, more international travel and a sharp rise in wildlife trade. Dr Basu says this makes for a perfect storm of transmission and as long as surveillance systems depend on diseases that have already emerged, we run the risk of more frequent pandemics.
University of Canterbury epidemiolgist Associate Professor Arindam Basu says it's crucial to combine disease surveillance and climate modelling to pre-empt future pandemics. In the last three years the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared two public health emergencies of international concern: COVID-19 and monkeypox. Dr Basu says these are not separate issues The spread of disease from animals to humans is on the rise with the increasing destruction of natural habitats from global warming, more international travel and a sharp rise in wildlife trade. Dr Basu says this makes for a perfect storm of transmission and as long as surveillance systems depend on diseases that have already emerged, we run the risk of more frequent pandemics.
University of Canterbury epidemiolgist Associate Professor Arindam Basu says it's crucial to combine disease surveillance and climate modelling to pre-empt future pandemics. In the last three years the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared two public health emergencies of international concern: COVID-19 and monkeypox. Dr Basu says these are not separate issues The spread of disease from animals to humans is on the rise with the increasing destruction of natural habitats from global warming, more international travel and a sharp rise in wildlife trade. Dr Basu says this makes for a perfect storm of transmission and as long as surveillance systems depend on diseases that have already emerged, we run the risk of more frequent pandemics.
The political temperature in Russia is rising after President Putin's mobilisation decree. Last week, he announced that 300,000 reservists would be called up to boost Russia's war in Ukraine. Media reports say people with no military experience - or who are too old or disabled - are being called up. There is growing public opposition to the draft with thousands of Russian men leaving the country to avoid being sent to war, and sporadic protests particularly in Moscow and St Petersburg. Meanwhile the United States has warned Russia of "catastrophic consequences" if nuclear weapons are used. Andrew Roth is the Guardian's Moscow correspondent - he's been in Russia's capital for a decade, previously reporting for The Washington Post. He says this is "the most dangerous moment in Putin's 22 years in power".
The political temperature in Russia is rising after President Putin's mobilisation decree. Last week, he announced that 300,000 reservists would be called up to boost Russia's war in Ukraine. Media reports say people with no military experience - or who are too old or disabled - are being called up. There is growing public opposition to the draft with thousands of Russian men leaving the country to avoid being sent to war, and sporadic protests particularly in Moscow and St Petersburg. Meanwhile the United States has warned Russia of "catastrophic consequences" if nuclear weapons are used. Andrew Roth is the Guardian's Moscow correspondent - he's been in Russia's capital for a decade, previously reporting for The Washington Post. He says this is "the most dangerous moment in Putin's 22 years in power".
The political temperature in Russia is rising after President Putin's mobilisation decree. Last week, he announced that 300,000 reservists would be called up to boost Russia's war in Ukraine. Media reports say people with no military experience - or who are too old or disabled - are being called up. There is growing public opposition to the draft with thousands of Russian men leaving the country to avoid being sent to war, and sporadic protests particularly in Moscow and St Petersburg. Meanwhile the United States has warned Russia of "catastrophic consequences" if nuclear weapons are used. Andrew Roth is the Guardian's Moscow correspondent - he's been in Russia's capital for a decade, previously reporting for The Washington Post. He says this is "the most dangerous moment in Putin's 22 years in power".
Sam covers off the unique Eden Park triple header with the All Blacks, Black Ferns and All Whites all playing at the venue inside 2 days, plus the mayhem that has been the Silver Ferns/Jamaica series.
Cynthia Morahan reviews The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté, published by Penguin Random House
Cynthia Morahan reviews The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté, published by Penguin Random House
Cynthia Morahan reviews The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté, published by Penguin Random House
Research shows exercise has a positive impact on mood and mental health. Professor of Kinesiology (the study of movement) at Indiana University, Jack Raglin recommends making exercise part of our lifestyle and everyday activities to improve mood almost immediately. He offers hacks like going to bed in gym clothes to make sure you get up and at it when the resolve is fading on cold mornings. The benefits? Jack's research shows cardio exercise can reduce anxiety. You'll feel better, less stressed and more relaxed, whether you exercise alone or in a class, or just dance around the room for three minutes everyday.
Research shows exercise has a positive impact on mood and mental health. Professor of Kinesiology (the study of movement) at Indiana University, Jack Raglin recommends making exercise part of our lifestyle and everyday activities to improve mood almost immediately. He offers hacks like going to bed in gym clothes to make sure you get up and at it when the resolve is fading on cold mornings. The benefits? Jack's research shows cardio exercise can reduce anxiety. You'll feel better, less stressed and more relaxed, whether you exercise alone or in a class, or just dance around the room for three minutes everyday.
Research shows exercise has a positive impact on mood and mental health. Professor of Kinesiology (the study of movement) at Indiana University, Jack Raglin recommends making exercise part of our lifestyle and everyday activities to improve mood almost immediately. He offers hacks like going to bed in gym clothes to make sure you get up and at it when the resolve is fading on cold mornings. The benefits? Jack's research shows cardio exercise can reduce anxiety. You'll feel better, less stressed and more relaxed, whether you exercise alone or in a class, or just dance around the room for three minutes everyday.
Of the leaders from 12 Pacific Island countries in the line up to speak at the UN General Assembly in New York, the Marshall Islands' President David Kabua has not pulled any punches., Sāmoa is limiting the RSE worker intake for New Zealand, and Fiji's military camp to become Pacific disaster response hub and prepositioning depot for humanitarian aid.
A medical bassinet designed for modern postpartum care, a personal skin cancer detection system and pet friendly anaethetic masks are three award winning product designs by my next guests who are Massey University students. They've been successful in the the James Dyson NZ Awards - which celebrate and encourage the next generation of design engineers, to create products that solve problems and work better. Sarah Lakomy was the National Winner with Hatch the bassinet designed to reduce the physical demands on new mums with limited mobility and pain after childbirth. Runner-up Thomas Mackisack's SPOT CHECK combines advanced camera hardware with artificial intelligence to catch melanoma early. Jillian Miller was also runner-up for her series of different pet-sized anaesthesia to prevent waste gas leaks at vet clinics.
A medical bassinet designed for modern postpartum care, a personal skin cancer detection system and pet friendly anaethetic masks are three award winning product designs by my next guests who are Massey University students. They've been successful in the the James Dyson NZ Awards - which celebrate and encourage the next generation of design engineers, to create products that solve problems and work better. Sarah Lakomy was the National Winner with Hatch the bassinet designed to reduce the physical demands on new mums with limited mobility and pain after childbirth. Runner-up Thomas Mackisack's SPOT CHECK combines advanced camera hardware with artificial intelligence to catch melanoma early. Jillian Miller was also runner-up for her series of different pet-sized anaesthesia to prevent waste gas leaks at vet clinics.
A medical bassinet designed for modern postpartum care, a personal skin cancer detection system and pet friendly anaethetic masks are three award winning product designs by my next guests who are Massey University students. They've been successful in the the James Dyson NZ Awards - which celebrate and encourage the next generation of design engineers, to create products that solve problems and work better. Sarah Lakomy was the National Winner with Hatch the bassinet designed to reduce the physical demands on new mums with limited mobility and pain after childbirth. Runner-up Thomas Mackisack's SPOT CHECK combines advanced camera hardware with artificial intelligence to catch melanoma early. Jillian Miller was also runner-up for her series of different pet-sized anaesthesia to prevent waste gas leaks at vet clinics.
The Covid pandemic caused huge disruptions in the global supply chain - with businesses struggling to import goods and get products offshore. Now that our borders have reopened and Covid restrictions relaxed, what is the situation? The Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation says sky-high shipping rates are coming down - meaning it's slightly cheaper to get products here and away again. But as consumers tighten their belts, shipping lines may begin to come here less frequently. Kathryn speaks with Rachel Madden, President of the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation, and manager at First Global Logistics Limited; and Simon Dedman, Federation council member and Managing Director at Kuehne+Nagel, one of New Zealand's largest freight forwarders.
The Covid pandemic caused huge disruptions in the global supply chain - with businesses struggling to import goods and get products offshore. Now that our borders have reopened and Covid restrictions relaxed, what is the situation? The Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation says sky-high shipping rates are coming down - meaning it's slightly cheaper to get products here and away again. But as consumers tighten their belts, shipping lines may begin to come here less frequently. Kathryn speaks with Rachel Madden, President of the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation, and manager at First Global Logistics Limited; and Simon Dedman, Federation council member and Managing Director at Kuehne+Nagel, one of New Zealand's largest freight forwarders.
The Covid pandemic caused huge disruptions in the global supply chain - with businesses struggling to import goods and get products offshore. Now that our borders have reopened and Covid restrictions relaxed, what is the situation? The Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation says sky-high shipping rates are coming down - meaning it's slightly cheaper to get products here and away again. But as consumers tighten their belts, shipping lines may begin to come here less frequently. Kathryn speaks with Rachel Madden, President of the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation, and manager at First Global Logistics Limited; and Simon Dedman, Federation council member and Managing Director at Kuehne+Nagel, one of New Zealand's largest freight forwarders.
Film and TV reviewer James Croot looks at the incredible true story behind Gaslit (Amazon Prime), which stars Julia Roberts as Margaret Mitchell, the wife of Nixon's Attorney-General John Mitchell - played by Sean Penn. He'll also talk about Sidney (Apple+), a documentary honouring the life of Sidney Poitier and David Bowie movie Moonage Daydream (cinemas), and a roundup of the best films launched at the Toronto International Film Fest.
Film and TV reviewer James Croot looks at the incredible true story behind Gaslit (Amazon Prime), which stars Julia Roberts as Margaret Mitchell, the wife of Nixon's Attorney-General John Mitchell - played by Sean Penn. He'll also talk about Sidney (Apple+), a documentary honouring the life of Sidney Poitier and David Bowie movie Moonage Daydream (cinemas), and a roundup of the best films launched at the Toronto International Film Fest.
Film and TV reviewer James Croot looks at the incredible true story behind Gaslit (Amazon Prime), which stars Julia Roberts as Margaret Mitchell, the wife of Nixon's Attorney-General John Mitchell - played by Sean Penn. He'll also talk about Sidney (Apple+), a documentary honouring the life of Sidney Poitier and David Bowie movie Moonage Daydream (cinemas), and a roundup of the best films launched at the Toronto International Film Fest.
Kathryn discusses developmental language disorder with speech and language therapist Christian Wright. He says in every primary school classroom there will be around two children affected by the condition.
Kathryn discusses developmental language disorder with speech and language therapist Christian Wright. He says in every primary school classroom there will be around two children affected by the condition.
Kathryn discusses developmental language disorder with speech and language therapist Christian Wright. He says in every primary school classroom there will be around two children affected by the condition.
Thousands of cows are to be culled on a huge feedlot near Ashburton, which is infected with M bovis. The Ministry for Primary Industries has also announced that stock will need to be tested or reduced on 14 nearby farms that are deemed at risk. In May, the government announced that the Ashburton feedlot was the only infected property remaining, however since then, two more properties have tested positive. The Five Star Beef feedlot in Ashburton, owned by ANZCO Foods, farms about 14,000 cattle. Kathryn speaks to Simon Andrew, the M Bovis programme director at MPI.
Thousands of cows are to be culled on a huge feedlot near Ashburton, which is infected with M bovis. The Ministry for Primary Industries has also announced that stock will need to be tested or reduced on 14 nearby farms that are deemed at risk. In May, the government announced that the Ashburton feedlot was the only infected property remaining, however since then, two more properties have tested positive. The Five Star Beef feedlot in Ashburton, owned by ANZCO Foods, farms about 14,000 cattle. Kathryn speaks to Simon Andrew, the M Bovis programme director at MPI.
Thousands of cows are to be culled on a huge feedlot near Ashburton, which is infected with M bovis. The Ministry for Primary Industries has also announced that stock will need to be tested or reduced on 14 nearby farms that are deemed at risk. In May, the government announced that the Ashburton feedlot was the only infected property remaining, however since then, two more properties have tested positive. The Five Star Beef feedlot in Ashburton, owned by ANZCO Foods, farms about 14,000 cattle. Kathryn speaks to Simon Andrew, the M Bovis programme director at MPI.
Ride hailing company Uber is investigating a breach of its computer network, allegedly by a lone teenager hacker. Tony also talks about hacks on other organisations particularly of Telcos. Tony Grasso is Principal Consultant at cybersecurity firm TitaniumDefence. He worked at GCHQ in the UK and is a former Intelligence Officer in New Zealand.
Ride hailing company Uber is investigating a breach of its computer network, allegedly by a lone teenager hacker. Tony also talks about hacks on other organisations particularly of Telcos. Tony Grasso is Principal Consultant at cybersecurity firm TitaniumDefence. He worked at GCHQ in the UK and is a former Intelligence Officer in New Zealand.
Ride hailing company Uber is investigating a breach of its computer network, allegedly by a lone teenager hacker. Tony also talks about hacks on other organisations particularly of Telcos. Tony Grasso is Principal Consultant at cybersecurity firm TitaniumDefence. He worked at GCHQ in the UK and is a former Intelligence Officer in New Zealand.
The Ministry of Primary Industries has announced it will begin culling cows on a huge feedlot near Ashburton which is infected with Mycoplasma bovis. A control area notice to reduce stock on 14 nearby farms has been put in place. RNZ Rurals reporter Sally Murphy tells Kathryn the news is a significant step in the fight against M. bovis.
The Ministry of Primary Industries has announced it will begin culling cows on a huge feedlot near Ashburton which is infected with Mycoplasma bovis. A control area notice to reduce stock on 14 nearby farms has been put in place. RNZ Rurals reporter Sally Murphy tells Kathryn the news is a significant step in the fight against M. bovis.
The Ministry of Primary Industries has announced it will begin culling cows on a huge feedlot near Ashburton which is infected with Mycoplasma bovis. A control area notice to reduce stock on 14 nearby farms has been put in place. RNZ Rurals reporter Sally Murphy tells Kathryn the news is a significant step in the fight against M. bovis.
Nicky Walker reviews Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Extra Good Things by Noor Murad and Yotam Ottolenghi, published by Penguin Random House NZ
Nicky Walker reviews Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Extra Good Things by Noor Murad and Yotam Ottolenghi, published by Penguin Random House NZ
Nicky Walker reviews Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Extra Good Things by Noor Murad and Yotam Ottolenghi, published by Penguin Random House NZ
Dr Lachlan McIver is an Australian doctor who's worked in some of the world's wildest and most remote places. He specialised as a rural generalist and his work in humanitarian medicine has taken him from remote Indigenous communities in Australia, to the Pacific, to natural disasters and civil war zones in the Middle East and Africa. These days, Dr McIver is based in Geneva, where he works with Médecins Sans Frontières as a Tropical Diseases & Planetary Health Advisor. He's also just written his first book; Life and Death Decisions, using his wide-spanning career to examine some of the biggest health challenges of our age; climate change, health inequities, and drug-resistant infections.
Dr Lachlan McIver is an Australian doctor who's worked in some of the world's wildest and most remote places. He specialised as a rural generalist and his work in humanitarian medicine has taken him from remote Indigenous communities in Australia, to the Pacific, to natural disasters and civil war zones in the Middle East and Africa. These days, Dr McIver is based in Geneva, where he works with Médecins Sans Frontières as a Tropical Diseases & Planetary Health Advisor. He's also just written his first book; Life and Death Decisions, using his wide-spanning career to examine some of the biggest health challenges of our age; climate change, health inequities, and drug-resistant infections.
Dr Lachlan McIver is an Australian doctor who's worked in some of the world's wildest and most remote places. He specialised as a rural generalist and his work in humanitarian medicine has taken him from remote Indigenous communities in Australia, to the Pacific, to natural disasters and civil war zones in the Middle East and Africa. These days, Dr McIver is based in Geneva, where he works with Médecins Sans Frontières as a Tropical Diseases & Planetary Health Advisor. He's also just written his first book; Life and Death Decisions, using his wide-spanning career to examine some of the biggest health challenges of our age; climate change, health inequities, and drug-resistant infections.
The UK PM has described 2022 as the year of "freedom fighting back". She says Russia needs to leave Ukraine and she is calling for the Kremlin to pay reparations. Liz Truss has also left no doubt about the agenda she will pursue as Prime Minister : slashing corporation tax, cutting National Insurance, scattering the UK with low tax development zones, removing the bankers' bonuses cap and now, according to a report in the Times, cutting stamp duty.
It's hoped an initiative to pair start-ups and NGOs with government agencies will encourage much needed creativity and innovation in the public sector to tackle some of the country's biggest social and environmental challenges. Jonnie Haddon from Wellington innovation hub Creative HQ talks to Kathryn about what the barriers have been and the efforts underway to turn things around.
It's hoped an initiative to pair start-ups and NGOs with government agencies will encourage much needed creativity and innovation in the public sector to tackle some of the country's biggest social and environmental challenges. Jonnie Haddon from Wellington innovation hub Creative HQ talks to Kathryn about what the barriers have been and the efforts underway to turn things around.
It's hoped an initiative to pair start-ups and NGOs with government agencies will encourage much needed creativity and innovation in the public sector to tackle some of the country's biggest social and environmental challenges. Jonnie Haddon from Wellington innovation hub Creative HQ talks to Kathryn about what the barriers have been and the efforts underway to turn things around.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the partial mobilisation of reservists in Russia.This means 300-thousand military reservists, mostly young men, will be called up to bolster Russia's forces who have suffered recent battlefield losses in Ukraine. It follows the territory gains Ukraine has made at pace over the past ten days - seven months into a stalled Russian invasion of Ukraine. In a rare televised address to the nation, President Putin also warned he wasn't bluffing over using all the means at his disposal to protect Russia's territory - a veiled reference to Russia's nuclear capabilities. The proxy Russian authorities in four occupied areas of Ukraine intend to hold referendums in the next few days on joining the Russian Federation - Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Ukraine's President Zelensky has dismissed the referendums as a 'sham'. Luke Harding is an award winning Guardian journalist - a former Moscow correspondent - and the author of two books on Russia and President Putin. He is currently in Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the partial mobilisation of reservists in Russia.This means 300-thousand military reservists, mostly young men, will be called up to bolster Russia's forces who have suffered recent battlefield losses in Ukraine. It follows the territory gains Ukraine has made at pace over the past ten days - seven months into a stalled Russian invasion of Ukraine. In a rare televised address to the nation, President Putin also warned he wasn't bluffing over using all the means at his disposal to protect Russia's territory - a veiled reference to Russia's nuclear capabilities. The proxy Russian authorities in four occupied areas of Ukraine intend to hold referendums in the next few days on joining the Russian Federation - Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Ukraine's President Zelensky has dismissed the referendums as a 'sham'. Luke Harding is an award winning Guardian journalist - a former Moscow correspondent - and the author of two books on Russia and President Putin. He is currently in Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the partial mobilisation of reservists in Russia.This means 300-thousand military reservists, mostly young men, will be called up to bolster Russia's forces who have suffered recent battlefield losses in Ukraine. It follows the territory gains Ukraine has made at pace over the past ten days - seven months into a stalled Russian invasion of Ukraine. In a rare televised address to the nation, President Putin also warned he wasn't bluffing over using all the means at his disposal to protect Russia's territory - a veiled reference to Russia's nuclear capabilities. The proxy Russian authorities in four occupied areas of Ukraine intend to hold referendums in the next few days on joining the Russian Federation - Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Ukraine's President Zelensky has dismissed the referendums as a 'sham'. Luke Harding is an award winning Guardian journalist - a former Moscow correspondent - and the author of two books on Russia and President Putin. He is currently in Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine.
Science correspondent Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to talk about the extraordinary ability of a British woman to smell Parkinson's and how she's contributing to further research on the disease, the best (or worst) of this year's Ig Nobel prizes and how a post-Brexit Britain is consulting on the "option" to go back to the imperial measurement system.
Science correspondent Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to talk about the extraordinary ability of a British woman to smell Parkinson's and how she's contributing to further research on the disease, the best (or worst) of this year's Ig Nobel prizes and how a post-Brexit Britain is consulting on the "option" to go back to the imperial measurement system.
Science correspondent Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to talk about the extraordinary ability of a British woman to smell Parkinson's and how she's contributing to further research on the disease, the best (or worst) of this year's Ig Nobel prizes and how a post-Brexit Britain is consulting on the "option" to go back to the imperial measurement system.
Author Helen Beaglehole first visited the Marlborough Sounds in a small yacht after a very stormy Cook Strait crossing. She returned numerous times over the next 40 years, exploring and sailing the Sounds' intricate network of coves and dense bush. When she learned little had been written about the history of the Sounds, she set out to change that, and the result is One Hundred Havens: The Settlement of the Marlborough Sounds. As she notes, it's the story of two people and two fates: Maori, who had their land "bought" by the Crown and were placed onto ever-shrinking reserves and the various waves of Pakeha settlers through the area. She joins Kathryn to talk about what surprised her in her research into history of the Marlborough Sounds.
Author Helen Beaglehole first visited the Marlborough Sounds in a small yacht after a very stormy Cook Strait crossing. She returned numerous times over the next 40 years, exploring and sailing the Sounds' intricate network of coves and dense bush. When she learned little had been written about the history of the Sounds, she set out to change that, and the result is One Hundred Havens: The Settlement of the Marlborough Sounds. As she notes, it's the story of two people and two fates: Maori, who had their land "bought" by the Crown and were placed onto ever-shrinking reserves and the various waves of Pakeha settlers through the area. She joins Kathryn to talk about what surprised her in her research into history of the Marlborough Sounds.
Author Helen Beaglehole first visited the Marlborough Sounds in a small yacht after a very stormy Cook Strait crossing. She returned numerous times over the next 40 years, exploring and sailing the Sounds' intricate network of coves and dense bush. When she learned little had been written about the history of the Sounds, she set out to change that, and the result is One Hundred Havens: The Settlement of the Marlborough Sounds. As she notes, it's the story of two people and two fates: Maori, who had their land "bought" by the Crown and were placed onto ever-shrinking reserves and the various waves of Pakeha settlers through the area. She joins Kathryn to talk about what surprised her in her research into history of the Marlborough Sounds.
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews The Trees by Percival Everett, published by Graywolf Press
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews The Trees by Percival Everett, published by Graywolf Press
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews The Trees by Percival Everett, published by Graywolf Press
Kathryn speaks with screen writer and director Michael Bennett. He was the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Maori Screen Excellence Award, given in recognition of significant contributions to the Maori screen industry. Michael Bennett is widely acclaimed for his work documenting the case of the wrongly convicted Teina Pora, including his documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T and a subsequent non-fiction novel and feature film, both called In Dark Places. With a stellar career in film making and script writing, Michael had never attempted writing fiction - until now. Better the Blood is a post-colonial crime thriller and it's already captured the attention of publishers around the world, with 11 translations in the works, and plans for a TV series are underway.
Kathryn speaks with screen writer and director Michael Bennett. He was the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Maori Screen Excellence Award, given in recognition of significant contributions to the Maori screen industry. Michael Bennett is widely acclaimed for his work documenting the case of the wrongly convicted Teina Pora, including his documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T and a subsequent non-fiction novel and feature film, both called In Dark Places. With a stellar career in film making and script writing, Michael had never attempted writing fiction - until now. Better the Blood is a post-colonial crime thriller and it's already captured the attention of publishers around the world, with 11 translations in the works, and plans for a TV series are underway.
Kathryn speaks with screen writer and director Michael Bennett. He was the 2020 recipient of the Te Aupounamu Maori Screen Excellence Award, given in recognition of significant contributions to the Maori screen industry. Michael Bennett is widely acclaimed for his work documenting the case of the wrongly convicted Teina Pora, including his documentary The Confessions of Prisoner T and a subsequent non-fiction novel and feature film, both called In Dark Places. With a stellar career in film making and script writing, Michael had never attempted writing fiction - until now. Better the Blood is a post-colonial crime thriller and it's already captured the attention of publishers around the world, with 11 translations in the works, and plans for a TV series are underway.
Karen says the republic debate is rumbling following the Queen's death. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Government have been saying is not the time to discuss future governance, that it should wait until after the mourning period has passed. But those who are keen for change are saying if not now, then when? Prominent ABC journalist Stan Grant, who is Indigenous, has written a searing piece of commentary this week on the role of the monarchy from a First Nations perspective, which has sparked some further debate.
GeoNet has increased the alert level for the volcano below Lake Taupō for the first time, after a swarm of quakes around the lake this year. The super-volcano has been rattled by 40 tremors a week since May, and 700 overall since January. The volcano caused the largest eruption on Earth in the past 5000 years when it last exploded about 1800 years ago. Dr Finn Illsley-Kemp is a volcano seismologist at Victoria University of Wellington.
GeoNet has increased the alert level for the volcano below Lake Taupō for the first time, after a swarm of quakes around the lake this year. The super-volcano has been rattled by 40 tremors a week since May, and 700 overall since January. The volcano caused the largest eruption on Earth in the past 5000 years when it last exploded about 1800 years ago. Dr Finn Illsley-Kemp is a volcano seismologist at Victoria University of Wellington.
GeoNet has increased the alert level for the volcano below Lake Taupō for the first time, after a swarm of quakes around the lake this year. The super-volcano has been rattled by 40 tremors a week since May, and 700 overall since January. The volcano caused the largest eruption on Earth in the past 5000 years when it last exploded about 1800 years ago. Dr Finn Illsley-Kemp is a volcano seismologist at Victoria University of Wellington.
It's just over two weeks to kick-off in the Women's Rugby World Cup - delayed of course from last year thanks to Covid. The team will play a warm-up test match this weekend against Japan at Eden Park, before they face Australia on October 8 in their first pool match. So what does it take to get the players World Cup-ready? Amanda Murphy is the Black Ferns' strength and conditioning coach.
It's just over two weeks to kick-off in the Women's Rugby World Cup - delayed of course from last year thanks to Covid. The team will play a warm-up test match this weekend against Japan at Eden Park, before they face Australia on October 8 in their first pool match. So what does it take to get the players World Cup-ready? Amanda Murphy is the Black Ferns' strength and conditioning coach.
It's just over two weeks to kick-off in the Women's Rugby World Cup - delayed of course from last year thanks to Covid. The team will play a warm-up test match this weekend against Japan at Eden Park, before they face Australia on October 8 in their first pool match. So what does it take to get the players World Cup-ready? Amanda Murphy is the Black Ferns' strength and conditioning coach.
A UK based energy company has been granted approval to develop a solar farm in Waikato which will generate electricity to power 30,000 homes. The Environmental Protection Authority has approved Harmony Energy's proposal for approximately 330,000 solar panels to be installed on 182 hectares of a 260-hectare site at Te Aroha West. The land is currently a dairy farm, but livestock grazing will continue with sheep around the panels. Construction will get underway in 2024, with the solar farm operational in 2025. Kathryn speaks with Pete Grogan, a New Zealander who co-founded Harmony Energy.
A UK based energy company has been granted approval to develop a solar farm in Waikato which will generate electricity to power 30,000 homes. The Environmental Protection Authority has approved Harmony Energy's proposal for approximately 330,000 solar panels to be installed on 182 hectares of a 260-hectare site at Te Aroha West. The land is currently a dairy farm, but livestock grazing will continue with sheep around the panels. Construction will get underway in 2024, with the solar farm operational in 2025. Kathryn speaks with Pete Grogan, a New Zealander who co-founded Harmony Energy.
A UK based energy company has been granted approval to develop a solar farm in Waikato which will generate electricity to power 30,000 homes. The Environmental Protection Authority has approved Harmony Energy's proposal for approximately 330,000 solar panels to be installed on 182 hectares of a 260-hectare site at Te Aroha West. The land is currently a dairy farm, but livestock grazing will continue with sheep around the panels. Construction will get underway in 2024, with the solar farm operational in 2025. Kathryn speaks with Pete Grogan, a New Zealander who co-founded Harmony Energy.
Simran Kaur is the co-host of the podcast Girls That Invest. She speaks to Lynn about how rising inflation and the reduction in house prices affect millennials, and a new study which reveals women in couples having significantly less savings and are more financially vulnerable. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
Simran Kaur is the co-host of the podcast Girls That Invest. She speaks to Lynn about how rising inflation and the reduction in house prices affect millennials, and a new study which reveals women in couples having significantly less savings and are more financially vulnerable. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
Simran Kaur is the co-host of the podcast Girls That Invest. She speaks to Lynn about how rising inflation and the reduction in house prices affect millennials, and a new study which reveals women in couples having significantly less savings and are more financially vulnerable. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson discusses the case against the agricultural giant John Deere by farming groups in the United States, fighting for the freedom to repair machinery without being locked in to using a John Deere- determined solution. She also looks at the announcement last week by the founder of the outdoor clothing company Patagonia Yvon Chouinard, that he's giving away his company to support environmental protection. Rebecca Stevenson is a senior writer at interest.co.nz.
Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson discusses the case against the agricultural giant John Deere by farming groups in the United States, fighting for the freedom to repair machinery without being locked in to using a John Deere- determined solution. She also looks at the announcement last week by the founder of the outdoor clothing company Patagonia Yvon Chouinard, that he's giving away his company to support environmental protection. Rebecca Stevenson is a senior writer at interest.co.nz.
Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson discusses the case against the agricultural giant John Deere by farming groups in the United States, fighting for the freedom to repair machinery without being locked in to using a John Deere- determined solution. She also looks at the announcement last week by the founder of the outdoor clothing company Patagonia Yvon Chouinard, that he's giving away his company to support environmental protection. Rebecca Stevenson is a senior writer at interest.co.nz.
Author Lauren Roche has lived a life of constant reinvention. She was a high school drop out, who stowed away on a ship to the US at the age of 16. After being deported home she turned to prostitution - and it was an overdose that finally led her to get help for depression. She returned to high school at 20 - then medical school - where she graduated and worked for many years as a GP. She was also an elite athlete, competing in Ironman events until a back injury robbed her of the ability to continue. Lauren has written about the events in her life in two autobiographies - Bent not Broken which was published in 2000 and its sequel Life on the Line. She joins Lynn to talk about her latest book, Mila and a Bone Man - a novel about guilt, forgiveness and finding your way home.
Author Lauren Roche has lived a life of constant reinvention. She was a high school drop out, who stowed away on a ship to the US at the age of 16. After being deported home she turned to prostitution - and it was an overdose that finally led her to get help for depression. She returned to high school at 20 - then medical school - where she graduated and worked for many years as a GP. She was also an elite athlete, competing in Ironman events until a back injury robbed her of the ability to continue. Lauren has written about the events in her life in two autobiographies - Bent not Broken which was published in 2000 and its sequel Life on the Line. She joins Lynn to talk about her latest book, Mila and a Bone Man - a novel about guilt, forgiveness and finding your way home.
Author Lauren Roche has lived a life of constant reinvention. She was a high school drop out, who stowed away on a ship to the US at the age of 16. After being deported home she turned to prostitution - and it was an overdose that finally led her to get help for depression. She returned to high school at 20 - then medical school - where she graduated and worked for many years as a GP. She was also an elite athlete, competing in Ironman events until a back injury robbed her of the ability to continue. Lauren has written about the events in her life in two autobiographies - Bent not Broken which was published in 2000 and its sequel Life on the Line. She joins Lynn to talk about her latest book, Mila and a Bone Man - a novel about guilt, forgiveness and finding your way home.
The US President attends the Queen's funeral in London, meanwhile there's a renewed focus on Taiwan after the President told CBS News the U.S. would defend Taiwan with troops, not just aid. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
The US President attends the Queen's funeral in London, meanwhile there's a renewed focus on Taiwan after the President told CBS News the U.S. would defend Taiwan with troops, not just aid. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
The US President attends the Queen's funeral in London, meanwhile there's a renewed focus on Taiwan after the President told CBS News the U.S. would defend Taiwan with troops, not just aid. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
New legislation addressing sexual harassment in the workplace will extend the time a person has to report sexual harassment from three months to a year. The Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Bill is currently at select committee stage. It's the first piece of workplace legislation resulting from the local #metoo movement and has been introduced by Labour MP Deborah Russell. Lynn speaks to Zoe Lawton, a barrister and an advocate for victims of workplace sexual harassment. In 2018 she set up a blog for legal professionals to report their experiences of sexual harassment. She later set up The MeToo Collective, a legal charity which aims to match people who have been sexually harassed or assaulted by the same perpetrator so they can report in groups.
New legislation addressing sexual harassment in the workplace will extend the time a person has to report sexual harassment from three months to a year. The Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Bill is currently at select committee stage. It's the first piece of workplace legislation resulting from the local #metoo movement and has been introduced by Labour MP Deborah Russell. Lynn speaks to Zoe Lawton, a barrister and an advocate for victims of workplace sexual harassment. In 2018 she set up a blog for legal professionals to report their experiences of sexual harassment. She later set up The MeToo Collective, a legal charity which aims to match people who have been sexually harassed or assaulted by the same perpetrator so they can report in groups.
New legislation addressing sexual harassment in the workplace will extend the time a person has to report sexual harassment from three months to a year. The Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Bill is currently at select committee stage. It's the first piece of workplace legislation resulting from the local #metoo movement and has been introduced by Labour MP Deborah Russell. Lynn speaks to Zoe Lawton, a barrister and an advocate for victims of workplace sexual harassment. In 2018 she set up a blog for legal professionals to report their experiences of sexual harassment. She later set up The MeToo Collective, a legal charity which aims to match people who have been sexually harassed or assaulted by the same perpetrator so they can report in groups.
In 2011 the Ministry of Education embarked on a 10 year strategy to rejuvenate New Zealand's ageing classrooms. Millions of dollars were spent building open plan classrooms and implementing student led learning strategies. But in his report for The New Zealand Initiative, Dr Michael Johnston, found there was little evidence the policy has worked at all, and in some cases may be making learning even more difficult for some students. He says schools are now left with a legacy of a policy based on ideology.
In 2011 the Ministry of Education embarked on a 10 year strategy to rejuvenate New Zealand's ageing classrooms. Millions of dollars were spent building open plan classrooms and implementing student led learning strategies. But in his report for The New Zealand Initiative, Dr Michael Johnston, found there was little evidence the policy has worked at all, and in some cases may be making learning even more difficult for some students. He says schools are now left with a legacy of a policy based on ideology.
In 2011 the Ministry of Education embarked on a 10 year strategy to rejuvenate New Zealand's ageing classrooms. Millions of dollars were spent building open plan classrooms and implementing student led learning strategies. But in his report for The New Zealand Initiative, Dr Michael Johnston, found there was little evidence the policy has worked at all, and in some cases may be making learning even more difficult for some students. He says schools are now left with a legacy of a policy based on ideology.
The second Elizabethan era drew to a close with the state funeral overnight for the 96-year-old monarch, attended by the royal family and 500 world leaders and dignitaries. Hundreds of thousands of people crammed into central London to watch the elaborate and solemn procession as her coffin was taken from Westminster to the royal vault in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, where she was laid to rest beside her husband, sister and parents. Among those watching the day's ceremonies closely was someone who's written extensively about the royal family. Journalist and author Robert Hardman spoke to Nine to Noon just a few months ago about his latest biography of Queen Elizabeth, Queen of our Times. He was at Westminster Abbey earlier in the day and joins Lynn to describe the occasion.
The second Elizabethan era drew to a close with the state funeral overnight for the 96-year-old monarch, attended by the royal family and 500 world leaders and dignitaries. Hundreds of thousands of people crammed into central London to watch the elaborate and solemn procession as her coffin was taken from Westminster to the royal vault in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, where she was laid to rest beside her husband, sister and parents. Among those watching the day's ceremonies closely was someone who's written extensively about the royal family. Journalist and author Robert Hardman spoke to Nine to Noon just a few months ago about his latest biography of Queen Elizabeth, Queen of our Times. He was at Westminster Abbey earlier in the day and joins Lynn to describe the occasion.
The second Elizabethan era drew to a close with the state funeral overnight for the 96-year-old monarch, attended by the royal family and 500 world leaders and dignitaries. Hundreds of thousands of people crammed into central London to watch the elaborate and solemn procession as her coffin was taken from Westminster to the royal vault in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, where she was laid to rest beside her husband, sister and parents. Among those watching the day's ceremonies closely was someone who's written extensively about the royal family. Journalist and author Robert Hardman spoke to Nine to Noon just a few months ago about his latest biography of Queen Elizabeth, Queen of our Times. He was at Westminster Abbey earlier in the day and joins Lynn to describe the occasion.
Kennedy takes us off the beaten track to Bruny Island, off the coast of Hobart, and returns to Uluru, where climbing of the sacred rock ceased in 2019, but tourism is bigger than ever.
Linda Duncan was an accountant for 25 years before turning her budgeting skills to writing a best-selling series of cookbooks, called The World's Easiest Recipes. All her recipes are designed to have just a couple of steps, and use common, everyday ingredients you usually have in the pantry and fridge. Linda's hope is to make cooking as easy and affordable as possible, and crucially, with minimal wastage. She's got a heap of ideas for keeping the grocery bill down. Her top tips include only shopping once a week; aiming to spend $20 under budget so you have wiggle room if you run out of something during the week, and also to never purchase an odd ingredient that you're only going to use in one recipe. Lynn speaks to Linda Duncan about her tips and shares her recipe for 'Four-Ingredient Shepherd's Pie'.
Linda Duncan was an accountant for 25 years before turning her budgeting skills to writing a best-selling series of cookbooks, called The World's Easiest Recipes. All her recipes are designed to have just a couple of steps, and use common, everyday ingredients you usually have in the pantry and fridge. Linda's hope is to make cooking as easy and affordable as possible, and crucially, with minimal wastage. She's got a heap of ideas for keeping the grocery bill down. Her top tips include only shopping once a week; aiming to spend $20 under budget so you have wiggle room if you run out of something during the week, and also to never purchase an odd ingredient that you're only going to use in one recipe. Lynn speaks to Linda Duncan about her tips and shares her recipe for 'Four-Ingredient Shepherd's Pie'.
Linda Duncan was an accountant for 25 years before turning her budgeting skills to writing a best-selling series of cookbooks, called The World's Easiest Recipes. All her recipes are designed to have just a couple of steps, and use common, everyday ingredients you usually have in the pantry and fridge. Linda's hope is to make cooking as easy and affordable as possible, and crucially, with minimal wastage. She's got a heap of ideas for keeping the grocery bill down. Her top tips include only shopping once a week; aiming to spend $20 under budget so you have wiggle room if you run out of something during the week, and also to never purchase an odd ingredient that you're only going to use in one recipe. Lynn speaks to Linda Duncan about her tips and shares her recipe for 'Four-Ingredient Shepherd's Pie'.
Political commentators Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle join Lynn to talk about the Prime Minister joining other world leaders at the Queen's funeral, the latest Curia-Taxpayers' Union poll and will the hip pocket pressures of inflation and interest rates drown out any story around headline data re GDP and unemployment? Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Tim Hurdle is a former National party advisor and was campaign director for National at the 2020 election.
Political commentators Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle join Lynn to talk about the Prime Minister joining other world leaders at the Queen's funeral, the latest Curia-Taxpayers' Union poll and will the hip pocket pressures of inflation and interest rates drown out any story around headline data re GDP and unemployment? Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Tim Hurdle is a former National party advisor and was campaign director for National at the 2020 election.
Political commentators Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle join Lynn to talk about the Prime Minister joining other world leaders at the Queen's funeral, the latest Curia-Taxpayers' Union poll and will the hip pocket pressures of inflation and interest rates drown out any story around headline data re GDP and unemployment? Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Tim Hurdle is a former National party advisor and was campaign director for National at the 2020 election.
Gail Pittaway reviews The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Gail Pittaway reviews The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Gail Pittaway reviews The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Con artists - we just can't get enough of them, going by the number of podcasts and TV shows devoted to revealing their treachery and ferreting out their victims. Scamfluencers, Scam Likely, Persona, Liar Liar, British Scandal and Kloughless and are among the most popular recently. Dr Sohom Das is a busy London-based Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist who's become a go-to when people want to understand what drives con artists. He often appears as an expert witness in court cases and he's written about some of his cases in his book In Two Minds: Stories of murder, justice and recovery from a forensic psychiatrist. He also hosts a YouTube channel, named 'A Psych for Sore Minds'.
Con artists - we just can't get enough of them, going by the number of podcasts and TV shows devoted to revealing their treachery and ferreting out their victims. Scamfluencers, Scam Likely, Persona, Liar Liar, British Scandal and Kloughless and are among the most popular recently. Dr Sohom Das is a busy London-based Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist who's become a go-to when people want to understand what drives con artists. He often appears as an expert witness in court cases and he's written about some of his cases in his book In Two Minds: Stories of murder, justice and recovery from a forensic psychiatrist. He also hosts a YouTube channel, named 'A Psych for Sore Minds'.
Con artists - we just can't get enough of them, going by the number of podcasts and TV shows devoted to revealing their treachery and ferreting out their victims. Scamfluencers, Scam Likely, Persona, Liar Liar, British Scandal and Kloughless and are among the most popular recently. Dr Sohom Das is a busy London-based Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist who's become a go-to when people want to understand what drives con artists. He often appears as an expert witness in court cases and he's written about some of his cases in his book In Two Minds: Stories of murder, justice and recovery from a forensic psychiatrist. He also hosts a YouTube channel, named 'A Psych for Sore Minds'.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Lynn to talk about the pressure building on Hungary to urgently address concerns about its commitment to democracy and the principles on which the EU was founded. The European Commission has proposed cutting billions of euros in funding to Hungary if it doesn't deal with corruption concerns.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Lynn to talk about the pressure building on Hungary to urgently address concerns about its commitment to democracy and the principles on which the EU was founded. The European Commission has proposed cutting billions of euros in funding to Hungary if it doesn't deal with corruption concerns.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Lynn to talk about the pressure building on Hungary to urgently address concerns about its commitment to democracy and the principles on which the EU was founded. The European Commission has proposed cutting billions of euros in funding to Hungary if it doesn't deal with corruption concerns.
A new plain language bill now before parliament aims to do away with jargon laden documents and make official government documents more accessible and understandable. However, there is little detail on how plain language will be defined and how the law would be implemented. Opposition parties say the law will create more bureaucracy and establish language police. University of Waikato Linguistics lecturer, Dr Andreea Calude and law lecturer Sam Campbell talk to Lynn Freeman about what needs to happen for the bill to meet its aims.
A new plain language bill now before parliament aims to do away with jargon laden documents and make official government documents more accessible and understandable. However, there is little detail on how plain language will be defined and how the law would be implemented. Opposition parties say the law will create more bureaucracy and establish language police. University of Waikato Linguistics lecturer, Dr Andreea Calude and law lecturer Sam Campbell talk to Lynn Freeman about what needs to happen for the bill to meet its aims.
A new plain language bill now before parliament aims to do away with jargon laden documents and make official government documents more accessible and understandable. However, there is little detail on how plain language will be defined and how the law would be implemented. Opposition parties say the law will create more bureaucracy and establish language police. University of Waikato Linguistics lecturer, Dr Andreea Calude and law lecturer Sam Campbell talk to Lynn Freeman about what needs to happen for the bill to meet its aims.
Dementia patients are having home help reduced or withdrawn due to staff shortages and poor funding according to advocates, who say the situation will only get worse. Alzheimers New Zealand says there is a crisis in dementia care, as home help is eroded and residential care beds become more difficult to secure. It says people living with dementia in their own homes face reduced care assistance - carers who sometimes don't turn up, or a full withdrawal of such help. The organisation says the sector is chronically underfunded, and the country is unprepared for a tripling in the number of people with dementia expected in the coming years. Lynn speaks to Catherine Hall, the chief executive of Alzheimers New Zealand, and also hears from two women caring for their husbands who have dementia; Adrienne Henderson and Tanya Lyders.
Dementia patients are having home help reduced or withdrawn due to staff shortages and poor funding according to advocates, who say the situation will only get worse. Alzheimers New Zealand says there is a crisis in dementia care, as home help is eroded and residential care beds become more difficult to secure. It says people living with dementia in their own homes face reduced care assistance - carers who sometimes don't turn up, or a full withdrawal of such help. The organisation says the sector is chronically underfunded, and the country is unprepared for a tripling in the number of people with dementia expected in the coming years. Lynn speaks to Catherine Hall, the chief executive of Alzheimers New Zealand, and also hears from two women caring for their husbands who have dementia; Adrienne Henderson and Tanya Lyders.
Dementia patients are having home help reduced or withdrawn due to staff shortages and poor funding according to advocates, who say the situation will only get worse. Alzheimers New Zealand says there is a crisis in dementia care, as home help is eroded and residential care beds become more difficult to secure. It says people living with dementia in their own homes face reduced care assistance - carers who sometimes don't turn up, or a full withdrawal of such help. The organisation says the sector is chronically underfunded, and the country is unprepared for a tripling in the number of people with dementia expected in the coming years. Lynn speaks to Catherine Hall, the chief executive of Alzheimers New Zealand, and also hears from two women caring for their husbands who have dementia; Adrienne Henderson and Tanya Lyders.
Dana reviews the thrilling Bledisloe Cup win by the All Blacks last night in Melbourne, looks at the Black Ferns' line-up for the Rugby World Cup and considers the Silver Ferns vs Jamaica this weekend. Dana Johannsen is Stuff's National Correspondent specialising in sport.
Auckland centre-right mayoral candidate Viv Beck has withdrawn from the contest. Beck said she did not want to split the centre-right vote, but also referred in passing to difficulties facing her campaign. Kathryn speaks with Stuff Senior Auckland affairs reporter Todd Niall.
Auckland centre-right mayoral candidate Viv Beck has withdrawn from the contest. Beck said she did not want to split the centre-right vote, but also referred in passing to difficulties facing her campaign. Kathryn speaks with Stuff Senior Auckland affairs reporter Todd Niall.
Auckland centre-right mayoral candidate Viv Beck has withdrawn from the contest. Beck said she did not want to split the centre-right vote, but also referred in passing to difficulties facing her campaign. Kathryn speaks with Stuff Senior Auckland affairs reporter Todd Niall.
Louise Ward of Wardini Books reviews The Deadly Daylight by Ash Harrier, published by Pantera Press.
Louise Ward of Wardini Books reviews The Deadly Daylight by Ash Harrier, published by Pantera Press.
Louise Ward of Wardini Books reviews The Deadly Daylight by Ash Harrier, published by Pantera Press.
Simon Conway is a landmine clearance expert, and former British soldier , who for 24 years has worked in the field of demining, including in Cambodia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and now Ukraine. He is head of programmes for the HALO Trust, a British charity doing demining, demobilisation and weapons destruction work in conflict and post conflict areas. As Co-Chair of the Cluster Munition Coalition , he was part of a successful campaign to achieve an international ban on cluster bombs. As well as his international aid work, Simon Conway is also a popular thriller writer.
Simon Conway is a landmine clearance expert, and former British soldier , who for 24 years has worked in the field of demining, including in Cambodia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and now Ukraine. He is head of programmes for the HALO Trust, a British charity doing demining, demobilisation and weapons destruction work in conflict and post conflict areas. As Co-Chair of the Cluster Munition Coalition , he was part of a successful campaign to achieve an international ban on cluster bombs. As well as his international aid work, Simon Conway is also a popular thriller writer.
Simon Conway is a landmine clearance expert, and former British soldier , who for 24 years has worked in the field of demining, including in Cambodia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and now Ukraine. He is head of programmes for the HALO Trust, a British charity doing demining, demobilisation and weapons destruction work in conflict and post conflict areas. As Co-Chair of the Cluster Munition Coalition , he was part of a successful campaign to achieve an international ban on cluster bombs. As well as his international aid work, Simon Conway is also a popular thriller writer.
The Chinese leader sets foot on foreign soil for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic started with a trip to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Samarkand, Uzbekistan; North Korea forms closer ties with Russia, Pakistan takes stock after devas.ating flooding and Hong Kong, the former colonial outpost now back under China's control, mourns the Queen Ed White is correspondent with the Financial Times in Seoul.
Dave and Caroline Armstrong took over the job of organising the biennial Upsurge Festival in the Bay of Islands just before Covid hit. It was cancelled last year, postponed in April this year - and will open for eight days from this Sunday. The challenges haven't been confined to Covid - Northland's recent floods made it tricky to get to four schools where students are participating in a show with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Dave and Caroline join Kathryn to discuss the festival - which traverses a wide geographic and demographic space.
Dave and Caroline Armstrong took over the job of organising the biennial Upsurge Festival in the Bay of Islands just before Covid hit. It was cancelled last year, postponed in April this year - and will open for eight days from this Sunday. The challenges haven't been confined to Covid - Northland's recent floods made it tricky to get to four schools where students are participating in a show with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Dave and Caroline join Kathryn to discuss the festival - which traverses a wide geographic and demographic space.
Dave and Caroline Armstrong took over the job of organising the biennial Upsurge Festival in the Bay of Islands just before Covid hit. It was cancelled last year, postponed in April this year - and will open for eight days from this Sunday. The challenges haven't been confined to Covid - Northland's recent floods made it tricky to get to four schools where students are participating in a show with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Dave and Caroline join Kathryn to discuss the festival - which traverses a wide geographic and demographic space.
A scathing report by Treasury into Oranga Tamariki's finances has described "loose fiscal controls" within the agency and a "weak organisational strategy and direction". Treasury's review into the spending of the $1.1 billion allocated to Oranga Tamariki in the 2019 Well-being Budget were called a "disparate collection of ideas, not governed by a clear organisational strategy". Analysis from Treasury also found Oranga Tamariki's spending per child has significantly increased, without any evidence that this is leading to better outcomes for children. Kathryn speaks to Kelvin Davis, the Minister for Children, and Judge Frances Eivers, the Commissioner for Children.
A scathing report by Treasury into Oranga Tamariki's finances has described "loose fiscal controls" within the agency and a "weak organisational strategy and direction". Treasury's review into the spending of the $1.1 billion allocated to Oranga Tamariki in the 2019 Well-being Budget were called a "disparate collection of ideas, not governed by a clear organisational strategy". Analysis from Treasury also found Oranga Tamariki's spending per child has significantly increased, without any evidence that this is leading to better outcomes for children. Kathryn speaks to Kelvin Davis, the Minister for Children, and Judge Frances Eivers, the Commissioner for Children.
A scathing report by Treasury into Oranga Tamariki's finances has described "loose fiscal controls" within the agency and a "weak organisational strategy and direction". Treasury's review into the spending of the $1.1 billion allocated to Oranga Tamariki in the 2019 Well-being Budget were called a "disparate collection of ideas, not governed by a clear organisational strategy". Analysis from Treasury also found Oranga Tamariki's spending per child has significantly increased, without any evidence that this is leading to better outcomes for children. Kathryn speaks to Kelvin Davis, the Minister for Children, and Judge Frances Eivers, the Commissioner for Children.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about season 5 of The Handmaid's Tale (Neon, Sky), a new miniseries starring Steve Carrell called The Patient (Disney+) and a new season of Chef's Table (Netflix) - focused on the humble pizza.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about season 5 of The Handmaid's Tale (Neon, Sky), a new miniseries starring Steve Carrell called The Patient (Disney+) and a new season of Chef's Table (Netflix) - focused on the humble pizza.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about season 5 of The Handmaid's Tale (Neon, Sky), a new miniseries starring Steve Carrell called The Patient (Disney+) and a new season of Chef's Table (Netflix) - focused on the humble pizza.
School avoidance that stems from anxiety is very different to truancy and requires careful management, says psychologist Dr Emma Woodward.
School avoidance that stems from anxiety is very different to truancy and requires careful management, says psychologist Dr Emma Woodward.
School avoidance that stems from anxiety is very different to truancy and requires careful management, says psychologist Dr Emma Woodward.
Tech commentator Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about fakery - specifically, the very new and exciting art-generating fakery. He looks at the three main platforms - including one that's open source. Why does this technology have the art world concerned? And Mark launches a new podcast today: "A Brief History of the Metaverse". Mark Pesce is a futurist, writer, educator and broadcaster.
Tech commentator Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about fakery - specifically, the very new and exciting art-generating fakery. He looks at the three main platforms - including one that's open source. Why does this technology have the art world concerned? And Mark launches a new podcast today: "A Brief History of the Metaverse". Mark Pesce is a futurist, writer, educator and broadcaster.
Tech commentator Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about fakery - specifically, the very new and exciting art-generating fakery. He looks at the three main platforms - including one that's open source. Why does this technology have the art world concerned? And Mark launches a new podcast today: "A Brief History of the Metaverse". Mark Pesce is a futurist, writer, educator and broadcaster.
The economy has posted strong growth supported by consumer spending and tourism. Stats NZ says gross domestic product rose a seasonally adjusted 1.7 percent in the three months ended June, after unexpectedly falling at the start of the year. The number was at the top end of expectations. Kathryn speaks to RNZ's Business Editor Gyles Beckford.
The economy has posted strong growth supported by consumer spending and tourism. Stats NZ says gross domestic product rose a seasonally adjusted 1.7 percent in the three months ended June, after unexpectedly falling at the start of the year. The number was at the top end of expectations. Kathryn speaks to RNZ's Business Editor Gyles Beckford.
The economy has posted strong growth supported by consumer spending and tourism. Stats NZ says gross domestic product rose a seasonally adjusted 1.7 percent in the three months ended June, after unexpectedly falling at the start of the year. The number was at the top end of expectations. Kathryn speaks to RNZ's Business Editor Gyles Beckford.
Wanaka-based mountain guide Gavin Lang has not only climbed some of New Zealand's highest mountains and remotest peaks, but as an adventure photographer he's captured their beauty too. His book, Seeking the Light includes a significant collection of modern NZ mountaineering photography. It provides a rare view of the Southern Alps and alpine back country.
Wanaka-based mountain guide Gavin Lang has not only climbed some of New Zealand's highest mountains and remotest peaks, but as an adventure photographer he's captured their beauty too. His book, Seeking the Light includes a significant collection of modern NZ mountaineering photography. It provides a rare view of the Southern Alps and alpine back country.
Wanaka-based mountain guide Gavin Lang has not only climbed some of New Zealand's highest mountains and remotest peaks, but as an adventure photographer he's captured their beauty too. His book, Seeking the Light includes a significant collection of modern NZ mountaineering photography. It provides a rare view of the Southern Alps and alpine back country.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about the massive turnout from the public to pay their respects to the Queen, how King Charles has been coping with his duties in the wake of her death and what will happen at the Queen's funeral on Monday.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about the massive turnout from the public to pay their respects to the Queen, how King Charles has been coping with his duties in the wake of her death and what will happen at the Queen's funeral on Monday.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about the massive turnout from the public to pay their respects to the Queen, how King Charles has been coping with his duties in the wake of her death and what will happen at the Queen's funeral on Monday.
Do our middle readers deserve better quality books? Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris believe so. The pair say while there has been a big focus on picture books and young adult fiction, New Zealand's middle readers - children aged 9 to 11 - are being under-served. In recent years they've observed a boom of series imported from abroad, but they're often formulaic and repetitive, usually full of goof-ball humour. In their view, young readers need a wider variety of books that transport them to different places and grow their minds. Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris have co-edited Annual 3: A Miscellany from Aotearoa New Zealand, a collection of stories, comics, poems, crosswords, games and songs - created by some the best New Zealand writers and illustrators - now up to its third edition. Kathryn speaks with Susan Paris, editor of the School Journal for the last 17 years, and Kate De Goldi, an award winning writer of fiction for younger readers, and teaches creative writing in schools.
Do our middle readers deserve better quality books? Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris believe so. The pair say while there has been a big focus on picture books and young adult fiction, New Zealand's middle readers - children aged 9 to 11 - are being under-served. In recent years they've observed a boom of series imported from abroad, but they're often formulaic and repetitive, usually full of goof-ball humour. In their view, young readers need a wider variety of books that transport them to different places and grow their minds. Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris have co-edited Annual 3: A Miscellany from Aotearoa New Zealand, a collection of stories, comics, poems, crosswords, games and songs - created by some the best New Zealand writers and illustrators - now up to its third edition. Kathryn speaks with Susan Paris, editor of the School Journal for the last 17 years, and Kate De Goldi, an award winning writer of fiction for younger readers, and teaches creative writing in schools.
Do our middle readers deserve better quality books? Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris believe so. The pair say while there has been a big focus on picture books and young adult fiction, New Zealand's middle readers - children aged 9 to 11 - are being under-served. In recent years they've observed a boom of series imported from abroad, but they're often formulaic and repetitive, usually full of goof-ball humour. In their view, young readers need a wider variety of books that transport them to different places and grow their minds. Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris have co-edited Annual 3: A Miscellany from Aotearoa New Zealand, a collection of stories, comics, poems, crosswords, games and songs - created by some the best New Zealand writers and illustrators - now up to its third edition. Kathryn speaks with Susan Paris, editor of the School Journal for the last 17 years, and Kate De Goldi, an award winning writer of fiction for younger readers, and teaches creative writing in schools.
A new partnership between a local translation software company and Microsoft aims to bring vastly more daily news in te reo Maori in print and online. Straker Translations is based in Tamaki Makaurau, listed on the Australian stock exchange, and has a growing list of global customers, including a recent contract signed with the United Nations. The business uses AI, machine-learning and human translators to provide translations in a multitude of languages. Founder and CEO Grant Straker (Ngati Raukawa) says the partnership with Microsoft will enable news media to translate whole articles into te reo Maori at scale. He speaks with Kathryn Ryan, along with Microsoft New Zealand Managing Director Vanessa Sorenson.
A new partnership between a local translation software company and Microsoft aims to bring vastly more daily news in te reo Maori in print and online. Straker Translations is based in Tamaki Makaurau, listed on the Australian stock exchange, and has a growing list of global customers, including a recent contract signed with the United Nations. The business uses AI, machine-learning and human translators to provide translations in a multitude of languages. Founder and CEO Grant Straker (Ngati Raukawa) says the partnership with Microsoft will enable news media to translate whole articles into te reo Maori at scale. He speaks with Kathryn Ryan, along with Microsoft New Zealand Managing Director Vanessa Sorenson.
A new partnership between a local translation software company and Microsoft aims to bring vastly more daily news in te reo Maori in print and online. Straker Translations is based in Tamaki Makaurau, listed on the Australian stock exchange, and has a growing list of global customers, including a recent contract signed with the United Nations. The business uses AI, machine-learning and human translators to provide translations in a multitude of languages. Founder and CEO Grant Straker (Ngati Raukawa) says the partnership with Microsoft will enable news media to translate whole articles into te reo Maori at scale. He speaks with Kathryn Ryan, along with Microsoft New Zealand Managing Director Vanessa Sorenson.
Ursula joins Kathryn to continue the discussion of whether suspects who are subject to police or other investigations should be able to keep that information out of the media using the law of privacy. Ursula Cheer is a professor of Law at the University of Canterbury.
Ursula joins Kathryn to continue the discussion of whether suspects who are subject to police or other investigations should be able to keep that information out of the media using the law of privacy. Ursula Cheer is a professor of Law at the University of Canterbury.
Ursula joins Kathryn to continue the discussion of whether suspects who are subject to police or other investigations should be able to keep that information out of the media using the law of privacy. Ursula Cheer is a professor of Law at the University of Canterbury.
Today marks 50 years since the Maori language petition was presented at Parliament, igniting the Maori language movement. On a cold September 14th 1972, Hana Te Hemara and a group of elders and language champions marched on parliament presenting the petition signed by 33 thousand Maori and Pakeha, and calling for the introduction of Maori language and culture in schools nationwide. By that time, te reo Maori was in grave danger of dying out, but the actions of the petitioners sparked change - kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, wananga followed, and Te Reo Maori became an official language. A commemorative event is on at parliament this morning to mark the anniversary, where one of the speakers is Hana te Hemara's great niece, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke.
Today marks 50 years since the Maori language petition was presented at Parliament, igniting the Maori language movement. On a cold September 14th 1972, Hana Te Hemara and a group of elders and language champions marched on parliament presenting the petition signed by 33 thousand Maori and Pakeha, and calling for the introduction of Maori language and culture in schools nationwide. By that time, te reo Maori was in grave danger of dying out, but the actions of the petitioners sparked change - kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, wananga followed, and Te Reo Maori became an official language. A commemorative event is on at parliament this morning to mark the anniversary, where one of the speakers is Hana te Hemara's great niece, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke.
Today marks 50 years since the Maori language petition was presented at Parliament, igniting the Maori language movement. On a cold September 14th 1972, Hana Te Hemara and a group of elders and language champions marched on parliament presenting the petition signed by 33 thousand Maori and Pakeha, and calling for the introduction of Maori language and culture in schools nationwide. By that time, te reo Maori was in grave danger of dying out, but the actions of the petitioners sparked change - kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, wananga followed, and Te Reo Maori became an official language. A commemorative event is on at parliament this morning to mark the anniversary, where one of the speakers is Hana te Hemara's great niece, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke.
On a cold September 14th 1972, Hana Te Hemara and a group of elders and language champions marched on parliament, presenting the petition signed by 33 thousand Maori and Pakeha, and calling for the introduction of Maori language and culture in schools nationwide. By that time, te reo Maori was in grave danger of dying out, but the actions of the petitioners sparked change - kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, wananga followed, and Te Reo Maori became an official language. Kathryn speaks with Midday Report Presenter, Mani Dunlop at parliament, and Hana Te Hemara's great niece, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, who is speaking at the commemoration.
On a cold September 14th 1972, Hana Te Hemara and a group of elders and language champions marched on parliament, presenting the petition signed by 33 thousand Maori and Pakeha, and calling for the introduction of Maori language and culture in schools nationwide. By that time, te reo Maori was in grave danger of dying out, but the actions of the petitioners sparked change - kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, wananga followed, and Te Reo Maori became an official language. Kathryn speaks with Midday Report Presenter, Mani Dunlop at parliament, and Hana Te Hemara's great niece, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, who is speaking at the commemoration.
On a cold September 14th 1972, Hana Te Hemara and a group of elders and language champions marched on parliament, presenting the petition signed by 33 thousand Maori and Pakeha, and calling for the introduction of Maori language and culture in schools nationwide. By that time, te reo Maori was in grave danger of dying out, but the actions of the petitioners sparked change - kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, wananga followed, and Te Reo Maori became an official language. Kathryn speaks with Midday Report Presenter, Mani Dunlop at parliament, and Hana Te Hemara's great niece, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, who is speaking at the commemoration.
Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a Peruvian-American explorer, mountaineer and social entrepreneur. In 2018, she completed the Seven Summits, the tallest mountain on each continent, from both the Messner and Bass lists, culminating in Mt Everest. Silvia's life has been an epic personal journey, through childhood sexual abuse, alcoholism, and a fast paced corporate and personal life in the Silicon Valley tech world, to the discovery of mountains that was to be both her saviour, and her healing.
Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a Peruvian-American explorer, mountaineer and social entrepreneur. In 2018, she completed the Seven Summits, the tallest mountain on each continent, from both the Messner and Bass lists, culminating in Mt Everest. Silvia's life has been an epic personal journey, through childhood sexual abuse, alcoholism, and a fast paced corporate and personal life in the Silicon Valley tech world, to the discovery of mountains that was to be both her saviour, and her healing.
Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a Peruvian-American explorer, mountaineer and social entrepreneur. In 2018, she completed the Seven Summits, the tallest mountain on each continent, from both the Messner and Bass lists, culminating in Mt Everest. Silvia's life has been an epic personal journey, through childhood sexual abuse, alcoholism, and a fast paced corporate and personal life in the Silicon Valley tech world, to the discovery of mountains that was to be both her saviour, and her healing.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane looks at the republic debate that's been reignited by the Queen's death - what's it's overall level of support and how has it been overtaken by issues around indigenous recognition. Also - the national broadcaster ABC has been criticised for the amount of coverage devoted to the Queen. He'll also look at yet another report that's found Sydney's Star Casino was unsuitable to hold a gambling licence - what does it suggest about the state of the country's gambling industry?
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane looks at the republic debate that's been reignited by the Queen's death - what's it's overall level of support and how has it been overtaken by issues around indigenous recognition. Also - the national broadcaster ABC has been criticised for the amount of coverage devoted to the Queen. He'll also look at yet another report that's found Sydney's Star Casino was unsuitable to hold a gambling licence - what does it suggest about the state of the country's gambling industry?
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane looks at the republic debate that's been reignited by the Queen's death - what's it's overall level of support and how has it been overtaken by issues around indigenous recognition. Also - the national broadcaster ABC has been criticised for the amount of coverage devoted to the Queen. He'll also look at yet another report that's found Sydney's Star Casino was unsuitable to hold a gambling licence - what does it suggest about the state of the country's gambling industry?
Aotearoa's only not-for-profit power company launches this week, with the aim of reducing energy hardship. The Wellington social enterprise group Sustainability Trust will run the company which will use the profits from its "regular" customers to subsidise the electricity bills for those struggling to pay the bills. About 700 customers are ready to join when the scheme goes live on Thursday and a pilot with 80 customers has already been underway since May. Kathryn speaks to Georgie Ferarri, chief executive of the Sustainability Trust.
Aotearoa's only not-for-profit power company launches this week, with the aim of reducing energy hardship. The Wellington social enterprise group Sustainability Trust will run the company which will use the profits from its "regular" customers to subsidise the electricity bills for those struggling to pay the bills. About 700 customers are ready to join when the scheme goes live on Thursday and a pilot with 80 customers has already been underway since May. Kathryn speaks to Georgie Ferarri, chief executive of the Sustainability Trust.
Aotearoa's only not-for-profit power company launches this week, with the aim of reducing energy hardship. The Wellington social enterprise group Sustainability Trust will run the company which will use the profits from its "regular" customers to subsidise the electricity bills for those struggling to pay the bills. About 700 customers are ready to join when the scheme goes live on Thursday and a pilot with 80 customers has already been underway since May. Kathryn speaks to Georgie Ferarri, chief executive of the Sustainability Trust.
There is new hope in Ukraine after large swathes of territory occupied by Russian forces has been retaken. Since the start of the month Ukrainian troops have made major gains in the northeast as part of a counter-offensive against the Russians.
There is new hope in Ukraine after large swathes of territory occupied by Russian forces has been retaken. Since the start of the month Ukrainian troops have made major gains in the northeast as part of a counter-offensive against the Russians.
There is new hope in Ukraine after large swathes of territory occupied by Russian forces has been retaken. Since the start of the month Ukrainian troops have made major gains in the northeast as part of a counter-offensive against the Russians.
Andrew Holden discusses coverage of the Queen's death, public submissions on the Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media Bill; the government's Maori Broadcasting Strategy and the slowing domestic advertising market.
Foulden Maar in Otago is a paleontological site of international importance, offering a window into our past through long-dead fish, flowers and insects. It's also a site of interest for a commercial mining company, which has gone into receivership, and the site is locked to the outside world and still has no legal protection. University of Otago scientist Daphne Lee has just published a new book called Fossil Treasures of Foulden Maar. It offers a much more positive perspective, introducing us to her passion for this extraordinary spot which was formed by a volcanic eruption some 23 million years ago and which preserves countless rare and well preserved fossils.
Foulden Maar in Otago is a paleontological site of international importance, offering a window into our past through long-dead fish, flowers and insects. It's also a site of interest for a commercial mining company, which has gone into receivership, and the site is locked to the outside world and still has no legal protection. University of Otago scientist Daphne Lee has just published a new book called Fossil Treasures of Foulden Maar. It offers a much more positive perspective, introducing us to her passion for this extraordinary spot which was formed by a volcanic eruption some 23 million years ago and which preserves countless rare and well preserved fossils.
Foulden Maar in Otago is a paleontological site of international importance, offering a window into our past through long-dead fish, flowers and insects. It's also a site of interest for a commercial mining company, which has gone into receivership, and the site is locked to the outside world and still has no legal protection. University of Otago scientist Daphne Lee has just published a new book called Fossil Treasures of Foulden Maar. It offers a much more positive perspective, introducing us to her passion for this extraordinary spot which was formed by a volcanic eruption some 23 million years ago and which preserves countless rare and well preserved fossils.
Business commentator Pattrick Smellie talks about the "political" decision to end the traffic light system and whether it was inevitable, once the public's will to be compliant was gone. And he'll look at the Todd Corporation's mega projects in Western Australia and Louisiana... as always, it's notoriously quiet about its projects, but developments in the public domain give a good indication of where the company representing New Zealand's wealthiest family is heading.
Harry Ricketts reviews The Stupefying by Nick Ascroft, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.
Harry Ricketts reviews The Stupefying by Nick Ascroft, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.
Harry Ricketts reviews The Stupefying by Nick Ascroft, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.
Acclaimed Maori historian Monty Soutar has turned his hand to fiction for the first time, drawing on almost 40 years of research into the history of Aotearoa and his own ancestral line. Kawai: For Such a Time as This, is the first in an ambitious series looking at how colonisation has shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. In the novel, a 19 year old Maori student asks his elderly grand-uncle about his tipuna, the respected warrior Kaitanga. That's in 1980. Then we're taken back to 1734, to Te Maniaroa, to the aftermath of a battle.
Acclaimed Maori historian Monty Soutar has turned his hand to fiction for the first time, drawing on almost 40 years of research into the history of Aotearoa and his own ancestral line. Kawai: For Such a Time as This, is the first in an ambitious series looking at how colonisation has shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. In the novel, a 19 year old Maori student asks his elderly grand-uncle about his tipuna, the respected warrior Kaitanga. That's in 1980. Then we're taken back to 1734, to Te Maniaroa, to the aftermath of a battle.
Acclaimed Maori historian Monty Soutar has turned his hand to fiction for the first time, drawing on almost 40 years of research into the history of Aotearoa and his own ancestral line. Kawai: For Such a Time as This, is the first in an ambitious series looking at how colonisation has shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. In the novel, a 19 year old Maori student asks his elderly grand-uncle about his tipuna, the respected warrior Kaitanga. That's in 1980. Then we're taken back to 1734, to Te Maniaroa, to the aftermath of a battle.
Danielle Kurtzleben is today's US correspondent. Abortion and inflation are top issues at the polls ahead of November's midterm elections and many eyes will be on Michigan's vote to enshrine abortion rights...could it galvanise Democrat turnout? And Colorado's Senate race is turning into a test of non-Trump Republicans.
In Dunedin 11 mayoral hopefuls are vying for the top job at this year's local body elections. Incumbent Aaron Hawkins is being challenged by a group of fellow councillors who all say his leadership style leaves a lot to be desired.
In Dunedin 11 mayoral hopefuls are vying for the top job at this year's local body elections. Incumbent Aaron Hawkins is being challenged by a group of fellow councillors who all say his leadership style leaves a lot to be desired.
In Dunedin 11 mayoral hopefuls are vying for the top job at this year's local body elections. Incumbent Aaron Hawkins is being challenged by a group of fellow councillors who all say his leadership style leaves a lot to be desired.
For the first time since March 2020 there are no major Covid restrictions in New Zealand. On Monday the Cabinet decided to scrap the traffic light system and drop almost all restrictions; masks are now only needed in hospitals or aged care homes, vaccine requirements for travellers have been removed, and isolation for household contacts has been dropped.
For the first time since March 2020 there are no major Covid restrictions in New Zealand. On Monday the Cabinet decided to scrap the traffic light system and drop almost all restrictions; masks are now only needed in hospitals or aged care homes, vaccine requirements for travellers have been removed, and isolation for household contacts has been dropped.
For the first time since March 2020 there are no major Covid restrictions in New Zealand. On Monday the Cabinet decided to scrap the traffic light system and drop almost all restrictions; masks are now only needed in hospitals or aged care homes, vaccine requirements for travellers have been removed, and isolation for household contacts has been dropped.
The NZ Institute of Architects in Auckland is celebrating Architecture Week, with discussions focused on Auckland and its issues. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
The NZ Institute of Architects in Auckland is celebrating Architecture Week, with discussions focused on Auckland and its issues. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
The NZ Institute of Architects in Auckland is celebrating Architecture Week, with discussions focused on Auckland and its issues. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Like water into wine, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell are turning bread into gin. Dunedin Craft Distillers are the only New Zealand company producing botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products.
Like water into wine, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell are turning bread into gin. Dunedin Craft Distillers are the only New Zealand company producing botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products.
Like water into wine, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell are turning bread into gin. Dunedin Craft Distillers are the only New Zealand company producing botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products.
Brigitte and Lamia join Kathryn to discuss potential changes to the Covid traffic light system, whether New Zealand should follow Australia and have a public holiday to mark the Queen's passing and the political reaction to police photo collection practices of young people.
Brigitte and Lamia join Kathryn to discuss potential changes to the Covid traffic light system, whether New Zealand should follow Australia and have a public holiday to mark the Queen's passing and the political reaction to police photo collection practices of young people.
Brigitte and Lamia join Kathryn to discuss potential changes to the Covid traffic light system, whether New Zealand should follow Australia and have a public holiday to mark the Queen's passing and the political reaction to police photo collection practices of young people.
Three of the world's finest crime writers; Val McDermid, Michael Robotham and J.P. Pomare join Kathryn in the studio. The trio are touring New Zealand this week, with an event, Crime after Crime.
Three of the world's finest crime writers; Val McDermid, Michael Robotham and J.P. Pomare join Kathryn in the studio. The trio are touring New Zealand this week, with an event, Crime after Crime.
Three of the world's finest crime writers; Val McDermid, Michael Robotham and J.P. Pomare join Kathryn in the studio. The trio are touring New Zealand this week, with an event, Crime after Crime.
As Brazil approaches its elections next month, Jair Bolsonaro faces criticism for his campaign events, and former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the front-runner in the election, campaigns on the protection of the Amazon. Plus the attempted assassination attempt on Argentina's vice-president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
Most airlines now offer passengers the option to offset their share of the flight's carbon emissions with carbon credits. Air New Zealand's scheme is called "Fly Neutral". A one way trip between Auckland and Wellington creates 62 kilograms of CO2 for one passenger, and the airline says for $1.50, that can be offset by buying carbon credits from "global sustainable energy projects" and contributing to restoration of biodiversity here.
Most airlines now offer passengers the option to offset their share of the flight's carbon emissions with carbon credits. Air New Zealand's scheme is called "Fly Neutral". A one way trip between Auckland and Wellington creates 62 kilograms of CO2 for one passenger, and the airline says for $1.50, that can be offset by buying carbon credits from "global sustainable energy projects" and contributing to restoration of biodiversity here.
Most airlines now offer passengers the option to offset their share of the flight's carbon emissions with carbon credits. Air New Zealand's scheme is called "Fly Neutral". A one way trip between Auckland and Wellington creates 62 kilograms of CO2 for one passenger, and the airline says for $1.50, that can be offset by buying carbon credits from "global sustainable energy projects" and contributing to restoration of biodiversity here.
A fundraiser in Mount Maunganui to help the local intermediate school employ a counsellor for the next two years is raising questions about whether the government's $44 million Counsellors in Schools programme is failing to deliver.
A fundraiser in Mount Maunganui to help the local intermediate school employ a counsellor for the next two years is raising questions about whether the government's $44 million Counsellors in Schools programme is failing to deliver.
A fundraiser in Mount Maunganui to help the local intermediate school employ a counsellor for the next two years is raising questions about whether the government's $44 million Counsellors in Schools programme is failing to deliver.
The Chair of Monarchy New Zealand Dr Sean Palmer talks about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and what her legacy in New Zealand will be.
The Chair of Monarchy New Zealand Dr Sean Palmer talks about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and what her legacy in New Zealand will be.
The Chair of Monarchy New Zealand Dr Sean Palmer talks about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and what her legacy in New Zealand will be.
World leaders have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth the second including those in the Pacific. RNZ Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins has the latest on the reaction from the Pacific.
World leaders have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth the second including those in the Pacific. RNZ Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins has the latest on the reaction from the Pacific.
World leaders have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth the second including those in the Pacific. RNZ Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins has the latest on the reaction from the Pacific.
New Plymouth woman Barbara Larsen is a life long royalist and Queen Elizabeth super fan with a collection of more than 15,000 royal books. She was four when she began her 81 years of collecting royal books and magazines which now also includes books and pictures of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
New Plymouth woman Barbara Larsen is a life long royalist and Queen Elizabeth super fan with a collection of more than 15,000 royal books. She was four when she began her 81 years of collecting royal books and magazines which now also includes books and pictures of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
New Plymouth woman Barbara Larsen is a life long royalist and Queen Elizabeth super fan with a collection of more than 15,000 royal books. She was four when she began her 81 years of collecting royal books and magazines which now also includes books and pictures of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
RNZ Political editor Jane Patterson talks to Kathryn about the political reaction to the Queen's death.
RNZ Political editor Jane Patterson talks to Kathryn about the political reaction to the Queen's death.
RNZ Political editor Jane Patterson talks to Kathryn about the political reaction to the Queen's death.
In his latest biography Queen of Our Times Robert Hardman sought to paint a picture of what the late monarch was really like.
In his latest biography Queen of Our Times Robert Hardman sought to paint a picture of what the late monarch was really like.
In his latest biography Queen of Our Times Robert Hardman sought to paint a picture of what the late monarch was really like.
Former chief historian Dr Jock Phillips joins us from London to reflect on the Queen's impact on New Zealand's history and how she was received during her 10 visits to our shores.
Former political journalist Henry Cooke joins us from London to talk about the atmosphere around Buckingham Palace and how people reacted to the news of the Queen's death.
Former chief historian Dr Jock Phillips joins us from London to reflect on the Queen's impact on New Zealand's history and how she was received during her 10 visits to our shores.
Former political journalist Henry Cooke joins us from London to talk about the atmosphere around Buckingham Palace and how people reacted to the news of the Queen's death.
Former chief historian Dr Jock Phillips joins us from London to reflect on the Queen's impact on New Zealand's history and how she was received during her 10 visits to our shores.
Former political journalist Henry Cooke joins us from London to talk about the atmosphere around Buckingham Palace and how people reacted to the news of the Queen's death.
Tā Tipene O'Regan is a kaumātua , Ngāi Tahu leader, Treaty negotiator, academic, and Member of the Order of New Zealand. He was also co-convenor of 2011 Constitutional Panel.
Tā Tipene O'Regan is a kaumātua , Ngāi Tahu leader, Treaty negotiator, academic, and Member of the Order of New Zealand. He was also co-convenor of 2011 Constitutional Panel.
Tā Tipene O'Regan is a kaumātua , Ngāi Tahu leader, Treaty negotiator, academic, and Member of the Order of New Zealand. He was also co-convenor of 2011 Constitutional Panel.
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger met the Queen on several occasion both as a minister in Robert Muldoon's government and later as Prime Minister.
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger met the Queen on several occasion both as a minister in Robert Muldoon's government and later as Prime Minister.
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger met the Queen on several occasion both as a minister in Robert Muldoon's government and later as Prime Minister.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark met the Queen many times in her time as 37th prime minister of New Zealand from 1999 to 2008.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark met the Queen many times in her time as 37th prime minister of New Zealand from 1999 to 2008.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark met the Queen many times in her time as 37th prime minister of New Zealand from 1999 to 2008.
National party leader Christopher Luxon tells Kathryn he remembers first seeing the queen as a three year old when she visited for the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch.
National party leader Christopher Luxon tells Kathryn he remembers first seeing the queen as a three year old when she visited for the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch.
National party leader Christopher Luxon tells Kathryn he remembers first seeing the queen as a three year old when she visited for the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch.
The Prime Minister delivers a speech following the passing of the Queen, and releases details about the next steps. There will be a memorial in the United Kingdom, followed by another in New Zealand. The Prime Minister and Governor General are expected to attend the memorial. Condolence books will be put out in Wellington.
The Prime Minister delivers a speech following the passing of the Queen, and releases details about the next steps. There will be a memorial in the United Kingdom, followed by another in New Zealand. The Prime Minister and Governor General are expected to attend the memorial. Condolence books will be put out in Wellington.
The Prime Minister delivers a speech following the passing of the Queen, and releases details about the next steps. There will be a memorial in the United Kingdom, followed by another in New Zealand. The Prime Minister and Governor General are expected to attend the memorial. Condolence books will be put out in Wellington.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris reflects on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and looks to the reign of King Charles III.
Laumata Lauano reviews Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist on Netflix, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin on Neon and Undeclared War on TVNZ +.
Laumata Lauano reviews Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist on Netflix, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin on Neon and Undeclared War on TVNZ +.
Laumata Lauano reviews Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist on Netflix, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin on Neon and Undeclared War on TVNZ +.
Scratches and bruises are an unavoidable part of childhood. But what's the best way for parents to respond to this 'everyday' pain? Teaching children about pain when they're young can help them better respond to it when they're older, according to a new study from the University of South Australia.
Scratches and bruises are an unavoidable part of childhood. But what's the best way for parents to respond to this 'everyday' pain? Teaching children about pain when they're young can help them better respond to it when they're older, according to a new study from the University of South Australia.
Scratches and bruises are an unavoidable part of childhood. But what's the best way for parents to respond to this 'everyday' pain? Teaching children about pain when they're young can help them better respond to it when they're older, according to a new study from the University of South Australia.
Technology commentator Peter Griffin discusses the court case between Elon Musk and Twitter, the long awaited upgrade of Ethereum, the world's second largest cryptocurrency and Netflix's plans to introduce a lower-cost ad-supported plan.
Technology commentator Peter Griffin discusses the court case between Elon Musk and Twitter, the long awaited upgrade of Ethereum, the world's second largest cryptocurrency and Netflix's plans to introduce a lower-cost ad-supported plan.
Technology commentator Peter Griffin discusses the court case between Elon Musk and Twitter, the long awaited upgrade of Ethereum, the world's second largest cryptocurrency and Netflix's plans to introduce a lower-cost ad-supported plan.
Bronwyn Wylie-Gibb from University Book Shop Dunedin, reviews Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore, published by Flatiron Books.
Bronwyn Wylie-Gibb from University Book Shop Dunedin, reviews Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore, published by Flatiron Books.
Bronwyn Wylie-Gibb from University Book Shop Dunedin, reviews Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore, published by Flatiron Books.
A report just issued by the privacy watchdog and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found police are routinely and illegally photographing and videoing children and adults. That's just one of the findings in the bombshell joint inquiry that has revealed systemic problems with the way police take, store and use people's private biometric information. RNZ Maori News Editor Jamie Tahana explains the background and the main findings.
A report just issued by the privacy watchdog and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found police are routinely and illegally photographing and videoing children and adults. That's just one of the findings in the bombshell joint inquiry that has revealed systemic problems with the way police take, store and use people's private biometric information. RNZ Maori News Editor Jamie Tahana explains the background and the main findings.
A report just issued by the privacy watchdog and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found police are routinely and illegally photographing and videoing children and adults. That's just one of the findings in the bombshell joint inquiry that has revealed systemic problems with the way police take, store and use people's private biometric information. RNZ Maori News Editor Jamie Tahana explains the background and the main findings.
Between the images captured by James Webb Space Telescope, what we're learning about black holes and galaxies far far away, and NASA's new Artemis I rocket that's soon to head to the far side of the moon, space exploration has never been so exciting. While the high def imagery being beamed back to earth is jaw-dropping, scientists are also studying them for clues over planets that could be habitable. Ravi Kopparapu is a Planetary Scientist at the US Space Agency's Goddard Space Flight Center.
Between the images captured by James Webb Space Telescope, what we're learning about black holes and galaxies far far away, and NASA's new Artemis I rocket that's soon to head to the far side of the moon, space exploration has never been so exciting. While the high def imagery being beamed back to earth is jaw-dropping, scientists are also studying them for clues over planets that could be habitable. Ravi Kopparapu is a Planetary Scientist at the US Space Agency's Goddard Space Flight Center.
Between the images captured by James Webb Space Telescope, what we're learning about black holes and galaxies far far away, and NASA's new Artemis I rocket that's soon to head to the far side of the moon, space exploration has never been so exciting. While the high def imagery being beamed back to earth is jaw-dropping, scientists are also studying them for clues over planets that could be habitable. Ravi Kopparapu is a Planetary Scientist at the US Space Agency's Goddard Space Flight Center.
Liz Truss, has held the first meeting of her cabinet - the most ethnically diverse Britain has had. UK correspondent Hugo Gye on a fascinating week in UK politics.
Liz Truss, has held the first meeting of her cabinet - the most ethnically diverse Britain has had. UK correspondent Hugo Gye on a fascinating week in UK politics.
Liz Truss, has held the first meeting of her cabinet - the most ethnically diverse Britain has had. UK correspondent Hugo Gye on a fascinating week in UK politics.
Auckland's once iconic food truck, The White Lady, which has served late night takeaways to generations of party-goers, students and midnight walkers has been granted a 12 month reprieve.The late night burger joint which has been going for more than 70 years has been under an cloud since April when Auckland City reviewed its licence and reduced its trading licence to just six weeks. That was due to expire on September 30, but the business has just been granted a 12 month trading licence. Kathryn speaks with a very relieved owner Max Washer.
Auckland's once iconic food truck, The White Lady, which has served late night takeaways to generations of party-goers, students and midnight walkers has been granted a 12 month reprieve.The late night burger joint which has been going for more than 70 years has been under an cloud since April when Auckland City reviewed its licence and reduced its trading licence to just six weeks. That was due to expire on September 30, but the business has just been granted a 12 month trading licence. Kathryn speaks with a very relieved owner Max Washer.
Auckland's once iconic food truck, The White Lady, which has served late night takeaways to generations of party-goers, students and midnight walkers has been granted a 12 month reprieve.The late night burger joint which has been going for more than 70 years has been under an cloud since April when Auckland City reviewed its licence and reduced its trading licence to just six weeks. That was due to expire on September 30, but the business has just been granted a 12 month trading licence. Kathryn speaks with a very relieved owner Max Washer.
What effect does exercise have on the body while pregnant? A new Auckland study needs 200 recruits to help find out. The AUT study will look how pregnancy changes the body, and how much exercise is safe to do during pregnancy with the ultimate aim of helping make pregnancy safer for mother and baby. The project is called Te Kukunetanga Physical Evolution through Pregnancy - and while it had good numbers around the middle of last year, Auckland's long lockdown meant those mothers have now had their babies so the team is looking for more people to take part. Kathryn speaks with bio-mechanic lead on the project, Dr Hannah Wyatt, and Sabina Just, who's been a midwife for 25 years and is now doing a PhD. Women interested in participating in the study can click here.
What effect does exercise have on the body while pregnant? A new Auckland study needs 200 recruits to help find out. The AUT study will look how pregnancy changes the body, and how much exercise is safe to do during pregnancy with the ultimate aim of helping make pregnancy safer for mother and baby. The project is called Te Kukunetanga Physical Evolution through Pregnancy - and while it had good numbers around the middle of last year, Auckland's long lockdown meant those mothers have now had their babies so the team is looking for more people to take part. Kathryn speaks with bio-mechanic lead on the project, Dr Hannah Wyatt, and Sabina Just, who's been a midwife for 25 years and is now doing a PhD. Women interested in participating in the study can click here.
What effect does exercise have on the body while pregnant? A new Auckland study needs 200 recruits to help find out. The AUT study will look how pregnancy changes the body, and how much exercise is safe to do during pregnancy with the ultimate aim of helping make pregnancy safer for mother and baby. The project is called Te Kukunetanga Physical Evolution through Pregnancy - and while it had good numbers around the middle of last year, Auckland's long lockdown meant those mothers have now had their babies so the team is looking for more people to take part. Kathryn speaks with bio-mechanic lead on the project, Dr Hannah Wyatt, and Sabina Just, who's been a midwife for 25 years and is now doing a PhD. Women interested in participating in the study can click here.
The Minister of Transport is proposing to amend land transport rules and the Local Government Act so councils can more easily transform streets to support public transport and more active forms of travel. The legislative changes under the Reshaping Streets programme will allow local councils to pilot changes to street layouts for up to two years as a form of consultation. It's hoped that it will accelerate projects such as creating bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and better transport infrastructure, as well as reducing speed limits and restricting traffic. It's part of a wider initiative to meet emissions reduction targets, including reducing car trips by 20 percent by 2035. Kathryn speaks to Minister of Transport Michael Wood.
The Minister of Transport is proposing to amend land transport rules and the Local Government Act so councils can more easily transform streets to support public transport and more active forms of travel. The legislative changes under the Reshaping Streets programme will allow local councils to pilot changes to street layouts for up to two years as a form of consultation. It's hoped that it will accelerate projects such as creating bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and better transport infrastructure, as well as reducing speed limits and restricting traffic. It's part of a wider initiative to meet emissions reduction targets, including reducing car trips by 20 percent by 2035. Kathryn speaks to Minister of Transport Michael Wood.
The Minister of Transport is proposing to amend land transport rules and the Local Government Act so councils can more easily transform streets to support public transport and more active forms of travel. The legislative changes under the Reshaping Streets programme will allow local councils to pilot changes to street layouts for up to two years as a form of consultation. It's hoped that it will accelerate projects such as creating bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and better transport infrastructure, as well as reducing speed limits and restricting traffic. It's part of a wider initiative to meet emissions reduction targets, including reducing car trips by 20 percent by 2035. Kathryn speaks to Minister of Transport Michael Wood.
Arts commentator Mark Amery talks with Kathryn about examples of regional galleries leading the artworld from the edge. He's been at the Taupo Museum for an exhibition of abstract work by Sophie Saunders and Lisa Call. He'll also discuss an exhibition of Ayesha Green's work at the Tauranga Art Gallery. He's also a fan of Sumer - the commercial gallery in Tauranga, exhibiting Hikalu Clarke, which he says proves even edgy art dealers can survive "out in the provinces".
Arts commentator Mark Amery talks with Kathryn about examples of regional galleries leading the artworld from the edge. He's been at the Taupo Museum for an exhibition of abstract work by Sophie Saunders and Lisa Call. He'll also discuss an exhibition of Ayesha Green's work at the Tauranga Art Gallery. He's also a fan of Sumer - the commercial gallery in Tauranga, exhibiting Hikalu Clarke, which he says proves even edgy art dealers can survive "out in the provinces".
Arts commentator Mark Amery talks with Kathryn about examples of regional galleries leading the artworld from the edge. He's been at the Taupo Museum for an exhibition of abstract work by Sophie Saunders and Lisa Call. He'll also discuss an exhibition of Ayesha Green's work at the Tauranga Art Gallery. He's also a fan of Sumer - the commercial gallery in Tauranga, exhibiting Hikalu Clarke, which he says proves even edgy art dealers can survive "out in the provinces".
Quentin Johnson reviews The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Quentin Johnson reviews The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Quentin Johnson reviews The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
David Christian is a historian and Professor Emeritus at Macquarie University, who co-founded the Big History Project with Bill Gates - but his latest book focusses on the future. Future Stories, A User's Guide to the Future draws on science, history and philosophy to imagine what the world will look like in the next hundred years and consider solutions to the biggest challenges we face.
David Christian is a historian and Professor Emeritus at Macquarie University, who co-founded the Big History Project with Bill Gates - but his latest book focusses on the future. Future Stories, A User's Guide to the Future draws on science, history and philosophy to imagine what the world will look like in the next hundred years and consider solutions to the biggest challenges we face.
David Christian is a historian and Professor Emeritus at Macquarie University, who co-founded the Big History Project with Bill Gates - but his latest book focusses on the future. Future Stories, A User's Guide to the Future draws on science, history and philosophy to imagine what the world will look like in the next hundred years and consider solutions to the biggest challenges we face.
Karen discusses the latest interest rate rises, plans to ease Covid restrictions, Jetstar leaves thousands of passengers stranded due to engineering issues and is there a new era of Aussie tennis on the horizon?
Waka Kotahi is rolling out the next phase of its urban development programme, Streets for People, with $30 million earmarked for projects in 13 regions. The programme aims to accelerate the process for rolling out projects such as protected cycleways, better street crossings and low traffic neighbourhoods. It's part of the government's wider Emissions Reduction Plan to increase walking and cycling in urban areas and to improve public transport. The Streets for People programme will build on the 2020 pilot - which included the successful rejuvenation of Drews Avenue Arts Quarter in Whanganui. Kathryn speaks to Ellen Young from the Whanganui District Council about the project, as well as Kathryn King, Urban Mobility Manager at Waka Kotahi.
Waka Kotahi is rolling out the next phase of its urban development programme, Streets for People, with $30 million earmarked for projects in 13 regions. The programme aims to accelerate the process for rolling out projects such as protected cycleways, better street crossings and low traffic neighbourhoods. It's part of the government's wider Emissions Reduction Plan to increase walking and cycling in urban areas and to improve public transport. The Streets for People programme will build on the 2020 pilot - which included the successful rejuvenation of Drews Avenue Arts Quarter in Whanganui. Kathryn speaks to Ellen Young from the Whanganui District Council about the project, as well as Kathryn King, Urban Mobility Manager at Waka Kotahi.
Waka Kotahi is rolling out the next phase of its urban development programme, Streets for People, with $30 million earmarked for projects in 13 regions. The programme aims to accelerate the process for rolling out projects such as protected cycleways, better street crossings and low traffic neighbourhoods. It's part of the government's wider Emissions Reduction Plan to increase walking and cycling in urban areas and to improve public transport. The Streets for People programme will build on the 2020 pilot - which included the successful rejuvenation of Drews Avenue Arts Quarter in Whanganui. Kathryn speaks to Ellen Young from the Whanganui District Council about the project, as well as Kathryn King, Urban Mobility Manager at Waka Kotahi.
Schools are concerned over the results of a trial of new NCEA literacy and numeracy tests. In June, year-10 students trialled the tests, which are due to become compulsory from 2024. Principals spoken to by RNZ say pass rates for the writing test were as low as zero, while in numeracy, some schools had pass rates below or about 50-percent. Overall results from the June trial of the online tests are expected to be published later this month, but a smaller trial last year saw failure rates of two-thirds for writing and one third for both reading and numeracy. Kathryn speaks with Alan Robertson, Deputy Principal of Burnside High School, Grant McMillan, Principal of James Cook High School in Auckland, and Nina Hood, education researcher and founder of the Education Hub.
Schools are concerned over the results of a trial of new NCEA literacy and numeracy tests. In June, year-10 students trialled the tests, which are due to become compulsory from 2024. Principals spoken to by RNZ say pass rates for the writing test were as low as zero, while in numeracy, some schools had pass rates below or about 50-percent. Overall results from the June trial of the online tests are expected to be published later this month, but a smaller trial last year saw failure rates of two-thirds for writing and one third for both reading and numeracy. Kathryn speaks with Alan Robertson, Deputy Principal of Burnside High School, Grant McMillan, Principal of James Cook High School in Auckland, and Nina Hood, education researcher and founder of the Education Hub.
Schools are concerned over the results of a trial of new NCEA literacy and numeracy tests. In June, year-10 students trialled the tests, which are due to become compulsory from 2024. Principals spoken to by RNZ say pass rates for the writing test were as low as zero, while in numeracy, some schools had pass rates below or about 50-percent. Overall results from the June trial of the online tests are expected to be published later this month, but a smaller trial last year saw failure rates of two-thirds for writing and one third for both reading and numeracy. Kathryn speaks with Alan Robertson, Deputy Principal of Burnside High School, Grant McMillan, Principal of James Cook High School in Auckland, and Nina Hood, education researcher and founder of the Education Hub.
A new report out this morning from Massey's New Zealand Financial Education and Research Centre - finds inflation is becoming a significant factor for superannuitants and those planning for their retirement. The report says inflation has been much higher this year than the actual Consumer Price Index, and the lag in the increase in NZ Super is making it tough for retirees, who are having to rely more on their savings to pay for day to day living costs. It's also a big issue for those nearing retirement. Kathryn speaks with CEO of Financial Advice NZ, Katrina Shanks.
A new report out this morning from Massey's New Zealand Financial Education and Research Centre - finds inflation is becoming a significant factor for superannuitants and those planning for their retirement. The report says inflation has been much higher this year than the actual Consumer Price Index, and the lag in the increase in NZ Super is making it tough for retirees, who are having to rely more on their savings to pay for day to day living costs. It's also a big issue for those nearing retirement. Kathryn speaks with CEO of Financial Advice NZ, Katrina Shanks.
A new report out this morning from Massey's New Zealand Financial Education and Research Centre - finds inflation is becoming a significant factor for superannuitants and those planning for their retirement. The report says inflation has been much higher this year than the actual Consumer Price Index, and the lag in the increase in NZ Super is making it tough for retirees, who are having to rely more on their savings to pay for day to day living costs. It's also a big issue for those nearing retirement. Kathryn speaks with CEO of Financial Advice NZ, Katrina Shanks.
Dr Sydney Savion used her experience of more than 20 years in the US military to form a successful career as a corporate executive. Dr Savion is a behavioral scientist who has forged a career helping organisations with staff training and development, and has worked with companies like Computer giant Dell and more recently was the Chief Learning Officer with Air New Zealand. It was there that she developed a numeracy and literacy programme for staff - Project Mana. But behind this was always the mantra of striving for excellence - something which was drilled into her during her time in the military. She explained to Kathryn how the transition from military to civilian life shaped her next steps.
Dr Sydney Savion used her experience of more than 20 years in the US military to form a successful career as a corporate executive. Dr Savion is a behavioral scientist who has forged a career helping organisations with staff training and development, and has worked with companies like Computer giant Dell and more recently was the Chief Learning Officer with Air New Zealand. It was there that she developed a numeracy and literacy programme for staff - Project Mana. But behind this was always the mantra of striving for excellence - something which was drilled into her during her time in the military. She explained to Kathryn how the transition from military to civilian life shaped her next steps.
Dr Sydney Savion used her experience of more than 20 years in the US military to form a successful career as a corporate executive. Dr Savion is a behavioral scientist who has forged a career helping organisations with staff training and development, and has worked with companies like Computer giant Dell and more recently was the Chief Learning Officer with Air New Zealand. It was there that she developed a numeracy and literacy programme for staff - Project Mana. But behind this was always the mantra of striving for excellence - something which was drilled into her during her time in the military. She explained to Kathryn how the transition from military to civilian life shaped her next steps.
Is quiet quitting a new trend at the workplace? Or are employees just putting their well-being first? Rebecca Stevenson, senior writer at interest.co.nz explains the new phenomenon, as well as the curious story of how pools are being taxed in France with the help of technology.
Is quiet quitting a new trend at the workplace? Or are employees just putting their well-being first? Rebecca Stevenson, senior writer at interest.co.nz explains the new phenomenon, as well as the curious story of how pools are being taxed in France with the help of technology.
Is quiet quitting a new trend at the workplace? Or are employees just putting their well-being first? Rebecca Stevenson, senior writer at interest.co.nz explains the new phenomenon, as well as the curious story of how pools are being taxed in France with the help of technology.
Maraea and Kristian Pomana are part of the backbone of the Fordlands Community Centre. The organisation is in the heart of the Rotorua suburb which has long established high unemployment and poverty issues. Of the 600 houses in Fordlands, around a third are owned by Kainga Ora and the average income of residents is $19,000 a year. Life has not been completely rosy for the Pomana whanau, but through their own struggles they are well placed to help other residents. Maraea is the operations manager of the Fordlands Community Centre and Kristian is the employment co-ordinator.
Maraea and Kristian Pomana are part of the backbone of the Fordlands Community Centre. The organisation is in the heart of the Rotorua suburb which has long established high unemployment and poverty issues. Of the 600 houses in Fordlands, around a third are owned by Kainga Ora and the average income of residents is $19,000 a year. Life has not been completely rosy for the Pomana whanau, but through their own struggles they are well placed to help other residents. Maraea is the operations manager of the Fordlands Community Centre and Kristian is the employment co-ordinator.
Maraea and Kristian Pomana are part of the backbone of the Fordlands Community Centre. The organisation is in the heart of the Rotorua suburb which has long established high unemployment and poverty issues. Of the 600 houses in Fordlands, around a third are owned by Kainga Ora and the average income of residents is $19,000 a year. Life has not been completely rosy for the Pomana whanau, but through their own struggles they are well placed to help other residents. Maraea is the operations manager of the Fordlands Community Centre and Kristian is the employment co-ordinator.
America is experiencing an unprecedented moment in which two men are simultaneously claiming to be its president. While Joe Biden has a legitimate claim to the office, Donald Trump has the support of tens of millions and a majority of people in his own political party - at least according to polls. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
With less than a month until voting closes for local body elections, we take a look at who is in the running for the mayoralty in Wellington. With nine candidates vying to become mayor, three main contenders are leading the pack; incumbent Andy Foster, Labour MP for Rongotai and former deputy mayor Paul Eagle, and former Green Party chief of staff Tory Whanau. So what are the key issues in Wellington and what policies are the mayoral hopefuls promising? Kathryn speaks with Tom Hunt, a journalist at Stuff and the Dominion Post, covering the Wellington region. We've also covered mayoralty races in Auckland, and Christchurch. We'll be in Dunedin next week.
With less than a month until voting closes for local body elections, we take a look at who is in the running for the mayoralty in Wellington. With nine candidates vying to become mayor, three main contenders are leading the pack; incumbent Andy Foster, Labour MP for Rongotai and former deputy mayor Paul Eagle, and former Green Party chief of staff Tory Whanau. So what are the key issues in Wellington and what policies are the mayoral hopefuls promising? Kathryn speaks with Tom Hunt, a journalist at Stuff and the Dominion Post, covering the Wellington region. We've also covered mayoralty races in Auckland, and Christchurch. We'll be in Dunedin next week.
With less than a month until voting closes for local body elections, we take a look at who is in the running for the mayoralty in Wellington. With nine candidates vying to become mayor, three main contenders are leading the pack; incumbent Andy Foster, Labour MP for Rongotai and former deputy mayor Paul Eagle, and former Green Party chief of staff Tory Whanau. So what are the key issues in Wellington and what policies are the mayoral hopefuls promising? Kathryn speaks with Tom Hunt, a journalist at Stuff and the Dominion Post, covering the Wellington region. We've also covered mayoralty races in Auckland, and Christchurch. We'll be in Dunedin next week.
Spring is here - apparently - and along with it a massive cold snap. Snow has closed roads in both islands overnight. The Desert Road remains closed between Waiouru and Rangipo, as is the Napier-Taupo Road. There has been light snow and flurries seen in Christchurch and the hill suburbs of Wellington, and on the new Transmission Gully State Highway. In Dunedin - a couple of main roads are closed and it's been an extremely cold night. RNZ Dunedin reporter Tim Brown with the latest.
Spring is here - apparently - and along with it a massive cold snap. Snow has closed roads in both islands overnight. The Desert Road remains closed between Waiouru and Rangipo, as is the Napier-Taupo Road. There has been light snow and flurries seen in Christchurch and the hill suburbs of Wellington, and on the new Transmission Gully State Highway. In Dunedin - a couple of main roads are closed and it's been an extremely cold night. RNZ Dunedin reporter Tim Brown with the latest.
Spring is here - apparently - and along with it a massive cold snap. Snow has closed roads in both islands overnight. The Desert Road remains closed between Waiouru and Rangipo, as is the Napier-Taupo Road. There has been light snow and flurries seen in Christchurch and the hill suburbs of Wellington, and on the new Transmission Gully State Highway. In Dunedin - a couple of main roads are closed and it's been an extremely cold night. RNZ Dunedin reporter Tim Brown with the latest.
The UK has a new prime minister; Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. She has been selected by the Conservative Party membership, and she will formally take the role in a ceremony at the Queen's Balmoral Estate in Scotland tomorrow. Truss prevailed over former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, in a vote of the party's 180,000 paid-up membership. She received over 81,000 votes, against Sunak's more than 60,000, after a two-month campaign following Boris Johnson's resignation announcement in July. Kathryn speaks with Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor at The Times.
The UK has a new prime minister; Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. She has been selected by the Conservative Party membership, and she will formally take the role in a ceremony at the Queen's Balmoral Estate in Scotland tomorrow. Truss prevailed over former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, in a vote of the party's 180,000 paid-up membership. She received over 81,000 votes, against Sunak's more than 60,000, after a two-month campaign following Boris Johnson's resignation announcement in July. Kathryn speaks with Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor at The Times.
The UK has a new prime minister; Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. She has been selected by the Conservative Party membership, and she will formally take the role in a ceremony at the Queen's Balmoral Estate in Scotland tomorrow. Truss prevailed over former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, in a vote of the party's 180,000 paid-up membership. She received over 81,000 votes, against Sunak's more than 60,000, after a two-month campaign following Boris Johnson's resignation announcement in July. Kathryn speaks with Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor at The Times.
Kathryn goes off the beaten track on Waiheke Island, gets an update about Lucky the kereru, and gives a tribute to whale expert Ramari Stewart, who has been recognised for her contributions to both matauranga Maori and Western science with a prestigious Doctor of Science degree.
A plant-based food company from Northland is winning industry innovation awards with its new product, Vince - a plant-based vegetable mince product with 500g grams of veges in every pack. Debbie and Nigel Stowe of the company Olive & Ash, have been selling their plant-based vegetable mince product for a couple of years. The company's Vince product has most recently won top prize in the small supplier category at the 2022 Foodstarter Competition, which is affiliated with New World. Kathryn speaks to Debbie Stowe in Whangarei.
Our political commentators discuss the government's Kiwisaver tax u-turn, the cost of living payment, Luxon ruling out a Freedoms NZ coalition, and the Greens co-leadership. Gareth Hughes is a former Green MP and now works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa. Ben Thomas is a former National government press secretary, a columnist and a director of public affairs firm Capital.
Ray Shipley from Scorpio Books in Christchurch reviews Arms & Legs by Chloe Lane, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press
Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis is a critically acclaimed Hollywood actor with a string of starring roles working with A-list directors and performers. But his heart is with the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand. The latest is Muru, a fictional action thriller whose story begins with the 2007 real-life, so-called 'anti-terror' police raids in a remote township in Te Urewera. Cliff Curtis is a co-producer, and actor in Muru and plays a community police officer caught in the middle of the unfolding events. The film also features Tame Iti, a police target for arrest in the 2007 raids, as himself. Curtis' roles in NZ made productions stretch back to the early 90's, including Desperate Remedies, Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider.
The latest from Europe from our correspondent Seamus Kearney. Amid mounting concern in Europe about Russian gas cuts, Germany has announced a major energy relief package to tackle rising inflation and energy prices. Also, under pressure from Ukraine and European countries that border Russia, the EU has agreed to suspend a visa facilitation agreement with Moscow.
Later this year Auckland will play host to a robotics conference of around 600 researchers, an ambitious plan hatched while the country's borders were closed, that has paid off. Some major companies have been attracted down-under for the event, which is a bid to establish New Zealand as a world-leading country in robotics. Kathryn speaks to roboticist and Auckland University senior lecturer Dr Minas Liarokapis who is organising the event, which will be one of the first times global leaders in the field will meet in person since pre-pandemic.
An aviation expert says the Civil Aviation Authority has been oversimplifying the rules around drone safely in its advertising - and it's fuelling a public backlash against drone operators. Dr Isaac Henderson is a lecturer at Massey University's aviation school and chair of UAVNZ, and is concerned at recent CAA advertising which states there are "no-fly zones" for drones. He says such terminology is misleading, and that when certain requirements are met, drones can be operated, but he says such blanket messaging ends up with the public reporting legitimate drone operators to police - and in some cases leading to threats against them. Kathryn also speaks to Colin Aitchison, operations manager for GCH UAV, a company offering aerial photography and asset inspection using drones. He says threats toward commercial operators like himself have become extremely common.
Comedians Te Radar and Irene Pink with a mix of lighter stories including Lorde having a swim in the Potomac River, which hasn't gone down well with some Washington DC locals.
The All Blacks resilience is set for another test, the Warriors pull the curtain down on a season to forget at a full stadium and what NZ Boxing 's open gender category means for the sport.
Time Out Bookstore's Jenna Todd reviews Isaac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer, published by Headline Publishing Group.
Serhii Plokhy is a professor of Ukrainian history at Harvard University and a leading authority on the Cold War and nuclear history. He's written a number of books on the subject, including Chernobyl: History of a Tragedy. Serhii Plokhy is the pre-eminent historian of that event, and the book is a definitive history of the world's worst nuclear disaster. His new book Atoms and Ashes: From Bikini Atoll to Fukushima is a history of the nuclear age, told through six of the biggest disasters; Bikini Atoll, Kystym, Windscale, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima. Professor Plokhy tells Kathryn how the spectre of nuclear accidents still remains today, now more so than ever. Another nuclear disaster could be unfolding in Serhii Plokhy's own hometown; Zaporizhia, after Russian soldiers invaded Ukraine and occupied the nuclear power plant in February.
Can art increase awareness of our coexistence with non-human inhabitants - including fungi, plants and animals? A new exhibition at Wellington's City Art Gallery aims to do this. At Thresholds opens tomorrow - it's free for all - and features a mix of historical, recent and commissioned works by a big range of local artists. It includes photography, video, painting, sculpture and installation. Curator Moya Lawson says At Thresholds aims to provoke conversations around climate change and the importance of understanding different life forms to aid in the survival of all species.
Can art increase awareness of our coexistence with non-human inhabitants - including fungi, plants and animals? A new exhibition at Wellington's City Art Gallery aims to do this. At Thresholds opens tomorrow - it's free for all - and features a mix of historical, recent and commissioned works by a big range of local artists. It includes photography, video, painting, sculpture and installation. Curator Moya Lawson says At Thresholds aims to provoke conversations around climate change and the importance of understanding different life forms to aid in the survival of all species.
Being a registered Zoo or wildlife park in New Zealand doesn't automatically guarantee best practice for animal protection. Karen Fifield is the Chief Executive of Wellington Zoo and she was also recently apppointed Vice President of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. WAZA is a global alliance whose members are dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world. She says protecting wildlife is a key plank of being an accredited member of WAZA, and it ensures facilities are progressive and do work beyond breeding animals. Zoos and wildlife parks here have to meet Government guidelines and minimum standards around containment, but Ms Fifield says that's different to conservation and protection measures.
The government may be close to removing the mask mandate in all but the most high-risk health settings. This week, the Ministry of Disabled People sent an email to disability support providers asking for feedback on a proposal to "significantly narrow" where masks have to be worn. The organisations were given only 24 hours to provide feedback to the government. Disability support providers believe that if the government is considering removing the mask mandate in healthcare settings, then they will also likely be removed from other, less risky, environments like retail and hospitality. The government here is due to consider its Covid traffic light settings in two weeks. Kathryn speaks to Melissa Smith, chief executive of CCS Disability Action, the largest disability support and advocacy organisation in New Zealand.
Sci-fi lovers rejoice! There's a heap of new fantasy shows out there. Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz looks at House of the Dragon, The Sandman and Ring of Power.
Kathryn talks with parenting coach and education consultant Joseph Driessen about helping children overcome the effects of the Covid epidemic, at home, at school, and with their friends.
Technology correspondent Bill Bennett looks at what European countries are doing to boost rural fibre networks - should New Zealand do the same? GCHQ in the UK is looking to recruit more female coders to tackle online threats, Google is accused of "airbrushing" out aviation emissions and more than half of all Bitcoin trades may actually be fake.
Airini Bautrais reviews The Wandering Nature of Us Girls by Frankie McMillan, published by Canterbury University Press.
When his first novel was rejected by publishers in Australia, Matthew Reilly did the ultimate DIY job - he took out a loan, published it himself and convinced Sydney book stores to stock it. The book, Contest, was picked up by a commissioning editor at Pan MacMillan - and the rest is best-seller history. Matthew has written over a dozen books and short stories - including his Jack West series, selling over seven and a half million copies world-wide. He recently directed the Netflix film Interceptor and his new book Cobalt Blue, is out on bookshelves now.
Matt Dathan has the latest news from the UK. Boris Johnson is on a farewell tour ahead of his departure from No10 on Tuesday. A new prime minister will be announced on Monday, and is widely expected to be Liz Truss. She'll be inheriting the cost of living crisis and a soaring energy price cap. Meanwhile Boris Johnson has refused to rule out a comeback. Matt Dathan is Home Affairs Editor at The Times
Nine to Noon continues to look at who's in the running to head up our biggest cities after local elections in October, with a focus today on the 11 candidates vying to be mayor of Christchurch. Three-term mayor Lianne Dalziel announced last July she'd be stepping down as mayor, having overseen nearly a decade's worth of the city's rebuild following the devastating earthquakes. The two major contenders for the role are Burwood city councillor Phil Mauger and former Canterbury District Health Board chief executive David Meates. Other contenders include the city's Wizard, a coffee boss, pro-gun pastor and a candidate who's stood in every election since 1971. For more, Kathryn is joined by David Williams, the South Island correspondent for Newsroom.co.nz.
The NZ Drug Foundation is proposing a trial of an overdose prevention centre in central Auckland, providing a safe, medically-supervised setting for people who are taking drugs. The three year pilot programme would also provide basic health, harm reduction and support services. The Drug Foundation hopes it will take drug use off the streets, reduce harm and save lives. Its main focus will be those experiencing homelessness, and people who are taking synthetic cannabinoids, a drug which was caused at least 51 deaths between 2016 and 2020. Kathryn speaks to Sarah Helm, executive director of the Drug Foundation.
Science correspondent Allan Blackman wishes Rutherford a happy birthday for yesterday - he'd have been 151. Allan will talk about his achievements - and the things often misattributed to him. He'll also talk about a six month investigation by Science magazine into an Alzheimer's study that may have been fabricated and look at how magnetism in space could help astronauts breathe.
A computer game developer from Hawke's Bay has found massive success on the global sales charts with his new game, Sapiens. David Frampton is the solo developer of Sapiens, which shot to number two on Steam, the world's largest computer game platform. A true labour of love which took David seven years to develop, the game allows you to create your own prehistoric civilisation, and starting from scratch, lead your tribe to build towns and industry, and advance through thousands of years of technological breakthroughs. Kathryn speaks with David Frampton about his company Majic Jungle, and the success of his latest game, Sapiens.
Quentin Johnson reviews Kiki Man Ray: Art, Love and Rivalry in 1920s Paris by Mark Braude, published by Two Roads.
Packing up their lives and becoming farmers was meant to be fresh start for New Zealand born writer and producer Nicola Harvey and husband Pat. But their move from young, burnt-out Sydney professionals to cattle farmers on a 140ha plot of land near Taupo was anything but straightforward. As well as the often harsh realities of agricultural life they had to content with a community who are weary of city dwellers telling them how to run their farms, or doing things differently. Over three years the farm has transformed from a run-of-the mill calf rearing operation, to a more modern and sustainable business - yet that still has traditional farming at it's core. As well as running a farm Nicola talked to farmers and food producers all over New Zealand the world who were all trying to find a more sustainable and future-proof way of farming.
Australia correspondent Chris Niesche looks at the conviction for Chris Dawson in the so-called Teacher's Pet murder; why a news outlet dared Lachlan Murdoch to sue it (and is now being sued)...and how one state's attempt to fix its nursing shortage is making other states nervous.
A new study has found stroke survivors want more information about sex and intimacy as part of their recovery - but rarely receive it. Over 9,500 strokes are experienced by New Zealanders each year. Stroke is the country's second single biggest killer, and the leading cause of serious adult disability. Auckland City Hospital occupational therapist Sian McGee conducted the first-of-its-kind research, asking 41 patients between the ages of 36 and 90 about their preference for receiving information about sex and intimacy. She says most of the patients surveyed expected and wanted their doctors to speak to them about the subject of sex, but few did. Clinicians, in turn, said they didn't feel confident in giving the right information. Sian McGee is presenting her study at the Stroke Society of Australasia conference which begins in Christchurch today.
Midwives are taking legal action against the government over fair pay and conditions - again. The College of Midwives has this morning filed a class action in the High Court against the Ministry of Health. More than 1300 community midwives have signed up to be part of the claim alleging a breach of contract. In 2015 the College commenced judicial review proceedings alleging unjustified discrimination on the basis of sex under the Bill of Rights Act. That legal action was eventually settled by mediation, resulting in a Settlement Agreement, but midwives say the Health Ministry has failed to action that agreement, or a subsequent one. College Chief Executive, Alison Eddy, says today's legal action is a last resort.
Andrew looks at the Google deal for NZ media collective, Sky back in the black, and the fascinating Crikey v Lachlan Murdoch stoush.
He's described as the "grand old man of New Zealand rugby", now the life and legendary status of Billy Wallace has been detailed in a new book by author Denis Dwyer. A member of the The Original All Blacks selected for the 1905 tour to the British Isles, France and North America, he was the first New Zealander to score 500 points in first-class rugby and held the New Zealand record for the most points in an All Blacks match for 46 years. He went on to hold a distinguished coaching career at club, provincial and national level and also served as a national administrator. This is the eighth book for Denis - but not his first foray into writing about New Zealand's rugby history. He joins Kathryn to explain his passion for the sport's legendary players.
Pattrick talks to Kathryn about why the announcement by Qantas that it is going to fly direct to New York from Auckland represents a serious competitive threat to Air NZ. Also why coal-fired electricity will be with us for a bit longer yet, with Genesis putting up for tender a so-called "swaption" contract that allows renewable generators to buy insurance cover to keep Huntly available. And one to watch - this week's Ports of Auckland result Pattrick is is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
Catriona Ferguson reviews The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, published by Tinder Press
Not much is certain about the life of Charlotte Badger, one of the first Pakeha women to live in New Zealand, but many stories have been woven about her over two centuries. A young Charlotte was arrested for the crime of 'housebreaking' in her native Worcester, sentenced to death and sent to the penal colony of New South Wales in the early 19th century. Upon her release, she's aboard a ship when its crew mutinies - and ends up living among Maori in the Bay of Islands. Through some excellent historical detective work Jennifer Ashton has unpicked what we know for sure about Charlotte from the legends that have sprung up about her. Her book is Thief, Convict, Pirate, Wife: The Many Histories of Charlotte Badger and Jennifer joins Kathryn to explain what she managed to learn about Charlotte.
The US President is offering some student loan leeway with his administration announcing it will forgive up to $10,000 for most borrowers ($20,000 for some who were low-income students). This comes after more than two years of a pause on student loan payments that started as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. And regarding the FBI search of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, the government has released a heavily redacted version of the affidavit in the investigation. And Danielle says there's more evidence of the abortion issue's potential importance in this year's midterms. Danielle Kurtzleben is a political correspondent assigned to NPR's Washington Desk
In the past week Ukraine has marked two significant events - 31 years of independence, and six months of holding off an invasion by its giant neighbour. It's a conflict that's had an enormous cost in a very short timeframe: tens of thousands dead, millions displaced, billions spent on military equipment - let alone the final total to rebuild shattered towns and cities. One immeasurable cost is the toll on the country's children. Unicef estimates two die every day in this conflict. Almost two in three children in Ukraine have been displaced by fighting. New Zealander Petra Straight has been in-country for Save the Children and joins Kathryn to talk about where the needs are greatest
The UK government is working to change the law on gene-edited food, allowing it to be sold in the country for the first time. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, being introduced to Parliament, will allow gene-edited crops to be developed and grown in England and sold in Great Britain. That's despite the fact that polls indicate the vast majority of the UK public are opposed to the move. Supermarkets remain unenthusiastic and campaigners argue that gene-editing is just genetic modification by a more palatable name. Kathryn speaks with Adam Vaughan, chief reporter at New Scientist.
Countdown supermarkets is considering trialling the use of body cameras for some staff in a bid to address chronic verbal abuse directed at staff and as physical assaults become more common. Body cameras, if introduced, would be able to capture detailed evidence of abuse. Violence towards supermarket workers has become an urgent issue since a stabbing attack at Dunedin Central's Countdown store in May last year, and a terror attack at Auckland's LynnMall Countdown last September. Kiri Hannafin is the manager of corporate affairs at Countdown.
Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Kathrine Lynch is the founder of meal planning service, The Daily Menu. She has a host of budget tips and recipes for cutting your grocery bill, including cooking in meals in bulk for eat half now and freeze half for later. She talks to Kathryn about how to save money by making fast food, or fakeaways at home rather than buying takeaways.
Neale, Tim and Kathryn talk about the departure and the legacy of Speaker Trevor Mallard - how will he go in his ambassadorial post in Ireland? Also, the infrastructure blowouts. is it bad management or economic conditions. And ram raids continue to plague cities and towns across the motu it's forcing a law and order debate. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Tim Hurdle is a former National party advisor and was campaign director for National at the 2020 election.
Eight years ago, a catastrophic accident changed the life of elite athlete Brad Smeele. He says becoming quadriplegic as a 27 year old has taught him so much about survival and finding the strength to get through the darkest of times and the darkest of thoughts. His deeply personal memoir, Owning It - the ride that changed my life is an astonishingly raw and honest account of moving from a life of sporting success to dealing with the mental and physical challenges of losing mobility. He is now a motivational speaker and has an instagram account with 35-thousand followers.
Six months on from Russia's invasion, Debora is in Kyiv. She talks to Kathryn about the situation on the ground in Ukraine and what's changed ?. Also a dangerous situation with fighting around Europe's biggest nuclear plant, the Zaporizhzhia plant and the first grain ship left for Africa last week. Debora explores what hope that provides for the continen'ts food crisis.
British journalist and environmental campaigner Charles Clover has recently published a book called Rewilding the Sea. Here he argues that left to its own devices, the sea's biodiversity can recover from, and counter the devastating effects of climate change. Charles gives the example of whales. If they were allowed to rebuild to pre-whaling numbers they would remove the same amount of carbon from the atmosphere as we pump into it, just with their poo. Also the humble oyster, which can filter well over a hundred litres of water a day, and Charles argues is worth its weight in ecological gold, far exceeding their economics as fancy food.
Hundreds of injuries from high intensity interval training such as Crossfit and F45 are being reported to ACC each year, with a steep rise in the last four years. HIIT involves a circuit of short bursts of intense exercise, usually cardio and weights, alternating with periods of recovery. But data from ACC shows the number of accidents is increasing each year, with 652 new claims last year alone. Soft tissue injuries are the most common type of incidents, but fractures and dislocations, dental injuries, deafness, concussion and brain injuries, and lacerations, punctures and stings have also been reported. Kathryn speaks to David Woodbridge, the director and principal physiotherapist at Functional Physio, in Mt Eden who has been treating injuries as a result of HIIT and ACC's injury prevention leader James Whitaker.
Comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks with some of the lighter stories of the week, including a Rotorua man's shopping trip for a linen jacket which ended up with him being locked in Hallensteins.
Sam reviews what has been a rare hysteria-free week for the current All Blacks squad, whether a former All Black should be allowed to play for the Wallabies, and how going against the grain can pay dividends.
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews The Seaplane on Final Approach by Rebecca Rukeyser, published by Granta
In December 1941, as the Japanese made their lightning attack on Pearl Harbour, Hong Kong also came under bombardment and fell two weeks later. Marie Broom was trapped in Hong Kong with her four children - not knowing what had happened to her husband Vincent, who'd been working in Singapore. As the family faced the occupation alone, Vincent escaped Singapore. He managed to make his way to India, where he began a slow and perilous journey east to try to get to Marie and the children. Their story has been captured in a new book called 'A Message for Nasty', written by Marie and Vincent's grandson, Roderick Fry. Roderick is a designer usually based in Paris and is back in New Zealand for the Auckland Writers' Festival.
The Solomon Islands government has secured a $US66 million loan from China for tech giant Huawei to expand the country's telecommunications network. It is the first major loan the country has received from Beijing since the signing of its security pact with China earlier this year. Also, Pacific countries are being urged to modernise tuna management strategy to ensure decisions are more science driven with less political interference. And jubilation in Samoa jubilant after news the iconic local beer will continue to be produced there.
A Catlins conservation group has finally purchased a section of the Papatowai estuary behind an iconic stand of rātā - a deal it's been working on for several years. The Papatowai Forest Heritage Trust bought the 15 adjacent sections from the Findlater family, creating what will be called the Findlater Reserve. The purchase is part of a wider effort to protect the Southern rata which hang over the beach at Papatowai. The land will be covenanted, joining other sections previously protected by the trust. Kathryn speaks to the spokesperson of the Papatowai Forest Heritage Trust Fergus Sutherland who is over the moon about the sale.
Auckland University of Technology has unreservedly apologised to a former academic for its bungled response to her sexual harassment complaint about a former staff member. Dr Marisa Paterson was director of Australian National University's Centre for Gambling Research in 2020 when she publicly accused problem gambling expert, Professor Max Abbott, of stalking and harassing her. Now an Australian MP, Dr Paterson said in a statement that in addition to the sexual harassment, there was significant harm for her as an individual to have to fight an institution, in public, for an adequate response. She says the apology is public recognition of that. Her complaint had earlier prompted an independent review by Kate Davenport QC, in which 273 people reported being bullied or had seen it happen in the AUT workplace. Kathryn speaks to Dr Marisa Paterson from Canberra, and Michael Timmins, the Director of the Office of Human Rights Proceedings.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch looks at The Rehearsal (SoHo, Neon), an unusual show that's been getting rave reviews. The Bear (Disney+), is about a young chef who comes from the world of fine dining to run his family's sandwich shop in Chicago and N00b is new local show on TikTok.
Psychologist Sarb Johal says over-parenting, also known as helicopter parenting, often gets a bad rap compared to supportive or authoritative parenting. But he says there is actually a big overlap between the two. Neither is entirely "correct", but knowing the difference between the two and where they might come from in your one history might help you tweak your parenting style.
Technology correspondent Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about revelations Amazon's Ring surveillance subsidiary has supplied police with footage without their permission or a court order. Meanwhile the tech giant is planning a TV show called Ring Nation hosted by comedian Wanda Sykes - but where does privacy lie in those plans? Mark will also look at how Airtags - often called a 'stalker's best friend' - has also led to the arrest of a thief and why Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation' is accused of being a lap-top killer.
Paul Diamond reviews Grounded: How soil shapes the games we play, the lives we make and the graves we lie in by Alysa Bryce, published by Text Publishing
Leila Mottley is the youngest writer ever to be long-listed for the Booker Prize. She was 17 when her book Nightcrawling was completed and 19 when it was published by Bloomsbury worldwide. The extraordinary book is set in her home town of Oakland, in the San Fransisco Bay Area, and is based upon a real case involving officers in the Oakland Police Department who were accused of sexually exploiting a teenager and trying to cover it up. The book has received rave reviews around the world, and was quickly selected as an Oprah's Book Club pick. Leila joins Kathryn from Oakland.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about the latest from the Tory leadership race, as both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak focus on reform of the NHS. Armed police are on the streets of Liverpool, hunting for the gunman who shot into a house and killed a nine-year-old girl. France wants £8 million from Britain it says it's owed for patrolling beaches for migrants, after a record 1,295 crossed the Channel in a single day and Eurotunnel has apologised after passengers were left stranded in the Channel Tunnel when a train broke down for several hours with some describing the scene as "like a disaster movie".
Kiwi firm Mint has opened its Sydney refinery for extracting precious metals from e-waste, using micro-organisms. The Auckland-based startup will extract gold, platinum and other precious metals from old cellphones, laptops and other e-waste. Kathryn speaks with co-founder and Chief Executive Will Barker from Sydney.
New analysis has found more and more homes are going to be exposed to flooding from rivers, pushing up the cost of insurance. The report, carried out by property data company CoreLogic and Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurers, found the average annual cost of river flooding to residential buildings already tops $100 million, and could increase by more than 20 percent by 2050, and 30 percent by 2100. The report comes just a week after devastating floods hit the Nelson-Malborough region, with 134 homes red-stickered; many of those along the Maitai River which breached its banks after sustained heavy rainfall. Eleven percent of the country's residential property value are already exposed to river flood risk. and that's expected to increase to 17 percent by 2050. CoreLogic head of research Nick Goodall tells Kathryn that home owners should take this information seriously.
As borders reopen and New Zealanders return to the skies, a new report is pushing for a rethink on university staff travel. Overseas travel and academia often go hand in hand. Academics are expected to attend conferences and present their work overseas to help boost their university's ranking or secure research funding. But staff air travel accounts for about a third of the tertiary sector's carbon emissions and many universities have set ambitious reduction targets. So how can the need to reduce emissions be balanced with career-driven pressure to travel? Dr Sal Lampkin heads up the Australasian Universities Air Travel Consortium and her report looks at staff travel at Massey University where she works. She joins Kathryn to discuss how universities and staff can reimagine the need for frequent flying.
Science commentator Laurie Winkless joins Kathryn to look at how commonly-used pesticides can impair honeybees' ability to navigate. Researchers gave wild-caught honeybees sugar - while others got pesticide-contaminated sugar and then made them walk in front of video screens to think they were off-course. She'll also look at why astronauts at the international space station have been helping researchers work out how liquids interact with solids - without gravity getting in the way. Laurie Winkless is a physicist and science writer.
It's gone by many names and structures over the years: Department of External Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs... and now MFAT. The origin and evolution of the agency responsible for this country's international relations has been captured in a new book: New Zealand's Foreign Service: A History. It looks at the early years - with the role World War II played in its creation in 1943 and the key players who shaped it, to the way it responded to strategic events - like Britain strengthening ties with Europe, the breakdown of ANZUS and the war on terror. It also considers the internal changes to the organisation over the years - from one dominated by Pakeha men to one that was much more inclusive. Dr Ian McGibbon wrote the early chapters and has edited the book. He joins Kathryn to explain how the organisation has played a vital role in New Zealand's history.
Louise O'Brien reviews The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid, published by Penguin Random House.
Vidyamala Burch is a UK-based New Zealander whose mindfulness programme for chronic pain and other illnesses has just earned her an OBE. Through her own experience of extreme pain which began in her teens, she eventually developed the programme which is now recognised by the NHS and has reached over 100,000 people. She is an honorary membership from The British Pain Society, the author of three books and co-founder of Breathworks, an organisation which teaches her mindfulness-based approach to pain, illness and stress.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese flagging a formal inquiry into his predecessor's five secret ministerial portfolios. Yesterday advice from the Solicitor-General was released, saying while it was lawful it contravened the convention of responsible government. She'll also talk about singer John Farnham's surgery for cancer, some Wallabies' objections to the suggestion scrums should have a 60-second time limit and a Canberra judge dismissed a "too busy" excuse from tennis star Nick Kyrgios in seeking to delay an appearance over an assault charge.
A leading biofuels scientist is backing the government's plan to require the use of biofuels in petrol and diesel from next April. All fuel will be legally required to contain a percentage of biofuel, made from renewable sources such as used vegetable oils or animal fats. Some environmental advocates have labelled the plan "greenwashing", saying New Zealand cannot possibly source enough of the right kind of waste to make the amount of biofuel that will be required to meet the mandate, and that importing biofuel will be damaging to the global environment. Dr Paul Bennett is chair of the International Energy Agency for Bioenergy and Portfolio Leader for Integrated Bioenergy with Scion Research. He says New Zealand has considerable science expertise in biofuels and researchers have made a number of advancements in liquid biofuels and bioenergy.
An independent inquiry is to be held in Australia into the secret ministerial roles adopted by former prime minister Scott Morrison. Mr Morrison appointed himself to five senior government portfolios, including health; finance; treasury and home affairs; and industry, science and resources -- between 2020 and 2021, mostly without the knowledge of the ministers who held each role. Australia's solicitor general has concluded that the appointments were valid and lawful, but violated the principles of responsible government. Mr Morrison's successor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, announced the inquiry yesterday saying Mr Morrison's actions undermined democracy. George William is a Professor of Law at the University of New South Wales, specialising in constitutional law - he's with me now from Sydney.
The country's two main supermarket chains Countdown and Foodstuffs could soon be forced to open their wholesale operations to smaller rivals. The government is expected to make an announcement later today. It would be the latest tranche of reforms following an investigation by the Commerce Commission into the supermarket sector. The Commission made a number of recommendations, and since then, the Government has already announced plans to introduce a code of conduct and a Grocery Commissioner who will have the ability to fine supermarkets who breach it. It has also recommended ending anti-competitive land wars between the big players. Kathryn speaks with the Food and Grocery Council CEO, Katherine Rich, and Sarah Balle, founder of Supie, an online grocery store.
Liz talks to Kathryn about whether now is the right time to buy a home and what it means when you have negative equity in your house or apartment. Liz Koh is a money expert. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
The Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma says he has been expelled by the Labour caucus. Dr Sharma was suspended from the caucus last week for what it says were his repeated breaches of trust. The Labour caucus has just met, Dr Sharma was there. He's just spoken with reporters at parliament. RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher was there.
Supporters of the Freedoms and Rights Coalition - associated with Destiny Church - are marching through central Wellington to Parliament where they will rally. Along the way, theyt are passing a counter protest at the Cenotaph. RNZ reporter Hamish Cardwell has been following the march.
Social Anthropologist and Museum Ethnographer Dr Paul Tapsell talks to Kathryn about how connection to ancestral marae relates to indigenous wellbeing, and also the pathways to connecting and belonging to iwi. He founded the digital web service Maori maps.com to help urban-raised Maori youth reconnect.
Rebecca says TikTokers, who are atop the social media hierarchy, are flexing their power in a new way and have a huge foe in their sights, and it's not another content platform or other influencers. Creators all over TikTok are joining together to stand in solidarity with Amazon workers and union organisers by refusing to monetise platforms for Amazon, including all direct Amazon sponsorships and usage of Amazon's storefront. Rebecca also looks at incorporated societies getting into strife for failing to file financials. Rebecca Stevenson is a senior writer at interest.co.nz
David Hill reviews Billy Wallace: A True Rugby Legend by Denis Dwyer, published by Bateman books.
Supporters of the Freedoms and Rights Coalition - associated with Destiny Church - are preparing to march through central Wellington to Parliament this morning. A counter protest is planned also - at the Cenotaph. RNZ reporter Rosie Gordon is at Civic Square.
In his academic and professional career Australian Clinical Psychologist Zac Seidler has focused on understanding men's mental health and masculinity, reducing male suicide and the benefits of mateship. Through his research, he advocates for a change in the way we think about treating men's distress, and also stresses the need to create mental health services that account for masculinity. This has lead to the groundbreaking training program Men in Mind for mental health clinicians, aimed at better understanding and responses to men's anguish and suicidality. Dr Seidler is currently the Director of Mental Health Training at Movember and a Senior Research Fellow with Orygen at the University of Melbourne.
Congress is out for summer but news about Donald Trump's legal woes is filling the void. Polling shows the Democrats are doing a bit better in the lead up to midterms and there's concern about where-to next on Taiwan and Ukraine.
Vertical farming company 26 Seasons is one of just a handful of companies worldwide that has successfully grown strawberries year-round, in an indoor vertical farm. An industrial site in Foxton houses vertically stacked beds, with optimal conditions set for growing strawberries 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The controlled indoor environment removes external factors that can affect growth such as weather, seasons, pests and disease. Kathryn speaks with Grant Leach, the chief executive of 26 Seasons.
With local elections just over six weeks away, it's time to check in with the race to lead our biggest city. Twenty-three people are contesting the Auckland mayoralty, with polling showing it's a tight race between two-term Manukau councillor Efeso Collins, Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck, businessman and former Far North Mayor Wayne Brown and freelance media operator Craig Lord. Outspoken publican Leo Molloy pulled out at the 11th hour. For a closer look at who's in the running, and some of the big issues they're campaigning on, Kathryn is joined by the New Zealand Herald's Super City reporter Bernard Orsman.
The outgoing Chief Executive of Plunket says the organisation is having to sell off the family silver and cut services because of inadequate funding. Amanda Malu is about to leave the top job after six years. In that time, she's presided over the controvertial sale of Plunket assets and the shutting down of services - in order to balance the books. She says before the financial year even begins, Plunket is already in deficit to the tune of $3 million, and if it were to pay Plunket nurses the same as DHB nurses, the shortfall this year alone would be over $9 million. Amanda Malu speaks with Kathryn Ryan.
Kennedy talks to Kathryn about the gravitational attraction of ice, and why the Nepalese government is shifting Everest Base Camp. Kennedy also mentions a recent visit to a prolific stand of kauri trees in Warkworth.
The cheese scones are an extremely popular baked item at Wellington's Pravda Cafe. Not only are the scones in demand, but people have been signing up to Cheese Scone Classes at Wellington on a Plate. Pravda chef, Ash Tapsell talks to Kathryn about what makes their cheese scones so moreish.
Will the Labour caucus kick Gaurav Sharma out this week - and have his accusations caused lasting damage to the party? Should National's leader Christopher Luxon release the detail of an inquiry into Sam Uffindell? And are this year's local body elections at risk of being overrun by conspiracy theorists? Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Tim Hurdle is a former National party advisor and was campaign director for National at the 2020 election.
Dana Johannsen reviews Seven Sisters: How a people-first culture turned silver into gold by Rikki Swanell, published by Upstart Press Pub by Upstart Press RRP: $39.99
The government has announced this morning it is taking direct control of Kiwibank, buying the holding company which owns the bank from the Superannuation Fund, ACC, and NZ Post. The Super Fund is being paid 527-million dollars for its 25 percent stake. The Super Fund's chief executive Matt Whineray says it considered buying some or all of NZ Post's stake but the government would not agree to having private money in Kiwibank nor give the Fund a free hand on whom it might sell its stake to. He speaks with Kathryn Ryan.
When third generation greengrocer Sanjay Dayal decided to close his family business after a 63 year run, he was quick to make sure his talents weren't left to rot. The family's shop - Cuba St Fruit Mart in Wellington - had been supplying some of the city's best restaurants including neighbouring Logan Brown. His insight into how wholesale produce is sold, and his relationships with local chefs was the starting point for HospoConnect - a digital marketplace he set up with childhood friend Ramesh Naran, whose family were also Wellington greengrocers. He spoke with Kathryn about what how it all started.
The daughter of a key political ally of the Russian president has been killed in a suspected car bomb attack in Moscow, with her father thought to have been the intended target. If confirmed as being linked to the war in Ukraine, the explosion would be the first time the violence of the war in Ukraine has reached the streets of Moscow. Senior Russian figures have suggested that Ukraine could be behind the killing, but Ukraine denies that. The woman killed in the Moscow bombing, Darya Dugina, is the daughter of Alexander Dugin, an extreme nationalist often referred to as Putin's 'philosophical guru' who supports Russia taking over Ukraine and the creation of a new Russian empire.
Auckland's CBD has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent times. It's been plagued by a number of issues kicked off by the pandemic, a keenly felt absence of international tourists, workers reluctant to return to the office, an exodus of retailers from the midtown and Aotea Square area and ongoing, noisy and ugly disruption caused by the construction of the City Rail Link. The CBD is home to 45,000 residents - but has development been piecemeal and lacking in cohesion and committment to wellbeing?. Julie Stout is an Auckland architect, urbanist and a Professional Teaching Fellow in the masters programme at the University of Auckland's School of Architecture and Planning. Earlier this year, she was the first woman to be awarded the Te Kahui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medal for lifetime achievement. Julie Stout sees a troubling landscape in the city centre but also signs of promise for great design.
Live music venue operators say urban intensification is sounding the death knell for their sector. As more and more people move into apartments and other developments in our urban centres - tension over noise is rising with existing local live performance venues. The Dunedin City Council has recently approved an application for apartments to built next to the Crown Hotel, one of the city's few live music venues, but after a backlash from music fans, has agreed to review planning rules around inner-city noise. David Bennett is spokesperson for the group Save Dunedin Live Music - he says the Crown is a vital part of Dunedin's music scene, and the birthplace of many important bands. He says his group is not trying to stop the development of dwellings in the inner city, but wants them planned well and done right. David speaks with Kathryn Ryan, along with Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins, and Taylor MacGregor from the group Save our Venues NZ.
The government is buying back Kiwibank to take full ownership. It has just announced the purchase of Kiwi Group, the parent company of Kiwibank, valuing it at $2.1 billion. Until now Kiwi Group Holdings had been owned by NZ Post, ACC and the NZ Super fund. The NZ Superfund had expressed an interest in buying a majority holding in Kiwi Group Hodings but the government's pledge to keep the bank fully locally-owned made that impossible. Kathryn speaks with business commentator, editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk , Pattrick Smellie.
Comedians Te Radar and James Elliott with some of the lighter stories including how a burnt cheese roll impacted a provincial rugby match.
Sport correspondent Dana Johannsen talks to Kathryn about whether debate on the All Blacks rugby coach will die down, now that Ian Foster will be retained as All Blacks coach through to the 2023 World Cup. Also it's crunch time for the Black Ferns, playing their final two tests before the World Cup. And can Tiger Woods save the PGA Tour?. Dana Johannsen is Stuff's National Correspondent specialising in sport.
Stella Chrysostomou of VOLUME Books reviews Worn: A People's History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser, published by Allen Lane - Penguin Random House NZ
Tech entrpreneur David Shein has has extraordinary business success in Australia. He migrated there from South Africa in 1986, where he founded and built up Comtec Communications into Australia's largest network integration company with 1400 staff. 14 years later, he sold the business for just over $1 billion - becoming the first Australian so-called "unicorn" - a privately owned start up valued by shareholders at over $1 billion. Since then he's become a start-up mentor and venture capitalist, helping other entrepreneurs get started. David Shein has just published a book - called The Dumbest Guy at the Table - all proceeds go to the mental health organisation Black Dog Institute. He talks with Kathryn about what he's learned through his career.
China has embarked on a new round of military manoeuvres around Taiwan this week, reacting to the visit of another US congressional delegation, a move that ratchets up Beijing's efforts to isolate the island. And prosecutors in Tokyo have made a series of arrests after a summer of raids on organisations and individuals suspected of giving and receiving bribes during the preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times.
The rain has eased in Nelson but the flooding emergency is far from over and another round of heavy rain is set to come in later today. 411 homes have now been evacuated with some residents forced to leave their homes overnight. People are being asked to conserve water due to damage to the main pipe, roads are closed and thousands are without power. Rain-soaked hillsides have given way with slips continuing to threaten many properties. Nelson MP Rachel Boyack was with Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty yesterday as they toured flooded areas to survey the damage. She talks to Kathryn about the situation facing residents today and the recovery ahead.
Wellington's regional council has unanimously backed a proposal to set a binding emissions target and, if passed, will become the first regional council to do so. It's new Regional Policy Statement was voted on yesterday and is out for consultation now. On Monday, Auckland Council released an ambitious proposal to reduce the city's transport emissions by two thirds over the next eight years. If the Wellington region plan is passed, it will see more so-called 15 minute suburbs, where everything you need is a 15 minute walk away, with more dedicated space for walking and biking. Developers seeking to build large greenfield subdivisions will have to show no increase to emissions, and councils in the region will need to align their district plans with the new RPS. Thomas Nash is the chair of the Greater Wellington Regional Council Climate Committee.
Film and TV correspondent James Croot looks at Emma Thompson's new film Good Luck to You Leo Grande, which is out in cinemas today. You can listen to Nine to Noon's interview about the movie here. And Apple TV has two new offerings: Bad Sisters and a haunting look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: Five Days at Memorial.
Julie King and Joanna Faber are the co-author of books aimed at helping parents communicate well with their children, from pre schoolers to teens. Their previous survival guide to life with children aged 2 to 7 has been translated into 22 languages, they also have a companion app HOW TO TALK: Parenting Tips in Your Pocket, and the app Parenting Hero. Their new collaboration is the book How To Talk When Kids Won't Listen: Whining, Fighting, Meltdowns, Defiance, & other Challenges of Childhood. There's a delightful quote at the beginning of their book - which will resonate with parents and caregivers "Before I became a parent, I didn't know I could ruin someone's day by asking them to put pants on."
Technology correspondent Mahsa Mohaghegh looks at artificial intelligence use in natural language processing and how close it is to being sentient. She'll also look at how safe pedestrians are from self-driving cars after a campaign group claimed the software was potentially lethal to children. Cameras are being used to detect errant mobile users while driving and the first female-led hackathon is due to be held next month.
Ralph McAllister reviews Bolla by Pajtim Statovci, published by Allen and Unwin. [picture id="4LN5Z9Z_Bolla_cover_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]
Journalist Linda Kinstler grew up not knowing much about her Latvian grandfather, other than he'd disappeared after World War Two. It was only later, as an adult, that she learned her paternal grandfather, Boris Kinstler, had been a Nazi collaborator and member of the SS in Latvia. After the war, he became a KGB agent, and then vanished. In search of answers about her grandfather, Linda Kinstler uncovers his links to a man called Herbert Cukurs, known as the "Butcher of Riga", implicated in the murder of 30,000 Jews in Latvia. In researching her book, Come to This Court and Cry: How the Holocaust Ends, she unravels a tale of revisionism, ultra-nationalism and denialism - issues that are just as timely as ever.
Kathryn gets an update from Tasman Region Civil Defence Emergency Management group controller Alec Louverdis about the situation in Nelson, where 233 homes have been evacuated and a state of emergency declared after the Maitai River burst its banks yesterday afternoon.
New figures show inflation rose 10.1 percent in July, the highest in more than 40 years. The spike in inflation is largely down to food prices and staples. It has resulted in the contenders in the Tory leadership race, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss trading barbs over each other's economic policies. And after weeks of dry, hot weather, heavy rain has brought flash floods across parts of England and sewage pollution warnings at more than 40 beaches and swimming spots in England and Wales.
Falling victim to an online scam is bad enough, but what if someone hijacks your business's social media account, pretends to be you - and then successfully scams other people? It happened to Sarah, who runs a floral business called Print and Petal. She lost control of her Instagram account, and later discovered her followers had been encouraged into click on links for cryptocurrency scams - which some of them did, and lost a lot of money over. Last year Netsafe had almost 15,000 complaints of attacks designed to either harm a computer system or its users. Kathryn speaks with Sarah, and Alastair Miller, Principal Advisory Consultant at Aura Information Security, about the increase in such attacks, where users are vulnerable and why small business owners who rely on social media need to have a plan of what to do if they get hacked.
Some Nelson residents evacuated from their homes yesterday due to flooding are returning to look at the damage. 223 homes near the city centre were evacuated yesterday when the Maitai River broke its banks as relentless rain hammered the region. Another ten homes had to be evacuated in the Tahunanui Hills overnight due to a slip. Maggie Gray was one of those evacuated from her Nile Street home yesterday afternoon - she joins Kathryn as she returns to her property to find out how it has fared.
The Electricity Authority says very large electricity contracts will only be allowed under certain conditions, under a new interim restriction just announced this morning. The move targets very large, discounted wholesale contracts such as that of the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter - which it says has the potential to make small consumers pay more. Last year the Authority estimated the impact of Tiwai's discounted power, could potentially lead to households paying up to $200 extra on their electricity bills each year. The new restriction will be for nine months, while a proposed permanent amendment is consulted on. Kathryn speaks with the Electricity Authority's Chief Executive James Stevenson-Wallace.
The Reserve Bank hiked interest rates once again yesterday - taking the official cash rate up half a percet to 3 percent - part of its agressive campaign to tackle inflation which has hit a 30 year high. The central bank says higher interest rates are needed to cool the economy, the strong rise in wages and other domestic cost pressures. It also signalled two more hikes to come, in October and November, topping out at four per cent. So is inflation on the turn? And what is the liklihood of a recession as things stand? Kathryn speaks with economist and head of research at the BNZ bank, Stephen Toplis.
In the legal slot today we look at how consent can be used as a defence by someone accused of serious sexual offending against a child. In a recent case in Auckland, a man was found guilty of the rape of a 12-year-old he had claimed pursued him for sex. It's something victims' advocacy groups believe need to be changed. To explain how the law works, Kathryn is joined by Paulette Benton-Grieg, who's a senior lecturer in law at AUT and has worked in the areas of domestic and sexual violence.
Friedensreich Hundertwasser was an artist, architect, environmentalist and intellectual, born in Vienna but for whom New Zealand was home for 30 years. He is best known for the unique public toilets in Kawakawa, and now the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei - opened 22 years after his death. Hundertwasser called New Zealand "the promised land" and his deams began early, when his mother would tell him stories as they hid from the Nazis in Second World War Vienna. A new book on Hundertwasser's life and work has just been released - written by Austrian artist, historian and curator Andreas Hirsh. The book was initiated by the Hundertwasser Foundation in Vienna in collaboration with the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei.
Gina Rogers reviews Diana, William and Harry by James Patterson, published by Penguin Random House NZ
A red MetService warning is in place for Buller and Westland, and a state of emergency has been declared in Westland. Further north, orange level warnings are in place for the Tasman, Marlborough and Nelson regions. Flooding in Golden Bay is leaving some residents stranded, as roads become impassable, and there is concern for river levels once high tide arrives this afternoon. Collingwood has had 100mm of rain in the last 5 hours, with up to 30mm per hour. Kathryn hears more about the flooding in Golden Bay from Wayne Langford, a farmer in Takaka.
Desire : A Reckoning is Jessie Cole's deeply personal second memoir. She examines her own experiences of longing, seeking answers on how and why women desire, and how external forces, and upbringing, affect our personal relationships. Her previous memoir Staying was about her surviving the suicide of loved ones, and finding a place to heal. She also writes about how climate change and natural disaster are woven throughout her life.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about the bombshell revelation that former Prime Minister Scott Morrison had himself sworn in as Minister on a number of portfolios - without the knowledge of the Ministers themselves. There's now mounting pressure on him to resign as an MP. Victoria has become the first state to start treaty negotiations with indigenous Australians...and concern the country is in the grip of a "civic crisis" as people pull out of volunteering.
We are all wired differently. Dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism spectrum conditions are all variations that can exist in our brains. Researchers are trying to gain a better understanding of the causes of neurodiversity through looking at genetic and environmental factors along with new scanning techniques which allow them to watch the brain at work. Professor Karen Waldie from Auckland University's School of Psychology and Centre for Brain Research is one of those leading the charge. She speaks to Kathryn about what we are learning about neurodiversity and what the education system can do to better support neurodiverse kids in the classroom.
Last week's cold snap had many around the country reaching to turn up the heat - putting pressure on the national grid and household power bills. Those higher bills are of great interest to the Consumer Advocacy Council - born out of a recommendation from the Electricity Price Review, which looked into how the market was working for residential consumers. Deborah Hart is chair of the Council - which has recently held its first board meeting. She joins Kathryn to talk about what the Council will be focused on.
The rain is pouring down on the West Coast and at the top of the South - with real fears about what's to come. A state of emegency is in place on the West Coast with 'red' severe weather warnings for Buller and Westland. Further north, emergency operations are gearing up at the top of the South Island, with orange level warnings in place in the Tasman, Marlborough and Nelson regions. In Golden Bay, rivers reached alarm levels early this morning - an emergency operation centre has opened as the region prepares for expected flooding and road closures. The heaviest rain so far has been at Franz Josef where a close watch is being kept on the Waiho River. Andy Thompson from West Coast Civil Defence tells Kathryn rivers are already swollen and fears of serious flooding are mounting.
Andrew talks to Kathryn about Today FM host Tova O'Brien travelling to Ukraine for an extensive interview with President Zelenskyy and how it was funded. His marriage might be over, but Rupert Murdoch's doing ok. His company News Corp's annual profits have jumped by a third to a US $1.67 billion. And there's been glacial progress for most of NZ media in negotiating with Google and Meta for additional revenue.
Landscape gardener Xanthe White says the compact nature of topiaries can be put to good use to create space in even a small garden for natives.
Pattrick talks to the Kathryn about the staff hiring issues for a range of businesses desperate to hire people and fearing a recession. The often asked question is Why can't I hire anyone?. So where have all the workers gone?. Also the latest on the deficit ridden mega-polytech, Te Pukenga, which has just published its new transition plan.
A new documentary gives an eye-opening look into the secrets of the Gloriavale Christian Community and the fight for justice by a group of former residents and supporters. Including never-before-seen home videos, Gloriavale features members of the Ready family as they mount a ground-breaking legal case against the sect's powerful leaders. Gloriavale has long been associated with allegations of sexual and physical abuse, human rights violations, corruption and fraud. The documentary lifts the lid on those allegations and reveals the true extent of the absolute control exercised by the 12 male 'Shepherds' at the top. Kathryn speaks to co-producer and co-director Noel Smyth along with Virginia Courage who left the community with her children over alleged sexual abuse.
The ongoing saga of FBI raid and documents retrieval from Donald Tump's Mar-a-lago estate. Also Danielle says Republicans are increasingly deciding they don't need to talk to the media, and the upcoming primaries will be a big test of Trump's continuing influence.
Mario Cucinella is an architect whose work is at the nexus of sustainability and technology. Based in Milan, Italy, some of his notable projects include an eco-residential 3D-printed building using clay, a hospital with 'smog eating' ceramic fins and a nursery school grounded in nature. He's is in Auckland for the Institute of Architect's conference this week.
A cycling group is threatening legal action against Waka Kotahi for putting the brakes on trialling a walking and cycling lane on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. And in an ironic twist - the action could be funded out of money the transport agency paid the group to purchase the SkyPath design three years ago.The issue of walk and cycle access over the Bridge has a long and contentious history. Most recently, calls for a trial were rejected by Waka Kotahi - now advocacy group Movement has threatened to seek a judicial review of the decision unless it's reconsidered. Waka Kotahi says that will happen at a board meeting on Thursday. Joining Kathryn to talk about why the legal threat is necessary is Movement's project director and trustee Bevan Woodward.
Auckland Council has released an ambitious proposal to reduce the city's transport emissions by two thirds over the next eight years. The Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway will encourage people to use public transport, cycle or walk if they are travelling under six kilometres. It also aims to convert 30 per cent of the city's vehicles to electric, and make buses, trains and ferries low-emission. Auckland mayor Phil Goff says transport is the single biggest source of carbon pollution, accounting for more than 40 percent of the region's emissions. Richard Hills is an Auckland Councillor and the chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.
Bill McKay joins Kathryn to talk about why airspace apartments above big carparks in small towns can be a good thing, and some examples of where he's seen it work well. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Food has taken Indigenous chef, Mark Olive around the world, he trained under a European chef and has promoted Australian ingredients in the US and Canada. He has starred, in a couple of his own television series The Outback Cafe and The Black Olive. Mark Olive's focus on fusing native food and culture with contemporary lifestyle cooking is on the menu at Wellington On A Plate this week.
Shane, Brigitte and Kathryn will talk about how the Prime Minister has responded to the latest developments in Labour MP Gaurav Sharma's allegations of bullying at Parliament, and also the case of a senior parliamentary staffer who worked with Labour MP Anna Lorck who has spoken of being the victim of bullying, Also what's happening with the latest polling numbers and the struggle for candidates in some parts of the country ahead of October's local body elections. And iss the Sam Uffindell saga over until Maria Dew QC reports back? Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. He is a Director and HR Manager for IT Company Mega.
Cynthia Morahan reviews Jumping Sundays: The Rise and Fall of the Counterculture in Aotearoa New Zealand by Nick Bollinger, published by Auckland University Press.
Former National party minister, Christopher Finlayson, served as one of the most senior members of the last National government, under Prime Minister John Key. He held the portfolios of Attorney General, Minister responsible for the two main intelligence agencies, Minister for Treaty Negotiations as well as Arts, Culture and Heritage. Since leaving politics, Chris Finlayson has returned to practising law, and has written a book about his time in parliament - in which he assesses his party's chances and challenges ahead of next year's election. He makes some blunt observations around how candidates ought to be selected, and what sort of experience would-be MPs need before entering parliament. He talks with Kathryn Ryan about Yes, Minister, published by Allen and Unwin.
Sebastian talks about the horrific stabbing of Salman Rushdie at a book event in New York state and specifically the reaction in Iran given the fatwa on the author originated from there. Also the political showdown in Iraq between rival Shia factions, and how extreme rainfall and floods in Gulf region are affecting Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.
It's been a year since the fall of Afghanistan's government, and the return to power of the Taliban. The lightning advance on Kabul prompted scenes of chaos at the airport as people tried to flee - over 120,000 were airlifted out of the country in the days that followed. In the year since, the UN has warned the combination of conflict, pandemic, drought and restriction of foreign aid has left 23 million people at risk of hunger and starvation. As feared, the Taliban's restrictions on women were quickly reinstated - including a ban on girls being able to go to secondary school. One person determined not to let the world forget that is BBC journalist Yalda Hakim, who puts out a daily tweet with the number of days since teenage girls were allowed in the classroom. Her foundation, set up in 2018 to help get young Afghans into higher education, helped evacuate over 2-hundred students and other at-risk people from the country.
With the All Blacks breaking their losing streak and winning against the Springboks in Johannesburg, what is the future of beleagured All Black coach Ian Foster?. NZ Rugby boss Mark Robinson held an unusual media conference yesterday saying Ian Foster's coaching future would be announced later this week and he repeatedly apologised to journalists for not divulging any information. Sports Commentator, Sam Ackerman with his take on what's going on.
Environmental advocates say the government's plan to introduce biofuel into petrol and diesel is greenwashing and will actually contribute to an increase in global emissions. From next April, all petrol and diesel will be legally required to contain a percentage of biofuel, made from renewable sources such as used vegetable oils or animal fats. The government announced the mandate late last year promising that over the next three years, it would prevent around one million tonnes of emissions from cars, trucks, trains and ships, rising to 10 million tonners by 2035. Legislation is expected to be introduced to the house in the coming months. The environmental advocacy group Don't Burn Our Future says New Zealand doesn't have the right kind of waste to make the amount of biofuel that will be required to meet the mandate, and importing biofuel will be damaging to the global environment. Kathryn speaks with two members of the group: Climate Change consultant Jake Roos and David Keat, who worked in the oil industry for many years in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and New Zealand, including a senior role at the Marsden Point refinery.
Sam talks to Susie about whether we about to witness the end of the Ian Foster era with the All Blacks? Trent Boult's decision to hand back his NZ Cricket contract and what it means and the impact Ross Taylor's honesty will have on the Black Caps.
Adrian Hardingham from Unity Books Wellington reviews The Twilight World by Werner Herzog, published by Penguin Random House.
Scroll through any community social media page in New Zealand and you're bound to find a post about a lost cat. And so it was on the Birkenhead community Facebook page this this week - with a picture of Carpark Cat, who'd taken to hanging around the local New World. But the post about the stray, but seemingly well-fed cat, appears to have sparked a custody battle. And with no microchip - it's hard to know for sure where her home is. Frustrated with seeing repeat messages about the same "lost" kitty, local resident Hilary took the cat by the tail - as it were. She joins Susie to explain - along with Christine Sumner, the SPCA's science officer, with a plea for people to microchip their cats.
Twice named British Press Photographer of the Year, Simon Townsley was at Tiananmen Square and the fall of the Berlin Wall. He's covered many conflicts, including the Gulf war, the siege of Sarajevo and most recently, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, capturing images of people whose lives have been devastated. The award winning photojournalist is a Kiwi, who left for London in 1987, where he spent 14 years as Senior Photographer at the Sunday Times. In recent years he's focussed on highlighting global health issues by creating compelling images of distressing situations. Simon says he wants to open the eyes of people who've become desensitised to the plight of others, and perspectives. There's a gallery of his photographs on our webpage, rnz.co.nz/ninetonoon. He started his career in Wellington as a photographer for the Dom Post...
Koroi is just back from Solomon Islands where commemoration ceremonies took place across the capital Honiara. He talks to Susie about the activities marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. Also, the Covid outbreak in the Marshall Islands is getting worse with the first death just recorded. And the Tongan deputy Prime Minister is one of three Tongan ministers who have lost their seats in parliament due to corruption.
Volunteers around the world are taking part in a citizen science research project into bee biodiversity and decline. The researchers involved in the Zooniverse Big-Bee Bonanza project are checking specimen labels for information on measurements and bees' locations to figure out how bees are responding to human impacts on climate, flora and other aspects of their lives. On the research team is Rob Guralnick who's the Curator of Biodiversity Informatics at the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida. He tells Susie about the honey bee population in America, which is rapidly declining, reflected in declining crop yields for produce including apples, cherries and blueberries.
Transpower predicted power demand could hit a new record this morning - and asked generators to crank up supply. On Tuesday, the national grid operator asked for additional generation on the basis of a forecast cold snap and lower than expected wind. It held a further conference with industry yesterday afternoon. Just over a year ago, Transpower's poor coordination and communication was blamed for 34 thousand households being left without power on the coldest night of the year. So - has demand surged this morning and is supply adequate? Susie speaks with Chief Executive of Transpower Alison Andrews
In a development following the controversial raid by federal agents on Donald's Trump's estate in Florida, the US Attorney General Merrick Garland has confirmed he personally approved the FBI search. FBI agents have taken away some documents from the former President's Mar-a-Lago property - but so far the reasons for the search have not been revealed. Mr Garland says the FBI is asking the courts to release details of the warrant which could reveal the reasons for the search, documentation has been filed with the court this morning. Mr Trump's lawyer claims the FBI removed around 12 boxes from the residence. US correspondent Ron Elving has the latest on the search and seizure.
Film and TV correspondent Laumata Lauano joins Susie to talk about Still Here (TVNZ), a four part docu-series celebrates the small but mighty Pasifika community in inner-city Auckland who have remained despite decades of rampant gentrification. She'll also talk about disturbing Netflix doco Girl in the Picture and one for the kids - Sea Beast (Netflix) featuring the voice of Kiwi Karl Urban.
It can drive parents mad, but psychologist Dr Rachael Sharman of the University of the Sunshine Coast says sibling rivalry is a perfectly normal - and in fact, even necessary part of the developmental process. So how can parents guide their kids through the conflict process?
Tech commentator Tony Grasso joins Susie to talk about the cyber attacks on Taiwan amid rising tensions with China, a DDoS attack on Britain's National Health Service. He'll also look at why insider theft is still a major risk, as an ex-Amazon worker is found guilty of stealing the details of over 100 million Americans and six million Canadians, and how Adversary-in-the-middle attacks are on the rise and include New Zealand targets.
Harry Ricketts reviews A Riderless Horse by Tim Upperton, published by Auckland University Press.
The curtain came down on the international career of Black Caps batter Ross Taylor in April this year. After 16 years representing New Zealand, his 450th and final game was at a One Day International against The Netherlands. He's the first player from any country to make100 international appearances in all three formats of the game: test cricket, one-day internationals and Twenty20.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye joins Susie to talk about fears within Conservative ranks that an increasingly nasty campaign to be leader by Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak will damage the party, the cost of energy this winter is forecast to be more than three times higher than it was a year ago. There's a heatwave and drought hitting Britain, along with train strikes and airport delays...but Birmingham has enjoyed its time in the sun hosting the Commonwealth Games.
The country's only kaupapa Maori, social enterprise energy retailer says 130,000 households experience energy poverty, and it needs help to end that. Nau Mai RÄ was established a year ago. It is committed to turning no customer away, and pledges not to disconnect any home, even if a customer is struggling to pay bills.
Cars are being ruined and frustration is growing in communities around the country over the state of our roads. Residents, particularly those in rural areas say the roading network is in a terrible state - made worse by the wet winter - and repairs just aren't happening.
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Susie to talk about the test to release scheme for Covid 19: some people are still testing positive at the end of their 7 days' isolation, which means they're still infectious. She'll also look at a study that identified five viruses that were able to kill a bacteria that inflamed the guts of mice - and the hope it may offer those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. And even reading a brief story about women and girls engaging in maths was enough to change children's stereotypes about maths being only for boys. Associate Professor Dr Siouxsie Wiles is the head of Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University of Auckland.
Mucking around with a bow and arrow as a young Waikato boy has led to Peter Hill having countless hunting adventures. A first time author, he writes about his devotion to hunting in his book Straight Arrows and Fast Bullets : A Hunter's Tale. He's done a range of jobs, including working a professional hunter for the Forest Service culling goats and earning a living as a possum trapper. Now Peter spends the winter months fencing, and this summer he will be building his fishing guide business back up, after a couple of Covid affected years.
Ash Davida Jane reviews Poor People With Money by Dominic Hoey, published by Penguin Random House NZ
Australian soil scientist Alisa Bryce describes soil as a wonderful mysterious world, an underground jungle, a nexus of a portal between life and death. In her popular science book, Grounded she focuses on how life could not exist without soil and how it informs so much of what we do, so much beyond agriculture.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton looks at the rough couple of weeks for Australian music, with the loss of indigenous folk musician Archie Roche, then The Seekers' Judith Durham and Olivia Newton-John. The Reserve Bank is facing strong criticism that its sharp rate-rising strategy after years of deliberately holding back is going to plunge Australia into recession. Former deputy New South Wales premier John Barilaro is under scrutiny for his new plum gig - a position he created while in office and Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is suspended and fined over a verbal attack on a Penrith player
Highly respected British actor, screenwriter and environmental activist, Dame Emma Thompson, says her latest film challenges the 'cougar' label put on women who're in relationships with younger men. In GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE she plays a widow, Nancy, who hires a younger male sex worker. They come to form a close relationship that's both intimate and emotional. Dame Emma says in life and on screen we're used to seeing older men with younger women, but society still can't cope with the idea of an older woman in a genuine relationship with a young man. Her film credits include The Remains of the Day, Love Actually; Saving Mr. Banks; Much Ado About Nothing; Carrington; and acting and writing both Nanny McPhee movies. She talks with Susie Ferguson.
A new report launched today calls for a radical overhaul of ACC - and a new integrated system to cover all impairments...whether from illness or accident. The ACC scheme was established in 1974 as a no-fault system that covers people who are injured in an accident and cannot work, or need rehabilitation. It does not cover people who are unwell or disabled. Warren Forster is a lawyer and researcher who has been working in the ACC sector for many years. He says the current system is discriminatory, arbitrary and a negative experience for many, and New Zealand could and should have a single system that covers all impairments. The report he's published today, with the support of the Law Foundation, is the culmination of seven years of research - reflecting thousands of cases he's either been involved with or which have been shared with him by claimants.
National MP Sam Uffindell's past is being put under the microscope following allegations made by a former flatmate when he was at Otago University. The woman told RNZ he was an aggressive bully who scared her so badly one night she fled through her bedroom window; in a statement last night Uffindell denied the claims and said there was a falling out between two flatmates. While Uffindell is stood down, an investigation into his past will be conducted by Maria Dew QC. It will include the original allegation - admitted by Uffindell himself - of an attack on a 13-year-old boarder while he was a 16-year-old student at Kings College - actions that resulted in him being made to leave the school. So did National have any other option, but the one it's taken? Susie speaks with political commentator and former National government press secretary, Ben Thomas.
This week is Money Week and Money expert Liz Koh discusses the Retirement Commission's underlying theme of Your Money Mindset. If you want to know why you struggle to get ahead financially even though you have a good income, take a look at your money mindset. Regardless of how much you earn, if you don't have the right money mindset you will struggle to succeed.
Risso's dolphins are extremely rare in New Zealand, yet Pelorus Jack stuck to his routine of greeting ships in the Sound for nearly 25 years.
Rebecca asks whether McDonald's is McDone with Beyond Burger's plant-meat?. She addresses how the fake-meat firm's failed pepperoni plan shows the mountain Beyond Burger has to climb to make its business bigger. Rebecca also talks to Susie about the uber rich and their private jets. Teenage jet tracker Jack Sweeney has filed a public records request with the US government that yielded a form bearing the signature of a particular plane's owner: Tesla boss Elon Musk.
The National party leader Christopher Luxon has just fronted media over the revelations about the Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell. Sam Uffindell was kicked out of Auckland's King's College when he was 16, for taking part in a violent assault of a 13-year-old. Mr Uffindell told the National Party about the incident before he was selected. But Mr Luxon has told media that as leader, he should have been told about it , and so should voters in the Tauranga by-election. Susie speaks with RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson.
Barry Crump was the ultimate kiwi icon - a rugged outdoorsman, and quintessential kiwi bloke. His books sold millions of copies and his Toyota TV ads with the hapless Scotty entertained us all. But there was another side to Barry Crump - a tough, womanising, alcoholic who struggled with commitment, particularly to his six sons -Ivan, Martin, Stephen, Harry, Erik and Lyall - born to five mothers. For the first time, Barry Crump's sons have all gone on record about their father - 25 years after his death, in a book called Sons of a Good Keen Man. Susie speaks with the two eldest - Ivan and Martin Crump.
Ron talks to Susie about job growth in the US in a shrinking economy, a victory in Congress for President Joe Biden with the Senate passing major spending bill, the Inflation Reduction Act. Also photographs have emerged which appear to support that former President Trump was a flusher of Oval Office documents.
New research out this morning has looked at the way Maori and Pasifika postgraduates in STEM are treated within the university space - and it paints a concerning picture. The paper includes the responses of 43 current or past post-graduates in science, maths, engineering and technology. Many cited being made to feel out of place, have their presence at university questioned, being seen as an expert on culture - regardless of whether they felt that way, being asked to do unpaid labour, or included as the token representative on funding applications - in some cases even after expressly saying "no". Dr Tara McAllister and Dr Sereana Naepi have been studying why Maori and Pacific academics make up less than 4 per cent and 1 per cent respectively, of professors and 5 per cent and 1.7 per cent of academics. They join Susie to talk about what they were seeking to understand in this research.
Luggage mountains and flight delays are plaguing the travel industry. Canadian travel writer Tim Johnson joins Susie with his tips for an easy journey.
A leading Australian sexual offences prosecutor says unless sexuality and relationship education is vastly improved, the tide of sexual assault and rape will never be stemmed. Katrina Marson has spent 10 years as a crown prosecutor in Canberra - primarily prosecuting sexual offences. She says dealing with case after case, year after year, she realised how inadequate it is to prosecute a crime after the fact, and turned her attention to how to prevent them happening the first place. Ms Marson won a Churchill Fellowship - stepped out of court room - and travelled the world, examining comprehensive relationship and sexuality education and its impacts. She says our societies are negligent if we don't make a cultural shift towards valuing sexual wellbeing and preventing sexual violence in the first place. Katrina Marson speaks with Susie Ferguson about her new book Legitimate Sexpectations and also Katie Fitzpatrick, associate professor of education at the University of Auckland who led the writing of the current relationship and sexuality education curriculum policy.
Kennedy is back in New Zealand but talks to Susie about his recent expeditionary cruise around the southern coastline of Greenland.
Beekeeper and founder of Manunui Honey Blake Cole is also an ardent conservationist who monitors kiwi, and traps and eradicates pests. Blake tells Susie Ferguson profits from Manunui Honey are invested into returning more of the land to native bush.
Political commentators Brigitte and Lamia give their verdict on National's two-day conference in Christchurch where it elected a new party president, Sylvia Wood.
Tim Saunders writes about his life and work on the land, the lessons handed down from his ancestors and the challenges of present day farming. The family sheep and beef farm at Glen Oroua, near Palmerston North goes back five generations. His new book Under a big sky : Facing the elements on a New Zealand farm catalogues the ups and downs of rural life the impact of environmental change, drought, financial pressures and farming during lockdown. Writing is a constant in Tim Saunders' life, his first book was This Farming Life and he has had poetry and short stories published. Tim can also be found performing poetry around Manawatu and beyond.
New research is giving scientists an exciting insight into what is happening within the magma chamber of the Taupō super-volcano. Susie speaks to Dr Finn Illsley-Kemp from Victoria University about the significance of the research and what it tells us.
Conservationists are concerned the Department of Conservation is standing by as wild animals wreck havoc on New Zealand's biodiversity. Susie Ferguson speaks with DOC's operations director Ben Reddiex, chair of the Game Animal Council, Grant Dobson and Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki.
New Zealand has bagged a record gold medal haul at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Susie speaks to team chef de mission Nigel Avery about how these Games are making history.
Can Ian Foster save his All Black coaching career this weekend?. Sam Ackerman looks ahead to a crucial test versus South Africa, breaks down what the medal success at the Comm Games really means, the importance of the first openly gay Black Cap and England's new found love affair with their women footballers
Louise Ward of Wardini Books in Havelock North reviews The Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, published by Macmillan
In 1944, a young Slovakian man achieved the near impossible; he escaped Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Having witnessed the atrocities occurring at the Nazi camp, Walter Rosenberg was determined to warn the world of the horrors taking place, and spur global leaders into action. But to his dismay, the detailed report he compiled was met with disbelief, lethargy and inaction. The desperate and important tale of Walter Rosenberg, who became known as Rudolf Vrba after his escape, has been told in new detail by journalist Jonathan Freedland. Jonathan Freedland is a Guardian columnist and former foreign correspondent, and the presenter of BBC Radio 4's history series, The Long View. He's also writes thrillers under the pen name Sam Bourne. His new book is The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World, and is so unbelievable and well paced, you might almost think it was a work of fiction.
It's more than two years since the law changed to allow medicinal cannabis products to be prescribed in New Zealand - so is the scheme working as intended? The Ministry of Health lists 17 medicinal cannabis products that meet the minimum quality standards for use - and one that has the tick from Medsafe as an approved medicine. Earlier this year Nubu Pharmaceuticals became the first company to be able to import dried cannabis flower - both for use in a vapouriser and in preparation as a tea. Its CEO Mark Dye joins Susie to explain the challenges it getting it approved. But are there still barriers for people seeking medicinal cannabis products? Dr Ali Seyfoddin at AUT runs the only medicinal cannabis course in the country, and says the regulations are too restrictive.
Dentists say they're seeing more patients who grind or clench their teeth. Also known as bruxism, the condition happens unconsciously, usually when people are asleep, and can lead to teeth being ground-down, nerves exposed, as well as jaw and headaches. So what is the main cause and how can bruxism be treated? Susie speaks with Dr Mo Amso, a dentist and Chief Executive of the New Zealand Dental Association and Wellingtonian Olivia Hope-Simcock who has experienced bruxism for the last few years.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz has been looking at season two of Industry (Neon), a documentary about the omnishambles that was Woodstock '99, and new comedy series The Resort.
Paediatric dietician Jenny Douglas talks to Susie about how to best nourish infants and young children. Jenny runs her own private practice, Jump Start Nutrition in Dunedin. She specialises in infant feeding, food allergies and intolerance, fussy eating and gut health. She has contributed to Nadia Lim's new book Yum which focuses of recipes and nutrition for the whole family.
Technology correspondent Dr Dennis Desmond joins Susie to talk about the big changes Meta is introducing to Facebook that will make it run along the lines of TikTok - why do some think this will mark the end of the social media era as we know it? And Dennis will update us on what's happening to the retail giants in Australia who were using facial recognition technology, following an official complaint to the country's privacy watchdog.
Carole Beu of the Women's Bookshop in Ponsonby reviews Eddy, Eddy by Kate De Goldi, published by Allen and Unwin
Dairy Farmer and founder of Farm Fit Kane Brisco says the pressures of farming almost forced him to walk off the land. He's written about dealing with the strain in his book Tools For The Top Paddock in the hope of assisting others experiencing the physical and mental challenges of farming.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Susie to look at Liz Truss' embarrassing U-turn on civil servant pay, after it was revealed her plans would cut pay for millions of teachers and nurses - how will this affect her leadership chances? The Brexit opportunities minister Jacob Rees-Mogg has admitted Brexit has played a part in delays at Dover - but he said he was "wrong for the right reasons". And a snorkeller has suffered a shark bite off the coast of Cornwall - something labelled an "extremely rare" event.
Bellamys, the official restaurant of Parliament, is recreating a state dinner held for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on a visit in 1977. As part of Wellington on a Plate, diners first get a tour of parliament, followed by the "state dinner" - the menu re-imagined for the present day by head chef Joshua Ross.
The Commerce Commission has taken aim at certain building material suppliers, as well as rebate and loyalty schemes, as part of its much-anticipated report into the residential building supplies market. The watchdog launched an in-depth market probe into the cost of residential building supplies due to skyrocketing prices and chronic shortages and this morning released its draft findings.
Too many investors wanting to invest ethically or sustainably are being forced to take a leap of faith due to woolly or misleading claims by fund management companies. The Financial Markets Authority has sent a strong message to fund managers to ensure they can back up any promises they make around ethical, responsible or sustainable investment. At the same time there is an array of green banking incentives on offer to help people "green up" their homes and lives. Susie speaks to Paul Gregory from the Financial Markets Authority and Financial Advice's Katrina Shanks about what borrowers and investors need to look out for when it comes to greenwashing in the financial sector?
The US House speaker Nancy Pelosi has left Taiwan, after a hugely controvertial visit that has seen tension between Beijing and Taipei reach new heights. In the last two hours, Taiwan has scrambled jets to warn off 27 Chinese warplanes in its defence zone. Nancy Pelosi is the most senior American politician to go to Taiwan in 25 years. But officially, the United States abides by the "One China" policy - a cornerstone of the two countries' diplomatic relationship which recognises only one Chinese government - and it has formal ties with Beijing and not Taiwan. China is furious over the visit and has implemented what it calls "necessary" military drills in seas close to the island. Susie speaks with journalist Jeremy Goldkorn, editor-in-chief of SupChina and co-host of the Sinica podcast - both go-to sources of information and analysis for keen China watchers.
Arts commentator Julia Waite joins Susie to talk about senior painter Barbara Tuck's show Delirium Crossing and 1800s photographer William Harding's exhibition Between Skin and Shirt, which is on now at the National Library. Julia Waite is Curator, New Zealand Art at the Auckland Art Gallery.
Photographer Amanda King grew up a city girl in Brisbane but life changed dramatically when she met her kiwi farmer husband, while on her OE. They pair now farm in Hororata, about an hour west of Christchurch. Photography started off as a favourite hobby - but then she took a stunning shot of a highland cow which she made into a large wall print for her own living room. Friends started requesting similar pieces, word of mouth spread, then the Facebook page, and finally her business, By The Horns. Amanda photographs farm animals from enormous Angus bulls, to bison and sheep, and her images now adorn walls in homes in Sweden, France, Saudi Arabia, as well as restaurants in Minnesota and a brewery in Texas. She's just published her favourite ones in a new book, A Load of Bull, published by Penguin.
Stats NZ reports unemployment rose to 3.3 percent from 3.2 percent, against expectations. Wages rose at an annual rate of 3.4 percent, the highest in more than a decade.
Philosophy professor and Pulitzer-nominated writer Chloé Cooper Jones's new memoir confronts a topic she's never written about before: her own experience of disability. She was born with sacral agenesis, a rare birth defect involving abnormal development of the spine. The condition causes her near-constant physical pain, affects the size and shape of her body and the way she walks. Chloé Cooper Jones says that even though it is the lens through which the world sees her, she had never wanted to write about her disability - until now. She speaks with Susie Ferguson about Easy Beauty from New York, where she lives with her husband and son.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Susie to talk about Prime Minister's Anthony Albanese's support for a referendum on how to give indigenous Australians a voice in Parliament. He'll also look at moves to curb gas exports amid a domestic shortfall and skyrocketing prices, and from spy to sparkie - the mystery of the Somerton Man appears to have been solved.
Award-winning LA architect Michael Maltzen talks with Susie Ferguson about the challenges his work tackles including homelessness, city sprawl, housing affordability and building faster and better housing. He's in New Zealand later this month for the Te Kahui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects conference.
There are concerns that victims might pull the plug on their cases or stop reporting crime altogether as the wheels of justice grind ever so slowly. The Covid pandemic has intensified the strain on the court system creating lengthy delays. It's taking well over two years for some jury trials to reach court, while other hearings are being repeatedly postponed and re-scheduled. New sexual violence legislation due at the end of the year which will allow complainants to pre-record their cross examination evidence, could slow the system even further. To discuss the toll on both victims and on justice itself, Susie is joined by Dr Petrina Hargrave from Victim Support and the President of the Criminal Bar Association Fiona Guy Kidd QC.
It's been a stellar Commonwealth Games for the kiwi cycling team in Birmingham. Veteran rider Aaron Gate is one of those basking in the success. He joined the triple golden club yesterday alongside women's cyclist Elesse Andrews, taking out gold in the team pursuit and individual pursuit and then the men's 40 kilometre points race. The 31-year old has competed in several Olympic and Commonwealth Games - he speaks to Susie about how Birmingham compares.
Imogen Ayris has won bronze in the women's pole vault in Birmingham - New Zealand's first athletics medal. The 21-year-old from Auckland produced a highest vault of 4.45m to finish third. Her team mate and training partner Olivia McTaggart just missed out, placing fourth. Imogen told Susie Ferguson she has dreamed about this moment for years.
Andrew reflects on the resignation of TVNZ head of news, Paul Yurisich, a casaulty of the Kamahl Santamaria debacle. He also touches on the New Zealand social media code of practice, why Facebook is about to look a lot more like TikTok and what forced NZME to apologise and payout over two recent stories?.
Marlborough-based author Luke Elworthy dives into the life of esteemed New Zealand writer Godfrey Cheathem, who sadly died before publication of his great novel. It's based on a series of letters, written by Cheathem from Christchurch Men's Prison to his youngest sister Rosemary, that help detail his relationship with his family of overachieving siblings and his own succession of failures. The letters also explain Godfrey's state of mind leading up to - and during - the disastrous events at a family reunion for which he serves time. Except of course, it's all a work of fiction....mostly. Luke set out to write a memoir, but ended up with a novel, and joins Susie to explain.
Pattrick discusses the sale of KiwiWealth to Craigs Investment Partners, the deepening problems with three waters policy and why he thinks the $350 dollar cost of living payment is political poison of the worst sort.
Cardiologist and evolutionary biologist Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz describes herself as an innovator for human health. She is a professor at Harvard University's department of human evolutionary biology and a professor of medicine at UCLA. She's also the co-author of bestselling books Zoobiquity and Wildhood. Dr. Natterson-Horowitz studies a range of wild animals including lions and giraffes in their natural settings, observing their evolutionary adaptations, which then offer clues for potential solutions to common medical disorders in humans. She says the biology of some female animals has evolved over centuries to resist diseases that still claim the lives of women today.
Danielle talks to Susie from Kansas where the state is due to hold a major vote on abortion. The Democrats have reached a climate deal, thanks largely to uber-centralist West Virginia senator Joe Manchin agreeing to it. And an investigation has found Georgia got rid of ballot drop boxes in places they were used the most, in the areas where voters were more likely to be people of colour.
The country's outdated adoption legislation is set for an overhaul by the Ministry of Justice, which admits the law hasn't kept up with modern life and families. Improving access to birth families, cultural heritage and putting the child's interests at its heart are among the proposed reforms. The Ministry of Justice will provide advice to the Government on final adoption law reform proposals by the end of the year. Mark Henaghan is a professor of law at the University of Auckland, specialising in Family Law. he tells Susie that the 67-year-old legislation has failed to meet the needs of a changing society, and does not acknowledge the importance of whakapapa, culture, and identity to a child's wellbeing.
The country's lab workers say they must not be forgotten as the Government looks to boost the health workforce. Many patients, including those waiting for crucial cancer diagnoses, are waiting up to two weeks to get their biopsy results as med labs struggle with short-staffing and huge workloads. Official turnaround times for some biopsies have blown out, and in some areas have more than doubled from a target of five days to over eleven. It's bringing additional anxiety and stress for patients who fear their treatment could be delayed. Susie speaks to Terry Taylor from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Science about the pressures along with oncologist and Cancer Society co-medical director Dr Kate Gregory about the impact on patients.
New Zealand athletes at the Commonwealth Games have had a blinder overnight and this morning - winning five medals - three of them gold. Andrew Jeffcoat won the men's 50m backstroke, bringing the swimmers' medal haul to eight in total - five gold, two silver and one bronze. And the cycling team won another four medals, two of them gold, on the final day of track cycling. Elsewhere squash stars Joelle King and Paul Coll won their singles matches to advance to the semi-finals and the women's lawn bowls fours are in contention for bronze. Susie speaks with New Zealand's Chef de Mission Nigel Avery from Birmingham.
Bill talks to Susie about what we can do about an upsurge of flooding events in suburbs and cities across Aotearoa. He says there's been an increase in frequency and intensity of the downpours that lead to flooding, including on the street where he lives in Auckland. With climate change and increasing temperatures having a disproportionate effect on rain Bill looks at some of the practical strategies that could be employed, including where we build. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Wellington chef Jonny Taggart has based his Wellington on a Plate event, Kakhwi-io, on his recent discovery of his Inuit heritage. Adopted at birth, Jonny decided during lockdown to find out more about his ancestry; a search with uncovered he is part First Nation. As a chef, the obvious way for him to discover more about his culture was through food, which he is now putting on display at this year's Wellington on a Plate. Jonny Taggart is the head chef of Ltd, and a new Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant, Kisa, in Wellington.
Trish Sherson and Shane Te Pou discuss the week in politics: the fallout from the Green Party leadership vote, National's calls for an independent inquiry into the Reserve Bank's monetary policy response from the time the pandemic began; how Christopher Luxon has come through his Hawaii/Te Puke blunder and a look at the race for the Auckland mayoralty. Trish Sherson is from corporate affairs firm Sherson Willis, and a former ACT press secretary. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. He is a Director and HR Manager for IT Company Mega.
Kim Pittar from Muir's Independent Bookshop Gisborne reviews The Perfect Golden Circle by Benjamin Myers, published by Penguin Random House.
Susie Ferguson speaks to Renee Taylor, founder of Salt Aotearoa. Her purpose is to inspire greater connection with the ocean, by encouraging people to learn to freedive, spearfish, and to collect kaimoana. She's relatively new to the activity herself, only learning to freedive and spearfish at the age of 30. But it's had such a profound impact on her own life, that she wants to share it with others, particularly other wahine Maori. Renee Taylor says it's reconnected her with her Maoritanga, and has changed the way she sees the impacts of humans on the moana, and our taiao, our natural world. Salt Aotearoa offers opportunities for people to get in the water and learn to dive, by hosting free dive events and diving camps.
Germany correspondent Thomas Sparrow discusses how the EU plans to reduce gas consumption in response to Russia reducing gas deliveries. He also talks about travel chaos as Lufthansa was forced to cancel over 1000 flights. Thomas is a political correspondent for Deutsche Welle, based in Berlin.
Could wood fibre technology be a game changer for our horticulture industry and help reduce carbon emissions? Locally grown fruit, vegetables and plants are all generally grown in compost or potting mix which contains peat. Peat is a highly sought after ingredient which boosts production, retains nutrients and holds water but it is imported, and mining of it has been banned recently in the UK and Ireland because of the high levels of carbon emitted in the process. A Matamata company, Daltons, which supplies growing media such as potting mix, has just imported the first wood fibre processing machine which will use wood chips from pinus radiatus trees to reduce its reliance on peat. Susie Ferguson speaks with Scott Bromwich from Dalton's and Dr Brian Jackson from the University of North Carolina, has been researching alternatives to peat for nearly 20 years.
Private landlords say they don't necessarily want to conduct frequent intrusive inspections of rented properties, but rigid insurance policies require it. Landlords and property managers who take out loss-of-rent policies have to carry out regular inspections to cover their insurance obligations - or risk having a claim rejected. Most insurers require these to be done every three months. The Property Investors Federation says for low risk, long term tenants, this is onerous and unnecessary, and Renters United says such frequent inspections are stressful and and intrusive for tenants. Susie Ferguson speaks with Property Investors Federation President Andrew King; Geordie Rogers, President of the tenants' advocacy group Renters United and Tim Grafton, the Chief Executive of the Insurance Council.
A New Zealander living in London who's receiving the cost of living payment says she wants to opt out, but it's not a simple matter. From today - anyone who earns under $70,000 a year, and is not eligible for the winter energy payment, will see $116 appear in their bank account - the first installment of the $350 payment over the next three months. So far 56 people have contacted IRD to opt out of the payment. Susie speaks with London based IT worker, Laura, who left New Zealand in 2014.
Comedians Te Radar and Kathryn Burnett look back on the stories that made them laugh this week.
The Commonwealth Games are underway, but will it truly capture the public's imagination? Sam Ackerman joins us to look at why some feel the shine is coming off the Games, as well as the latest controversies embroiling the rugby codes.
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews Joan by Katherine Chen, published by Hodder Martene says Chen's Joan is a retelling of a familiar figure in European history. The novel is a fictionalised account of the heroine Joan of Arc, focusing on her life and ambitions, as opposed to her famous end at the stake.
A thoroughly modern Cinderella centred around a quest for identity, true love and the courage to be yourself is being staged by the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company. Cinderella is the company's first national tour in more than a year, and the first production performed at its renovated home base, the St James Theatre in Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. The new ballet, three years in the making, has been choreographed and composed by Kiwis Loughlan Prior and Claire Cowan.
Susana Lei'ataua, RNZ Pacific's news editor, has the latest from the Pacific, including the election in Papua New Guinea, Samoa opening its border for the first time on Monday, and Pacific participation in the Commonwealth Games.
If you've ever thought about a return to the netball court, but worry about spraining an ankle or not being fit enough - walking netball could be for you. Also known as "low impact netball" - it's the same game, 7 aside, but players cannot run or jump. Netball Wellington has been running a weekly league for a couple of years now at the ASB stadium, and Kathryn speaks with Community Director Sue Geale and Wellington grandmother Robbie Herbison who's been playing for two years.
There's been a breakthrough in the way antenatal steroids are used to help preterm babies develop their lungs in the womb. A new study suggests using lower steroid doses will improve babies' lung development and have fewer side effects for them and their mothers. Among the researchers is expat Professor Matthew Kemp, who's the Acting Chief Scientific Director of the Women & Infants Research Foundation, and Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the National University of Singapore. Matt speaks with Kathryn about his work as a scientist who works with doctors and nurses to improve the health of preterm and extreme preterm babies.
Five months out from a deadline to centralise, concern the new single-entity mega polytec won't get over the line without massive staff cuts. Te Pukenga - the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology - is due to be up and running by the first of January - bringing together all our polytechnics, institutes of technology and Industry Training Organisations. But it's facing a deficit of up to $110 million, $53.5 million more than budgeted. Former Otago Polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker, is calling it "a national disgrace". He thinks funding has been wasted on bureaucracy and says Te Pukenga's board is "just not up to the task." Kathryn is also joined by Merran Davis, a former deputy chief executive of Te Pukenga, who supports the new model, but agrees it is being poorly executed. Ms Davis is calling on the Minister to appoint a Commissioner to oversee it.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch is along to review When the Cows Come Home (NZIFF), The Quiet Girl (cinemas) and a new local children's series Te Pamu Kumara (Maori+), the first drama for kids told completely in te reo Maori.
Mother-daughter duo Robyn and Molly Fausett have collaborated on writing a guide to raising teenagers, their book is called The Kids Will Be All Right. Robyn is a nurse and educator and is a programme writer for health and wellbeing in school education. The book covers off a range of subjects including body image, cyber safety, sexuality, puberty and having respectful relationships. Her daughter Molly brings a youth voice and perspective to it.
Tech commentator Paul Matthew looks at Big Tech's attempt to tackle a new foe: the humble leap second. Why are they trying to dump it, why does it frequently cause chaos and really, does a second here or there really matter? And Apple recently announced a new Lockdown Mode, a super secure mode for those who might be subject to state or other attack or surveillance. Who needs to turn it on?
David Hill reviews Vienna Behind the Facade by Jennifer Haworth, published by Quentin Wilson Publishing.
Jessica Hansell, best known by her rap nickname Coco Solid, is one of Aotearoa's most impressive artists. She's a writer, poet, musician, multimedia artist, creator of cult Maori cartoon Aroha Bridge, and has multiple screenwriting credits. Her latest project is a work of autobiographical fiction called How to Loiter in a Turf War, following three friends navigating relationships, racial tensions and rampant property development in their home of Tamaki Makaurau. Auckland's gentrification takes centre stage in the novel, a subject of personal pain for the author, who describes the transformation of the suburbs where her whanau lived for years, as like having her "world rewritten in front of her". Coco Solid will be appearing at the Auckland Writers' Festival next month.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn with an update on the leadership contest between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, a dramatic debate between the pair that was interrupted by the fainting of TV presenter Kate McCann and the driver escaping the scene of a car crash who made a bad decision to enter an emu enclosure.
International hackers are increasingly turning their attention to hospitals and manufacturers of medical devices, attacks that not only cost them ransom money, but also jeopardise patient privacy and even surgical procedures. While technological breakthroughs in medicine has revolutionised the way patients are diagnosed and treated, the proliferation of medical devivces connected to hospital networks offer cyberattackers new opportunities to access healthcare organisations IT systems. While deeply concerning for patients and staff, the consequences of malware and ransomware attacks on hospitals can also be fatal. Justine Bone, a New Zealander based in the US, is at the forefront of medical cybersecurity. She's the CEO of a private company called MedSec based in Florida. It offers hospitals a way to manage the security of every medical device they own.
Granting personhood to oceans via a universal declaration of rights for oceans is seen by some as the only hope of saving them from further exploitation. Washington DC based expat Lelei LeLaulu, was born in Samoa, grew up in Auckland, and is a graduate of Auckland University, and is one of the key people involved in the initiative. He's also an advisor for the Global Ocean Energy alliance that's trying to help the Pacific Islands to wean themselves off the crippling cost of importing oil by generating energy from the oceans is the goal of a new alliance. The alliance was been launched last month in Lisbon by Small Island Developing States or SIDS heads of government, NGOs and corporates. Lelei LeLaulu is interested in the convergence of climate change, oceans, renewable energy, food security and sustainable tourism. Mr LeLaulu tells Kathryn as well as working on the new alliance, he's helping to set up a movement to transform the tourism sector into an humanitarian facility.
Science correspondent Laurie Winkless joins Kathryn to talk about a new study which has looked at the effects of air pollution on the health of New Zealanders and calculated the 'social cost' of human-made air pollution at $15.6 billion per year. Astronomers have spotted a mysterious radio signal that is pulsing "like a heartbeat" in deep space and dogs really can "see" with their noses, researchers have found a link between the areas of a dog's brain that handle smell and vision. Laurie Winkless is a physicist and science writer.
A petition for more inclusive public services will be the subject of a one-hour special Parliamentary debate tomorrow. The campaign, run by the Citizens Advice Bureau, calls for government services to be accessible to people in the ways they need; whether that's online, in-person, or over-the-phone. The Citizens Advice Bureau says the public service is heading towards a digital-only future, but over-reliance on online platforms and the removal of people from the delivery of government services is marginalising the most vulnerable. Kathryn speaks to Andrew Hubbard, the acting chief executive of Citizens Advice Bureau about the petition and tomorrow's debate.
The heavy rain that's hit the middle and lower parts of the South Island is now causing a major headache for travellers, with the main state highway between Dunedin and Timaru cut off. Rain is forecast to continue over Otago until mid-afternoon, so closures and flood warnings may not change until rain and river levels subside.State Highway One is closed from Palmerston through to Dunedin's Botanic Gardens, as is State Highway 83 the Duntroon-Georgetown Road. In South Canterbury, SH1 is closed at St Andrews through Makihikihi to Glenavy north of the Waitaki Bridge. Kathryn is joined by Nicole Felts, Waka Kotahi Journey Manager for Otago and Southland.
Joanna Ludbrook from Chicken and Frog Books in Featherston reviews The Wrong Weather, a 6 - 10 year old chapter book in the Princess Olivia Investigates series by Lucy Hawking. Published by Penguin Puffin.
Geoff White is an author and investigative journalist who has been tracking the exploits of North Korean cyber criminals the Lazarus Group. He's examined how a reclusive country where the internet is banned for ordinary citizens has managed to spawn one of the world's most effective hacking groups - and looked at their targets. It includes the 2014 hack of Sony Pictures, which was in retaliation for the movie The Interview - which depicted the assassination of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un and the attempt to get a billion dollars out of Bangladesh Bank. It also includes the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 which caused chaos in companies and institutions around the globe. Geoff's documented all this in a book called 'The Lazarus Heist', which is also the title of his BBC podcast with co-host Jean Lee. A new season of the podcast will be out later this year.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the diversity of the new Parliament sitting for the first time since the federal election, why some international flights out of Australia are only 10 per cent full but flights to New Zealand are chokka, an apology from the Manly Rugby League club leadership over a plan to have the Sea Eagles players wear rainbow-striped pride jerseys and why Canberra is excited by its new US ambassador.
South Westland businesses involved in a Jobs for Nature programme where the government pays their staff to work on conservation projects, are determined to find a way to keep it going after the funding runs out. As well as helping to keep the businesses afloat during the Covid disruptions, more than 70,000 hours have been spent trapping, weeding, maintaining tracks - and even finding an endangered bat species. The government has committed $3.78 million to the scheme and that'll end in June next year. At a recent hui at Fox Glacier many of the more than forty business who've signed up for the progamme agreed that it's done much more than simply keeping them afloat until tourism in the region rallies. Kathryn speaks with Rob Stewart from Skydive Skydive Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, Dale Burrows from Franz Josef Wilderness Tours and Wayne Costello from DoC.
Are the governments plans for a mega-polytech in serious trouble? Te Pukenga - or the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology - is supposed to be up and running by the January 1 2023, bringing together the all of the country's polytechnics, institutes of technology and Industry Training Organisations. But the entity is facing a deficit of up to $110 million, $53.5 million more than budgeted, partly due to lower enrolments. The Chief Executive is on unexplained leave, an acting CE is in place, and last week the Chairperson extended an apology to all staff for not listening and not appreciating their expertise. The Education Minister Chris Hipkins says he's made it clear to Te Pukenga that the projected deficit is too high and wants an urgent update on how it is triming costs and creating further efficiencies. Kathryn speaks with the President of the Tertiary Education Union, Tina Smith.
Money expert Liz Koh discusses the roller coaster ride household net worth has had over the past 2 to 3 years, why it's declining and why feeling wealthy - or not, can make a huge difference to your financial outcomes. Liz Koh is a money expert. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson joins Kathryn to talk about rent seeking - the act of a business or individual increasing their wealth without adding any value. She'll look at who's doing it, how they're doing it and why we're all paying for it. She'll also talk about the giant hydroponic vertical farm that's opened its doors in Dubai. Rebecca Stevenson is a senior writer at interest.co.nz.
Harry Broad reviews Giving for Good: The History of the J R McKenzie Trust by Stephen Clarke, published by J R McKenzie Trust.
Torrential rain in Christchurch overnight has now burst the banks of Christchurch's Avon and Heathcote Rivers. The council says 30 to 50 mm of rain has fallen across the city and a further 40 to 60 mills are expected. There's surface flooding in many city suburbs and the risk of slips on Banks Peninsula, with heavy rain warnings and watches in place for most of the South Island's east coast. Kathryn speaks with Helen Beaumont, head of three waters for the Christchurch City Council and RNZ reporter Niva Chitook.
Chrissy Metge is a London-based Kiwi who has been working as an animator and author for a number of years. She's worked with animation studios from Pixar to Weta, Marvel, and George Lucas's ILM - and on plenty of big films ...like Ironman, the Hobbit 1, 2 and 3, Hunger Games, Ron's Gone Wrong...the list goes on. Chrissy has a couple of new projects on the go: one is a new Netflix adult-animated music series called Entergalactic, with some big names in the cast, that will launch at the end of September. The other is a book: The Great Crown Mystery, which she wrote with her six year old son and is out in New Zealand from next week. Chrissy has a number of books to her name - including the popular Max and His Big Imagination series and the Amy's Dreaming Adventures series, which she publishes through her own company Fuzzy Duckling Media.
US correspondent Ron Elving joins Kathryn to talk about the last January 6 hearing ahead of the summer break, and why it may have done more damage to Donald Trump than the previous seven. Will his waning influence be evident in the August primaries? President Biden is recovering from Covid and this week the central bank will make a decision on a rate hike - the big question: has inflation peaked? Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
Record breaking floods which caused major damage in the Yellowstone National Park in the US have highlighted the challenges of climate change for park managers but have also forced a natural reset which is tipped to bring an abundance of new life. The Northern Director of American Rivers Scott Bosse joins Kathryn to discuss the lasting impact of the floods.
Maori data specialists say government agencies are ignoring them while carrying on extending the reach of facial recognition technology. An advocate of Maori data sovereignty, Janelle Riki-Waaka says crucial protections have been left out of a bill before Parliament. The Digital Identity Services Trust Framework Bill sets up a legal framework for how a person is identified online. Janelle Riki-Waaka tells Kathryn Ryan a requirement for partnership with Maori to be added to the accreditation regime had been asked for in a hui with officials. Janelle is MC-ing the Digital Trust Hui Taumata Summit 2022 at Te Papa.
Kennedy has been travelling in Iceland and Greenland where he says the weather has been unseasonably warm. It's estimated that the Greenland ice cap has lost the equivalent of 72 million Olympic swimming pools worth of water last weekend alone.
Argentinians Alex Gimenez and Lorena Giallonardo emigrated to New Zealand for their love of adventure sports. But after arriving in Queenstown they realised how similar it was to a Patagonian ski resort famed for its amazing chocolates. Alex explained to Kathryn that they recognised a gap in the market and Patagonia Chocolates was born.
Neale and Tim join Kathryn to talk about the rise in inflation and drop in consumer confidence - how are the major parties responding? They'll also look at the inner turmoil for the Green Party, with the weekend ousting of co-leader James Shaw and discuss the result of New Zealand First Foundation case.
Laura Caygill reviews The Crane Wife by CJ Hauser, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
A new storm bearing down on the country is already affecting Northland. Heavy rain and wind is lashing the very top of the country, thanks to a low-pressure system lying to the west of the North Island. Several roads in the Far North have been affected by fallen powerlines and flooding, two schools have been forced to close - yes, on the first day of the new term - and flights to Whangarei, Bay of Islands and Whitianga in the Coromandel, have been abandoned. In the past 24 hours up to 100 millimetres of the wet stuff has fallen in Northland. Metservice has just updated its watches and warnings. Kathryn speaks with meterologist Lewis Ferris to discuss them.
Think of a corset and your mind probably settles on something tight and uncomfortable. Almost the antithesis of the stretchy pants we've all got used to in the pandemic! Kathryn speaks to Dr Sarah Bendall from Australian Catholic University , an expert in early modern dress, how it was made and traded and how it differed between the sexes. She's written a book about this that focuses on what women wore in the period from 1500 to 1800 called Shaping Femininity: Foundation Garments, the Body, and Women in Early Modern England. As part of her research she recreated corsets - sewing them herself - to find out whether they really were as restrictive as the literature at the time - written mainly by moralising men - would suggest.
Italy will go to the polls for a snap election in September after the government of Mario Draghi - the country's sixth Prime Minister in 10 years - collapsed. Seamus talks to Kathryn about why so much is riding on this election. In England, travel chaos at Dover has continued into a third day with the British blaming French border staff, but the French say it's the result of Brexit. And what's happening with the Russia-Ukraine deal on grain exports after the Russian airstrike on the port of Odessa?
Amid a skills shortage, there's concern more needs to be done to increase the number of women working in construction. As of mid last year, 2.6% of building roles and 8% of trade and technical roles within infrastructure sectors are held by women. Coming down the pipe-line, women were awarded 15% of construction and infrastructure apprenticeships. A recent survey showed 60% of women spoken to expressed an interest in entering the trades, while 79% of trade employers said they'd like to hire more women But, advocates say, barriers remain connecting willing women workers with employers, and that women need to be made to feel welcome in a male-dominated workplace. Erica Cumming,Acting General Manager of Partnerships and Equity at Waihanga Ara Rau, the workforce development council, supporting women in trades, construction and infrastructure.
There's disarray in the fishing industry with massive under-staffing affecting the processing of wet fish. It's hoki season and despite efforts to hire more people, the labour is just not there One of the country's largest seafood exporters, Sealord is bracing for multi-million dollar losses as it doesn't have enough staff on the factory floor. Chief Executive Doug Paulin says last year they'd hope to recruit 450 more staff but ended up only being able to attract 300 and the situation has deteriorated since then. He's just back from a break and will be in the Nelson plant today helping to help process fish. He talks to Kathryn about the extent immigration policy and the pandemic contributing to the shortage of workers.
Te Radar and James join Lynn for a look at the highlights in news from the week, including a sign war between a Missouri McDonald's and Dairy Queen, Philippines' workers who'll be fined if they don't smile, a lifetime warranty for socks that wasn't and why you should never, ever put your parents' ashes in your checked luggage.
Sport correspondent Dana Johannsen joins Lynn to talk about pressure for changes at the top of the All Blacks, how Kiwi athletes are faring at the Athletics World Champs in Oregon and how NBA star Steven Adams is back home in New Zealand during the off-season - and is impressing folks. Dana Johannsen is Stuff's National Correspondent specialising in sport.
The sixth album from Kiwi/ Canadian treasure Tami Neilson is a kaleidoscope of ideas, guitarist Brett Adams conjures moody soundscapes, and Norwegian trio a-Ha are still making the magic.
Holly Walker reviews The Life and Art of Lynley Dodd by Finlay Macdonald, published by Penguin Random House NZ
Lucy Cooke is an award-winning zoologist, broadcaster, filmmaker, and author. Her latest book Bitch: A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution and the Female Animal breaks down "sexist stereotypes" of female animals peddled by the scientific patriarchy for at least 150 years. From polyamorous chimps, to alpha-female hyenas, menopausal killer whales and lesbian lizard, Lucy dismantles the male scientific bias and discovers female animals are just as promiscuous, competitive, aggressive, dominant and dynamic as males.
After a two year Covid-19 enforced absence, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is returning to the grounds of Edinburgh Castle. The new Creative Director is expat Michael Braithwaite who's promising some innovations as part of the massed bands spectacular. One of the crowd favourites, The New Zealand Army Band, returns this year to join the hundreds of other performers taking part.
A recently formed citizen science project to track down freshly fallen meteorites is deploying specialised night-sky meteor cameras across the motu. Fireballs Aotearoa is a collaboration between the universities of Otago and Canterbury and the astronomy community. Two weeks ago a meteor lit up the sky during the day near Wellington and Fireballs Aeotearoa members swiftly got to work trying to pinpoint where it fell. Kathryn talks to Associate Professor of Geology at Otago University, James Scott.
New Kiwi-led research has looked at what nurses involved in the process of voluntary assisted dying have experienced, and how it could lead to better support - both procedurally and emotionally. Ministry of Health data out last week shows that between November 2021 and June 30 this year,143 people had sought an assisted death in New Zealand, with most - 79 per cent - choosing to die at home. The research, led by AUT, found nurses could benefit from clear policy, psychological support, and specific guidance around difficult end-of-life conversations. Dr Margaret Sandham led the team investigating this, she's a Senior Lecturer of Nursing at the AUT School of Clinical Sciences and joins Lynn to explain what they found.
Film and TV reviewer James Croot looks at the film adaptation of Delia Owens' novel Where the Crawdads Sing (cinemas), a new and controversial adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion (Netflix), and seasons four of What We Do in the Shadows (Neon) and Virgin River (Netflix).
Neuroscience educator Deb Rewiri returns with why it has never been so important to get on board with traditional Maori parenting practices, and what help is at hand to support struggling whanau to embrace indigenous parenting approaches.
Tech correspondent Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to talk about new Australian research into how much data is being collected about users of Chinese-owned TikTok and why it's concerning, what's behind a decision by Spark and Vodafone to sell their mobile towers and whether virtual reality actually increases productivity.
Phil Vine reviews No Other Place to Stand: An Anthology of Climate Change Poetry from Aotearoa New Zealand, Edited by Jordan Hamel, Rebecca Hawkes, Erik Kennedy and Essa Ranapiri, published by Auckland University Press.
High Performance Sport has released an action plan following a critical independent inquiry finding the organisation's high performance model is broken and needs to be "reimagined". Commissioned after the suspected suicide of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore in August last year, the findings and recommendations of the 104-page report were released in May. Kathryn speaks with Stuff's National Correspondent specialising in sport Dana Johannsen.
A multi-millionaire octogenarian widow and her two children who have kept tight control of the Tour de France despite numerous hostile takeover bids, are the focus of a new book. The world's most famous cycling event generates an estimated $160 million New Zealand dollars a year, with a fifth being paid out in dividends for the Amaury family. Business journalist Alex Duff investigates the family in his book Le Fric or The Money: Family, Power and Money: The Business of the Tour de France. In it he argues that various cycling teams over the years have considered rebellions and breakaways to wrest some control and more of the money. But ultimately, they need the race more than the Amaury family needs them. Kathryn discusses with Alex Duff.
UK correspondent Harriet Line touches on the Tory leadership race and the heatwave raging across the country which led the Fire Service in London to have its busiest day since World War II. Harriet Line is Chief Political Correspondent Daily Mail.
Credit reporting agencies gather and sell information about individual's credit histories to get a sense of how risky you are in relation to money. This information can be used by lenders, landlords, insurance companies, even employers. Many people don't realise they have a problematic score. Kathryn speaks with Citizen's Advice Bureau's Andrew Hubbard.
Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are the last candidates left standing following the final vote by Conservative MPs on who will replace Boris Johnson as their leader. Sunak, the former Chancellor, topped the final ballot with 137 votes and Truss, the Foreign Secretary, overturned a narrow lead held by Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt in the latest vote, securing her place in the run-of by 113 votes to 105. Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London, joins Kathryn to talk through what happens next.
Concerns the high cost of day-to-day living is seeing people taking an eye off their financial future, threatening the ability to afford to retire. This week we saw a thirty-two year inflation high, increasing 7.3 percent since the June 2021 quarter. The Retirement Commission has been gathering insights into the cost of living's impact on long term savings, finding a steady decrease in people actively saving for retirement, from 52% in 2021 to 47% in 2022. 93% of Kiwis' rank 'cost of living' as their biggest concern.
This year's winter illnesses are really starting to bite across a number of industries - but what happens if you're sick, and you've maxxed out your leave? Most employees - if they're on wages or salary - are entitled to at least 10 days' sick leave per year. It was increased last year by the government from five days' minimum entitlement. But it excludes those who are in a job less than six months, or those who are considered contractors. Nine to Noon's legal commentator today is Helen Pryde of Duncan Cotterill.
The popular ilabb brand started out fifteen years ago, in a garage in Picton. It's expanding, again, into Europe and further into Canada. It has teamed up with the world's largest mountain bike festival organiser, Crankworx, to supply a line of clothing for Kiwi and Canadian athletes. ilabb's got the attention of some pretty cool backers and is about half way to raising several millions of dollars to get the brand deeper into the northern hemisphere. Kathryn speaks with ilabb co-founder and chief executive Seadon Baker.
Louise O'Brien reviews Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Best-selling British author Fiona Barton's new who-dunnit is Local Gone Missing. A cast of characters keep secrets and the reader guessing when a charismatic local man vanishes without trace from a small seaside town in southern England. It's being described as a "dark and twisty read". Fiona turned to fiction-writing in her early fifties, after a distinguished career in British newspapers (including The Mail on Sunday where she won Reporter of the Year at the British Press Awards), followed by years of volunteer work in Sri Lanka training exiled and threatened journalists. Fiona speaks with Kathryn from the south of England.
Australia correspondent Chris Niesche joins Kathryn to talk about the death of a Sydney teen in a Syrian jail and whether it might spark renewed interest in the plight of Australian families stuck in Syria following the fall of Isis. He'll look at how Covid is tracking in the country and a new State of the Environment Report finds Australia has lost more mammalian wildlife than any other continent.
Working from home has become the new normal for many since the Covid pandemic, and many tout it as being a game changer for employees mental and physical wellbeing. No more long commutes, the ability to do school pick-ups or more easily care for family members, fitting work in and around those commitments. But some new research suggests the reality is more complicated. Microsoft's 2022 New Future of Work studied 31,000 employees in 31 countries. It found while working from home can improve job satisfaction, half of all remote workers felt socially isolated, guilty and trying to overcompensate. Kathryn speaks with clinical psychologist Jacqui Maguire, who says it's a important topic with her corporate and organisational clients.
Today Nine to Noon looks at the way free dental care is provided to under-18s in New Zealand, amid concerns it's failing to keep up with greater needs and spiralling treatment costs. Children under the age of 18 are entitled to receive free standard dental care, with dentists who enter into a Combined Dental Agreement funded between $130 and $220 per patient. Costs for any additional treatments are also fixed. But some dentists say a new three-year contract which came into force on July 1st - even with an uplift in funding - doesn't reflect the reality of the complex treatments they're actually providing. Kathryn discusses how the funding model works with Dr Katie Ayres of the New Zealand Dental Association and why practices are forced to cover the shortfall through their private patients with Christchurch dentist Sam Brady.
Media commentator Andrew Holden joins Kathryn to look at the harassment experienced by Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa in the Philippines, while her fellow winner Dmitry Muratov also had his independent newspaper shut down. A Fijian journalist expelled from a press conference during a visit of the Chinese foreign minister spotted two Chinese embassy officials pretending to be reporters at the Pacific Islands Forum, and ABC in Australia is to get a five-year funding model that the new Government says will make it 'safe' from political interference and manipulation. Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
Tamati Rakena was on track for a career in the Moerewa meatworks, but ended up with a Masters degree and founding a bush clothing business. He left school with no particular direction and AFFCO was beckoning. Many of his Kaikohe based family have been employed there and for a time he worked as a meat processor. His direction changed when he met his partner who inspired him to enrol in University to train as a teacher. In 2019, Tamati was awarded a University of Auckland Kupe Leadership Scholarship. With a Master of Education under his belt, he's now changed direction again - founding the My Taiao Clothing brand along with his partner Huri Kamira. Tamati Rakena runs the business from Kaihohe - and spoke to Kathryn Ryan about his start-up business and the journey to get there.
Business correspondent Pattrick Smellie joins Kathryn to talk about the mega-polytech Te Pukenga , the problems it's been having and what it means for skills training during a skills crisis. He'll also talk about the review of the screen sector. Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
Quentin Johnson reviews After Sappho by Selby Wynn Schwartz, published by Text Publishing.
World renowned Greek-Australian neuroscientist George Paxinos is described by his colleagues as one of the Australia's greatest thinkers. He's also published 57 books in the field of neuroscience. George Paxinos is a professor at the University of New South Wales and a former President of the Australian Neuroscience Society and the World Congress of Neuroscience. During his spare time out of the lab, he's written his first novel in the environmental genre, A River Divided. George Paxinos says he's had two main goals in life, the first to produce the atlas of the rat brain, and the second to write this novel. Quite simply, Professor Paxinos who is 78 says he forgot to retire!.
US correspondent Kelsey Snell details another mass shooting - this time in Indiana - which was thwarted by a bystander who shot the 20-year-old gunman dead. Meanwhile it's been revealed 400 police officers were at the scene of the Ulvade school shooting - but didn't intervene. Kelsey will also update us on the January 6 hearings - which wants deleted text messages from the Secret Service that day, and President Biden's controversial trip to Saudi Arabia. Kelsey Snell is a congressional correspondent for NPR, based in Washington DC.
It's been a year since New Zealand schools were able to sign up to an initiative that offered free period products to students who needed them. As of June 2022, 2,062 schools and kura are participating in the initiative, with over 650,000 packets of product provided since June 2021. The Ministry of Education says many schools have reported improved uptake of product and that students are getting involved in decision making and delivery of the initiative. Danika Revell is founder of The Period Place, an advocacy group for period equity. She says the initiative is great, but not without delivery challenges. And she points out - period poverty exists outside school hours of 9am - 3pm.
Annual inflation has increased 7.3 percent since the June 2021 quarter, the largest year-on-year increase for 32 years, driven by more expensive fuel, building materials, food and housing costs. Petrol prices leapt 32% over the year while diesel prices were up an eye-watering 74%, Stats NZ reported. Grocery food prices were up by marginally less than the overall inflation rate, rising 7.1%, rents were up 4.3%. Combined this has pushed the annual rate to a record 7.3 pct, the highest since June 1990. The increase cements a further hefty rate rise by the Reserve Bank next month. General Manager, Economic and Environment Insights at Statistics NZ Jason Attewell joins Kathryn Ryan to slice and dice the CPI numbers.
Doctors say that Pharmac is refusing to accept its created a problem by mishandling supplies of 50 microgram Estradot patches, a Hormone Replacement Therapy for menopause, by not notifying doctors that doses were about to run out. Women who've relied on the HRT patches are now forced to use alternatives until Pharmac can restock pharmacies. On its website the drug-buying agency says it expects stock to be available again by late July. In the meantime its sourced limited supplies of an alternative patch - Climara. But doctors say trying to reorganise prescriptions is proving to be a nightmare. And they warn that changing or suddenly stopping medication can cause a lot of anxiety. Kathryn speaks with Endocrinologist Dr Stella Milsom and Professor Beverly Lawton, Director of the Centre for Women's Health Research at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
Urban issues correspondent Bill McKay is always on the hunt for some good-looking buildings and he's found two recently that have really impressed him, including one that would be great to take the kids to these school holidays. They are the Hundertwasser Art Centre, Whangarei and Auckland City Mission's Home Ground. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Almighty Drinks started out focused on juices made from organic fruit and vege, moved into flavoured sparkling water and has just launched its active range. The company only uses recyclable packaging which is often made from recycled packaging and it helps support Edible Education - charities that teach kids how to grow food. Ben Lenart is the company's founder - he was also behind the creation of Wellington's popular Milk Crate cafe, which sadly shut its doors earlier this year. He joins Kathryn to talk about how the company is taking on the big beverage makers one drink at a time.
Political commentators Shane Te Pou and Ben Thomas look at the decision to extend the fuel excise cuts and public transport subsidies through to the end of January ahead of key inflation data out today, whether the government's stuck between a rock and a hard place with its Covid settings and how both big party leaders have achieved from their recent overseas sojourns. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. He is a Director and HR Manager for IT Company Mega. Ben Thomas is a PR consultant and a former National Government press secretary.
Inflation is expected to hit a fresh three-decade high in numbers due at 10:45 am. Economists are forecasting the annual rate to go just above seven percent. RNZ business editor Gyles Beckford discusses the new figures with Kathryn Ryan, including how ongoing inflationary pressure will affect interest rate hikes.
Writing a book about your own life is not for the fainthearted, says entrepreneur Kaz Staples. She writes about business-building, cancer and the difficult decision to sell her high-end cereal company Pure Delish in the new memoir Cereal Entrepreneur.
Africa correspondent Debora Patta looks at how extreme weather has caused a severe hunger crisis in South Sudan, and the war in Ukraine has pushed the country to the brink of famine. The situation is similar in Somalia - and famine is having a ripple effect...with a rise in the number of child brides.
The recent mass deaths of korora, little blue penguins in Northland and concerns about fate of Emperor penguins in the Antarctic have highlighted the threat of global warming to seabirds. Researcher and photographer Edin Whitehead is tracking the fate of several seabird species in northern Aotearoa, to see what changes parents are making to ensure their chicks' survival. Edin's a doctoral researcher at the University of Auckland School of Biological Sciences. She's most focused on petrels and shearwaters for her PhD but she's deeply concerned about all seabirds.
Big changes are coming that could affect the planning and the future face of the Auckland region, including the housing landscape. Aucklanders have been able to have their say on the council's proposed plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan - it is scheduled to be publicly notified by 20 August .There's also the Resource Management Act (Enabling Housing Supply) Amendment Bill - a rare cross-party agreement designed to speed up the building of new houses - which affects Auckland and other main centres. So what impact might this have, amid talk of a period of rapid housing intensification and a loss of character buildings? Joining Kathryn to discuss it are Simon O'Connor, a former Auckland Council planner who now runs his own company, Sentinel Planning, and architect Patrick Sloan who is calling for a Government Architect role to oversee how the city develops.
We have a few laughs with comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks, including one woman's polarising sandwich cutting technique
Sam takes a deep dive into the theme of identity and why that is what is truly at the heart of the ever-growing chorus of discontent surrounding the All Blacks and some of our national teams.
Mellissa Oliver from Unity Books Wellington reviews Dropbear by Evelyn Araluen, published by Queensland University Press.
After decades of studying circadian rhythms, Oxford University sleep scientist Russell Foster shares his findings in the new book Life Time: The New Science of the Body Clock, and How It Can Revolutionise Your Sleep and Health.
Kathryn speaks with Daniel Mateo, the first Pasifika dancer to be invited to join Australia's Bangarra Dance Company, which has celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contempory dance for more than 30 years. Daniel is a descendent of the Gamilaroi people of north east New South Wales as well as the Tongan people. Daniel dances in a new work created specifically for people to watch not in person but on a digital platform. It'c called 'New Dawn' and has has premiered at the Pacific Dance Digital Festival.
Australian Pay equity expert, Yolanda Beattie talks to Kathryn about what needed to be thrashed out to ensure the White Ferns match fee pay parity deal with their male counterparts. Earlier this month, an agreement was struck between New Zealand Cricket, the six Major Associations, and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, professional women's and men's cricketers. The five year deal means the White Ferns and domestic women's players receive equal match fees to the men across all their formats and competitions. But New Zealand's professional men's players will still earn much higher retainers, based on the increased number of matches played, formats contested, and time spent training and playing. Yolanda Beattie helped the NZ Cricket Players Association with their efforts to get a new Master agreement in place.
Film and TV correspondent James Croot is along to talk about Phantom of the Open (cinemas), about Maurice Flitcroft, who managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history. He'll also talk about the New Zealand-filmed American road trip movie Don't Make Me Go (Amazon Prime) and Apple TV's Black Bird, starring Taron Egerton.
Kathryn discusses the most common sound errors among school children with speech and language therapist Christian Wright. He says it's the production of the TH sounds which causes most of the difficulties. For example, when a child says "I fink" instead of "I think", or "I want dat" instead of "I want that". He talks through strategies to help correct the sound.
Technology commentator Peter Griffin joins Kathryn to look at the massive leak of information about Uber that's been hitting headlines this week, and what an employment case could mean for the way Uber drivers are treated in New Zealand. Twitter now plans to sue Elon Musk for pulling out of an agreement to buy it - has the billionaire's actions irreparably hurt the social media giant? And adoption of EVs in the US has passed 5 percent, meaning it's no longer considered niche - what's happening here?
Paul Diamond reviews Between Me and Myself: A Memoir of Murder, Desire and the Struggle to Be Free by Sandra Willson, published by Text Publishinglson.
Podcasts about unsolved murders, scandals and con artists dominate the charts these days, but a constant favourite since it started in 2015 involves deep dives into linguistics. 'The Allusionist' is hosted by British writer and broadcaster Helen Zaltzman who is appearing at the Auckland Writers Festival. She's produced almost 160 episodes, with some of the most recent ranging from 1920s crime noir slang to Objectivity in Journalism and Rainbow Washing. There are several episodes featuring Te Reo Maori in the back catalogue too.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Kathryn to look at who's out following the first round of voting in the race to be the new leader of the Conservative Party - and why Penny Mourdant could be the dark horse to take over as Prime Minister. A BBC investigation has made explosive claims into SAS actions in Afghanistan, and he'll also talk about Sir Mo Farah's surprising admission.
The head of a property funds management group is calling out his own industry as one that needs to lift its green game and do more to reduce its carbon footprint. Scott McKenzie is the chief executive of PMG, which has just released its first Sustainability Report looking at the green credentials of properties in its own portfolio. The commercial property sector contributes significantly to the country's carbon emissions, and while bigger property firms have obligations to report what they're doing to combat that - the majority, which are privately held or unlisted - do not. Scott joins Kathryn to talk about why it makes sense for more private buildings to go green.
New Zealanders continue to remain upbeat about their overall happiness, but the Covid pandemic is testing our mental strength. Latest Wellbeing Statistics from Stats NZ show a marked decline in mental health and an increase in loneliness. Kathryn speaks to Dr Claire Bretherton from Stats NZ.
The Police Association says the government's new 'get tough' package on gangs is a good first step but more needs to be done to remove incentives for people to join gangs. The range of new tools, include tougher penalties for drive-by shootings, more search and seizure powers and a crackdown on money laundering. So is this a knee-jerk reaction to the rise in gun-related crime and shootings, or will the new measures that have some bite. Police Association President Chris Cahill on what police officers are saying about the Government crackdown on gangs.
Science correspondent Allan Blackman turns his eyes to the skies, with the new photos of space coming from the James Webb telescope, the hunt for dark matter - what is it, does it exist and how long can we spend trying to find it? And lastly, why do smelly medicine tablets last longer in space? Allan Blackman is a Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology
Wetlands are quite possibly the most unloved and misunderstood ecosystems in the country. About 90 percent of New Zealand's wetlands have been destroyed, and yet they're an essential force in the fight against climate change, sequestering more carbon than our forests. Someone who knows all too well how precious wetlands are, is Karen Denyer. She's worked as an ecological consultant for over 20 years, much of it in wetland ecology, and is the New Zealand representative for the World Wetland Network and the executive officer at the National Wetland Trust. Together with conservationist Monica Peters, she's written Life in the Shadows: The Wetlands of New Zealand.
Nicky Walker reviews The Last Wild Horses by Maja Lunde, published by Simon & Schuster.
NASA's https://www.nasa.gov/ James Webb Space Telescope has released its first images, ushering in a new era of astronomy. The most powerful and complex telescope ever made, the telescope will allow physicists and astronomers to peer further into the universe's past than ever before. It's hoped it will help unravel some of the largest mysteries of the cosmos; from how the first stars and galaxies formed and how fast the universe is expanding, to the prospects for extraterrestrial life. Kathryn speaks with Richard Easther, a Professor of Physics at the University of Auckland.
Originally used by soldiers between1600 BC and 600 AD, Bronze-age swordsmith Neil Burridge ecreates the quality and what he describes as the elegance of ancient swords. Neil https://bronze-age-swords.com/index.htm has been bringing Bronze Age swords, spears and tools alive for twenty years, making modern repicas of museum pieces and mudlarkers' finds. Neil has cast about five hundred sword blades and has a series on YouTube called Sword Corner.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the multiple crises facing the new government, with another flood emergency and a resurgence in Covid cases. Jacinda Ardern has finally extracted a concession from Australia on the issue of deportations on her most recent visit, Aussie bad boy Nick Kyrgios has made his first grand slam final at Wimbledon - continuing his now-notorious antics and the worst-kept secret in soapies is officially out, with news that on-screen couple Kylie (Minogue) & Jason (Donovan) have returned to Ramsay Street one last time ahead of the final episode which airs later this month.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is seeking to boost his own historical significance via ambitious expansion, says China-based journalist Jeremy Goldkorn.
As Omicron case numbers and reinfections rise, could the country benefit from making a second booster shot more widely available? The answer from one immunologist is a firm, 'no'. At the moment people over the age of 50, the immune-compromised and healthcare, aged care and disability workers are all eligible for a second booster shot, if it's been six months since their first. Professor Nikki Turner, Director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre, explains why second booster shots aren't being given to younger people just yet.
Conflicts easily arise between couples because of different attitudes towards and feelings about money, says financial planner Liz Koh. She shares tips for starting up a healthy financial conversation.
Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy joins Kathryn to talk about whether a Groceries Commissioner will make a dent in the strength of the supermarket duopoly. And what happens to faulty goods when you take them back to the shop? Consumer's testing team created an easy-to-fix fault in some mixers, attached a tracker, returned it to the retailer...and waited.
Rebecca and Kathryn discuss Reddit; the self-proclaimed former front page of the internet, and "unruly" social network that triggered a meme stock frenzy. Reddit wants to grow up, but will its users let it?. And in India the government is fighting against service charges levied by restaurants, and has moved to ban the practice of charging outright for service.
Dr Carol Shand has spent her professional life advocating for women's health. She was a GP in Wellington for 56 years and in that time devoted herself to fighting for change - to maternity care, access to contraception, abortion law reform, and the way sexual assaults are responded to. In 2008, she became a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to women's health. Carol Shand grew up on a farm in Kaikoura and attended Otago Medical School in 1958. It was there she met her Austrian born husband, Erich Geiringer, also a doctor, and they practiced together in Wellington for 34 years, where they raised their three children. Dr Carol Shand is now 83 and has just published a memoir.
Ron talks to Kathryn about the January 6 investigation as Congress returns from recess, also the state of the US economy. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
In Australia, a landmark agreement between Uber and the Transport Workers' union could see gig economy workers given fairer wages, the right to collective bargaining, and guaranteed protections.The two parties signed a "statement of principles" last month agreeing to support the creation of a new independent commission which would apply minimum standards and practices across the industry. Two New Zealand Unions have taken a case against Uber in the High Court - seeking to overturn the presumption that Uber drivers are independent contractors. The judge's decision is reserved, but it could have far reaching implications. Kathryn discusses the Australian agreement with Alex Veen, Scholarly Teaching Fellow in Work and Organisational Studies, at the University of Sydney.
Another official cash rate rise is on the cards this week with the Reserve Bank's next decision on Wednesday. Most economists expect the OCR to rise by another half a per cent - or 50 basis points. But it is what the Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr says about future direction that will be pivotal to what happens to retail lending. What can mortgage holders expect from their banks? Kathryn discusses with head of banking at KPMG, John Kensington.
Auckland bakery, Sweet and Me never has any coconut buns or pineapple pies left at the end of the day. Fiji born Chef, Bertrand Jang has worked around the Pacific and is now focused on creating a range of predominantly sweet baked goods and a few savoury items. He co-owns Sweet and Me with fellow Fijian, Lizie Koroivulaono.
Kennedy is heading well off the beaten track to the land of the midnight sun. In a few days he joins a National Geographic voyage with French cruising company Ponant, exploring the western coast of Greenland. Staying with polar matters, he will also talk about a remarkable gathering of fin whales spotted recently off the coast of Antarctica.
Political commentators Brigitte Morten and Neale Jones discuss the PM's trip to Australia and developments on rights for Kiwis and 501 deportees, National leader Christopher Luxon's trip to the UK, the regional impact of Kiribati's decision to quit the Pacific Islands Forum and Act's weekend conference and what it revealed about the party's wish-list if it ended up in a National-Act government. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations.
Catriona Ferguson reviews The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Kiwi squash legend Paul Coll is back in the country for the first time in over three years, hard on the heels of major success on the world circuit. After a special hometown appearance at the Greymouth Open, he will be returning to Europe with Commonwealth gold firmly in his sights.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney looks at the big media leak out this morning into Uber which reveals the apparent secret help the company received from top EU politicians and how far it went to "avoid justice". Political leaders in Europe hope Britain's new choice of leader may lead to a 'restart' in relations between Brussels and London. But one country in particular will miss Boris Johnson: Ukraine. Amid fears in Ukraine that military support from the UK would be reduced, President Zelensky said he was confident that the UK's Ukraine strategy would not change under Johnson's successor.
The Pacific Islands Forum has rocky beginnings in Suva this morning as Kiribati withdraws with immediate effect. It is the Forum's 51st meeting and the the first time the nations' leaders will meet face to face since the pandemic. The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Kiribati's decision to leave the Pacific Islands Forum isn't necessarily about wider security issues within the region. Global interdisciplinary scholar, Distinguished Professor Steve Ratuva is the Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury talks to Kathryn about the issues up for talanoa.
Dr Julie Bennett, an epidemiologist from Otago University's Department of Public Health, says there is an urgent need for a national agency tasked with ensuring high indoor air quality in New Zealand. Covid has highlighted the quality of the air we breathe but regulations on the health impacts of indoor air quality are almost non-existent.
Sam Ackerman talks to Kathryn about a week of sport that hasn't been short of a headline. He breaks down why he thinks the Warriors losing arguably their best player might just be a good thing, looks at the message the All Blacks are sending for the second test against Ireland, wades in to the equal pay debate and questions whether bad boy Nick Kyrios is the best or worst thing for world tennis right now.
Emma Hisiop reviews The Hitchhiker by Gerwin van der Werf (translated from the original Dutch by David Colmer), published by Text Publishing
A Chatham Islands seafood business has been named Supreme winner of this year's Outstanding Food Awards. The Chatham Islands Food Co took gold medals for its blue cod, pure paua mince and paua pies. It's the first time a seafood business has taken the top spot in the competition. As the company's founders Delwyn and Gigi Tuanui says the Chathams produce some of the world's best seafood.
Elizabeth talks to Kathryn about a major security breach in China, where an online police database with personal details of an estimated one billion Chinese citizens was left publicly accessible for more than a year. The public was only alerted when a hacker recently plundered the data and attempted to sell it online. And Japan is off to the polls this weekend. Amid concerns that young voters won't turn out to vote, one large Japanese ramen chain is offering free noodles as a sweetener.
Men over 50 are forced to wait too long for prostate cancer to be picked up and then treated - according advocacy and support group, Prostate Cancer Foundation. About 650 New Zealand men die of prostate cancer every year. The Foundation says due to Covid there has been a decline in GP visits, and therefore detection of early signs. Its Chief Executive, Peter Dickens, tells Kathryn Ryan, once prostate cancer has been detected, it can take months for a referral to a urologist, further months for a biopsy and more waiting for any curative treatment such as a prostatectomy. Kathryn also speaks with prostate cancer survivor Conor English, who says men ought to treat their bodies like their cars, and get an annual WOF.
It's been a busy couple of weeks for Air New Zealand, as the airline got more international routes off the ground and unveiled its new Skynest sleep cabins. Flights from Auckland to Houston and Hobart restarted yesterday, joining a suite of others missing from the company's schedule for more than two years thanks to the pandemic. The aviation industry has been cranking back into gear, as borders reopen and travellers look to reconnect with family, friends or take long-delayed holidays. But it's also been hit by staff shortages, and an increase in fuel costs. Kathryn is joined by Air New Zealand's CEO Greg Foran.
Another leadership contest is set to take place within Britain's Conservative Party, after leader and Prime Minister Boris Johnson finally took the hint and resigned. Mr Johnson caved in to pressure after a mass exodus of more than 50 government ministers and aides who quit following a string of scandals: lockdown parties, expensive renovations and the final straw; appointing a minister accused of sexual misconduct. In a bullish speech, Mr Johnson said he would step down as leader, but remain in a caretaking role until his successor is chosen. So how long could that take? Kathryn speaks with UK correspondent Matt Dathan, from outside Number 10 Downing Street. Matt Dathan is the Home Affairs Editor at The Times.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about the latest installment of the Thor franchise in cinemas from today, directed by Kiwi film director Taika Waititi. He'll also preview The Old Man (Disney+) starring Jeff Bridges and Jon Lithgow, and Rowan Atkinson's return to the screen in Man vs Bee (Netflix).
Clinical Psychologist Karen Nimmo says teenagers and young adults have had a hard time through the pandemic, disruption at school and university, having to do a lot of learning online. She discusses how best to help teenagers through this stage and how to recognise when they are struggling.
Tech commentator Paul Matthews joins Kathryn to discuss how China is facing down what could be the largest data breach in history, as government records of over a billion Chinese citizens are found for sale online. A new report shows that New Zealand's agritech industry is booming, even in the face of labour shortages and other issues. What's driving the growth? And Big Tech companies such as Amazon, Tesla, Google and Apple have been hit harder than most in the current sharemarket weakening. Why have tech stocks lost the confidence of investors?
Bestselling Crime novelist Tess Gerritsen has sold millions of books around the world. Her popular duo of homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles are back after a five-year hiatus in her latest book Listen to Me. It's the 13th installment in the popular series, which was also made into the TV series "Rizzoli & Isles", which ran for seven seasons. Tess Gerritsen started out as a doctor before becoming a crime writer and her knowledge of the scientific world is drawn on heavily in her writing. But her interests stray further into music, anthropology, ancient worlds and natural phenomena.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye joins Kathryn to talk about where Boris Johnson stands this morning, as some of his Cabinet have gone to Downing Street to convince him to stand down. 44 ministers and aides to have quit since yesterday.
The pandemic has impacted the way people work, trade and patronise the central city. The once vibrant centre is missing international tourists, and thousands of workers who are now working from home. This coupled with a proliferation of empty shops for let, the ongoing, disruptive noisy City Rail Link construction project and an increase in crime have affected the face of the city. To discuss how to rise above the multiple challenges - Interim CE of Heart of the City Steve Armitage and Police Inspector Grae Anderson who is the acting Area Commander for Auckland Central.
New research out this morning has found counselling can have long-lasting benefits as a treatment for gambling disorders. It's based on a randomised clinical trial with 227 people who were taking part in the Salvation Army's Oasis treatment programme. The research was led by AUT's Gambling and Addictions Research Centre with help from researchers at Flinders University in Australia and Canada's University of Calgary. It looked at the effectiveness of two gambling interventions within a service setting: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. AUT Associate Professor Maria Bellringer is the principal researcher and joins Kathryn to talk about what it means for current gambling treatments on offer - and why problem gamblers should seek help now. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing harm from gambling the Ministry of Health has a list of services available nationwide on its website. You can find it here.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Kathryn to look at the latest developments with Boris Johnson's government - including the extraordinary sacking of Cabinet Minister Michael Gove this morning. He's resisting calls to go, despite the best efforts of members of his Cabinet.
Performing arts correspondent Lyne Pringle joins Kathryn to look at how live performances are getting rolling again, but it's not easy with ongoing winter illnesses. Footnote NZ Dance is about to tour the South Island with Dry Spell, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is kicking off their tour of Cinderella, the New Zealand Dance Company finally performed its Night Light season after cancelling performances and tours 5 times due to Covid-19, Atamira Dance Company launches Kaha - Triple Boost this week in Tamaki Makaurau and Permanent Distraction is performing in Otautahi this weekend - produced by tinyfest.org.
Gina Cole is an award-winning author at the forefront of a new genre of writing, Pasifikafuturism. A qualified lawyer, Gina is a freelance writer of Fijian, Scottish and Welsh descent, living in Tamaki Makaurau. Her law career is on hold as her writing career has taken off. Her collection Black Ice Matter won the Hubert Church Prize for Best First Book Fiction at the 2017 Ockham Book Awards. Gina Cole's new novel, Na Viro is born out of her PhD thesis. The science fiction fantasy book is set more than 200 years in the future in Auckland and in the Pacific and in space.
Bronwyn Wylie Gibb of University Bookshop, Dunedin reviews Winter Time by Laurence Fearnley, published by Penguin NZ.
Ben Bravery was undergoing bowel cancer in his late twenties when he realised his aftercare left a lot to be desired. His solution? To go to medical school, become a doctor and try to bring about change from within the industry. He's now written a book, The Patient Doctor to try to help both patients and doctors to understand one another and improve the relationship.
Today's correspondent is Annika Smethurst in Australia, where there's been no let up in the rain falling in southern parts of New South Wales - what further help might be on offer for communities that keep being hit? She'll also look at Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's latest trip to Australia and the Reserve Bank's latest interest rate rise that marks one of the sharpest hikes since the 1990s.
As city centres crank back into life again, one in particular is looking the worse for wear. Auckland's heart has been plagued by a number of issues kicked off by the pandemic: absent international tourists, workers reluctant to return to the office, an exodus of retailers from the midtown and Aotea Square area and ongoing, noisy and ugly disruption caused by the construction of the City Rail Link. The central city is only 0.8 per cent of Auckland's land area, but it packs a mighty economic punch - at 20 percent - or $23b of the city's GDP. It's also home to 45,000 residents - but those with kids lack a school to send them to. So is it time for a major rethink? Kathryn talks to urban designer Garth Falconer, who says the city doesn't need revival - it needs revolution. She'll also be joined by Antony Philips, chair of the City Centre Residents' Group.
Inland Revenue says more businesses are getting behind on GST payments, and its urging business owners to seek help early if they're struggling. In the eight months to March, total outstanding debt to the IRD increased by one percent to $4.441 billion, not including student loans or child support. Most of the debt is outstanding GST payments. The government passed special legislation allowing Inland Revenue to write off some debts for businesses affected by Covid, mainly late payment penalties and use-of-money interest and so far more than $242 million has been written off. Kathryn speaks with Richard Philp, IR's spokesperson on outstanding tax debt.
The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is rushing to plug the gaps in his Cabinet, after his Finance and Health Ministers said they no longer held confidence in him or his ability to adhere to the standards expected by the public. Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid quit within minutes of each other, just after Boris Johnson apologised for the appointment of MP Chris Pincher to a government role, despite being aware of allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The pair's decision has also prompted a flurry of resignations from more junior positions in the Tory party. Kathryn is joined from Westminster by UK correspondent Harriet Line.
Andrew looks at the newly-released draft legislation for Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media and why the commercial sector has greeted it with some unease. Stuff and The Spinoff have a new partnership as The Spinoff asks for more contributions, while NZME cracks 100-thousand paid digital subs and a new contract with Google. Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
80 former prison inmates have now passed through RAW - a residential programme helping women find self-worth on the outside. RAW (which stands for Reclaim Other Women) was founded in 2014 by fashion designer Annah Stretton and her sister Rebecca Skilton, a mental health nurse.
Hot on the heels of the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, Gyles talks to Kathryn about the Government expressing determination to get one done with India, how feasible is that? Also, changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act changes come into effect on Thursday.
Harry Ricketts reviews The Tip Shop by James Brown, published by Te Herenga Waka Press.
Frequencies are all around us; everything on this earth vibrates, and even you, right now, are resonating at a frequency between about 5 and 10 hertz. And if all things resonate, then surely they must also be making a sound... so what would that sound be? It's a question that musician, composer and TV presenter, Richard Mainwaring, has been pondering. In his new book Everybody Hertz: The Amazing World of Frequency, from Bad Vibes to Good Vibrations, Richard Mainwaring uncovers those mysterious sounds, and investigates how vibrations affect pretty much everything we do.
In the latest gun violence in the US, six people have been shot dead and more than two dozen have been hospitalised following a shooting at a 4th of July parade in a wealthy suburb of Chicago. Kelsey also talks to Kathryn about President Biden's trip to Europe for the NATO summit where he discussed increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin after NATO cleared the way for Finland and Sweden to join the alliance. Kelsey Snell is a congressional correspondent for NPR, based in Washington DC.
New Zealand's video game industry is at risk of losing out to Australia as game studios look to take advantage of new tax incentives across the Tasman. Companies here are expected to be eligible for a 40% tax break if they move or expand into Australia. The NZ Game Developers Association says this will halt the growth of what has been a fast growing and promising sector, which has previously reported growing 34% each year. Already Lower Hutt studio A44 Games has expanded to Melbourne, while Wellington's PikPok has expanded offshore with a new studio in Medellin, Columbia. New Zealand's other leading studios including RocketWerkz, Runaway Play and StaplesVR are also making plans to move their thriving businesses across the Tasman.
One of the country's largest hospices says it has cut services and may have to reduce further because of a lack of funding. Totara Hospice in South Auckland, like most other hospices around the country, is partly government funded, but it has an annual shortfall of $5 million, which it tries to make up through its second hand shops and other fundraising. Overall, the hospice sector has a whopping $81 million shortfall every year and a one-off amount of $3.1 million granted just over a week ago by government has been described as "a drop in the bucket". Kathryn speaks with Tina McCafferty, Chief Executive of Totara Hospice, and Hospice NZ acting Chief Executive, Wayne Naylor.
Bill McKay talks to Kathryn about the chronic Gib shortage, the pros and cons of the product, and some alternatives. Gib is a plasterboard system in NZ, often called drywall in other parts of the world. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Elysian Foods has been delivering a taste of Greece to New Zealanders for over 20 years, producing a range of popular Greek dips. Elysian Foods sells traditional dips like tzatziki and taramasalata, as well as original creations like a creamy vegan olive dip. Toby Green took over the business in 2017 from the original Greek owners who were looking to retire. Since taking on the business, Toby Green set out on a mission to move to plastic-free dip containers, but found the task more difficult, and suprising, than he could have ever imaged.
Neale, Brigitte and Kathryn discuss a range of issues on the political agenda, including Jacinda Ardern's business trip to Australia this week straight off the back of her northern hemisphere visit which netted an FTA with Europe. Also, changes are coming to donations law - will it increase transparency or make people less likely to donate? And goodbye DHBs, hello Health NZ, we look at the new system that's been launched as the health sector comes under extreme pressure. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government.
Stella Chrysostomou of VOLUME Books in Nelson review Notes from an Island by Tove Jansson and Tuulikki Pietila For 26 summers, Tove Jansson, author of the Moomin books, and her partner Tuulikki Pietila, artist and professor, visited the remote and wild island of Klovharun in the Gulf of Finland. On this barren inhospitable skerry, they built a cabin. The island provided Tove and Tuulikki with a place to be alone and inspiration for their artistic endeavours. The book, initially published in the mid-90 in Swedish, and now available in English, is a collection of memories, notes and diary entries with 24 atmospheric illustrations (copper plate etchings and wash drawings) of the island by Pietila.
The lives of three teenagers from America's Mid-West, who are straddling two worlds is the focus of a new documentary Only I Can Hear. The girls are CODA, or Children of Deaf Adults. Only I Can Hear has been playing as part of Doc Edge Festival, has can be viewed online until 10 July. Director Heath Cozens follows the lives and different experiences of CODA identity of Nyla, McKenzie and Jessica.
Katy talks to Kathryn about the killings of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira which has shocked Brazil and beyond. The two men were in Javari valley, home to the largest number of uncontacted tribes in the world. She also discusses the recent Colombian election result, with Colombians voting in their first ever leftist president, and first ever black Vice President. Also the case of an 11 year old girl refused an abortion by a judge in Southern Brazil. The child was eventually allowed to end the pregnancy, but President Jair Bolsonaro later said on social media that an innocent baby's life was taken in this 'tragedy' underscoring the conservatism that goes right to the top in Brazil. Katy Watson is a BBC correspondent based in Sao Paulo.
Associate Professor Mark Lauchs from the Queensland University of Technology is a specialist on an organised crime, corruption, and outlaw motorcycle gangs. He's warning Aotearoa to brace for a flood of 501 deportees in the next 12 months, many from West Sydney street gangs and Victoria's underworld. When Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently met with her Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, she pushed for a change to Australia's 501 deportation policy. Mr Albanese said he was committed to working through the issues, but not to amending the policy. Mark Lauchs talks to Kathryn about the various crackdown on gangs across the Tasman and whether they've worked.
Two weeks ago Australian consumer group CHOICE outed three retailers - Bunnings, The Good Guys and KMart - for collecting the biometric data of their customers. The watchdog last week referred the trio to Australia's privacy regulator, saying there's a lack of notice and consent in the collection of customers' images, and is a disproportianate response to theft and anti-social behaviour in stores. The situation across the Tasman has caused some groups here to say it's time New Zealand developed a national strategy for the use of artificial intelligence, to ensure the way it's used aligns with our expectations around privacy. Kathryn speaks with Madeline Newman, executive director of the AIForumNZ and Dr Dennis Desmond, who lecturers about cyber-intelligence at the University of the Sunshine Coast and says the technology itself is quite benign, until its aggregated with other data held about us.
Sam looks at the first All Blacks test of the year, the first Warriors home game in almost three years, crystal ball gazing with the Silver Ferns squad, navel gazing after the Black Caps series whitewash and Ryan Fox's success at the Irish Open
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh, published by Jonathan Cape
As the captain of some of the world's largest and most lavish superyachts, Brendan O'Shannassy has had a window into a world that few of us can even imagine.
As Niue's border opens, positive Covid cases are found there. Susana has the latest on the UN Ocean Conference and looks ahead to the PNG elections. Susana Lei'ataua is RNZ Pacific's news editor
Almost a year after US troops began withdrawing from Afgahanistan, Kathryn speaks with counterinsurgency expert David Kilcullen.
The biggest change to our health system in two decades kick-in today with the establishment of Health New Zealand and the Maori Health Authority.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about The Offer about the making of the Godfather (TVNZ+), Irma Vep (Neon) - a new series starring Alicia Vikander about an actress who goes to remake a famous French silent film and season two of Good Grief.
Psychologist Sarb Johal say ambivalence about parenting can strike at any time - even in the lead up to parenting. He says it's totally normal but because few parents ever voice these feelings, it's easy to feel guilty.
Cyber-security expert Tony Grasso looks at a new survey of what keeps companies' IT security teams up at night...with ransomware and phishing attacks top of the list.
Hannah August reviews Notes on Womanhood by Sarah Jane Barnett, published by Otago University Press
Dr Chris Winter is a neurologist and world leading sleep expert. The best-selling author of The Sleep Solution, Dr Winter has now turned his focus to helping children with their sleep.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to look at the NATO meeting in Madrid, plans to hold a second vote on Scottish independence and Downing Street able to give anonymous evidence suggesting Boris Johnson lied to Parliament.
Four years ago the Auckland Council imposed strict measures to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback disease, including closing off parts of the Waitakere Ranges to the public.
The Climate Leaders' Coalition - whose 96 signatories are responsible for almost 60 percent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions - will today officially launch a Statement of Ambition, which aims for meaningful climate action.
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about research that's modelled how many lives were saved during the first year the vaccines were available, a catnip plant from Japan and China that not only gives cats endorphins - it also protects them from mosquitoes and the study that's found 69 different genetic variants linked with the ability to keep in time to a beat.
Taupo-based illustrator Donovan Bixley has published an illustrated biography of one of the greatest thinkers of all time; Leonardo da Vinci.
Music 101 host Charlotte Ryan joins Kathryn to play new music from Marlon Williams, Beth Orton and a classic from Elvis.
The Government's preferred option to remake the Capital's transport infrastructure, released this morning, includes light rail from the city centre to the south coast. It wants tracks connecting Wellington's central train station to Island Bay; an extra tunnel through Mount Victoria for buses, bicycles and walkers; and roads rearranged around the Basin Reserve. The plan is part of the partnership between the Government, Wellington city and regional councils, and Waka Kotahi. Kathryn speaks with Wellington Regional Councillor, Thomas Nash.
Kathyrn talks to Canadian film maker and writer Fazila Amiri about her documentary And Still I Sing. it tells the story of two friends competing to be the first woman to win Afganistan's version of America Idol while the resurgence of the Taliban and its eventual retaking of the country happens in the background. It also focuses on Afghan pop-star judge Aryana Sayeed who is outspoken in her support of women's rights in the country.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn to talk about what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is doing at NATO in Madrid, and why the government is now talking about sorting its submarine plans by March next year.
A privacy expert says Kiwi kids need better protection when it comes to what's being shared about them by their parents online. Nikki Chamberlain is a senior lecturer at Auckland University's law school and has looked at the lack of safeguards in place for the third edition of a book she's co-edited, Privacy Law in New Zealand. She says children are being subjected to "sharenting" - the oversharing of information about them by their parents, leaving them vulnerable. She talks to Kathryn about how children's images can be misused and where the law is letting them down.
Oranga Tamariki has given notice to all its service providers that their funding contracts are not guaranteed beyond the next three to six months. Hundreds of charities and NGOs which have Oranga Tamariki funding abruptly received a letter from the agency earlier this week. It stated that Oranga Tamariki is consolidating its structure, functions and service needs, and as a result, adjustments and reductions will need to be made to the range of services that are funded. Oranga Tamariki says it expects to give more certainty to the charities by the week beginning 18 July. Nikki Hurst, the executive officer of the New Zealand Christian Social Services tells Kathryn she's deeply concerned about the implications for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, at at time when service use is increasing at a rate not seen in a generation.
Damning testimony has emerged about the former US President, Donald Trump's behaviour on the day of the January 6th Capitol riots.
Liz talks to Kathryn about why some people are risk takers and some aren't. Also why some people panic when their investments fall in value and some don't.
It's a story involving shipwreck, treasure, castaways, heroism and survival. The shipwreck of the General Grant is one of the most enduring mysteries of New Zealand's nautical history. Cristina Sanders is an award-winning author and historian and has reimagined the events of 1866 in her new novel Mrs Jewell and the Wreck of the General Grant. The ship was London-bound and laden with gold from the mines when it was wrecked on the Auckland Islands. Expertly researched, Cristina Sanders dramatises what happened to the 15 survivors who lived as castaways for 18 months on a bleak and stormy sub-Antarctic island. Kathryn speaks to Cristina Sanders about the enduring mystery of what happened to the gold and the possible whereabouts of the ship.
Rebecca discusses China's clamp down on influencers. Also the reaction from businesses, including New Zealand linked footwear firm Allbirds to the Roe versus Wade abortion decision in the US.
Melanie O'Loughlin of Lamplight Books reviews The Men by Sandra Newman, published by Allen and Unwin.
New Zealand ultra-marathon runner Ruth Croft has won the Western States Endurance 100 race in California - described as one of the world's toughest races - in searing 40 degree heat. It was redempetion for the Wanaka based professional runner who came second in the same race last year. Her time of 17 hours 21 minutes and 30 seconds was the third fastest in the race's history.
Tony Fadell is an American engineer and designer who was instrumental in the creation of the the iPod and iPhone during his time at Apple. In fact, he's often referred to as "the father of the iPod", and was co-creator of the iPhone - developing three generations of it. He went on to co-found Nest Labs, with its revolutionary smart-thermostat, which was eventually sold to Google for US$3.2 billion in 2014. But while his career in Silicon Valley has had some spectacular highs, it's also had some some lows. He's taken the lessons he learned the hard way, stories of failed ventures and screw-ups, and advice about sticking to your vision and backing yourself and your product, and compiled them into a new book called Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making. He tells Kathryn how he started out tinkering with computers, and ended up making things that changed the world.
The largest indigenous film festival in the Southern Hemisphere kicks off tomorrow, and among those debuting their work will be eight young Maori and Pasifika film-makers.
There are growing calls for a long covid research clinic in New Zealand, with experts saying upskilling the health workforce is vital. Otago University has begun preliminary work towards the possible establishment of a multi-disciplinary clinic, to help people who've had Covid who are still battling with ongoing symptoms such as breathing issues. Cardio-respiratory physiotherapist, Dr Sarah Rhodes, who is a Lecturer at the University of Otago's School of Physiotherapy and Secretary of the Physiotherapy New Zealand Cardio-Respiratory Special Interest Group says conservative estimates suggest one 10 people who experience an acute Covid infection will go on to develop persistent symptoms such as extreme tiredness and breathlessness. She hopes a long covid clinic will be up and running in six months. Physiotherapist Dr Tania Clifton-Smith specialises in breathing pattern disorders, and she stresses the vital role physio plays in the treatment and recovery of people Long Covid.
The Drug Foundation is warning New Zealand is grossly underprepared to respond to a widespread fentanyl outbreak with a limited supply of the life-saving drug Naloxone.
It's the the annual Garden Bird Survey this week, where the public is invited to count birds in their backyard or local park or reserve for an hour any time between now and Sunday and report the results to Manaaki Whenua Landcare.
Brothers Tim and Luke Burrows quit the corporate world to start a vegan food truck, and a business called Wise Boys.
New Zealand politicians have reacted to the the momentous decision by the US Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs Wade. The Prime Minister heads to Europe to get try to get a free trade deal over the line.
Kathryn speaks with Brazilian bodysurfer Kalani Lattanzi, the twenty-seven year old who has conquered the world's most enormous and notorious waves, including Hawai'i's "Jaws", a five-storey high wave, awesome in the true sense of the word.
In what Ukraine describes as provocation as G7 leaders meet in Germany to discuss the impact of Putin's invasion, Russia has bombed Kyiv for the first time in weeks.
The University of Canterbury is offering a free degree initiative for 300 school leavers who otherwise may not have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education.
New Zealand is falling behind other western countries in closing the gap between men and women's wages, according to new research.
Film and TV correspondent James Croot joins Lynn to look at Cha Cha Real Smooth (Apple TV+) - a Sundance Award-winning film about a young man who works as a Bar Mitzvah party host, who strikes up a friendship with a mother and her autistic daughter. He'll also look at BBC drama series This is Going to Hurt (TVNZ), Amazon's Chloe and the second season of Only Murders in the Building
Senior Researcher at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research Mohamed Alansari with some new research out today, highlighting how most secondary school teachers have changed something about the way they teach because of Covid-19.
Technology correspondent Peter Griffin joins Lynn to look at where the decision by two former Megaupload partners to plead guilty to a raft of charges leaves the third - Kim Dotcom. He'll also talk about the legacy of this long-running saga in the piracy war, and the changes the entertainment industry has made to fight against copyright infringement. Microsoft has backed away from using problematic facial recognition technology used to detect people's emotions, and what advice are tech companies getting about the economic rough times ahead?
Robyn Cuff from Take Note bookstore in Hokitika reviews Explore the Cemeteries of Westland and Buller by John Stewart, plus others from their specialist rare West Coast books collection
Hanna Polak's extraordinary film Angels of Sinjar details one woman's fight to find her five sisters, who were abducted and sold into sexual slavery by Isis. Of all the barbaric acts committed by Isis, the genocide of the Yezidi people stunned the world. In August 2014 Isis carried out an attack in the Sinjar area of northern Iraq, home to the Yezidis. Men and boys who refused to convert to Islam were killed and dumped in mass graves. Thousands of women and girls were forced to become sexual slaves and many remain captive. Polish director, cinematographer and producer Hanna Polak's new documentary follows one woman's fight to be reunited with her five sisters, who were abducted, raped and sold into slavery. It's not Hanna's first foray into telling the stories of those fighting on the fringes - her documentary The Children of Leningradsky about Moscow's streetkids - was nominated for an Oscar and two Emmys. Angels of Sinjar is screening now as part of the DocEdge festival.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Lynn to talk about the massive disruption to millions of passengers across Britain due to rail strikes. Will negotiations avert more planned action later this week? Shoppers face a £380 increase in their annual grocery bills, according new research - a lot higher than what was forecast. Two by-elections taking place today could provide another blow to Boris Johnson's authority, the summer solstice and the mystery over a bird tag that was taken to some puzzling locations.
What are consumer interests and rights in the age of big tech? And can our laws keeping up with swift change? Joshua Fairfield is a professor at the Washington and Lee University School of Law in the US, and the author of "Runaway Technology: Can Law keep up?" He says we can and must craft laws to protect consumer interests in the age of big tech. He talks to Lynn Freeman about online consumer contracts, laws for online communities, and data and privacy protection. Professor Fairfieid is currently in Wellington as a guest of Victoria University.
New Zealand's pig farming sector says a new draft welfare code for pigs could spell the end of the country's pork industry. The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee has drafted a new code, following a High Court ruling in November 2020 that deemed farrowing crates unlawful. It's proposing a range of changes to the way pigs are cared for, including increased space allowances, restrictions on farrowing crates and an increased weaning age. But New Zealand's pig farming body NZ Pork says the new code could lead to the deaths of 60,000 piglets every year and would require almost every indoor and outdoor pig farm in the country to be partly or totally re-built. Lynn speaks with Dr Gwyneth Verkerk, the chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and Brent Kleiss, chief executive of NZ Pork.
Arts commentator John Smythe joins Kathryn to talk about Indian Ink's current tour with Krishnan's Dairy and Mrs Krishnan's Party. What's made these two plays so successful at home and around the world? He'll also talk about Nga Rorirori, opening this week at Wellington's Circa Theatre. John Smythe is Managing Editor of theatreview.org.nz.
Travelling to, and around, New Zealand was a major investment in time in the early 20th century. So what made tourists - mainly from Britain - undertake the journey? And how was the country sold to would-be travellers at the time? Historian Paul Moon has written about it in a new book called Touring Edwardian New Zealand. He looks at the Thomas Cook guidebook, first published in 1902, and how the fledgling tourism industry operated at a time when New Zealand was still dealing with tensions between Maori and Pakeha, and wrestling with its colonial ties to Britain.
Music commentator Kirsten Zemke joins Kathryn to play some duets. Traditionally a duet is a musical composition/performance for two in which the performers have equal importance. Today we look at some big mixed gender duets. Kirsten Zemke is an ethnomusicologist at the University of Auckland's School of Social Sciences.
Michelle Rahurahu reviews The Dawnhounds by Sascha Stronach, published by Simon & Schuster
Booker Prize-winning Scottish novelist Douglas Stuart speaks with Kathryn Ryan about his new novel, Young Mungo which is breaking hearts. Young Mungo develops into a romance between two teenage boys. Mungo is Protestant, James is Catholic. Their relationship is forbidden on so many levels. Set in the early '90s in hard-bitten Glaswegian tenements riven with sectarian violence, where unemployed former shipbuilders "rot in front of daytime tv" and real men prove themselves as thugs. Young Mungo is a story exploring the bounds of masculinity, the magnetism and disappointment of family, the violence experienced by many queer people, and the dangers of falling in love. Douglas Stuart is Glagwegian born and bred. He won the Booker Prize two years ago for his first novel, Shuggie Bain, finally trying his hand at writing age 40, after a glittering career in fashion design.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn with an update on the nation's energy crisis, as the national competition watchdog decides to investigate spiralling prices and accusations that power companies are gaming the market by withdrawing supply, leading to blackout warnings. Julian Assange's family and friends fear he could be on a plane to the US within weeks after the UK approved his extradition. And could a new attorney general stop the trial of Bernard Collaery and his former client, Witness K, for their alleged role in exposing a 2004 bugging operation targeting Timor-Leste?
An almost sold-out performance for Matariki is educating hundreds of Auckland school students about vulnerability and leadership, resilience and joy. Youth worker, choreographer and dancer Hadleigh Pouesi speaks with Kathryn about challenging troubled youth to turn from crime and live a better life by expressing themselves through dance as a physical expression of culture. Hadleigh's dance-theatre work MĀUI is being presented with three shows at the Aotea Centre tomorrow, as part of the Matariki Festival and Pacific Dance Festival programme. Hadleigh is a performer in the show, also director and choreographer. He is in charge of, and part of a cast of over thirty performers. He is also a director with Freshmans Dance Crew, which is responsible for creating employment opportunities for over 100 young performers. As a day job, Hadleigh is a manager at Zeal West Auckland - a dedicated youth centre in Henderson supporting young people through networking, korero and upskilling.
Fletcher Building says it plans to increase supply over the next few months and believes the plasterboard market will come back to equilibrium by October. In documents released ahead of its investor day, the company says supply will increase by 10 percent in the next four months, after it reconfigured its factory, increased imports and issued royalty-free licenses to 10-parties to import foreign made plasterboard, which might breach its trademark. It comes as the government has established a taskforce to look at alternatives to GIB board, which makes up 95 percent of the market. RNZ business reporter Nicholas Pointon.
GPs say they're at breaking point, and a recent funding offer from the outgoing DHBs and interim Health New Zealand is "insulting and insufficient". Primary Health Organisations have been in negotiations over a capitation percentage increase, which is the principal mechanism that sets the funding of general practice. GPs who are part of a PHO receive a base level of funding per patient visit and are allowed to charge a co-payment. Every year, GPs do more than 20 million consultations with patients, funded with around one billion dollars from the goverment. But family doctors say they're stretched to breaking point, and the three per cent increase that has been offered is way off the mark. Kathryn speaks with Dr Samantha Murton, President of the College of General Practitioners.
Andrew on the collapse of SkyTV's attempt to buy Mediaworks, changes at TVNZ with the launch of their updated streaming brand TVNZ+, and with the recent Cabinet reshuffle, Kris Faafoi hands over the Broadcasting Minister reins to Willie Jackson. Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
Social Anthropologist and Museum Ethnographer Dr Paul Tapsell on how Maori alienation from kainga and whenua becomes a wider story of environmental degradation and system collapse.
Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983
Ash Davida Jane reviews You Probably Think This Song Is About You by Kate Camp, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press
Matt and Suzanne Knight were inspired to sail to a remote rock in the Atlantic in search of a never-before-surfed wave after reading a 19th century treasure hunting seafarer's journal. The couple from North Devon, read a book by E.F Knight - no relation - written in 1894 which told the story of his search for plundered gold on the Savage Isles. The group of islands, which are also known as the Selvagens Islands, are in the North Atlantic Ocean - 280 kilometers south of Madeira, and 165 kilometers north of the Canary Islands. E.F Knight and his crew never found the gold, but surf adventurers Matt and Suzanne were drawn to several paragraphs which vividly described a huge, perfect barrel wave. And so a plan was hatched to find it and surf it. Director Mikey Corker has made a documentary about the journey, called Savage Waters, which is screening here as part of Doc Edge online until the 10th of July. He, Matt and Suzanne tell their story to Kathryn Ryan.
Wellington ultramarathon runner Nick Ashill has completed his epic run across America - five years after a serious hit and run accident in Ohio. We spoke to Nick a few weeks back, just before he left Wellington to return to the US and pick up where he left off with his run - with one thousand kilometres to go. He crossed the finish line on Coney Island yesterday.
The hearings into the January 6th riot are throwing up chilling new information, including that the mob which stormed the Capitol came within 40 feet of the Vice President during their rampage. There's been an update on Covid vaccination eligibility, with children as young as 6 months now able to be vaccinated. And Yellowstone national park has been severely damaged by flooding. Kelsey Snell is a congressional correspondent for NPR, based in Washington DC.
A new scheme is coming into force to ensure millions of used tyres stay out of rubbish dumps. The country's first regulated product stewardship scheme Tyrewise has been announced this morning. Tyrewise's governing body, Auto Stewardship New Zealand, has been awarded $1.2 million from the Waste Minimisation Fund - Te Putea Whakamauru Para. It will allow for a four month trial in Hawke's Bay, ahead of the recycling scheme being operational from 2023. It's estimated the scheme will prevent several million used tyres from going to landfill, or being illegally dumped each year. Chair of Autostewardship NZ Mark Gilbert,says it's been a long road to get to this point.
Russia is tightening its grip on the strategically significant city of Sievierodonetsk, located in the fiercely contested Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. Capturing Sievierodonetsk has been a top military goal for Moscow, and Russian forces now control most, but not all, of the city, and have it three-quarters encircled. After weeks of heavy shelling, Russia is now amassing a large number of troops to the city in an attempt to gain full control of Sievierodonestsk. Meanwhile, the city is quickly running out of essential supplies, with thousands of civilians trapped in the city, some sheltering in bunkers beneath the Azot chemical plant. The city has been largely off-limits for reporters since May given the dangers of the sustained Russian bombardment. Independent journalist Billy Nessen was the only reporter to remain in Sievierodonetsk for more than a day during the protracted siege - he ended up spending forty days there. He decided to leave when shelling escalated and Russian troops entered the city and is now in Dnipro, where he speaks to Kathryn.
Bill celebrates Matariki and our mid-winter new year with some ideas about community gardens close to inner city density. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Kathrine Lynch is the founder of meal planning service, The Daily Menu. She shares a range of budget tips and recipes for cutting your grocery bill, including cooking meals in bulk for eat half now and freeze half for later.
Kathryn, Ben and Shane discuss the Cabinet reshuffle and the expectations on Ministers in their new portfolios. Also, Parliament's getting a new Speaker in Adrian Rurawhe, could there be an opportunity for The Maori Party if he becomes a list MP?. Then there's the result in the Tauranga by-election with Sam Uffindell retaining the seat for National. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. Ben Thomas is a PR consultant and a former National Government press secretary.
Quentin Johnson reviews The Flame of Resistance by Damien Lewis, published by Hachette NZ
In 1975, Dame Whina Cooper led a land march from Te Hāpua in the far north, to Parliament in Wellington, demanding action on the loss of Māori land. "Not one more acre" became the movement's rallying cry. From an initial group of 50, the hīkoi swelled to over 5000 people, and with them, they carried a petition of 60,000 signatures to deliver to Prime Minister Bill Rowling. It was a moment in Aotearoa's history that led to a significant breakthrough in Maori land rights. An iconic photo captured Dame Whina's first steps on her journey from Te Hapua, holding hands with her three-year-old granddaughter, Irenee Cooper. Now a new film called Whina is set to hit cinema screens on Wednesday - a biopic of the life of Te Whaea o Te Motu, the Mother of the Nation. Directed by James Napier Robertson and Paula Whetu Jones, it stars Rena Owen and Miriama McDowell as the trailblazing leader through her life. Kathryn speaks to Dame Whina's granddaughter Irenee, who is executive producer on the film.
The European Commission has recommended Ukraine be granted EU candidate status. an important step towards EU membership. The final decision will depend on the 27 EU member countries. This announcement by the Commission comes after a very significant visit to Ukraine by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania where they reinforced their support to Kyiv. Thomas Sparrow is a political correspondent for Deutsche Welle, based in Berlin
The introduction of higher insulation standards designed to make homes not only warmer, but more energy efficient, could be delayed even longer. The building code changes were announced last year by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, with a one year transition period through to November this year. Some in the building industry raised concerns about meeting the deadline, so MBIE sought feedback on a six month extension. A decision is due by July. To discuss the stresses on the industry, Kathryn is joined by David Kelly, CEO of the Master Builders' Association. She'll also talk to Andrew Eagles, CEO of the Green Building Council about why he has concerns about the delay.
A mountain biking expert who grades trails for city councils is warning that many of the country's tracks are undergraded, meaning they're actually harder than the signs suggest. Simon Noble has graded tracks for Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson and Tasman Councils and says about half the tracks he's analysed were a grade out, and some needed to change two grades. He says undergraded trails risk causing injury if riders aren't experienced enough, and once a network is regraded, it often reveals the majority of tracks are advanced and expert level, with fewer easy and intermediate trails. Part of the issue is there is no single system being used; three different grading systems are in use across New Zealand, leading to a lack of consistency of signage. Kathryn speaks to Simon Noble recreation and tourism consultant, and Brendan Hills, chair of the Nelson Mountain Bike Club.
Comedians Te Radar and Irene Pink finish the week with a few laughs, including news of a cat cafe opening in Lower Hutt.
Dana looks ahead to the Super Rugby final, Blues versus Crusaders at Eden Park tomorrow night. It's a sell-out so does this signal a return to the glory days of Super Rugby or is it an anomaly?. Also umpiring technology is in the spotlight after the VAR debacle in the All Whites versus Costa Rica football World Cup qualifier. Dana Johannsen is Stuff's National Correspondent specialising in sport.
Today we'll hear two tracks from a killer collection spotlighting "The Lost Queen of New Orleans Soul" Betty Harris, followed by raucous power pop action from Rangiora's Best Bets and some prime UK lover's rock from Dennis Bovell/ African Stone.
Tilly Lloyd from Unity Books reviews The Bread the Devil Knead by Lisa Allen-Agostini, published by Myriad Editions UK Pub by: Myriad Editions UK, RRP: paperback, $30
Candice Carty-Williams had a smash hit with her first novel, Queenie, which she decribed as the black Briget Jone's Diary. She was 26 when she wrote it, and it sold more than 500,000 copies, winning Book Of The Year at the British Book Awards in 2020, making her the first Black author to win the award. Queenie was all about a young black women working for a predominantly white newspaper, trying to straddle two cultures. Her new novel, People Person, is all about family relationships. She's one of nine siblings with the same father, so there's resonance with the non-nuclear family at the heart of People Person - a family that comes together, rather than falling apart.
The Prime Minister of Samoa has confirmed her government is looking at halting the open recruitment process for RSE workers. In her address to horticulture industry leaders in Hawke's Bay, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa made it clear that Samoa's government wants to raise the quality of the RSE scheme and strengthen it. And the Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has met with her counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta in Wellington. She has criticised the Coalition for failing to intervene to stop the Solomon Islands - China deal.
Thirty years ago three children disappeared from the same street in a small town in New South Wales. They became known as the Bowraville Three: Sixteen-year-olds Colleen Walker-Craig and Clinton Speedy-Duroux and four-year-old Evelyn Greenup. One man was considered the main suspect in all three murders - he was tried and aquitted over two murders, but the three deaths were never heard together in one trial. Director Allan Clarke spent years documenting the Aboriginal community's long fight for justice - talking to family members about the disappearances, the initial investigation, trials and attempts to change the law. The result is The Bowraville Murders, which premiered late last year in Australia and is screening now in New Zealand as part of the DocEdge festival.
A team of four students at Christchurch's St Andrew's College have won an international mathematics award for their work modelling the most time-effective way for passengers to board and disembark a plane. The four year 13 students; Toby Harvie, Luke Zhu, Corin Simcock, and Tom Edwards were one of three teams in the world to get an Outstanding Team award at the International Mathematical Modelling Challenge. The team spent five days simulating different boarding and disembarking methods, taking into account variables like people with carry-on luggage and groups boarding together. They found the fastest method for a narrow-body aircraft was for window seats to board first, followed by middle seats and then aisle seats, and for a wide-body aircraft, the fastest boarding was by section - from back to front. Kathryn speaks to one of the students; Toby Harvie, and Phil Adams, the teacher in charge of digital technologies and mathematics at St Andrew's College.
The economy has shrunk, interest rates are on the rise, house prices down, and the cost of living soaring. Are we in store for a recession ? Gross Domestic Product fell 0.2 percent in the March 2022 quarter, well below expectations. Kathryn speaks with ANZ Senior Economist Miles Workman who says consumer spending is holding up for now, but when New Zealanders start closing their wallets, a recession - soft or hard - will just be a question of time
Film and TV correspondent Laumata Lauano looks at a new offering from Disney and the Marvel universe: Ms Marvel. It scores high on the diversity list, but why was it subject to review bombing on the IMDb site? She'll also look at the long-awaited season three of Umbrella Academy (Netflix) and the TV version of the popular book The Time Traveler's Wife (Neon).
Author and parenting coach, Maggie Dent, talks to Kathryn about her new book Girlhood: raising our little girls to be healthy, happy and heard. She says it is vital that parents enable young girls' voices to be heard, and help girls navigate the challenges of modern times. Maggie is the mother of four boys, and the proud grandmother of four girls. She's a former teacher and counsellor, the host of the ABC podcast Parental as Anything.
Tech commentator Paul Matthews joins Kathryn to look at why one of Google's Artificial Intelligence chatbots hit the news this week. One of its engineers went public with big news: he thought it could now feel, perceive and think for itself. What's really going on and is this the dawn of a new AI era?
It's official - the economy has contracted. Gross Domestic Product fell 0.2 percent in the March 2022 quarter, according to the latest data from Stats NZ, just released. This compares with a rise of 3.0 percent in the December 2021 quarter. The annual rate of GDP slowed to 1.2 percent from 3.1 percent in 2021. Meanwhile the local share market has posted its first substantive gain in more than a week, following the positive mood on Wall Street, after the US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates to get inflation under control. Kathryn speaks with RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford.
Dropped off by helicopter into remote Fiordland, Tanya Bottomley embarked on a 600 kilometre journey to traverse the 45th Parallel, from Caswell Sound to the beaches of Oamaru. Starting at the end of January, Tanya's trip lasted 26 days- 300 kilometres of which was on foot, 22 kilometres of paddling, and around 270 kilometres of cycling. She had no track to follow and multiple mountain ranges and lakes to cross. Tanya Bottomley is speaking at the Mountain Book and Film Festival later this month and will be releasing a film about her expedition next year.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Kathryn to look at why the government's plans to send asylum seekers to central Africa were thwarted at the last minute, the EU is launching legal action against Britain over its attempts to change the Northern Ireland Protocol, and businessman Arron Banks loses his long-running libel case against a freelance journalist.
An unexpected "swarm" of marine life has been found in a newly explored Antarctic river deep beneath the ice. A team of scientists from Victoria University, NIWA, and GNS made the discovery while studying a suspected under-ice estuary, hundreds of kilometres from the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf. When they drilled down into the river, their camera was inundated by dozens of small amphipods - a type of animal from the same family that includes lobsters, crabs, and mites. Kathryn speaks with Professor Craig Stevens, NIWA Physical Oceanographer who was part of the team.
As Christchurch ratepayers have their say on the future of the city's beleaguered new stadium project, the Prime Minister has made it clear there'll be no more money from central government. The 30,000 seat covered stadium was initially projected to cost $533 million, but ballooning costs mean another $150 million is needed, taking the project to $683 million. The government is contributing $220 million to the project, and the Prime Minister yesterday ruled out providing more support to cover the increasing costs. A large chunk will have to be absorbed by Christchurch ratepayers, an estimated extra $39 a year per household would be needed, pushing up rates bills by $144 a year in total for the stadium. In response to the blowout, the council is now consulting the public on three options; accept the $150 million cost increase, delay and redesign it, or stop the project altogether. Kathryn speaks to Sam MacDonald, Christchurch city councillor and Leeann Watson, chief executive of the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce.
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn with some interesting studies, including one where Australian researchers found a species of worm able to feed on polystyrene. US scientists have developed 'millirobots' which use magnets and origami folding to flip, spin and even swim! And women's blood pressure measurements may be inaccurate because of their height - a Canadian study compared people's blood pressure measured during an arm cuff and another inside their arteries during surgery.
Demographer Professor Paul Spoonley tells Kathryn Ryan Covid-19 has had a major impact upon life expectancy around the high-income world. New Zealand is one of only three countries to see life expectancy increase during the pandemic.
House sales are taking longer to complete, properties are staying on the market for longer and the upward pressure on prices are easing. The Real Estate Institute has just released its residential sales data for May. Median house prices have decreased 4 percent since April, but are up 2.4 percent since this time last year. Meanwhile across New Zealand, the number of houses sold have decreased 28.4 percent annually, from 7,758 houses sold last year, to 5,556 this year. Kathryn speaks to Jen Baird, Chief Executive of REINZ.
When Wendy Davis was attacked at work the incident wasn't taken seriously. Like so many women of her generation, she'd been told never to make a fuss. Her attacker, Bradley Robert Edwards, would go on to become a serial killer, leading to one of the longest-running and most expensive murder trials in Australia's history. Wendy Davis's memoir is Don't Make a Fuss - It's Only the Claremont Serial Killer. It highlights the importance of listening to women when they speak up about assault. Wendy joins Kathryn from her home in Hobart.
Correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about Jacinda Ardern's visit to meet Australia's new Prime Minister, who was sympathetic to Kiwi concerns over deportees but offered no commitment to changing the policy. Australia's cold snap is turning into an energy crisis with old coal-fired power stations failing just as all local gas is being sold offshore at high prices. Will the government find a solution before the weather worsens? And the Sydney Morning Herald is under fire over its columnist's attempt to "out" Rebel Wilson - and his reaction when she did it for him.
When Neil Edmond's children were at school, he became alarmed that they weren't being taught financial literacy.What is a bank account? How does interest work? What's the difference between a credit card and a debit card? Neil was a marketing consultant at the time, but set about researching financial literacy programs for kids and, not finding anything satisfactory, decided to create his own. He launched MoneyTime in 2018, and the programme is now used by more than 700 primary schools nationwide, as well as in some schools in South Africa, Australia and the United States. Neil Edmond has just been a finalist in the inaugural Money Inclusion and Awareness Awards in Singapore.
The All Whites missed out at a shot at the World Cup this morning after a 1-nil lost to Costa Rica in the intercontinental playoff. The South Americans scored first, taking a 1-nil lead in the third minute - which netted them a place at the World Cup in Qatar later this year. Kathryn speaks to former All Whites coach Kevin Fallon.
The Children's Commissioner is aghast that a bill effectively dismantling the role is proceeding, despite the majority of submissions opposing it. The Social Services and Community Select Committee heard hundreds of submissions on the bill - which scraps the statutory position of Children's Commissioner. A new Children and Young Person's Commission is to be established, which would be run by a board of up to six members. This Bill also sees the Children's Commissioner stripped of their power to investigate, no longer handling complaints from children and their families. Children's Commissioner Judge Frances Eivers says the vast majority of submissions opposed the changes and children in care deserve to have a monitor that is independent of Government. Kathryn speaks with Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni and Children's Commissioner Frances Eivers.
Simran Kaur is the co-host of the podcast Girls That Invest. She talks to Kathryn about the volatility in the market, the rise in inflation and living costs, and has advice for how to ask for a raise during these high inflation times. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
As winter sets in, and leaks and mould appear in homes around the country, the Citizens Advice Bureau wants renters to know their rights. It's landlords who hold the power, especially in the current rental market, says acting CE Andrew Hubbard, but tenants are being forced to chase them up to fulfil their obligations.
Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson talks to Kathryn about Starbucks and unionisation and whether the coffee chain is a a time capsule of what's going on in America. And consumer groups in 18 European countries have backed a report calling gaming loot boxes "exploitative". Rebecca explains what loot boxes are.
Kiran Dass reviews The Premonitions Bureau by Sam Knight, published by Allen and Unwin Pub by: Allen and Unwin RRP: $37.00
Today exercise is a multi billion-dollar fitness industry, and women account for more than half of all gym memberships, and dominate yoga, pilates and barre studios. But it hasn't always been this way. For much of the twentieth century, sweating was considered unladylike, and physical exercise was discouraged. Women were not allowed to run marathons in case they turned into men, or lesbians, and it was feared that physical exertion could damage a woman's reproductive organs or cause her uterus to fall out. Journalist Danielle Friedman has tracked the fascinating history of women's exercise culture through her book Let's Get Physical and found it was only in the sixties that a few forward-thinking fitness pioneers began to promote exercise for women, and women began to move en masse, setting in motion an exercise revolution.
Ron Elving in the United States, where the January 6 hearings will continue this morning, 10 Republican senators look like they're - tentatively on board for modest gun control measures and the price of petrol and diesel continue to spike inflation. Ron Elving is a Senior Editor and Correspondent, Washington Desk for NPR news
Elison Mae spent 17 years in and out of foster care suffering emotional, physical, sexual and psychological abuse which she says social workers knew about and turned a blind eye. The Royal Commission into Abuse in State care is holding a week long inquiry into abuse within the foster care system, and Ms Mae yesterday spoke for the first time of her experiences. Remarkably she survived that childhoo, went on to get a law degree, and worked for Child Youth and Family. She says the system must be fixed, and she's speaking out because she doesn't want any other child to go through what she did.
There are warnings of a "Great Resignation" with staff turnover in many sectors reaching up to 50 per cent. That's according to the annual Salary and Employment Report by Human resources platform MyHR, covering more than 1,250 companies, and 27,000 employees, in New Zealand between 2019 and 2022. In data also out today, job advertisements rose to a record high, up 3-percent, in May. Employment website Seek says this is 15-percent higher than this time last year. Applications for those jobs fell by 4-percent. There's been a sharp increase in demand for workers in particular in retail, hospitality and community services. So what does this all mean for workers and employers? Kathryn is joined by MyHR chief executive Jason Ennor and Professor of Human Resource Management at AUT's Department of Management Jarrod Haar.
Kennedy looks at the incredible migratory journeys of godwits from New Zealand to Alaska, which are happening at the moment, and which inspired a piece of choral music in praise of the birds. Also the fish that is destroying Caribbean coral reefs and how noisy oceans can affect the breeding of reef fish.
A Kiwi food company is winning over vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians with a range of alternative meat products sold under the brand name Plan*t. Sustainable Foods currently supplies plant-based burgers, mince and sausages to New Zealand supermarkets and takeaway chains and will soon enter the competitive international market.
The Prime Minister has met her new counterpart in Australia, Anthony Albanese, but will anything change over 501 deportees? A new poll shows the pain points for the government - economic pressures and crime, is it time for a Cabinet reshuffle? And then there's the Tauranga by-election. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Tim Hurdle is a former National party advisor and was campaign director for National at the 2020 election.
Coming Home is a new documentary set in a town in South Africa following the lives of a group of men whose lives revolve around racing pigeons. It homes in on one of the pigeon farmers, Emile, who loves his birds but dreams to see the world and to work as a musician. Award winning film maker Julia Jansch has a film making diploma from The New York Film Academy, and an MBA and Masters in Global Governance from the University of Oxford. One of her previous films, My Father The Mover was the Best Documentary Short Film at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2020. Coming Home is playing as part of Doc Edge, screening online until the 10th of July.
The French government has welcomed news of a compensation agreement in the row with Australia over the scrapping of a French submarine deal. Australia's new Labour government says it's reached a settlement worth 555 million euros, to be paid to France's Naval Group. France's new defence minister says it's the 'turning of a new page' in France-Australia relations. Seamus also talks to Kathryn about the leaders of Germany, France and Italy reportedly planning a joint visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv within weeks. And France has been voting in the first round of parliamentary elections that will decide whether newly-reelected President Macron gets a working majority in parliament.
Auckland's billion-dollar budget passed last week, which means the city's households will soon be paying into a dedicated fund to help tackle climate change.
There's has been an almost 50 percent increase in the number of students who have stopped going to their regular school, and enrolled at the Correspondence School in the last year. Te Kura, which provides distance learning to students around the country, has seen a huge boom in enrolments in the last 12 months - with the vast majority; 1000, being classified as non-enrolled. That category now numbers over two and half thousand of the school's total roll of 10 thousand. These are students whose previous school has taken them off the roll for not attending or have fallen out of the education system. These disengaged students, along with those expelled or excluded, may be referred to Te Kura by the Ministry of Education, but that can take months or even years. So what's driving these numbers to the Correspondence School, what happens to students who are out of the system, and especially to those left waiting in limbo? Kathryn speaks to Mike Hollings, the chief executive of Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu and Sarah Butterfield, a solicitor at YouthLaw Aotearoa, a free community law centre for young people under 25.
Sam Ackerman reflects on the bizarre week of sport that's seen the Warriors go from free fall to doing coaching backflips, the most controversial competition in global sport becoming a reality. Saudi backed golf, as well as putting the big netball, rugby and cricket clashes under the microscope.
Long time coming, brand new releases from Liverpool legend Mick Head, Canadian indie rockers Stars, and a birthday celebration for the Breeders' Deal twins.
Rebecca Jones of Scorpio Books in Christchurch reviews Matariki by Rangi Matamua and Miriama Kamo, published by Scholastic
Paul Pritchard was a cutting edge British rock climber and mountaineer, whose love of the sport had taken him all over the world. Paul is also a writer, and when he won an award with his first book, he naturally spent the prize money on a world climbing tour, which took him to Tasmania. While climbing a 65 metre rock stack called The Totem Pole, he was struck in the head by a huge boulder, suffering a catestrophic brain injury. Paul spent a year in hospital and initally dotors through he might never walk or even speak again. He has though - Paul has climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, he's caved, sea kayaked, river rafted, ridden a recumbent bike through Tibet to Mt Everest and in 2016, he finally climbed the Totem Pole - 18 years after his accident. Paul is paralysed down one side, has epilepsy and issues with his his speech and memory but - amazingly - regards his accident it as a precious gift. He's speaking at the Mountain Film Festival in Wanaka, Queenstown and online; running between June 24 and July 2.
Two senior officials of India's ruling party have made controversial comments about the Prophet Muhammad, trigging condemnation of Islamic countries, and domestic unease from the country's minority Muslim population. Protests have broken out and Al-Qaida in India has threatened attacks. In Vietnam, the Health Minister and and Hanoi's mayor have been arrested amid an investigation into price gouging of Covid tests. And Australia's new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, keen to emphasise trade and strong Asia relations under his leadership. Elizabeth Beattie is a journalist at Thomson Reuters, based in Tokyo
Pie aficionados should put a visit to Cromwell Cromwell on their winter wishlist now that Sanga's Pies is open for business. Local tradies were getting underserved in the pie department, says Sang's owner Chris Sangster who works in construction with his brother Rob. So along with their ice hockey mate - trained chef Miro Kollar - the brothers have opened a gourmet pie shop that's attracting national attention.
More research is underway into bias within the police ranks. Last week - police released a progress report on their work to date, led by an independent panel. That panel, chaired by long-term justice reform advocate Ta Kim Workman, was established last year to investigate whether there is police bias in police treatment of Maori, Pasifika and other communities. After 15 months, the progress report held few concrete findings or definitive actions, and in fact pointed out that there is a lack of police data necessary to quantify rates of bias and consistent areas of concern that have not changed over time. Two more aspects of research are now underway by the same panel. The first will gather evidence on how different communites perceive police and the second will point the way to put it right. Kathryn speaks with Khylee Quince, Dean of the School of Law at Auckland University of Technology and a member of the independent panel overseeing the research.
The United Nations' Secretary General is warning the Ukraine war is threatening to unleash an unprecedented food crisis, which could months if not years. Kathryn speaks to finance correspondent at the Economist, Matthieu Favas who has been looking into the issue.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about season four of Stranger Things (Netflix), a new documentary series on Apple TV called Prehistoric Planet presented by David Attenborough and new Star Wars TV show Obi-wan Kenobi (Disney).
Many listeners may already have had time at home with Covid and other winter ills. So what's the best way to get through the time together? Ellie Gwilliam is with the Parenting Place, and has just gone through it with her family. She joins Kathryn to talk survival tips.
Technology correspondent Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to talk about PimEyes, a company offering the ability to scan people's faces on the internet - with great accuracy. Anyone can use it - and images of people were able to be found even if they had a mask on or had their face turned away from the camera. Chorus showed off its 25 Gbps fibre broadband last week - that's about 75 times faster than most fibre connections. The 2degrees merger with Vocus has created New Zealand's third largest telco, and Skinny Jump is offering low-income families a way to stay connected.
Lisa Finucane reviews Death at the Belvedere by Sue Williams, published by Text Publishing.
Egyptian born New Zealander Mohamed Hassan is an award-winning writer, journalist and poet. He grew up in Cairo before moving to Auckland. His new essay collection How to be a Bad Muslim explores immigration and grief, Islamaphobia and love, family and society, identity, surveillance, migration and language. It blends storytelling, memoir and non-fiction he maps the experience of being Muslim in the 21st Century. His poems have been shared widely online, and are taught in hundreds of schools internationally. As a journalist, Mohamed covered ethnic affairs at RNZ, investigating counterterrorism, workplace discrimination and Islamophobia. In 2013 he won the Rising Voices Youth Poetry Slam and the National Poetry Slam in 2015, representing New Zealand at the Individual World Poetry Slam held in Arizona in 2016.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye joins Kathryn to talk about how Prime Minister Boris Johnson is trying to get on with business following his narrow win in a confidence vote earlier this week - but will rebel Tory MPs continue with efforts to oust him? The government's plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was supposed to start next week - but may be stymied by legal challenges. And there's been trouble at the airports - now train chaos is set to strike the UK over summer.
Autistic people say they don't want research to be focused on finding a cure, and say they need to be actively involved in any future research to do with autism. These are some of the findings of a study by the University of Canterbury that asked Autistic people what specific research they would like to see in Aotearoa in the coming decade. Earlier research from Canterbury University found that two thirds of funding awarded for autism research goes towards biological projects seeking to understand the difference associated with autism, compared with a third of funding invested in research into support for autistic people. Participants also told the latest study they want a better understanding the health, mental health and wellbeing needs of Autistic people, specific to New Zealand and not research into "cure" or behaviour management. Kathryn speaks with two of the project investigators Lisa Marie Emerson and Ruth Monk.
Auckland councillor Chris Darby says the scrapping of the controversial container terminal at Ports of Auckland is an expensive mess that will exacerbate supply chain issues and affect the ports' reputation. The port's new board has quashed the project at Fergusson Wharf, costing the council-backed port 65 million dollars. It was supposed to lift productivity and profitability, with driverless straddle carriers or cranes load and unload trucks. The Ports former board has decided to fund it, amid claims it was groundbreaking and innovative. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has previously called for a review of the project which he says has failed to deliver. Councillor Chris Darby says the cost of the failure will ultimately far exceed a 65 million dollar write-off.
The Solicitor-General has launched an investigation into the role of all the Crown lawyers ever involved in the case of Alan Hall. Mr Hall was found guilty of murdering Arthur Easton during a violent home invasion 35 years ago, but the Supreme Court yesterday quashed his conviction. The Supreme Court found police had unfairly obtained statements from Mr Hall, and failed to disclose evidence such as witnesses' descriptions of the killer as Maori, which Mr Hall is not. Investigator Tim McKinnel worked on the case, discovering evidence that lead to yesterday's conviction being quashed. He says evidence has been known for 30 years and there are many questions that must be answered.
The law around who inherits your property when you die looks set for a shake-up - and some of the proposals are proving to be quite controversial. The Law Commission reviewed the legislation governing succession laws - and made 140 recommendations, including streamlining old statutes into one Inheritance (Claims Against Estate) Act. The Commission was concerned in particular about family trusts, recommending courts be given greater powers to access them. And how old is too old to make a claim against a parent's estate? One option from the Law Commission would prevent children over the age of 25 from doing so. To unravel the proposals, Kathryn is joined by Professor Nicola Peart from Otago University, an expert in family property and succession laws.
If you've ever driven the remote and rugged State Highway 94 from Te Anau to Milford Sound you'll probably have appreciated the many potential hazards that threaten that stretch of road. Rockfalls, powerful avalanches, volatile weather, and its remoteness are just some of the challenges that make it one of the world's most unique roading programmes. That's why there's a dedicated team working year-round to keep the 119 kilometre stretch of road open and safe for travel. The work of the Milford Road Alliance is the subject of a short film, screening at this year's Doc Edge Festival, called The Milford Road. Cole Yeoman directed and produced the film when he was a student at the New Zealand Broadcasting School.
Gail Pittaway reviews Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson, published by Penguin Random House NZ
Thor Hanson is a biologist and author whose research and conservation activities have taken him around the globe. He has studied trees and songbirds in Central Amercia, nest predation in Tanzania, and the feeding habits of African vultures. He's also worked on a mountain gorilla programme in Uganda and helped managed a brown bear tourism project in Alaska. His latest book explores the ways species are adapting to a changing world - in particular to our changing climate. Thor Hanson says when it comes to changing ecosystems, species basically have three options-move, adapt, or die.
Australia correspondent Chris Niesche joins Kathryn to talk about new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's first foreign trips - one to Tokyo for the Quad meeting and another to Indonesia. What does this say about the importance he places on international relations? And the new government has appointed an Assistant Minister for the Republic - putting the issue back on the agenda for the first time in two decades and upsetting monarchists in the process.
The agricultural sector has recommended a farm-level levy, in its long awaited alternative to entering the Emissions Trading Scheme. The He Waka Eke Noa partnership of 13 members includes DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, Federated Farmers, the Federation of Maori Authorities, Dairy Companies of NZ, Horticulture NZ and Irrigation NZ. They considered two pricing options - a farm-level levy requiring emissions reporting by individual farm and a processor-level hybrid levy, calculated at the meat, milk, and fertiliser processor level, based on the overall quantity of product received from farms. Both had a split-gas approach, which means different levy rates would apply to short-lived gases like methane, and long-lived gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Farmers argued for the opportunity to devise an alternative to being included in the Emissions Trading Scheme, arguing it would not incentivise reduction of emissions and would also expose them to a broad based tax that would increase every year. Kathryn will speak to Kelly Forster, programme director of He Waka Eke Noa, Jim van der Poel, a dairy farmer from Ngahinapouri and the chair of Dairy NZ, and Nicky Hyslop, who has a sheep and beef farm in Canterbury and is a farmer director at Beef and Lamb.
An Auckland tech company says a newly signed deal with Meta - formerly Facebook - for use of its parking software is "game changing". Parkable was founded by Toby Littin, Brody Nelson and Warwick Beauchamp in 2016. Its technology enables the "hot-desking" of shared car park spaces - a kind of Airbnb of parking. The deal with Meta is not the start-ups first global customer - it also has a deal with the City of Los Angeles and KPMG globally. Kathryn speaks with Parkable CEO Toby Littin who signed the deal in California during the Prime Minister's recent US trade trip.
Media commentator Andrew Holden joins Kathryn to talk about the departure of Breakfast host Kamahl Santamaria and the challenge it's created for new TVNZ CEO Simon Power. The recent visit by China's Foreign Minister to the Pacific highlighted tensions between the country's approach to the media and local journalists covering it. And Sky TV is back on the block, with reports two private equity groups have been encouraged to look into a buyout. Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
Business commentator Pattrick Smellie joins Kathryn to talk about the Insurance Council's reaction to the climate change adaptation plan, why the hydro scheme at Lake Onslow has some flaws and Australia braces for an expected interest rate hike.
Home Affairs Editor at The Times Matt Dathan speaks to Kathryn from outside Downing Street on Boris Johnson surviving a vote of no confidence.
Lamia, Brigitte and Kathryn discuss the latest Kantar Public poll, Labour's turn towards negative attack ads, Three Waters legislation reaches the house and the PM's White House meeting. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Lamia Imam worked for two years for the Labour Party in the Leader of the Opposition's office under Phil Goff, David Shearer and David Cunliffe. She also worked for the Ministry of Justice, before gaining a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently works for a large technology company in Wellington.
Louise Ward of Wardinis Bookshop in Havelock North reviews Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by AF Steadman, published by Simon and Schuster.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee has been marked by a weekend of celebration across the UK and Commonwealth. Of all the reigns of British monarchs, Elizabeth II's has been the most well-documented, photographed and filmed. But how well do we really know her? It's a question Robert Hardman tackles in his latest biography of the 96-year-old: called Queen of Our Times. Robert has written extensively about the British royal family, in both books and for many television documentaries including ITV's The Duke: A Portrait of Prince Philip and BBC's Charles at 60: The Passionate Prince, which he also narrated. He's been a journalist and columnist for the Daily Telegraph and most recently, the Daily Mail. While he's written about the Queen's life before, he tells Kathryn Ryan this book is different.
US correspondent Kelsey Snell joins Kathryn to look at how the recent spate of gun violence in the US hasn't stopped, with at least 15 people dead and 60 wounded in eight states over the weekend. Lawmakers are under pressure to pass some kind of gun legislation - but options on the table don't meet the demands of the President who wants a ban on assault weapons or a rise in the minimum age to buy a gun. Meanwhile the House will begin public hearings this week on the investigation into the January 6th insurrection. Kelsey Snell is a congressional correspondent for NPR, based in Washington DC.
While New Zealand's response to Covid was lauded by many, its response to another critical public health issue is being labelled 'abysmal'. New Zealand is among the highest global users of pesticides, but Kathryn's next guest argues it lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to pesticide regulation and safety. Neil Pearce is a Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He's long held an interest in the health effects of dioxin; he was part of a delegation to Vietnam in 1995 to look at the effects of Agent Orange use and has studied former workers of the Ivon Watkins-Dow chemical plant in Taranaki. His new book is Pesticides and Health: How New Zealand Fails in Environmental Protection which looks at our ongoing shortcomings in environmental and occupational health.
Liquidations within the construction sector are on the rise but industry experts says they're the tip of the iceberg. A total of 92 companies in the building sector have gone into liquidation in the year to May 23, according to figures from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Data from the credit rating agency Centrix shows 27 percent of all liquidations in May 2022 were in the building sector. Accounting & Advisory Firm BDO does an annual survey of the sector - last year's found 60 per cent of respondents were concerned about rising material costs, and the availability of important materials. Over half had issues with finding skilled staff, and labour costs. BDO has delayed this year's survey til later in the year but Partner and construction specialist James MacQueen says the signs are clear and there'll be significant changes in the sector through the winter. He speaks with Kathryn along with Executive Director of the Construction Industry Council, Graham Burke.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has this morning survived a vote of no confidence brought against him, but it's clear a large proportion of his own Conservative Party no longer support him. Of the 359 Tory MPs who voted today - 211 expressed confidence in Mr Johnson, while 148 voted against him. Under the current rules of the Conservative Party, the PM can't be challenged in a leadership vote again for 12 months. Kathryn speaks with UK correspondent Matthew Parris.
Lynn talks sport with our commentator Sam Ackerman, where they look at the path to get to New Zealand Rugby's Silver Lake deal, and the road ahead - as well as analyse the start of the Black Caps versus Brendon McCullum's England first test and Super Rugby playoffs.
The debut album from Chicago trio Horsegirl is released today, and it's a rough and ready noise-pop ripper. We'll hear two tracks from it, plus a great new single from Wellington band Let's Planet and a collaboration between drummer/ producer Julien Dyne and singer/ rapper Che Fu.
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews Bitter Orange Tree by Jokha Alharthi, published by Simon & Schuster.
Professor Brian Greene is one of the world's foremost theoretical physicists. He is the head of Columbia University's Center for Theoretical Physics, and is co-founder and chairman of the World Science Festival. The author of six bestselling books, his most recent, Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe, explains the cosmos and our quest to find meaning in the face of this vast expanse. Professor Greene says to understand the history of our universe - and it's future - we must understand that humans have only existed in it for a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of its history.
Lynns speaks with RNZ Pacific's team leader Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor about China's whistle-stop tour of the Pacific and the waves that's causing in Australia and New Zealand. Also, Samoa celebrates 60 years of independence, and in Papua New Guinea, two have died in election-related violence.
An award winning author young adult books are not given the prominence they deserve by publishers and reviewers, and the next generation of readers is suffering the consequences. Tessa Duder is the author of dozens of books for children and young adults. She won the 2020 Prime Minister's Award Fiction, has twice been honoured in the Queens Birthday list and is past president of the NZ Society of Authors. Tessa Duder says Young Adult books are often dismissed by publishers who think that teens are more interested in their phones than books. But she says YA books are needed more than ever, to help foster the next generation of adult readers.
A top doctor is warning that long waits in over-run emergency departments this winter could result in increased illness, injury and death. Cases of influenza and Covid-19 are already putting pressure on hospitals, and the health system is now preparing for outbreaks of RSV, measles and whooping cough. Although winter has only just begun, demand for urgent medical attention is already high with some people waiting more than 24 hours to be admitted to hospital, and EDs so full that ambulances are unable to unload. Many hospital emergency departments are pleading with people to only show up if they're seriously sick, and to visit their GP in the first instance. It comes on top of an acute staffing shortage, with staff illness putting more strain on pre-pandemic workforce woes. Lynn speaks with Dr John Bonning, spokesperson for the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine and Dr Christine McIntosh, Clinical Director for Whanau HQ, the home isolation service for the northern region health centre.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to look at The Responder (TVNZ OnDemand), in which Martin Freeman plays a cop under pressure forced to work with a rookie on Liverpool's streets. Under the Banner of Heaven (Disney+) is based on a book by John Krakauer in which a devout detective investigates a murder at an esteemed Utah family and a new series of NZ Today (Three) with Guy Williams kicks off next week.
Neuroplasticity educator and parenting expert Nathan Wallis talks with Kathryn about the advantages of children starting school at six years old. He says while it goes against the norm in New Zealand, in most countries across the world, the starting age is six, often seven. He says those children who start school when they are older than five may be doubly advantaged - by having more free play when their brains need it most, and by being older than their peers when they do start school.
Technology correspondent Peter Griffin looks at the action taken by former NZ Privacy Commissioner John Edwards against Clearview AI, now he's the UK's Information Commissioner. What was Clearview doing wrong and what precedent is being set for the UK and beyond? And where there any tech wins out of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's mission to the US, or has New Zealand been left out of some strategic collaborations because we're not in the right club?
Carole Beu of the Women's Bookshop in Ponsonby reviews The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn, published by Penguin Random House UK.
Nury Turkel was born in a Chinese re-education camp in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, managing to flee China in 1995 to attend university in the United States. Becoming the first Uyghur to receive an American law degree, Nury Turkel went on to become a human rights attorney and activist for Uyghur people. In recent years, China's repression of Uyghur Muslims has intensified, most visibly through the construction of a series of re-education centres in Xinjiang. This was further exposed last week, when a cache of hacked data and photographs from police computers, now called the Xinjiang Police Files, were published online. It revealed in unprecedented detail, China's brutal use of re-education camps and prisons as a system of mass detention for Uyghurs. It's estimated between one and two million Uyghurs are detained in the Xinjiang facilities. The documents also uncovered a "shoot to kill" policy for those who try to escape. Nury Turkel is a co-founder and chair of the Uyghur Human Rights Project, a commissioner for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. He's just published No Escape: The True Story of China's Genocide of the Uyghurs. He tells Kathryn how the unfolding Uyghur crisis is turning into the greatest human rights crisis of the twenty-first century.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about the mounting number of letters expressing no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson, with some Tory MPs openly calling for him to go. There's been travel chaos across the country with one in five flights disrupted and claims some travel firms have oversold holidays. As the UK gears up to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this weekend, who'll be on the balcony at Buckingham Palace?
There is constant volatility across the crypto currency spectrum, with values often fluctuating quite markedly over short periods of time. Two of the more popular, so called, stable coins, Terra and Luna recently crashed. University of Auckland Associate Professor Alex Sims teaches commercial law and is an expert on crypto currencies and their regulation, and she is a member of the executive committee of Block Chain NZ. She says the failure of Terra and Luna are not indicative of the stability of others, but it does highlight the increasing use of stable coins, adding the crashes are not the first and won't be the last. Dr Sims says greater regulation is desirable but is not necessarily the panacea and investors need to always be wary.
A new survey into online dating and sex finds that older people using dating apps are taking more risks than younger users. The survey of 823 people across New Zealand was conducted by Project Gender, which describes itself as a social change and research agency. The survey finds nearly half of heterosexual women over the age of 50 say they never use protection against sexually transmitted infections, compared with 16 per cent of under 30s. Older users were also far less likely to tell friends and family where they were going on a date, compared with younger people. The survey also shines a light on sexual behaviours finding high numbers of young heterosexual women experiencing sex acts like choking and suffocating, many of them non-consensually. Kathryn speaks to Tania Dommet, research director of Project Gender and Associate Professor Terryann Clark from Auckland University, lead researcher in the Youth2000 survey series and co-lead of the Youth19 rangatahi smart survey of New Zealands young people.
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about a new UK study which shows people infected with the omicron BA.2 variant reported more symptoms and experienced a great disruption to their daily activities than those with the BA.1 variant. She'll also look at what hiding poison in sugary bait to kill cockroaches is actually doing to their sexual behaviour and two new studies suggest we may be able to identify and track wildlife by sampling DNA from the air.
A new Canadian film follows four musicians on the autism spectrum as they record and release an EP. OKAY : The ASD Band Film is a feature length documentary with four people at its heart: lead singer Rawan Tuffaha, guitarist and vocalist Jackson Begley, piano player Ron Adea and drummer Spenser Murray. The four Toronto musicians came together through an Autism spectrum charity, drawn to each other through their shared love of music. Award winning documentary and commercial director Mark Bone made the film, follows them as they branch out from singing covers to wirting original music, and recording and releasing their album.The film is playing here as part of Doc Edge, screening online from today til July 10. Kathryn speaks with drummer Spenser Murray and director Mark Bone.
Kim Pittar from Muir's Independent Bookshop Gisborne reviews The Secret World of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal, published by Harper Collins
Photographer and food writer Sophie Merkens has travelled the length of the country to meet New Zealand women with a special connection with food; women who grow, gather, hunt and forage from the land. Food has always played a big role in Sophie Merkens' own life, and she's developed a career around it, working as a recipe developer, food stylist and photographer. Drawn to the stories of how food can be a central force of people's lives, work and travels, she decided to set out an epic trip - from Cape Reinga to Bluff, she met 35 inspiring women. Kathryn speaks with Sophie Merkens about the result; her book Grow - Wahine Finding Connection Through Food.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the new ministry unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which will be sworn in this morning. It has a record number of women, and the powerful role of Home Affairs Minister has gone to Victorian MP Clare O'Neil. Peter Dutton is the new leader of the Liberal Party, and he's dismissed a sledge from a Labor MP that he looks like 'Voldemort' - saying it's water off a duck's back. Covid and flu are combining to create a concerning time for the country's health sector as the temperatures across Australia plummet.
A spate of ram raids by teenagers is fuelling concern about youth offending rates, but a youth worker in South Auckland says it's a very small group causing a lot of havoc. A crime prevention package was announced last week, including support for businesses to have bollards, security alarms or fog cannons installed, but Stephen Boxer says that doesn't address the real issue. He advocates for early intervention and prevention, and says targeting children displaying early warning signs of troubled behaviour will help avert them from a path towards youth offending. Stephen Boxer runs two youth programmes through the Graeme Dingle Foundation; MYND works as an intervention for teenagers aged 14 to 18 who are already offending, and Kiwi Tahi, for 8 to 12 year olds, workers with younger kids who haven't offended, but are considered at risk due to risk factors at home or in their community. Kathryn speaks to Stephen Boxer, managing director of MYND and Kiwi Tahi about the importance of reaching kids while they're young.
Kathryn speaks with RNZ political editor Jane Patterson from Washington DC, where Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has met with US president Joe Biden earlier today. The pair have acknowledged more work needs to be done in the Pacific, as China's foreign minister continues a whirlwind tour of Pacific nations. Kathryn will also talk with international relations expert Professor Robert Patman about the shifting politics in the region and how individual states are reacting to China's move.
Many people are reliant on KiwiSaver as their principal means of retirement saving, yet so often they make mistakes with their KiwiSaver funds. Liz will talk to Kathryn about the most common mistakes to avoid, which is particularly timely as people are questioning their funds with the current sharemarket volatility.
Last week employment law expert Charles McGuinness joined Nine to Noon to talk about the top things workers need to know about employment contracts. Today he talks to Kathryn about what employers need to consider when drawing up a contract....and answers a few of your questions.
Rebecca looks at a win for the so-called meme-stock apes. Last year GameStop, a retailer selling games, became the subject of a ferocious battle between retail investors and against professional investors/fund managers. While we haven't heard as much about gamestop and memestocks this year, the fallout continues, with one of the hedge funds most impacted by GameStop's surge in value telling investors it's shutting down. Rebecca also talks to Kathryn about New Zealand's crowdfunding platform Pledgeme.
Dave Burt left school early and got an apprenticeship as an electrician. He now runs an electrical contracting business employing 130 staff throughout New Zealand. About eight years ago, Dave realised he was living with depression, and wrote a book about it called Lengthening the Shadow. It was the first his friends and workmates knew about it. Since then he has been actively involved in improving mental health support and outcomes within the construction sector, which has a very high rate of suicide. But he also has a love of fiction writing, and after many years gestation, Dave has published his first crime thriller novel, called Embedded. He shares his story with Kathryn Ryan.
The Justice Department is conducting a review into the Uvalde school shooting which left 19 pupils and two teachers dead. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have visited Texas to pay their respects at a makeshift memorial to the Robb Elementary School victims. There's been blistering criticism of the police response as the massacre unfolded and gun control legislation is again being hotly debated. Ron says former President, Donald Trump and other Republicans are on the defensive but also quite defiant at same time.
If you've headed overseas lately, you'll know the process isn't as straightforward as it used to be - with pre-departure RAT tests and the New Zealand Traveller Declaration top of a list of bugbears. Most travellers to New Zealand - including citizens - need a pre-departure RAT test uploaded to their online New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Some travellers say the site doesn't work well on mobile, is prone to crashing and doesn't have an option for one form for family members travelling together. Kathryn talks to Greg Hamilton, CEO of TAANZ - about the Declaration process and why he believes pre-departure RATs should be dropped now - and not at the end of July. She'll also speak with Richard Burdon of Glen Dene Hunting near Lake Hawea about why his US clients are tossing New Zealand in the "too hard" basket.
What will it take to foster competition in the supermarket sector and bring down prices at the checkout? The government announced a suite of changes yesterday, including a new industry watchdog which will conduct annual reviews, compulsory unit pricing and a mandatory code of conduct. This is in addition to new laws which will prohibit land-banking by supermarket chains, and ban exclusivity clauses in leases - meaning competitors can more easily find sites. The Food and Grocery Council is warning it could be years before consumers see the benefits of increased supermarket competition. Kathryn speaks with Tex Edwards, founder of the telecommunications company 2 Degrees, who's part of the consortium Northelia, looking at setting up a new supermarket chain. He's also part of the lobby group Monopoly Watch.
Kennedy mixes history and geography, with visits to three remote track destinations in Northland, Marlborough and North Canterbury.
Jan Meyer is CEO of Rutherford & Meyer, a Lower Hutt-based company her mother co-founded in 1996, which makes fruit pastes, crackers and wafers. Their latest endeavour though, is based on sustainability. Called the Upcycled Grain Project, it turns spent grain from breweries into tasty cracker creations. Jan talks to Kathryn about why 'upcycling' is the way to go.
Kathryn, Ben and Shane discuss the significance of the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's visit to the US, which includes a meeting with Joe Biden. Also, China's surprise move in the Pacific, has it caught NZ and and Australian foreign policy asleep at the wheel?. And the Government's 6 million dollar response package to crime, and a reflection on Joe Hawke's legacy.
David Hill reviews Eight Hundred Heroes: China's Lost Battalion and the Fall of Shanghai by Stephen Robinson, published by Exisle Publishing
Nick Ashill is a Marketing Professor at Victoria University who is just about to resume an epic run across America - five years after he was seriously injured in a hit and run accident. Nick began his mission across the United States in 2017, but 4000km into the journey got hit at 50mph by a pickup truck. After 16 surgeries, relearning how to walk and then run, he left for the US on Friday and today begins the final 922km of his journey, over a period of 18 days. Along the way, he is raising funds for the New Zealand Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ and the UK-based Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Trust. He tells Kathryn his remarkable story.
In France, it's been a rocky start for President Macron's newly-appointed prime minister, Elisabeth Borne. The start of the new government has been overshadowed by a storm over rape allegations against a new minister. And the French President and the German Chancellor have held a new phone call with Russia's Vladimir Putin, reportedly urging him to hold direct talks with the Ukrainian leader Zelensky. Meanwhile, Serbia's president, who is seen as Putin's closest ally in Europe, has struck a new three-year gas deal with Russia after a phone call with Putin.
Work is underway to build a network of hydrogen refuelling stations to power a new fleet of low-emission trucks, a move that could significantly decarbonise the country's heavy transport industry. The Taranaki-based energy company Hiringa Energy is building the network, and will be incorporated into existing Waitomo fuelling sites. Work has begun on four initial stations on key transport routes in the North Island; in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton and Palmerston North, and it's hoped to expand to 24 refuelling stations across the country over next four to five years. Hiringa Energy's chief executive Andrew Clennett says heavy transport accounts for more than a quarter of New Zealand's total vehicle emissions, despite making up only four percent of vehicles. He says in terms of emissions, taking one diesel truck off road is the equivalent to removing 150 cars. Kathryn speaks with Andrew Clennett, chief executive of Hiringa Energy and Andy Sinclair, chief executive of Hyundai NZ. Both are board members at the New Zealand Hydrogen Council.
Concern that rogue employment advocates are causing reputational, financial, and psychological harm to their clients has prompted calls for the regulation of the sector. Employment advocates fulfill a similar role to lawyers during employment disputes, but there are no requirements for qualifications or training; anyone can call themselves an employment advocate. The sector is not regulated and there is no professional body for the public to complain to if they receive bad advice. This is of concern to employment lawyers and advocates alike, who are seeing cases of employment advocates obtaining poor outcomes for their clients. Kathryn speaks with Kelly Coley, an employment advocate and president of the Employment Law Institute of New Zealand, a group including lawyers, advocates and consultants. Also on the programme is Paul McBride, a partner at McBride Davenport James and a member of the Law Society's Employment Law Committee.
Film and TV correspondent James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about How to Please a Woman, which is out in cinemas; Pistol (Disney+), a series based on the memoir of legendary Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and his picks of the DocEdge offerings this year.
Film and TV correspondent James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about How to Please a Woman, which is out in cinemas; Pistol (Disney+), a series based on the memoir of legendary Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and his picks of the DocEdge offerings this year.
Sam is hot under the collar over the 'heated debate' between a controversial now ex-Warrior and the team owner. Also, we look into the abrupt end of one of New Zealand's top cricketing careers, the Blues bold Super Rugby move and E sports on its way to the Commonwealth Games.
Ralph McAllister reviews Larry and Viv by Graeme Lay, published by Renaissance Publishing
Only a handful of mountaineers have climbed all 24 of New Zealand's 3000m plus peaks. Kiwi mountaineer Alastair McDowell and partner Hamish Fleming are the only ones to have done it in under a month and in a single push. It's a feat that usually takes a lifetime. Alastair will be speaking at the Mountain Film Festival in Wanaka, Queenstown and online running between June 24 and July 2.
Elizabeth talks to Kathryn about China's latest foray into the Pacific. And in Pakistan, there are reports of clashes in after ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party have pushed on with protests plans, despite officials banning the demonstration. And on the heels of the US President's first Asia trip, North Korea has fired a series of ballistic missiles. Joe Biden had agreed, during a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, to deploy more U.S. support to South Korea to deter North Korea's weapons testing.
In 2014, 14 percent of people involved in fatal crashes were drivers aged over 65, compared to around 20 percent for teenage boys. Driving advocates are calling for driving lessons to be taught in all high schools to help save lives and keep young people out of prison. $86.5 million has been provided in the Budget to fund driving lessons and tests for 64,000 Kiwis. The funds have been welcomed by driver education advocates, but they say we need to be more proactive. Kathryn speaks with Driving Change Network's national co-ordinator Wendy Robertson, who wants driver training to start in school to help students achieve full licences faster. Meanwhile analysis of the Bay of Plenty and rural Waikato-based Blue Light Youth Driver Programme estimates the dollar value to society of young people being able to drive properly is $10m,contributing to the expansion of employment opportunities and earning potential, while driving legally also helps keep young people out of court. Over 30% of under 25s who end up in prison enter the justice system via driving offences. Blue Light's Youth Driver Navigator Programme's National Coordinator Ken Harema also joins.
Leaked documents have revealed Beijing is proposing a region-wide deal with 10 countries, covering police training, biometrics like fingerprints, new trade arrangements and scholarships. The New Zealand government is being criticised for letting its relationships with Pacific islands drift, as China tries to boost its influence in the region. In a letter to 21 Pacific leaders, the president of the Federated States of Micronesia David Panuelo said the Common Development Vision threatens "to bring a new Cold War era at best and a World War at worst". Reports of China's latest proposal for the Pacific come just days after the United States formed an economic alliance of a dozen Asia-Pacific nations, aimed at countering Beijing's dominance in the region. China's foreign minister Wang Yi is in the Solomon Islands, where he is expected to sign a security pact. Global interdisciplinary scholar Steven Ratuva is the Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury. He says the geopolitical gaming already started, with Australia's new Foreign Minister, Penny Wong already in the Pacific to push back. Professor Ratuva says New Zealand and the US need to do the same.
A legal case is being brought against the government for failing to use laws that would protect thousands of marine animals. The landmark legal proceedings have been filed today by the Environmental Law Initiative - a non-profit which aims to ensure the effective protection of natural resources. The respondents in the case are the Minister of Conservation, the Attorney General, and the Directors General of the Department of Conservation and Ministry for Primary Industries. The Environmental Law Initiative alleges that some aspects of the government's management of protected species may be unlawful, including the way reporting on bycatch is conducted, and the way some offences connected to bycatch are investigated and prosecuted. A 2019 report by the Ministry for the Environment found found 22 percent of all assessed marine mammals, 90 percent of all seabirds and 80 percent of shore birds are threatened or at risk of extinction. Kathryn Ryan speaks with Ingrid O'Sullivan, Environmental Law Initiative's Senior Policy Advisor for Oceans and Coasts.
Engaging with a baby in their first three years of life can help set them up with communication skills, says speech-language therapist Emma Quigan. Once you trust that very young children are learning from every interaction, you see time spent with them as a significant opportunity, she tells Kathryn Ryan.
The likely changes to abortion law in the US are making a lot of people nervous, as well as tech giants...Meta (formerly Facebook) has banned its staff from talking about it at work. The struggle to retain good tech staff is real, and one of the battle lines may be over working from home flexibility...and could you tell if someone's holiday snap is a deepfake?
Airini Beautrais reviews Home Theatre by Anthony Lapwood, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press .
Professor Lucy Easthope is one of the world's foremost disaster planners. Her first major job in emergency planning was responding to 9/11 and since then, her career has covered almost every major disaster; the Boxing Day tsunami, the London bombings, the Christchurch earthquakes, the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 shot down over Ukraine, the Grenfell Tower fire, Covid-19 and many more. It's her job to help get the bodies identified, repatriate survivors, return personal effects, look after the bereaved, and advise governments for the future. She speaks to Kathryn about her memoir, When the Dust Settles: Stories of Love, Loss and Hope from an Expert in Disaster.
The long-awaited Sue Gray report into the Partygate scandal has been released overnight, detailing a culture of rule breaking at Downing Street at the height of lockdown - but it appears to let Boris Johnson off the hook, and he's ruled out resigning. Meanwhile Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to unveil how the government will help struggling families through the cost of living crisis...including a windfall tax on oil and gas giants to help pay for a package of measures.
New research brings the possibility of a simple blood test to detect Alzheimers early a step closer. Currently there's no easy way of catching the disease early. But the University of Otago's just published study in Alzheimer's & Dementia, showing levels of small molecules found in blood plasma, called microRNA, change dynamically as the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease accelerate. This means researchers can use blood as a window into the brain, to find biomarkers to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease early, long before symptoms appear. More than 70,000 New Zealanders are affected by Alzheimer's disease. This is predicted to more than double by 2050, at a cost of more than $1.7 billion a year. Associate Professor Joanna Williams, from the University of Otago's Department of Anatomy and the Otago Brain Health Research Centre is the study's team leader and speaks with Kathryn Ryan.
Tough times ahead for mortgage holders as interest rates rise.The central bank hiked the official cash rate by half a percent to 2 percent yesterday, the highest since 2016. The Reserve Bank wants to tackle inflation, which is at a 30 year high, driven by higher costs for food, housing and fuel. The bank's also signalled the rate will need to climb to about 3.4% by the end of this year, peaking at 3.9% from June next year. So with the soaring cost of living, higher interest repayments, and falling house values, what sort of economic ride are we in for? Kathryn discusses with Head of Research for the BNZ, Stephen Toplis.
Employment specialist Charles McGuinness joins Kathryn to talk about some of the things to look for before you sign a contract with a new employer, and what businesses need to consider when drawing one up.
Paul Caffyn is an absolute legend of sea kayaking. His first big trip was in 1977 when he circumnavigated the South Island over four months. That was just the start. Over the coming years he circumnavigated the North Island, Britain, Australia (that took a whole year) , Japan, Alaska, New Caledonia and voyaged from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to and around the island of Phuket in Thailand. He's notched up over 40,000 miles in his single West Greenland style kayaks , seeing some of the most remote places in the world from the vantage point of the sea. He's written four different books on his various expeditions, and in 2011 was made an officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sea kayaking and water safety. When he's not on the water, he lives on the West Coast, from where he chats to Kathryn Ryan.
Anne Else reviews Robin White, Something is Happening Here Edited by Sarah Farrar, Nina Tonga and Jill Trevelyan, published by Te Papa Press and and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. The book was published to accompany the major retrospective exhibition featuring more than 70 works from across Robin White's 50-year career - Robin White: Te Whanaketanga Something is Happening Here - which will open at Te Papa on 4 June, followed by Auckland Art Gallery in late-October 2022.
The history of this tough profession and the transition it underwent when "modern nursing" was brought to New Zealand via English expat nurses, has been captured in a new book called New Zealand Nurses: Caring for our people 1880 - 1950 by Pamela Wood. It looks at how New Zealand developed its own distinct 'Kiwi' nursing culture - and is stacked with the words of the nurses themselves - sometimes sad, often times matter-of-fact and many times, downright funny. Kathryn talks to her about New Zealand became the first country to have not only a chief nurse, but a specific Nurses Registration Act, an enfranchised nursing workforce and an eight-hour day for nurses in training.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about the decisions facing the Liberal and Nationals parties, following their defeat in the weekend election. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age.
Pounamu Skelton is dedicated to helping whanau grow food and to trade it. She runs the popular Waitara crop swap. Her interest in food is steeped in the legacy of her Tipuna Maori, respecting food as medicine, nourishment and connection. In addition to running the monthly food swap, Pounamu also teaches others how to grow their own food and she is the co-chair of the Maori Organics Authority. Earlier this month, she held the He Whenua Rongo online conference, with hundreds of participants from the kai and soil resilience movement.
It's been called a blunt instrument, discriminatory and hopelessly outdated, and now the end is in sight for the decile funding system for school. From next year, a new equity index will be introduced, funded by 75-million-dollars in the Budget. Schools will find out in September if they will be winners or losers when decile numbers are replaced. But the government has promised no schools will be worse off, at least for the first year.What will the changes mean for schools and students? And will it mean more children are enrolled at their local school? Kathryn discusses with Secondary Principals' Association President Vaughan Couillault; Te Pohue School principal Richard Gillespie and principal at Kaitaia Primary School, Brendan Morrissey.
Andrew reviews what the budget means for the TVNZ/RNZ merger, takes a look at media coverage of the Australian election, and remembers a media stalwart, Brian Gaynor. Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
A couple with a shared love of conservation have devoted the last seven years to protecting the banded dotterel living on the shores of Kaikōura . The birds nest on the sand, making them particularly vulnerable to predators - especially cats - as well as tide and storm surges, and disturbance from people who can't spot the well-camouflaged birds. Dotterels, or tuturiwhatu, are critically endangered, with numbers estimated to be around 19,000 nationally. Ailsa McGilvary-Howard and her husband Ted Howard spend their time monitoring the nests and eggs, trapping predators, researching and tracking flightpaths, advocating for cat containment, and much more. Last year, the pair were honoured with a Queen's Service Medal for their conservation work.
Pattrick explains why Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's trip to the United States is so important, both economically and politically. Also the looming global food and energy crisis created by the Ukraine war, and what it might mean here. Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
Sally Wenley reviews The Improbable Life of Ricky Bird by Diane Campbell, published by Simon & Schuster
One of Britain's most successful contemporary writers, Anthony Horowitz' work spans books, TV, films, plays and journalism. He's perhaps best known for Midsomer Murders, Foyle's War, his Sherlock Holmes novels and the teen spy series Alex Rider. Anthony already has two James Bond novels under his belt, Trigger Mortis and Forever and a Day. Now he's got another one on his ejector seat. With a Mind to a Kill is the final part of a trilogy for the Ian Fleming Estate. Set partly in 1960's East Berlin and Moscow it's classic Bond territory, with all the gadgets and the girls. Bond novels have sold more than 60 million copies since Casino Royale in 1953. They sparked the hugely successful film franchise. We first saw Sean Connery as 007 in Dr No in 1962. Anthony was awarded an OBE for his services to literature in January 2014. He tells Kathryn Ryan Bond has been a great companion to write about.
Dominating the news in the US is the Michigan formula plant shutdown causing a shortage of baby formula. This has resulted in the Biden administration taking steps to ease the situation. Product is being flown in from overseas. Also the US President has signed off $40 billion in additional aid to Ukraine. Kelsey Snell is a congressional correspondent for NPR, based in Washington DC
A quarter of the country's primary and intermediate schools are now signed up to receive The House of Science resource kits and the waiting list is growing. Former High School teacher, Chris Duggan founded the programme to supply hands on learning kits to subscriber schools aimed at raising science literacy. There's now a waiting list. She talks to Kathryn about the ongoing demand along with Ngongotaha Primary principal Craig McFadyen who says there's much excitement at his school every time the Big Blue Box of House of Science goodies arrives.
There's increasing urgency to shore up personnel to replace retiring Civil Defence controllers on the flood prone West Coast and authorities are hoping local people will come forward. The Grey and Buller District Mayors say their regions are vulnerable when another major weather event strikes, and completely exposed if the TranzAlpine Fault ruptures. A recent report has found there are insufficient named and qualified civil defence controllers. To alleviate the situation, a group of six emergency controllers from outside the West Coast are to be appointed as Civil Defence Emergency controllers as a backstop. To discuss the need for a long term concrete solution, Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson and Buller District Mayor Jamie Cleine.
Bill McKay discusses in more detail Auckland Council's response to Government urban design reforms and impacts on heritage and special character. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Raglan foragers Emily Eldin and Sean Mills' new business has mushroomed out of lock-down and is taking them on a wild journey. The real-estate agent and hospitality worker couple were foraging for wild edible mushrooms during the first lockdown in March 2020. Little did they know the fresh pink and grey oyster mushrooms they then decided to have a go at themselves would soon be selling out at Waikato farmers' markets. Demand is outstripping supply. But they are also selling grow-bags and moving on into the field of medicinal mushrooms. Their business is Mushrooms by the Sea
Neale, Ben and Kathryn with a wrap of the Budget and analysis on who is winning the narrative battle. They will also discuss the Government's Emissions Reduction Plan and cast their eyes over the Australia election result with Anthony Albanese ousting Scott Morrison. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Ben Thomas is a PR consultant and a former National Government press secretary.
Cynthia Morahan reviews Don't Worry by Shunmyo Masuno, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Retired electrical engineer Bruce Simpson has two YouTube channels with more than 440,000 subscribers. His videos featuring remote controlled aircraft and drones filmed at the Tokoroa airfield have a huge following. The 69 year old has two channels, xjet and RCModelReviews which have attracted 140 million views. This video below, alone has almost 1.8 million views.
Sebastian talks to Kathryn about the outcome of the Lebanon election - did it have any surprises and is it likely to bring change. In Iraq, Iran & Gulf huge dust storms have become almost daily occurrences this year testing the region's ability to cope. And the recent killing of an Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has brought spotlight back on Palestinian Israeli conflict. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter.
After two years with no cases - flu is back - and hitting hard in some places. As of the eight of May there were 58 reported influenza positives cases, although the real number is likely much higher, as only people seeking hospital or GP care are tested. Dunedin is particularly hit hard with 44 cases the week before last. Around 1.28 million doses of flu vaccines have been distributed around the country. Director of the National Influenza Centre virologist Dr Sue Huang is with me now.
How will the Government's new recycling plan across the country and will it make recycling less confusing? The Ministry for the Environment's proposed Transforming Recycling plan includes a 20 cents return scheme for most drink containers, though excludes dairy. It's one of three key elements in the proposal to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. The other two proposals in the plan are for standardised kerbside recycling collections across all regions and for households and businesses to separate food scraps from general waste. Roderick Boy, Principal Advisor at the Ministry for the Environment, explains the plan, and we'll discuss with Sophie Mander, Chair of the Territorial Authorities' Officers (TAO) Forum, the nationwide body run by Waste Minz - who have submitted to to the proposal and Marty Hoffart, Chair of the Zero Waste Network.
A sweeping change to the Australian political landscape; Anthony Albanese is the new Prime Minister, Labor has won the election, but it's not yet clear whether it has an outright majority. It could yet depend on the support of a large cross bench, including 10 so-called `Teal' independents, and/or Green MPs. Both major parties lost support, with the Liberals taking a hammering in traditionally strong seats, and the Coalition Government and Prime Minister Scott Morrison dumped. Mr Morrison will now hand over the party leadership. One of the biggest changes to the landscape is the success of the 10 'Teal' independents - all women, and many former Liberal Party MPs , as well as the Greens. Kathryn speaks with Australian correspondent Karen Middleton.
Comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks with some of the interesting and unusual names that Dunedin dog owners are naming their pooches, including Lord Furball MacFluffy (not featured below).
The aftermath of the latest damning inquiry into Cycling NZ's poor treatment of elite cyclists. Is a new independent sports integrity body the answer?
John Duke from Unity Books Wellington reviews When I Sing, Mountains Dance by Irene Solà, translated by Mara Faye Lethem, published by Allen & Unwin A prize-winning, spell-binding, polyphonic debut of love, wildness and tragedy that marks the generations - for readers of Sarah Baume and Max Porter. When Domenec - mountain-dweller, father, poet, dreamer - dies suddenly, struck by lightning, he leaves behind two small children, Mia and Hilari, to grow up wild among the looming summits of the Pyrenees and the ghosts of the Spanish civil war. But then Hilari dies too, and his sister is forced to face life's struggles and joys alone. As the years tumble by, the inhabitants of the mountain - human, animal and other - come together in a chorus of voices to bear witness to the sorrows of one family, and to the savage beauty of the landscape. This remarkable English-language debut is lyrical, mythical, elemental, and ferociously imaginative.
Last week was an epic week for astronomers, mathematicians and astrophysicists around the world with the capturing of the first picture of a black hole in this galaxy.The picture shows a halo of dust and gas, tracing the outline of a colossal black hole, at the heart of the Milky Way, 27,000 light years from Earth. Known as Sagittarius A* the object is a staggering four million times the mass of our Sun.It was a particular thrill for the University of Canterbury's Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr as it proved a his theory - posited more than 50 years ago -when he found the exact solution of Albert Einstein's equations that describe rotating black holes. Dr Kerr's colleague and University of Canterbury Professor of Physics David Wiltshire says it's an incredibly exciting development that will enhance understanding of the crucial role that supermassive black holes play in the life cycle and ecology of galaxies.
This morning's tornado in Levin has damaged buildings, toppled trees and power lines and caused road closures. Wayne McKinlay is the manager of the Honda Horowhenua & Stihl shop in Oxford Street, in the town centre. He says there's a big clean up job ahead.
There are fears for the survival of building companies waiting for gib. The supply of this crucial lining and bracing material has slowed since the August 2021 lockdown, seeing some builds stop in their tracks, leaving partially built homes at a complete standstill, with some gib orders taking up to seven months to arrive. Some builders are moving to landscaping, or worse, losing out on work completely. Clients are faced with choosing alternative bracing materials like plywood, until supply-chain issues ease. One of the regions badly affected is Taranaki, from where Kathryn is joined by Director of Location Homes Campbell Mattson.
Kathryn speaks with Principal economist and director at Infometrics Brad Olsen for his reckons on Budget 2022. He says inflation is the tiger that must be tamed.
Kathryn speaks with Finance Minister Grant Robertson about his fifth budget, including $1 billion to tackle the cost of living.
Laumata Lauano talks to Kathryn about what she's been viewing, including Naomi on Neon, The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe Doco on Netflix and the second season of Girls5Eva on TVNZ.
Clinical psychologist Jacqui Maguire first spoke Nine to Noon about highly sensitive children back in March. In part two of the conversation, she tells Kathryn Ryan these children are more prone to feeling guilt and shame - and parents should keep this in mind.
Paul Matthews, chief executive of CIO Studio, looks at stolen passwords, with AA Travel the latest victim of a huge hack. So why does this keep happening and how can we protect ourselves?. It's Budget 2022 day today, however a key announcement for the tech sector was released ahead of time - with both good and bad news. And it's TechWeek with hundreds of events happening across the countrys.
Quentin Johnson reviews The Anomaly by Hervé le Tellier, published by Penguin Random House. [picture id="4LVTGZG_copyright_image_287563" crop="16x10" layout="full"]
Anthony Hoete is an entrepreneurial architect, developer, teacher and researcher, who has spent the last 30 years in Europe, mostly in the UK. In 2002 he set up WHATārchitecture, and then later his own development company, called Game of Architecture, developing a reputation as an award-winning and unconventional architect, with a passion for affordable housing. But after half his lifetime living in London, his turangawaewae has called him home. He returned to Aotearoa to take up the role of Professor of Architecture (Maori) at the University of Auckland, bringing with him his skills and vision. Now he's turning his attention to Maori and indigenous architectural projects and finding practical, affordable and sustainable housing solutions.
Australians will be making their way to the polling booths to vote in the federal election on Saturday. Labor's Anthony Albanese is taking on Coalition incumbant Scott Morrison. The prime minister has appealed for Australians to stick with certainty, the Labor leader insists the country can't afford three more years of the Coalition. The polls have Albanese 2% ahead. Stephen Mills from Talbot Mills Research with the latest.
A former drug dealer, who's spent half his life in prison, says gangs are a scourge and must be outlawed. Rotorua based Bill McFarlane once ran a large methamphetamine operation in the Bay of Plenty, for which he was jailed in maximum security prison for 14 years, following earlier incarerations. Now he runs a residential rehabilitation programme for ex-offenders called Puwhakamua. But gang members are not welcome in the programme, and he says he's turned down hundreds of them.Billy McFarlane says he's worried that gang numbers are growing, and in Rotorua, there have been gang skirmishes even in primary schools between children of gang families. He says no one is calling it out and he's had enough.
Siouxie talks to Kathryn about a new study which finds a potential biomarker for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome present at birth. Also the use of sniffer dogs to detect Covid infection and researchers have just reported their results trying to grow plants in soil from the moon.
Kathryn speaks with an 18 year old from Hokianga, who translated Shakespeare into Te Reo and is now representing Aotearoa at the Globe. Mahanga Mitchell hadn't performed theatre, let alone Shakespeare, before about a year ago. But his Whangarei Boy's High kiako persuaded him to give it a go. It turns out he has quite the talent. Mahanga won hearts and minds after translating Henry IV's Welsh character Owen Glendower's lines into Maori, and also by playing Banquo's ghost in Macbeth.
Leah McFall reviews The Palace Papers by Tina Brown, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Manurewa community icon Shirley Maihi is the country's oldest school principal. At 80, she leads decile one Finlayson Park School, championing bi-lingual education and social wellbeing initiatives, including being an early adopter of offering free breakfasts and lunches.
With the Australian election looming this Saturday, the polls still have the Labor Opposition ahead but are narrowing to suggest it could be a tight result. Karen is on the Scott Morrison/Anthony Albanese campaign trail. Also following more gangland shootings, about 60 New South Wales police are being pulled away from other duties to form a special taskforce targeting drug gang activities across Sydney's western suburbs.
In a first ever study of day-long influences, a University of Otago experiment has found what we smell and taste can trigger food choices hours later, possibly causing overeating and exacerbating health issues. Co-author Dr Mei Peng, of the Department of Food Science tells Kathryn Ryan the research considers how we can change our eating habits by suppressing or increasing appetite for certain foods.
New research into the protests at parliament earlier in the year has explored how social media inflamed tensions and finds a dozen local accounts spreading disinformation were at the heart of it. The Disinformation project - part of Te Punaha Matatini - studied data from tens of millions of online posts, tweets and comments, alongside hundreds of hours of live-streamed footage from the protest. Kathryn speaks with Director of the project, Kate Hannah.
The door is reopening to international students but not in the way it was pre-pandemic. The Government is allowing 5-thousand new international students into the country from the middle of the year, and last week announced that Immigration New Zealand will begin processing other study visas at that time - brought forward from October.
Financial Planner Liz Koh says a common mistake people make in retirement, if they have a nest egg, is that they underspend. They die with more money in the bank than they intended to leave, or they live in poverty in order to preserve their investment capital. She says there is no need to feel guilty or anxious about spending retirement capital and explains why she thinks it is imperative.
Playing in nature can build a positive mindset, enable cooperation and build courage and resilience in tamariki. Celia Hogan from Little Kiwis Nature Play is a passionate advocate for nature play.
How outside investment is revving up motor racing: could the same formula work for the All Blacks? Also, is it end times for crypto investing.
Louise O'Brien reviews Book of Night by Holly Black, published Penguin Random House NZ.
A just-released report has found the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to growing inequalities, spanning beyond the health sector to all parts of society, unless countries cooperate more. Casting out over the next five years, the International Science Council report forcasts deepening global inequalities and the possible collapse of some health systems.
When Dr Michael Sampson embarked on a Fulbright Scholarship late last year he was expecting to continue the research and teaching he's devoted his life to. Instead his time in Ukraine was cut short by the Russian invasion and he was forced to flee to Poland. In addition to an academic career - most recently as the Dean of the School of Education at New York's St Johns University - he is also a children's writer.
Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News. He talks to Kathryn about Buffalo's racially-motivated supermarket killings, the pushback from supporters of abortion rights, US aid for Ukraine and financial market's volatility as inflation fears strike deep.
Kathryn speaks with Climate Commission Chair, Dr Rod Carr about the government's first Emissions Reduction Plan released yesterday. The plan is the government's response to the Climate Change Commission's roadmap for how to get New Zealand to net-zero emissions by 2050, through a series of carbon emission budgets between now and 2035.
Sporting chiefs respond to the findings of a damning independent report into athlete welfare and the code's culture. The inquiry review panel suggest the high performance model is broken and needs to be reimagined.
Kennedy Warne visits the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei, initiated in 1993 and which finally opened in February this year. Austrian-born Friedensreich Hundertwasser lived the last 30 years of his life in New Zealand, and was a conservation pioneer as well as a brilliant artist and visionary architect. The centre expresses his philosophy that nature, art and life are a seamless and beautiful whole.
A successful restaurateur turned celebrity chef, Angelo Georgalli - also known as the Game Chef - has over 25 years experience in cooking, with a particular passion for hunting, fishing, archery and getting out into the great outdoors. His work as a volunteer Fish and Game ranger, and putting lunch together for his colleagues, inspired him to write a cookbook devoted to New Zealand's wild animals. The outcome is the Fish and Game Cookbook, in collaboration with the organisation of the same name.
Shane, Brigitte and Kathryn look ahead to the Government's Emissions Reduction Plan, Thursday's Budget, also reflecting on the border reopening, immigration reset and the Maori Party's decision not to stand in the Tauranga by-election.
Mary Fawcett of Schrödinger's Books in Petone reviews Bookseller at the End of the World by Ruth Shaw, published by Allen and Unwin
When Keri Bloomfield upped sticks and planted herself in Denmark - she found it wasn't all hygge and pastries. She'd flown to the other side of the world to join her partner, with the four-month-old addition to their family in tow. She found herself blogging about her experiences as a way to cope with the quirks of cross-cultural misadventures and it's now been turned into a book called 'Nothing Like a Dane'.
Amid the gloom of war, Ukraine's Eurovision win has lifted spirits, with a decisive win for the Kalush Orchestra, with their entry 'Stefania'. The group has just released the video of their song, filmed among the ruins of Irpin and Bucha. Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney also looks to Finland, which has formally formally confirmed its intention to join NATO in light of Russia's war against Ukraine, and a Brexit row has blocked Sinn Fein - off the back of a historic election win - from appointing a First Minister for Northern Ireland.
Pōrangahau farmer Gretchen King talks to Kathryn about the development of a software programme that makes it easy for farmers to record information. The Cloud Farmer App clears the way to discarding the old notebook. There is interest from overseas and Gretchen believes Cloud Farmer could also be used by horticulturalist and agriculturalist.
People living with dementia are waiting too long for assessments, and can languish for years before getting respite or residential care according to Alzheimers New Zealand. The aged care sector is 20 percent short of nurses, which has forced the closure of some resthomes and the loss of 500 aged care beds in the last six months.
The inquiry into the high performance programme delivered by Cycling New Zealand and primarily funded by High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) is about to be released.
Sam examines what Brendon McCullum's appointment as England test cricket coach means, the rugby World Cup is heading to America and can Saudi Arabia rehab its reputation though sportswashing?
Paul Diamond reviews How to Loiter In a Turf War by Jessica Hansell a.k.a. Coco Solid, published by Penguin Random House NZ
It's called the beautiful game and Kathryn hears the story of a young Kiwi helping revive a fallen giant. Iconic North East of England side Sunderland is fighting for its life, again, on Saturday at the home of football, Wembley. The League One play-off final clash against small town Wycombe Wanderers is the Black Cats' big opportunity to return to the second tier of English football. There's a lot at stake. Football is virtually a religion in this deprived former ship-building city. Fans of Netflix Series Sunderland Til I die will know this. Kathryn speaks with Callum Holmes, one of the youngest development coaches in NZ, and former Wellington Phoeniz coach, who has shifted to Sunderland. He's living the dream coaching the next generation of wanna-be Ronaldos and David Beckhams.
Protesters hold banners and placards during a demonstration against the surge in prices and shortage of fuel and other essential commodities in Colombo on April 1, 2022. Photo: AFP or licensors Civil unrest continues in Sri Lanka, with protesters calling for president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign, as the country faces a severe economic crisis, with food and fuel running out and astronomical prices. The president has so far ignored these demands. His brother, the PM, quit earlier this week under mounting pressure. And in the Philippines, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has so far dominated the country's presidential election results . Elizabeth Beattie is a is a journalist at Thomson Reuters, based in Tokyo
Val Butcher talks to Kathryn about why she loves her job. The 81 year old has worked at the post office in the tiny historic settlement of Ophir for 20 years.
Women in the United States are being warned against using menstrual tracking apps or even Googling "abortion" in the wake of a leaked opinion which suggests a landmark legal protection could be overturned. Last week an initial draft majority opinion belonging to Justice Samuel Alito was leaked, indicating the Supreme Court had voted to overturn Roe v Wade, the legal precedent guaranteeing American women the right to an abortion. Any decision is not final until it is published, likely to be in June. But it's prompted fears about what such a fundamental legal change would mean - not just in terms of abortion access - but for how technology may come into play. Kathryn speaks to Nikolas Guggenberger is executive director of the Information Society Project at Yale Law School and Daly Barnett, who's a technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Film and TV reviewer Chris Schulz looks at whether the final seven episodes of Ozark lived up to the show's hype, new drama series starring Toni Collete and Colin Firth that's based around a high-profile murder trial in The Staircase and the local version of Lego Masters.
New research from the New Zealand Council for Educational Research looks at what gives Māori and Pasifika students the best chance of success at school. Through four studies, the Conceptualising Māori and Pasifika Aspirations and Striving for Success "COMPASS" project has identified critical factors that serve as important punga/anchors in the educational journeys of akonga/students. Senior Researcher at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research, Mohamed Alansari speaks with Kathryn Ryan.
Technology correspondent Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh joins Kathryn to look at the role artificial intelligence plays in digital addiction, by doing things like creating immersive and personalised spaces that constantly catch user attention. She'll also look at research into why AI still struggles with the nuances of human language - can studying the human brain help to build AI systems that can learn and reason like people do?
Harry Ricketts reviews Another Beautiful Day Indoors by Erik Kennedy, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.
If you're a fit 84 year old and you have a heart attack - should you be sent to the cardiologist or a geriatrician? Kathryn's guest Dick Sainsbury argues it should be the former - even though he's spent decades working in geriatric medicine. Based in Christchurch, Dick is a retired geriatrician and emeritus professor at Otago University, who spent 6 years on the New Zealand Medical Council and eight on the Artificial Limb Service. His anecdotes, thoughts, papers and teaching points from his career have formed the basis of an engaging book about aging called "All Experience is an Arch" - in which he infuses his love of literature. A keen cricketer, Dick had his own health scare 25 years ago - going into cardiac arrest on the cricket pitch and being revived by his teammates - who were all doctors.
Hugo Gye is Deputy Political Editor of The i Paper, based in the House of Commons press gallery.
Demand for a local seaweed-based biostimulants jumped 200 percent this autumn compared to the same time last year, partly driven by price hikes for synthetic fertilisers, as the war in Ukraine affects global supplies. AgriSea has been making biostimulant products for 25 years, and says demand is also growing as farmers become more conscious of where farm inputs come from. AgriSea collects seaweed from remote shores of coastal New Zealand and brews the harvest into a nutrient-rich concentrate at a factory in Paeroa. The company is also developing a seaweed farm in the Hauraki Gulf. The final product is a bio-stimulant, which enables farms and orchards to improve outcomes for soil, pasture, plant and animal health. Seaweed is a burgeoning sector in New Zealand, and globally, the seaweed sector is estimated to be worth more than $20 billion. Kathryn speaks to the chief executive of AgriSea, Clare Bradley about the industry. She also speaks with Fonterra's Chief Science and Technology Officer, Jeremy Hill, initiatives Fonterra is exploring to reduce greenhouse gases, including trialling a supplement for cattle containing Asparagopsis seaweed.
Kathryn speaks with Leeann Watson, Chief Executive of the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce about the reopening of the border and the immigration changes announced yesterday. She says it's a boost for tourism, hospitality and retail as well as for exporters and manufacturers. But she says it'll be a challenge to get the 10,000 additional workers per year needed in the Canterbury region to fill gaps.
Nurses are astounded and angry that the profession has been left off a new list for a fast-tracked path to residency, that allows overseas doctors, scientists and engineers to apply from September. A new 'green list' was announced at the same time the government revealed the border will fully reopen from the end of July. The green list aims to make it easier for employers to hire highly-skilled migrants in hard-to-fill jobs. A second list, offering 'work to residency', allows other listed occupations to apply for residency, but only after being in New Zealand for two years, and registered nurses are on that second list. Anne Daniels, President of theNurses Organisation says the policy is sexist and discrimatory.
Arts commentator Julia Waite talks about two exhibitions of textile art, The Search Party on now at McCahon House in Titirangi, and There Is No Other Home But This at Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. Julia Waite is Curator, New Zealand Art at the Auckland Art Gallery.
Most of us have something precious tucked away, an heirloom inherited from a family member; your grandmother's wedding dress, an old family photograph or a special piece of jewellery passed down the generations. You've most likely packed it away in a safe place, preserving it to pass onto your own children, but how can you best store it, to protect it from environmental conditions and the general wear and tear of life? Kathryn gets advice from Darryl Pike, collections manager at the Maritime Museum in Auckland.
The Government is expected to announced soon that our border will reopen in July - as opposed to October.The Prime Minister and the Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi will address a Business NZ lunch in Auckland this afternoon. RNZ immigration reporter Gill Bonnett explains.
The Automobile Association says a data breach has affected hundreds of thousands of customers.
Ruby Brunton reviews Easy Beauty by Chloé Cooper Jones published by Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand.
New Zealander Arama Kukutai is the Chief Executive of Plenty - a California based indoor, vertical farming technology company. Plenty grows leafy greens and will soon be growing strawberries in tall columns, under LED lights in a fraction of the sapce required for a traditional farm. It has recently constructed a massive - 8800 square metre warehouse in Compton, California, with 2.9 metre-high ceilings, a secure truck court and access to truck routes. Arama Kukutai who is Ngati Tipa, (Tainui), Maniapoto and Te Aupouri on his father's side; and Scottish on his mother's side, grew up in Waikato and attended Victoria University of Wellington. He says California is only one really bad fire season away from having major disruption of its fruit and produce, and indoor growing is part of securing that supply. He will be speaking at E Tipu: The Boma Agri Summit, being held 21-22 June in Christchurch and virtually.
Australia's election campaign is in full swing, with early voting already underway. Kathryn speaks with pollster Stephen Mills from Talbot Mills about the issues defining the campaign and what the polls are saying. [image_crop:141782:full]
Auckland transport planners want more people commuting on bikes and scooters. Auckland councillors voted last week to endorse a $306 million plan to roll out more cycleways in the city. The funding was allocated from Auckland's 10-year Regional Land Transport Plan towards a cycling and micro-mobility programme. But transport planners want political support for a further 1-point-seven billion dollars to deliver 260km of new cycleways and extra cycling connections in 14 areas by 2030. What's being planned? How will it be achieved and what will it mean for cyclists and drivers? Kathryn speaks with Courtney Groundwater, Auckland Transport's Manager Active Modes Planning.
A senior barrister specialising in employment law says yesterday's groundbreaking employment court ruling on child labour at Gloriavale is a wake-up call for government agencies and other organisations relying heavily on volunteers. The Employment Court found that three former members of the Christian group were employed from the age of six, doing work that was strenuous and sometimes dangerous. The Labour Inspectorate, which is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, had earlier concluded people working at Gloriavale, including children, were volunteers. Senior Christchurch barrister specialising in employment law, Kathryn Dalziel, says the judgement could impact any church group or incoroporated society that relies on volunteers, and should ring alarm bells with a number of public agencies.
Andrew talks to Kathryn about which stations are tracking well in the latest radio ratings. Also the latest World Press Freedom Index is out, compiled by Reporters without Borders. New Zealand has slipped from 8th to 11th, mainly around the economic stability of the industry. Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
Farmers are looking to the skies to keep the land in check. A river catchment weed control project has led to farmers' growing interest in using drones to spray, sow seeds, get into hard to reach ravines, and to muster sheep. A field day last week drew scores of Otago and Southland farmers keen to find out more or share what they've already learned. And with some new drone tech available in Southland, spraying for instance can be achieved within 1 to 2 cm of a mapped boundary-line. Kathryn is joined by Otago South River Care co-ordinator Rebecca Begg, who organised the drove event and Bill Paterson, who runs contract spraying company Aerial Agri Solutionz out of Waikaka near Gore.
Patrick has an explainer on how the whole carbon emissions reduction budget process works, ahead of next week's Emissions Reduction Plan and the Budget. Also what's going on at the NZ Film Commission ? Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
Bronwyn Wylie-Gibb of University Book Shop, Dunedin reviews A Tidy Ending by Joanna Cannon, published by Simon and Schuster Bronwyn says: Another wonderful novel by Joanna Cannon (who is a psychiatrist in her day job) exploring the disquieting depths and sinister eddies of everyday suburban life. Compelling characters, superb pacing, elegant writing and one or two staggering twists make for a very satisfying and thought-provoking read.
While most of us have spent our whole lives walking, how much consideration have we really given to the full benefits? Writer and keen walker Annabel Streets has been researching the science behind walking, and has found walking can expand your mind, build muscle, boost your immunity, improve your vision, burn calories, help you sleep, reduce anxiety, improve your memory and lift your mood. In her new book 52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science Of Walking For Wellness And Joy, One Week At A Time, Annabel Streets takes readers through 52 weeks of walks, which will inspire and encourage you to mix up how, when and where you walk, to get the most out of each step. She says she was initially motivated to learn more about the benefits of walking, as a way to counter the excuses offered up by her husband and teenage children. So, are there any good excuses for not going for a walk?
The biggest story in America continues to be a leaked draft of a Supreme Court decision that would overturn the landmark 1973 case Roe vs Wade which guarantees the right to an abortion in the United States. The draft, written by Samuel Alito, was later verified as authentic by Chief Justice John Roberts. The draft has set off a firestorm in the country where public polling shows a strong majority of voters favor maintaining the right to an abortion. And Jill Biden has made a surprise visit to Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska who has been in hiding with her children. Kelsey Snell is a congressional correspondent for NPR, based in Washington DC.
When details of the draft agreement were leaked, it blindsided many countries - including New Zealand - with Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta calling it a "relationship failure". The Solomon Islands Prime Minister isn't backing down though, saying critics of the deal are undermining his country. So what happens now? Will relationships be repaired as long as it's on the table? Kathryn discuss with Otago University Chinese foreign policy specialist Nicholas Khoo.
Auckland commuters could be paying to drive on inner-city roads in future, with the government expected to announce congestion pricing next week as part of its final Emissions Reduction Plan. If it goes through, the charge could help reduce vehicle emissions by removing 12 per cent of traffic off the city's roads. A 2020 report called the Congestion Question recommended higher charges for peak time periods, starting at $1.50 for off-peak, $2.50 during shoulder times, and $3.50 for peak periods, with the charges only applied once within a two-hour window regardless of distance travelled, and no charge between 7pm and 6am. Kathryn discusses the issue with Auckland mayor Phil Goff, Michael Barnett of the Chamber of Commerce and Editor of urban advocacy group, Greater Auckland, Matt Lowrie.
Bill McKay discusses Auckland Council's response to Government reforms, impacts on heritage and special character areas and the need to re-invent our cities to face bigger issues and cope with what is to come. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
The fishing industry has got a bad rap in recent years. Documentaries like Seaspiracy have highlighted problems like overfishing and environmental devastation, which have led to some swearing off seafood all together. Tora Collective on Wairarapa's south coast couldn't be further from the the industrial fishing model of mass dredging and distribution. Crayfish, Paua and Kina are hand-caught by Troy Bramley and Claire Edwards on a seasonal basis and sent directly to the consumer. And it's paying off - their efforts recently won them an Outstanding NZ Food Awards where they bet some major fishing companies. They speak to Kathryn about why it's time for a sea change for the industry. 11:45Urban Issues - heritage areas
Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Neale Jones and Brigitte Morten talk to Kathryn about what the latest political polls are showing and the looming Budget.
Angelo Georgalli, aka The Game Chef, teams up with Fish & Game New Zealand for his new cookbook. The Fish + Game Cookbook is an intriguing collection of "wanna-be bush tucker meets Grey Lynn polish", says Sonja de Friez.
Akuch Kuol Anyieth writes about her remarkable journey from fleeing war-torn South Sudan for a refugee camp in Kenya, and to living as a refugee in Australia.
Debora talks to Kathryn about the devastating impact Russia's invasion of Ukraine is having on Africa, contributing to a lack of grain and famine. Debora reports from Ukraine.
Sea levels are rising twice as fast as thought in New Zealand, significantly reducing the amount of time authorities have to respond. But there's a new weapon in regional and unitary councils' armoury to combat the pressures on communities of climate change, as well as for managing land, air, and water resources. The sector's inaugural Chief Science Advisor is Dr Chris Daughney. Te Uru Kahika created this role in recognition of increased pressure on local and regional government from sea level rise, among other pressing environmental issues. Kathryn speaks with Dr Daughney, who is also Chief Science advisor at NIWA.
Rural doctors are appalled the proposed Pae Ora Healthy Futures Bill doesn't include a rural health strategy, and fear it could entrench health inequities in rural areas. The bill amalgamates the country's 20 District Health Boards into one centralised unit called Health New Zealand. The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network says the proposed legislation ignores the needs of the approximately 750,000 New Zealanders living in rural areas. Rural healthcare has been in crisis for at least a decade, with poorer health outcomes, and a critical workforce shortage. Forty percent of the country's 194 rural practices are looking for staff, and the existing workforce is aging, with 50 percent signalling they plan to retire in the next five to ten years. The RGPN is calling for rural communities to be identified as a priority population group in the legislation -- alongside Maori, Pacific People and the Disabled, who are already recognised. Kathryn speaks to Dr Grant Davidson, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network, and Gill Naylor, president of Rural Women New Zealand.
Comedians Te Radar & Pinky Agnew with an interesting legal amendment covering Canadian astronauts in space.
Sam looks at the importance of unpredictability in Super Rugby, the message behind the Black Ferns selections, examines the Black Caps squad for England and how Lydia Ko's "time of the month" interview is a game changer.
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews Joan is Okay by Weike Wang, published by Text Publishing.
Should conservationists try to save all threatened species, or do there have to be sacrifices? In a new book Tickets For The Ark : From Wasps to Whales - How Do We Choose What to Save? Rebecca Nesbit explores the moral complexities of conservation, asking what should we conserve, and why. And in an age where extinction rates are at the highest since the dinosaurs bit the dust 65 million years ago there are plenty of decisions to be made. Ecologist and author Rebecca Nesbit writes on science and asks ethical questions related to conservation, speaking here to Kathryn about when conservation is ineffective, and sometimes harmful to animals and people.
Samoa and Niue are setting dates to open their borders for the first time since March 2020, as studies are assessing the impacts of COVID on the region's health systems.
Night owl Carol Dix loves driving 1800 kilometres a week delivering The Waikato Times. It's a seven day a week job, and Carol says she can't remember the last time she had more than four days off in a row. The paper is currently celebrating 150 years in print. Carol talks to Kathryn about the nocturnal nature of the job and what she encounters on the roads.
Growing numbers of young New Zealanders are heading overseas as the borders open. But will a pandemic OE be slightly different?
Film and TV correspondent James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about the Yellowstone prequel 1883 (Amazon), a new series starring Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston called The Essex Serpent (Apple+), a new comedy in cinemas called Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn and a series coming to TVNZ called The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe.
Neuroscience educator Deb Rewiri says it has never been so important to get on board with traditional Māori parenting practices. Help is at hand to take whanau back to when a village raised the children. Deb tells Kathryn about a whanau support initiative called Tākai which embraces mātauranga Māori and indigenous parenting approaches.
Cyber-security expert Tony Grasso joins Kathryn to talk about the new spear-phishing email doing the rounds from Chinese state-sponsored hacking group Override Panda. He'll also look at how Russian hacking group, Cozy Bear, has been targeting diplomats around the globe and how the CIA is using a variety of social media platforms to give instruction on how Russians can send information to them via a secure browser over the Dark Web.
Joanna Ludbrook of the Chicken and Frog Bookstore in Featherston reviews The Lighthouse Princess by Susan Wardell, illustrated by Rose Northey, published by Penguin Puffin.
Three years ago Hong Kong was rocked by protests that shook it to its very core. It began with concerns about an extradition treaty with China; was fuelled by the disappearance of five booksellers and ended with a crackdown on freedom of expression. It also made Louisa Lim realise it was time to go back to the place she was raised and unearth key stories about the identity of Hong Kong. Louisa is an award-winning journalist who reported from China for a decade and now teaches journalism at the University of Melbourne. Her new book about the history, people and culture of her childhood home is called 'Indelible City: Dispossession and Defiance in Hong Kong'.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about rising inflation and a Cabinet Minister's suggestion that struggling families should buy budget brands, which has not gone down well. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says the police have not been in touch about his office beer with staff under lockdown, local elections could be a real indicator of Boris Johnson's popularity and the long-awaited Elizabeth Line is nearly open in London.
Technology behind breeding low-methane emitting sheep has the potential to be applied to cattle, with huge potential for reducing New Zealand's greenhouse gasses. Scientists at AgResearch have found that lower methane emissions are a heritable trait in sheep. Emissions are measured using portable accumulation chambers, with the lowest emitting sheep producing close to 13 per cent less methane than the highest emitters, per kilogram of feed eaten. It's now hoped that this will be transferable to cattle, with a single chamber being used to test this. Thirty-five percent of New Zealand's greenhouse gases come from grazing livestock; with sheep accounting for one third of that, and cattle 70 percent. If New Zealand's entire flock were to become low methane emitting, it's estimated the country could reduce methane emissions by one percent per year. Kathryn speaks with Dr Suzanne Rowe is a geneticist and senior scientist at AgResearch.
New Stats NZ's figures show the unemployment rate holding steady at 3.2 percent, in large part this is due to the closed borders and lack of flow of skilled migrants and workers. However, this is having a serious effect on businesses struggling to fill vacancies. Accordant is the country's largest recruitment firm, working across all sectors from blue collar to IT and executive level. Kathryn talks to Accordant Chief Executive, Jason Cherrington who says almost every sector is short staffed. We'll also hear from Puke Pine General Manager Jeff Tanner. Parts of his family run Te Puke sawmill are choking due to unfilled vacancies, and that's impacting on how much product can be processed.
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn with an update on the new BA.4 and BA.5 variants of Omicron which appear to be behind a new wave of Covid cases in South Africa. The longest-ever recorded case of Covid infection is 505 days - that's not long Covid, but a chronic infection. And a new meta-analysis shows getting the seasonal flu vaccine could reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Associate Professor Dr Siouxsie Wiles is the head of Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University of Auckland.
A few years ago Dunedin woman Ruth Arnison came across an unusual idea for a library - little, brightly painted cupboards full of books free for anyone to take, borrow or donate. She called them Lilliput Libraries, and placed ten around the city - wondering whether they'd be used. Fast-forward eight years and the initiative has spread far beyond Dunedin's borders. Lilliput Libraries are now all over New Zealand, with #302 newly established in Invercargill. Ruth joins Kathryn to talk about the libraries, and other community-minded projects she's involved with that aim to spread joy.
Aucklander, Melissa Jackson grandparents were in the fashion industry in the UK. When her father emigrated to New Zealand he started his own business cutting garments for some well known clothing retailers. Melissa has always worked as an accountant, but during the pandemic she's had time to sew and ended up starting an online homewares business - missyjackson.co.nz
Melanie O'Loughlan of Lamplight Books reviews Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro, translated from Spanish by Frances Riddle, published by Charco Press.
Sarah Nolet wants farmers to become ag-tech entreprenurs. As co-founder of Australia's first specialist agrifood tech venture capital firm, Tenacious Ventures, she's raised $NZ38 million to work with 15 start-ups that make production more efficient, focus on climate solutions and create new business models that enable rapid response to changing consumer demands. As well as the fund, Sarah Nolet is the host of the AgTech...So What? podcast, and co-founder of Farmers2Founders, a national innovation program for primary producers. Sarah Nolet is speaking at at E Tipu: The Boma Agri Summit, being held 21-22 June in Christchurch and virtually.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the Reserve Bank's decision to raise the official cash rate by 0.25 per cent - the first time it's been hiked in the middle of an election campaign since 2007. She'll look at the city-based seats held by moderate conservatives that are under threat from climate-concerned independents - raising concerns about a hung parliament on May 21. And Australia's most famous soap opera Neighbours is ending - but not without a special reunion.
Fewer New Zealanders are surviving cardiac arrests outside the hospital, and St John Ambulance believes wearing PPE may be impairing officers' ability to perform CPR effectively. Survival rates are down for the second year in a row. They've dropped from 13 percent in the year to July 2019, pre-pandemic, to 11 percent in the 12 months to July last year. Survival rates are counted as people still alive 30 days after a cardiac arrest. In the year to July 2021, almost 2000 cardiac arrests were treated in the community, with 25 percent living long enough to get to hospital, down from 27 percent two years earlier. So what's behind the drop in survival rates? Kathryn speaks with Medical Director of St John ambulance services, Dr Tony Smith.
A new follow-up study into students who'd gone through the Reading Recovery programme in the US has found that initial gains may not last.
Everyone knows they need to save for retirement, but Financial Planner, Liz Koh says saving is only part of the story. She says we need to think more broadly than that, because our goal should not be saving but building wealth. Liz talks to Kathryn about the difference. Liz Koh is a financial planner and specialising in retirement planning. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
Gemma Rasmussen, head of communications and campaigns at Consumer NZ joins Kathryn to talk about new research that shows families are playing an increasing role in financing young people into the housing market. And winter is coming - what's the best way to heat your home, check you're with the right power provider and get more out of your streaming service?
Rebecca Stevenson talks to Kathryn about whether modern economic focus on growth and gross domestic product (how much we make minus how much we buy) as a measure of a nation's success isn't sustainable - and whether it might be destroying our environment, and also not fairly compensating people for living lives dominated by work.
Catriona Ferguson reviews French Braid by Anne Tyler, published by Penguin Random House NZ
Dr Rebecca Simon's research and writing charts the rise and fall of pirates, from ancient times to a "golden era" spanning the 16th and 17th centuries, which, together with Treasure Island spawned a romantic Captain Jack Sparrow-eque image. Rebecca' s new book Pirate Queens: The Lives of Anne Bonny and Mary Read is a history of female piracy in the Caribbean and the Atlantic. Anne Bonny and Mary Read were infamous pirates who swore and fought with pistols and cutlasses at a time when few women rose above servitude and wifely duties. They weren't alone. Further afield, in the South China Sea, female pirate leader Ching Shih presided over a fleet of some 80,000 men. By contrast, Captain Blackbeard had a crew of three hundred. Both he and other notorious pirates make cameo appearances here. Dr Simon teaches history at Santa Monica College, and joins Kathryn from LA.
Ukraine seems to be hanging on, against all odds, signaling a longer war which means more permanent changes in Russian relations with the West. Ron says the sanctions regime is hardening, much to the amazement of NATO/EU critics, and the strong US-led response of the West still has bipartisan support in Congress, general support in US opinion. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
The government has backed Fonterra's capital restructure, after initially raising concerns about the proposal and whether they were in the best interests of the industry. Changes will be made to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act to allow Fonterra to change its shareholding rules and limit the size of the related investment fund. Fonterra wants to make it easier to join the co-operative, while maintaining farmer ownership amid falling milk supply. Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor says the Fonterra proposals will be supported, but the government will ensure greater official scrutiny in the setting of milk prices, outside management of trading in Fonterra's shares and units, and more transparency. So what does this all mean for Fonterra, for farmers, and for milk prices? Kathryn finds out from Arie Dekker, the head of research at Jarden.
The Chief Executive of one of the country's biggest commercial construction companies warns more building companies could collapse. Wellington-based construction company Armstrong Downes Commercial was put into liquidation yesterday, having suffered large losses, from fixed price contracts, on two of its biggest projects. The decision follows an unsuccessful attempt at restructuring the company's contracts.Armstrong Downes Commercial has eight projects under way in the capital. Grant Thornton liquidators reported spiralling costs, procurement challenges, and labour shortages among contributing factors. Liquidators have taken control of construction sites, which are temporarily closed, and builder are locked out. Kathryn speaks with Rick Herd,
Kennedy explores some of the rock bivouacs that climbers use for overnight shelter in the valley of the south branch of the Wye Creek, just south of Queenstown.
The feijoa season usually passes in a blaze of glory. Glorious months with an abundance of the fruit...and then the season ends. So how can you enjoy feijoas all year round? Heather Smith is the founder of Heather's Feijoas, which boasts a range of feijoa products, from freeze-dried wedges, to powders, purees and jellies. Kathryn speaks to Heather about the feijoa industry, the products she's created, and shares a recipe and some tips for making delicious desserts, breakfasts or snacks.
The Government is trying to advance some longstanding and challenging big picture policies. Neale, Ben and Kathryn discuss the Government's climate plan and areas at risk of sea level rise, the future of 3 Waters and Co-governance. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Ben Thomas is a PR consultant and a former National Government press secretary.
Laura Caygill reviews Left on Tenth by Delia Ephron, published by Penguin Random House NZ
Over the last eight years, Dave Letele has helped thousands of people lose weight and get fit through his Brown Buttabean health programme. The progamme spun out of Dave's own journey in which he lost over 100 kilograms and turned his life around. Now, in addition to running free fitness programmes, his organisation runs education, youth and employment programmes, as well as a food-share scheme. Dave Letele was recently named Kiwi Bank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award.
In what could be a massive blow to Russia's ability to pay for its Ukraine invasion, there are increasing reports of an imminent EU ban on Russian oil. And in France, just a week of being re-elected as French President, Emmanuel Macron has been the focus of angry street protests marking May the 1st Labour Day marches. Unions and left-wing political parties joined tens of thousands of people calling on Macron to drop his plans to raise the retirement age.
New research into what community healthcare workers experienced in the early days of the pandemic has been released this morning - finding many answered 'a call of duty' to care for their patients, sometimes at the expense of being with their own families. They went the 'extra mile' to care for their patients, often without access to proper PPE and with little in the way of tangible thanks. Dr Eleanor Holroyd, Professor of Nursing at AUT is the lead author of the study - which had 3644 responses, and in-depth interviews with 22 community healthcare workers. It's part of work by the CARUL Collective, which investigates how people in Aotearoa and in the UK have engaged with and experienced the social restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She says there's five recommendations to safeguard community healthcare workers in future pandemics - including demystifying the heroism and self-sacrifices projected onto them.
A senior barrister and former crown prosecutor says unless this month's budget contains new funding for the legal aid system, it is is danger of collapse. Hourly rates for legal aid work haven't changed since 2008 and are around half what a Crown Prosecutor or independent counsel receives. As a result there has been an exodus of lawyers willing and able to offer legal aid. The Law Society commissioned an independent report by Colmar Brunton last year, which surveyed nearly 3000 lawyers on access to justice. Three quarters of the legal aid lawyers who participated said they had to turn away people seeking legal assistance because they didn't have the time to take on the client, or because their firm had reached the maximum amount of legal aid clients it could afford. A quarter of legal aid lawyers said they intend to stop in the coming year. Tiana Epati is a barrister, former crown prosecutor and as immediate past president of the Law Society, commissioned the Colmar Brunton research. She holds grave fears for the legal system if the budget later this month doesn't include a funding boost for legal aid.
Comedians Te Radar and Michele A'Court with a few laughs - including a gifting idea that involves sausages!.
Sam reflects on a great week for canoe racing, a shocking one for the Warriors and the ongoing, seemingly never ending Silver Lake saga for New Zealand Rugby.
The State Services Commission has announced an independent review of workplace culture and complaint handling at Fire and Emergency. The review was requested by the Chair of FENZ, Rebecca Keoghan. It's three years since former judge Coral Shaw delivered a devastating report into the culture at FENZ, finding bullying and harassment were rife at all levels and across all regions within FENZ. Since then a stream of current and former firefighters - both volunteer and professional - have expressed frustration over the lack of change in FENZ culture, and a lack of trust in complaint handling processes. Kathryn gets an update from Nine to Noon Executive Producer Clare Sziranyi.
Charlotte Philby's latest novel tells the story of her grandfather, Kim Philby, the notorious double-agent in the Cambridge spy ring. Edith and Kim is her fourth novel, and tells the linked stories of her grandfather and Edith Tudor-Hart, the Vienna-born photographer and Communist agent who recommended Kim Philby for recruitment by the KGB. Charlotte Philby's father was a child when her grandfather defected. He tracked him down in Moscow years later, and as a five year old, Charlotte went on a family visit to Kim in Russia. She says initially she didn't want to write about Kim Philby because she didn't want to define herself through his life. But after years of having other people project versions of her grandfather, the time has come to reclaim the story.
The lockdown in China's economic capital Shanghai is now one month old, with most of the city's 26 million inhabitants still confined to their homes, despite a fall in Covid cases this week. The city has recorded over 530,000 cases since the start of the latest outbreak in early March. A military court in Myanmar has sentenced the country's former leader, Nobel peace laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi to five years in prison for corruption. Prize in 1990. And South Korea and Japan agree to "change tenor" of their recently frosty relationship, ahead of the May inauguration of new Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol.
Some ground-breaking research into a rock is unlocking the secrets of earthquake faults. From Aoraki Mt Cook to Waiheke Island, and even further North, greywacke is our nation's most common type of rock. But it's the rock no-one particularly loves. Greywacke is a variety of sandstone. It's hard, dark, and has nothing shiny, pretty or particularly valuable about it. But lecturer in geology at Victoria University of Wellington Dr Carolyn Boulton is very interested in it. Dr Boulton tells Kathryn Ryan she has been granted EQC-funding to look specifically at how greywacke rocks behave before, during and after earthquakes, and how faults can communicate with each other.
Kathryn speaks with Fullers360 CE Mike Horne, who is overseeing a project to amp-up decarbonised commuter crossings across the Waitemata Harbour. A hydrogen hybrid ferry and two Crown-funded electric ferries are planned for Auckland Harbour crossings. Auckland ferry operator Fullers360 plans to launch a privately funded hybrid ferry on the water next year, a year ahead of the fully electric models.The Government says it expects the 200-person all-electric ferries for Auckland Transport's inner and mid-harbour services to be launched in 2024.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to look at a new series from the creators of The Wire called We Own This City (Neon, Sky Go), which exposes the corruption and moral collapse that befalls Baltimore. She'll also look at local series The Explorer Club (TVNZ OnDemand) which introduces kids to iconic New Zealand explorers through hands-on adventures of their own and finally Shining Girls (Apple+), which stars Elisabeth Moss as an assault victim trying to understand her own connection to a brutal murder.
Kathryn talks with parenting coach and education consultant Joseph Driessen about parenting skills for blended families.
The world's richest man has bought the world's biggest megaphone. What's he going to do with it? Tech expert Mark Pesce tells Kathryn Ryan what we know so far.
Picking up discarded sticking plasters on the Routeburn Track was a lightbulb moment for Lucas Smith. He was working as a mountain guide, and blisters were a common problem for the tourists he was escorting through the rugged Fiordland landscape. Uncomfortable with the number of plastic plasters being used and thrown away, he turned his gaze to the wool he used pluck off fences to pad his own scrapes and blisters. Six years of research, patenting and development led Lucas to establish Wool Aid, a company manufacturing adhesive bandages made of merino wool. The bandages are entirely natural, responsibly produced and are completely biodegradable. They're also a world first.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye joins Kathryn to talk about the pressure piling on the government to tackle inflation and the ideas proposed so far - none of which seem likely to make a difference. There's been a massive row over a newspaper report that senior Labour politician, Angela Rayner, has tried to distract Boris Johnson by crossing and uncrossing her legs in Parliament - which she angrily denies. Now female Tory MPs have said they've seen male colleagues watching porn in the Chamber. And a lack of an alibi delivered by the suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance raises the prospect of the case finally concluding this year.
Financial literacy advocate Dr Pushpa Wood says renters who are aiming to survive on super can no longer afford skyrocketing city rentals. Recent research commissioned by New Zealand Seniors in partnership with CoreData showed that more people are working longer as the advent of Covid has delayed their retirement plans. The Retirement Report 2022 also found that only half of the over 50 year olds surveyed felt they were on track to retire at their preferred age. the Government has just announced an Employment Action Plan to support workers past retirement age. Dr Pushpa Wood is from the New Zealand Centre of Financial Education and Research Centre based at Massey University. She says it's imperative that people of all ages have a plan for their retirement.
As Covid-19 border restrictions relax here and abroad, Kiwis are ready for international travel. But passports are taking almost three times as long as usual to process. Over half a million passports have expired in the past couple of years. The DIA says there's a high demand for passports with processing time shifting from 10 to 22 working days, equivalent to 32 calendar days, plus time for passports to arrive in the post. For peace of mind six weeks for processing in recommended. Department of Internal Affairs' Deputy Chief Executive Service Delivery and Operations Maria Robertson joins Kathryn.
Should suspects who are subject to police or other investigations be able to keep that information out of the media using the law of privacy? Ursula Cheer is a professor of Law at the University of Canterbury.
Jacky McLaren spent ten years working as a teacher in Brunei, but it's her experiences outside the classroom that are a having a lasting impact.
David Hill reviews Raiment: A Memoir by Jan Kemp, published by Massey University Press.
Professor George Jelinek was 45 and at the peak of a distinguished medical career, when he was diagnosed with MS - the disease which had destroyed his mother's life. At the time, he was a Professor of Emergency Medicine and had been Editor-in-Chief of a major medical journal. So he set about learning everything he could about MS to prevent his life deteriorating in the same way his mother's had. Professor Jelinek's Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Programme was detailed in his first book published in 2001. It combines a number of different elements, including diet - cutting out dairy and meat, and reducing fat intake; exercise, vitamin D and Omega 3. 23 years later, George Jelinek is symptom free, and is the founder of the Neuroepidemiology Unit within the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at The University of Melbourne. The third update of his Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Handbook has just been published by Allen & Unwin.
Australia correspondent Chris Niesche joins Kathryn with updates from the election campaign, which got off to a rough start for Labor when its leader Anthony Albanese came down with Covid. He'll also look at the comments from Defence Minister Peter Dutton about the need for Australia to "prepare for war", as the country reevaluates its security threats following a pact between Solomon Islands and China.
A West Coast volunteer project to rid a lagoon of an invasive weed, is bringing people and businesses together across New Zealand. Okarito Lagoon is swamped by gorse. It's threatening biodiversity; choking native wetland plants, bird habitat and inhibiting whitebait breeding grounds. But once a year scores of sleeves are being rolled up to pull the gorse out. Over a hundred volunteers descended on Okarito recently, a settlement of some forty people, and plans are in place for Gorsebusting to happen again next year. Kathryn is joined by Gorsebusters organiser Baz Hughes, who runs Okarito Kayaks with his wife, Gemma.
The electric future for Auckland's ferries has ramped up a notch. Two publicly-funded electric ferries are planned for Auckland Harbour crossings, plus Auckland ferry operator Fullers plans to launch a privately funded hybrid ferry on the water next year.The Government says it expects the 200-person ferries for Auckland Transport's inner and mid-harbour services to be launched in 2024. They'll be built by Auckland martime technology company EV Maritime. Kathryn speaks with founder and CEO is Michael Eaglen.
Frustrated residents of the Christchurch suburb of Bromley say they're dismayed by the prospect of another six years living with the stench of a local composting plant. Christchurch City Councillors will consider a report recommending moving the city's organics processing plant at a meeting tomorrow. Stuff is reporting that could take up to six years. Residents of Bromley have been pleading with the council for years to do something about the smell from the plant, which turns green waste into compost. Meanwhile a waste water plant damaged by fire last November in Bromley has been causing a smell described as rotten, pungent and very unpleasant. Kathryn speaks with Yani Johanson, a councillor for Linwood Ward.
Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
Business correspondent Pattrick Smellie joins Kathryn to talk about a public consultation document due for release soon by the government into how the country will adapt to climate change. It's likely to broach the tricky subject of what to do about coastal property, which may in future become uninsurable. And warming coastal waters may have an impact King Salmon's capital raise, along with resource consent to farm in the open ocean. Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
Ben Thomas is a PR consultant and a former National Government press secretary. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. He is a Director and HR Manager for IT Company Mega.
Louise O'Brien reviews Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel, published by Picador, Macmillan
Auckland Marine scientist Craig Radford is keeping his ear to the ocean and recording what he hears. Professor Radford is one of nine international scientists capturing underwater noises to contribute to the Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds. The sounds assist in identifying how marine life communicates with each other - and in this part of the world it will also help to get a picture of the biodiversity challenges marine life in New Zealand faces
US correspondent Kelsey Snell joins Kathryn to talk about the return of diplomats to Kyiv, with President Biden expected to announce a new ambassador to Ukraine. It comes as the Secretaries of Defence and State are in Ukraine to meet with President Zelensky. She'll also talk about the moves by workers at Amazon and Starbucks to unionise - part of a revitalisation of the union movement by young, Black and Latino employees. It's not without push back from the big corporations, with Starbucks facing a lawsuit accusing it of firing workers who tried to unionise. Kelsey Snell is a congressional correspondent for NPR, based in Washington DC.
As more people turn to apps on their phone to help monitor their health, a new study out of AUT raises concerns about ones being used for stroke prevention. In a first-of-its kind review of the digital technologies currently available for stroke prevention - of which there 2369 - just 20 met basic criteria, were scientifically sound and had evidence-based content. The review, published in the scientific journal Stroke, was led by Valery Feigin, Professor of Epidemiology and Neurology at AUT. Health-related apps are booming, particularly in the pandemic and the market was estimated at US $38b dollars last year. Professor Feigin joins Kathryn to talk about why he believes tech giants should request evidence of scientific soundness of health apps from developers before putting them out there.
How well prepared are employers for the the biggest change to workplace law in decades expected later this year? The Fair Pay Agreements bill brings together employers and unions within a sector to bargain for minimum terms and conditions for all employees in that industry or occupation. Workers will be represented by unions, and employers by an employer association, these will need to be established. The proposed law has support from workers groups welcoming the provision of minimum fair pay standards for some of the lowest paid New Zealanders but BusinessNZ says Fair Pay Agreements are "fundamentally flawed" and the legislation breaches international obligations for voluntary bargaining. It's taking the case to the International Labour Organisation. Kathryn speaks to Kirk Hope, the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, as well as Megan Vant, a senior associate at Dundas Street Employment Lawyers.
Sports commentator Dana Johannsen takes a look criticism of rugby referees, the future of netball, and the new coaching structure for the Black Ferns.
Adrian Hardingham from Unity Books reviews Slow Down, You're Here by Brannavan Gnanalingam, published by Lawrence & Gibson
Shavez Cheema is the founder of rainforest conservation group 1Stop Borneo Wildlife, where he supervises scientific and sustainable tourism projects. Shavez started his conservation journey in 2011, with an academic background in anthropology and tourism. His main passion is saving wildlife. He loves frogs, has helped save elephants in plantations, trained former poachers to be nature guides, persuaded fisherman to turn dolphin guide and lead pangolin rescue missions so holiday makers can appreciate them as much as he does. And he has planted corridors of fig trees to make this all work. Shavez has a new book coming out called A Field Guide to Tawau Hills Park, which, as he tells Lynn Freeman, speaks to the huge biodiversity Borneo boasts.
Susana Lei'ataua, RNZ Pacific's news editor joins Lynn to discuss the China-Solomon Islands security deal, the launch of a Pacific-wide tourism organisation, and the commitments made at a recent conference in Palau about protecting the ocean.
Seagulls in New Zealand are often referred to as the scavengers of the sky, ready to swoop on any food scraps and takeaways beachgoers throw their way. Some recent research shows Northern Hemisphere gulls are no different, but some are quite specific about their fried food. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), used GPS tags to track the lives of Herring Gulls breeding in Scotland and northern England during the winter months. . Research Ecologist and study author, Dr Nina O'Hanlon says part of the monitoring was what they ate.
Forty years ago a grave was excavated on the banks of the Clutha River - inside, a middle aged man in a simple wooden coffin, his leather shoes still tied to his feet. The excavation was done as part of archaeological work ahead of the Clyde Dam's completion, and the lone grave had been reported by the landowner. What made the man's grave unusual is that it had clearly been dug up earlier - he'd been robbed and his remains disturbed. The bones were taken to Otago University and remained there for decades, until bioarchaeologist Professor Hallie Buckley and her colleague Peter Petchey decided to investigate further. Efforts are now underway to give the man a proper burial - and provide him with a final resting place. Lynn speaks with Lynley Claridge, owner of Affinity Funerals in Alexandra, and Dr Hallie Buckley.
Importers are warning of "acute" supply chain issues to New Zealand caused by Covid lockdowns in China. Shanghai is starting to ease its lockdown of the city's 25 million people, with factories slowly returning to production. But disruption at Shanghai port - the world's largest - has caused a backlog of over 500 ships waiting to dock, which is unlikely to be resolved quickly. Importers say shipping lines are cutting out ports and canceling some air freight services here. Lynn speaks with Chris Edwards, the President of the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders' Federation, and Daniel Silva, Secretary for the Importers Institute.
Laumata Lauano joins Lynn to talk about new comedy series How I Met Your Father (Disney+), political drama The First Lady (Neon) and documentary Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed (Sky, Channel ID).
Lynn speaks to Garth Wynne, who's been involved in educating teenage boys for decades and is now executive principal of Christ's College in Christchurch.
Technology commentator Peter Griffin joins Lynn to talk about moves in the US by Apple and Amazon workers to unionise and the resistance they're facing from Silicon Valley.
RNZ business editor Gyles Beckford joins Lynn to discuss the new inflation figures, released this morning.
Quentin Johnson reviews The Museum of Whales You Will Never See by Kendra Green, published by Penguin Random House
In her latest book novelist and screenwriter Delia Ephron chronicles a time of extreme loss in her life: the deaths of her beloved sister and her husband of 32 years, both to cancer.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Lynn to talk about the increasing pressure Boris Johnson is facing over Partygate, despite his apology.
Lynn talks to Dr Vickie Shim at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute about how the data will be used in a simulation model she's working on and Dr Samantha Holdsworth, CEO and director of research at Matai who explains why they hope to set up a gold standard - and objective - test for concussion.
Lynn speaks with Professor Jim Secord, a world authority on Darwin, and Director of the Darwin Correspondence Project at the Cambridge University Library.
If you're over 65, New Zealand is a good place to be but it's a different story if you're under 25, according to new research. On average, younger Kiwis are more lonely and less wealthy than their elders, says Dominick Stephens, Chief Economic Adviser to the NZ Treasury.
Science commentator Dr Allan Blackman joins Lynn to look at new reseach into how the sun's energy can be converted into electricity more efficiently. At the moment silicon solar cells can only manage 10 - 15 % conversion, so the hunt is on for more efficient materials. And April 20 marks a big day for science: in 1862 Louis Pasteur demonstrates the process we've come to know as pasteurisation and in 1902 Marie and Pierre Curie successfully isolate radioactive radium salts. Allan Blackman is a Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Auckland University of Technolog
When Glenda Kane saw a small boy run up to talk to a veteran who'd been standing alone and staring out to sea after an Anzac Day event, it made her curious.
Music reviewer Jess Fu joins Lynn to share a new track with a sci-fi theme from Automatic, one from electronic-soft-rock artist Jack J and a song from relative newbie Hanbee, a Korean-New Zealander indie-pop artist based in Tamaki.
Shaun Barnett reviews The Boy from Gorge River by Chris Long, published by HarperCollins NZ
His recipes are hardy, traditional and heavy on the booze - and they've made the self-styled Hebridean Baker, Coinneach MacLeod, an international culinary sensation.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Lynn to look at the election campaign, as opinion polls tighten and Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese battle it out. Covid isolation rules are to be relaxed further, with household contacts no longer needing to isolate. Cruise ships have been welcomed back into the country, and could Ash Barty be set to take on the golfing world?
Volcanologist Shane Cronin has just returned from a survey of all Tonga's northern islands, trying to piece together what led to the largest volcanic explosion ever recorded there.
New rules soon to pass into law will give more protection to people who own apartments or are looking to buy one.
Travelling overseas may not be as straightforward as you remember - particularly when it comes to travel insurance. Are you covered for Covid?
Food is one of our biggest household expenses. At a time when thousands of New Zealanders are going hungry, there are also many people spending money on food they'd be better off saving, says financial planner Liz Koh.
Journalist Mike White is also a life-long dog lover. A new book, Dogs in Early New Zealand Photographs has put together some of New Zealand's earliest dog photographs, with an introduction written by Mike White. The photos take us back to the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with a range of photos from carefully staged studio portraits, to more relaxed photos taken on the family farm. Lynn Freeman speaks to Mike about the enduring love we have for our dogs, and taking their picture.
Political commentators Shane Te Pou and Liam Hehir join Lynn to discuss Fair Pay Agreements and the impact on business, business sentiment and confidence, the Prime Minister's first overseas trip and the candour of Louisa Wall upon her exit. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.
Paul Diamond reviews Wellington Architecture: A Walking Guide by John Walsh; photographer Patrick Walsh published by Massey University Press
For Australian artist, composer and curator Lawrence English listening is very different to hearing. He is interested in "relational listening", the relationship between our internal thinking and the external sounds we are most interested in and tune into - and how to communicate that to an audience.
US correspondent Ron Elving joins Lynn to look at how Joe Biden has been turning up the heat in his rhetoric on Russia, energy-driven inflation is making Americans depressed, Republicans are looking strong ahead of the November mid-terms and what will the next chapter be in the Elon Musk Twitter saga?
Kiwi technology that can warn of an earthquake is going global. EQC and Massey University scientists have tested low cost early warning sensors, which gives notice of a quake. The project has made significant steps from a vision to hard data, and has successfully developed algorithms that can drive an early warning system.The findings were published recently in Informatics, a leading Swiss open access journal on information and communication technologies, in an article titled "Saving Precious Seconds", and have also gained interest from scientists all over the world who have jumped on board to share their information. Infact, as lead scientist Raj Prasanna tells Lynn Freeman, the Kiwi project has unexpectedly created an amazing new global community of excellence.
With the rising cost of living, many people are struggling to pay the bills, particularly over winter as the cost of power rises. New research from the University of Otago finds that the cost of heating a child's bedroom through the night in a Wellington winter would eat up nearly half of the government's Winter Energy Payment. The Winter Energy Payment is paid to qualifying beneficiaries and all superannuitants to help with heating costs. Lynn speaks with Otago University researcher Dr Caroline Shorter about the study. Also on the programme, Christchurch Budget Service's manager Dave Marra says there's been a huge rise in the number of people buying basics like food using buy now, pay later services like Afterpay.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about AppleTV's new show Pachinko, which spans generations and continents to tell the story of one woman from her birth in Korea in 1915, through the Japanese occupation, war and finally her move to Japan. He'll also look at new Kiwi reality show Snack Masters (TVNZ2) and tries to unravel new movie Everything Everywhere All at Once (in theatres). Chris Schulz reviews
Primary school teacher-turned writer Aaron Topp talks about his latest Young Adult book and shares tips on how to coax reluctant readers to pick up a book.
Technology correspondent Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to look at Apple's AirTags, a device that can turn every iPhone in the world into a detector for your lost luggage or keys - but they're also being used for nefarious means. A new report says a bug in Facebook's newsfeed algorithm was rating Russian state sources above others until it was picked up by the company's engineers. And how 500 drones Rick Rolled Dallas on April Fool's Day. Mark Pesce is a futurist, writer, educator and broadcaster.
Jonathan West reviews Tangata Ngai Tahu Vol 2, from the Ngai Tahu Archive Team, published by BWB
Chris Long grew up in New Zealand's remotest family, living more than 42 kilometres from the nearest road. In his book, The Boy from Gorge River he writes about how the solitude of his extraordinary childhood in the southern wilderness of Gorge River has shaped his life. Now aged 30, it equipped him for a life of adventuring and doing a diverse range of jobs from the Arctic circle to Antarctica.
Harriet Line is Chief Political Correspondent Daily MailUK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about the fines slapped on the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his wife Carrie and the Chancellor Rishi Sunak for a birthday bash at Number 10 during lockdown. A life sentence has been handed down to Ali Harbi Ali for the murder of veteran MP Sir David Amess and Home Secretary Priti Patel is in Rwanda today to announce plans to send illegal immigrants who arrive in the UK to the African state
Victoria Bruce and her seven year old daughter Emilie are about to reach Bluff having started Te Araroa trail last October. They've been raising money for the Mental Health Foundation and Federated Mountain clubs.They talk to Kathryn about their epic 2300 kilometre adventure.
A high school in a small King Country town has scrapped traditional class schedules- a move it says has significantly improved the learning outcomes of its students. They have also noted their school has been far less disrupted than others during the covid pandemic. Taumarunui High School moved from having one of the highest suspension rates in the region, to now no longer needing detention.
Food prices were 7.6 per cent higher than in March last year, the highest annual rise in food prices in ten-years. The last time food prices rose so much in a year was July 2011 - that rise was 7.9 per cent but was influenced by the rise in GST the previous year. Stats NZ recorded increases in every food price category it measures - the most dramatic - an 18 per cent increase in the price of fruit and vegetables. Kathryn speaks with Stats NZ Senior Manager for pricing, social and population insights, Aaron Beck.
Arts commentator Nina Tonga reflects on the role artists have in shaping how we perceive things and associate ourselves with a shifting sense of our place. She'll talk about a few of shows, including the knockout exhibition Declaration: A Pacific Feminist Agenda at Auckland Art Gallery, which opened last month, a new installation by Sione Monu and Manu Vaeatangitau Kindred: A Leiti Chronicle. Sione recently opened an exhibition in Poneke at Robert Heald Gallery entitled 'Volver'. She'll also profile a major retrospective of Dame Robin White opening at Te Papa in partnership with Auckland Art Gallery in first week of June called 'Something is Happening Here'.
From Oriental Parade, to Cuba Street, Lambton Quay, The Terrace, Aro Street, Wellington is known as a very compact and walkable city. It's also packed full of interesting buildings which tell a story of the city's history. Architecture writer John Walsh has already published popular walking guides for Christchurch and Auckland, and Wellington is now in for the same treatment. Alongside photographer Patrick Reynolds, John Walsh has produced a pocket guide of one hundred and twenty of Wellington's most significant central city buildings. And as John tells Kathryn, there's a lot to write about; hemmed in by steep hills and little flat land, Wellington has the most intensely occupied downtown in the country
Harry Ricketts reviews Elizabeth Finch by Julian Barnes, published by Penguin Random House NZ
The latest on the wild weather expected to hit East Coast from ex-Cyclone Fili from RNZ reporter Jimmy Ellingham.
How a video of Abbey and Money Singh's spectacular nuptials propelled them into social media stardom as The Modern Singhs.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about the Australian federal election campaign, which got off to a rough start for Labor leader Anthony Albanese when he couldn't state the unemployment or official cash rates off the top of his head. Meanwhile Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended his education minister over bullying claims that led to a $500,000 payout to a former staffer.
A University of Auckland-based research centre analysing the link between repetitive sports-related head injuries and degenerative brain diseases has received its first brain donations. The Sports Brain Bank is interested in former athletes who either during a game, or during training, experience repeated exercises that put pressure on their head. NFL, AFL and American football have already done some research into head injuries and the link to brain disease. Maurice Curtis is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Unversity of Auckland's Department and Co-director of the Human Brain Bank.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says peace talks have reached a "dead-end situation" after Ukraine made allegations about war crimes. He dismissed images of dead bodies in the town of Bucha as "fake". Speaking at an awards ceremony in the Russian Far East, Mr Putin claimed he had been left with no choice but to launch the invasion in a bid to protect the Russian speaking Donbas region. In his speech, Mr Putin said his campaign in Ukraine would continue until its "noble" goals have been achieved. Lesia Vasylenko is a Ukrainian Member of Parliament, with the opposition Holos Party. She's stayed behind in Kyiv to defend her city and continue her work, but has sent her three young children away to safety. She speaks to Kathryn from Kyiv.
High demand and a shortage of vessels are putting pressure on Cook Strait ferry services this Easter weekend and into next month. The Interislander's Aratere ferry is unavailable until Anzac weekend. It's in dry dock in Sydney for routine maintenance. The two remaining Interisland ferries, Kaitaki and Valentine, are operating at maximum capacity, forcing bookings to be canceled. BlueBridge has its Straitsman vessel in for "scheduled servicing" over the Easter period until the second week of May, advising "availability on other sailings is limited over this period". Kathryn speaks with InterIslander's Executive General Manager Walter Rushbrook.
The AUT research centre for Journalism, Media and Democracy (JMAD) has published its latest Trust in News in Aotearoa New Zealand report. It shows the numbers are still slipping. In 2022, trust in the news in general dropped 3% from 48% in 2021 to 45% in 2022. However, in the three years of 2020-2022, trust in the news in general declined 8%, from 53% to 45%. Andrew examines what's going on. He also discusses some high-profile news movements in local media, with TVNZ's John Campbell and Newstalk ZB's Barry Soper about to assume new roles. Also the Russian war on Ukraine costs thousands of civilian lives, and a number of journalists and their colleagues covering the conflict. Andrew Holden, a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
Olaf Petersen is widely regarded as one of Aotearoa's finest nature photographers. Over his 50 year career, from the 1930s to 1980s, he documented the country's landscape and its people. His photography clearly demonstrated his love for nature; from the birds, sea, trees and wind-rippled sand on Auckland's wild west coast, to the flora and fauna from the far north to Stewart Island. The first-ever retrospective exhibition of Olaf Petersen's work is currently being held at Tamaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum. The exhibition is called Nature Boy: The Photography of Olaf Petersen, and an accompanying book of his works has also been published. Kathryn speaks to Catherine Hammond, the head of documentary heritage at Tamaki Paenga Hira about the life and work of one of the country's preeminent photographers.
Rebecca looks at how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has provided a backdrop for the arms industry to advertise its wares. And also she talks to Kathryn a new report on Forbes which has a roundup of the studies probing whether women are good for business in leadership positions.
Ash Davida Jane reviews Meat Lovers by Rebecca Hawkes, published by Auckland University Press
When Yvette Williams stepped onto the victory rostrum at the 1952 Helsinki Games it was remarkable for two reasons. She'd just become the first New Zealand woman to win an Olympic Gold medal - something that wouldn't be repeated for another 40 years. It was also the first time 'God Defend New Zealand' - not yet the official anthem - had been played at the Olympic Games. The moment is beautifully captured in a new book called "Ideals are like Stars: The Yvette Williams story". It's written by Angela Walker, who competed as a rhythmic gymnast in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and went on to win gold at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. Yvette Williams became a national hero for her sporting prowess - an unusual endeavour for most women of her time. Angela joins Kathryn to talk about Yvette's life and the extraordinary coach they shared in common. Her book will be launched on Thursday at a virtual Facebook event.
The Senate has confirmed judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court. Jackson, Biden's first pick for the nation's high court, will become the first black woman justice on the nine justice panel. The US justice department is investigating potential mishandling of government secrets by former President Trump. And a group of US lawmakers is currently in Poland, assessing the situation at the border with Ukraine. Kelsey Snell is a congressional correspondent for NPR, based in Washington DC.
A balance sheet shows treatment for HIV is our most successful public health programme ever. The bottom line of some new data is that the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme has doubled its return over the last 20 years, indicating less is spent now than it was in the early 2000s on treating HIV, also hepatitis B and C, and other injection-related injuries. 34 years ago, in 1988, New Zealand was the first country in the world to introduce a national, government-funded needle exchange programme - for people who inject legal and illegal drugs. Many of its clients are unable to use normal mainstream health services, either because they're using illegal drugs or because of real or perceived stigma. The programme aims to reduce harm to people who inject drugs - often savings their lives. National Operations Manger Philippa Jones tells Kathryn Ryan it also aims to reduce the incidence of HIV and hepatitis in the community.
Reports of war crimes being committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine have been met with global outrage and horror World leaders have condemned the atrocities, some going as far to call it genocide. US President Joe Biden has called for Vladimir Putin to face a war crimes trial for his actions, and the International Criminal Court has already launched an investigation, with an unprecedented number of countries backing the move. So what possible consequences could Mr Putin face for the war crimes being committed in Ukraine, and are we likely to ever see him behind bars? Kathryn speaks to Professor David Crane, the Founding Chief Prosecutor for the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone from 2002 to 2005, which tried and charged former Liberian President, Charles Taylor. Professor Crane is also the founder of the Global Accountability Network, which builds criminal cases against heads of state and their henchmen - their clients include the International Criminal Court and United Nations. He is also a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Syracuse University College of Law.
Bill discusses 'hybrid architecture': innovative ways of adapting buildings and sites. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
With Easter nearly upon us, lots of chocolate-eating is on the horizon. But did you know the flavour and shape of the chocolates you prefer can reveal your personality type? "Chocologist" Murray Langham tells Kathryn Ryan about the psychology of chocolate selection.
Stephen Mills is an executive director at Talbot Mills research limited which is the polling firm used by Labour. He is a former political adviser to two Labour governments. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government.
Academic, writer, journalist and editor Julianne Schultz's book The Idea of Australia takes looks at what her country represents. She asks some critical questions including : What defines the soul of the nation? Is it an egalitarian, generous, outward-looking country? Or is Australia a nation that has retreated into silence and denial about the past and become selfish, greedy, and insular? Julianne Schultz is an emeritus professor of media and culture from Queensland's Griffith University , and the publisher and founding editor of the Griffith Review.
In what's turned out to be a tight, nail-biting French presidential election, the gap has closed between the far-right and incumbent President Macron in the race for the Elysee Palace. After the first round of voting, exit polls put Macron on 28.1% and far-right leader Marine Le Pen on 23.3%. It'll be a fierce fight in the second round in two weeks' time, on April 24. Seamus reports from Paris.
Will the recent closure of scallop fisheries in Northland, most of Coromandel and the Hauraki Gulf be enough for the shell fish populations to recover? In the past nine years, scallop biomass in the Coromandel fishery, which includes the Hauraki Gulf, has declined by 77-percent, while biomass in the Northland fishery has fallen 63 percent over 14 years. From April 1, the Fisheries Minister David Parker closed almost all the scallop fisheries in Coromandel and Northland, while two areas around Hauturu/Little Barrier Island and near the Colville Channel will remain open.His decision has angered some critics who believe it doesn't go far enough and taking scallops from those two areas should also be banned. Kathryn speaks with Dr James Williams, a NIWA fishery scientist who led a survey of scallop beds in the Hauraki Gulf last year, and whose findings were part of the advice to the Minister.
A petition is gathering pace to prevent a swathe of treasured East Coast agricultural farmland being converted to overseas-owned pine forestry. Almost 6,686 signatures have been gathered from a target of 7,500. The petition was set up by farmer and provincial president of Federated Farmers Gisborne-Wairoa region Toby Williams. Mr Williams is intent on saving some six-thousand hectares at Huiarua and Matanui stations. Toby tells Kathryn he's determined this fine agricultural land doesn't become a carbon sink-hole. The purchase of these stations is currently before the Overseas Investment Office.
Sam breaks down the Tiger Woods hype train, and he has reaction to Super Rugby Pacific's red card crackdown. He also looks at why British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's getting involved in the transgender athletes debate.
Pedal steel? Check! Stetsons? Check! Nudie suits? Check! Two dudes from garage-punk legends The Cavemen have gone country as Sin City, and their new record rules. We'll hear two tracks from that today, alongside some lovely shoegazing dream-pop from Christchurch's T.G. Shand and a Nigerian Afro-disco classic from The Funkees' Harry Mosco.
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews Harrow by Joy Williams, published by Allen and Unwin NZ Martene says: Harrow is "A darkly funny story of a teenage girl navigating the post apocalyptic landscape brought about by the corporate destruction of the natural world".
Matt Davison has a day job at a desk, but in his spare time he goes on expeditions all over Tāmaki Makaurau to photograph secret places. When the pandemic put the kaibosh on his passion to travel the world photographing live volcanoes, he turned his lens on stunning local examples of bioluminescence, rock formations and other natural beauty.
Susana has an update on the pact between Solomon Islands and China, with some nations expressing concern. She looks ahead to next week's Our Ocean Conference hosted by the Republic of Palau and the United States. And also how systemic issues have resulted in the Pacific Community in New Zealand dealing with high rates of infection among Pacific people, with more than 100-thousand cases since August last year. Susana Lei'ataua is RNZ Pacific's news editor
When New Plymouth woman Dianne Dobson was made redundant in her 50s, she started up her own business decluttering houses and selling people's unneeded belongings on their behalf. Now she can't keep up with the demand.
Last week the country's only oil refinery based at Marsden Point ceased operations and became an import-only terminal for already-refined products. The company that runs it, Refining New Zealand has rebranded to Channel Infrastructure. It will utilise the existing site to receive, store and distribute transport oils to its customers. There have been concerns the change alters the country's security of fuel supply, although those fears have been downplayed by the government. Kathryn is joined by Naomi James, CEO of Channel Infrastructure.
Film and TV reviewer Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about Amy Schumer's tender new comedy series Life & Beth (Disney), the second season of reo Maori historical action drama Kairakau (Maori Television) and darkly comedic spy drama Slow Horses (Apple+) about a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents.
How can parents best develop their children to become great learners? Kathryn speaks with father and son educators John and Kyle Hattie, who've co-authored a book setting out ten steps for encouraging curiosity and intellectual ambition. They say it all starts with parents demonstrating to their child an openness to new ideas and thinking - and not to be afraid of failure.
Tech commentator Paul Matthews joins Kathryn to talk about kids and data collection. Many companies have brought out kid-friendly apps, but what information are they really collecting and what do they plan to do with it? And the Government has been consulting on a draft Industry Transformation Plan for the tech sector - outlining what the future might look like for tech, and really for the economy as a whole. So where's it all heading?
Louise Ward of Wardinis Bookshop in Havelock North reviews The Stranger Times by CK McDonnell (2nd in This Charming Man series), published by Penguin.
A newly discovered "microbial jungle" deep under the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, hundreds of kilometres from the open sea, that thrives without light, has been discovered by Kathryn's guest, Sergio Morales, Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Otago.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris in the UK, where more fines have been handed out to partygoers at Number 10 - this time for a gathering on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral, conversion therapy is banned - except for trans people and two Tory MPs face separate sexual harassment and assault allegations.
Space-age efforts are underway to keep pests and diseases, including Covid, out of New Zealand. MPI's recent Ko tatou Biosecurity Supreme Award Winner is Central Otago-based Xerra Earth Observation Institute.
The newly-formed AUKUS defence pact is expanding its cooperation to high-speed , so called hypersonic missiles. Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States formed the alliance in September last year, announcing the building of a class of nuclear-propelled submarines.
Science correspondent Dr Siouxsie Wiles shares some quirky studies with Kathryn. Today: how bright is too bright when it comes to lighting and its impact on our health? Can you teach a fish to count? Turns out, yes you can. And what impact can including smell in the VR experience have?
We get no training for intimate relationships and often don't look at our own behaviour within them until things go wrong. Psychologist Karen Nimmo has written a do-it-yourself guide for anyone who wants to better understand their own reactions and vulnerabilities to become – and be a match for – a good partner.
Lisa Finucane reviews 'Threads of Caring, A History of the Anglican Trust for Women and Children' by Ruth Greenaway and Megan Hutching, published by the Anglican Trust for Women and Children.
Gay Gordon-Byrne has been described as the most important political advocate for consumer rights in the United States. In her role as executive director of the Repair Association, she's spearheaded the Right to Repair movement in the US, focusing on some of the world's biggest corporations.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about a federal election date being set before week's end - how tight are the opinion polls? Petrol prices have fallen dramatically since the Morrison government slashed petrol excise by 50% in its federal budget last Tuesday. Covid is still raging across Australia, yet mask use has dropped and restrictions eased. And Sydney's Opera House is bestowed a very great honour.
A DNA test has been developed to screen patients for a range of neurological and neuromuscular genetic diseases quicker and more accurately than existing tests. The technology is able to identify over 50 hard-to-diagnose diseases, including Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophies and fragile X syndrome. It's hoped the test will end the 'diagnostic odyssey' for patients, which can sometimes take decades.
Just over a month ago, Roman Shulyar was leading a busy life as a partner at a law firm in Kyiv. He's a transaction lawyer, and was largely concerned with everyday tasks; finance projects, mergers and acquisitions, billable hours, and financial KPIs. But on the 24th of February, his life was turned upside down when Russia invaded Ukraine. Roman Shulyar tells Kathryn how he has had to temporarily leave his old life behind, and is now serving with the territorial defense unit in his hometown of Kyiv.
As interest rates and inflation rise in the coming year, many Kiwi families will stumble into short-term debt as they struggle to cope with financial stress. The time to look at your unnecessary expenses is now, says financial planner Liz Koh.
Ruth Shaw is a bibliophile from way back and she started with one bookshop in Manapouri, but that's now multiplied to three, to cater to readers with different interests. She believes there's a right book for every person. Her memoir, The Bookseller at the End of the World, contains stories of her adventures at sea, musings about her favourite books and the reader gets to know some of the characters who visit her bookshops. But it is also a memoir with deeply personal and painful happenings in her life.
Pattrick discusses Air New Zealand's capital raise, saying no serious investor wants to touch airline stock, so it is very deeply discounted, but that in turn is causing the small-time Sharesies-type investors - who've piled into Air NZ basically because they've heard of it - to get a sharp lesson in sharemarket realities. Also are people resuming their pre Omicron shopping patterns?. Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
It remains a mystery fit for the Queen of Mystery herself - the question of what happened to Agatha Christie during her 11 day disappearance in 1926.
President Biden will be adding new sanctions against Russia because of what has happened in the town of Bucha in Ukraine, calling for a war crimes trial against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rising gas prices and inflation in the US means emergency oil stocks will be tapped to relieve high prices at the pump. Also Ron speaks to Kathryn about a crime wave in cities with the latest deadly mass shootings in normally placid Sacremento. And there's mounting evidence that last year's January 6 insurrection was orchestrated from the White House. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
The Hyundai Pinnacle Programme is an outdoor experience course which focuses on helping young people to explore and to achieve their potential. It has three stages, a Spirit of Adventure voyage, Outward Bound and also an outdoor experience Kai Waho. Former Silver Fern Bernice Mene has led the programme for eight years. She says it allows student to learn about themselves, their place in the world through the lens of Te Ao Maori, and the environment. And Aimee Elliott, is a graduate of the Pinnacle Programme. She's now in her twenties and works for Fonterra.
From brain recovery and sleep research to epilepsy in tamariki Maori - nearly 100 neurological research projects have been disrupted due to Covid. 1 in 5 Kiwis are affected by conditions like dementia, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's, brain injury, and over 700 more. The pandemic has disrupted researchers working on preventions, treatments and cures in 92 different projects, with some losing a year's worth of lab work. The Neurological Foundation has come up with over $1.2m to support researchers during the lockdowns, and to provide funds to get those projects back up and running. Kathryn speaks with Dr Thomas Park, who's researching glioblastoma - an agressive brain and spinal cord cancer, and Dr Deidre Jansson who's researching the impact of poor sleep on brain repair and recovery.
Kennedy discusses the impact and influence of the late Moana Jackson's writings, including his thoughts about art and decolonisation. He also talks about about recent experiences in Ipipiri, the Bay of Islands.
Back in 2013, Gus Hayden was working as a chef in Wānaka when he saw an ad for spray-free apricots in the local newspaper. He bought a couple of banana boxes full, looked up preserving on the internet and got to work. This year, Gus gave up cheffing and went full-time at his award-winning preserves business Augustines of Central.
Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government.
Bruce McKenzie of Bruce McKenzie Booksellers in Palmerston North reviews The Fish by Lloyd Jones, published by Penguin Random House
Sustainable intensive gardening might sound like a contradiction in terms, but small-scale market gardener Jodi Roebuck and his partner Tanya are proving it can be done. They farm a half acre block 12 kilometers outside of New Plymouth and provide top-end microgreens and salads to a select number of restaurants and shops, but have also expanded to Pak N Save Supermarket. Jodi says when they set up it was important for them to find the perfect site.
Sebastian and Kathryn discuss whether we are about to see agreement finally on reviving 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and if the recent summit in Israel with 4 Arab countries will be a significant harbinger of change in the region. Also the two month ceasefire in Yemen. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter
Stephen Charles is a former judge of appeal in the Victorian Supreme Court, QC, member of the Accountable Round Table and the Centre for Public Integrity making the case for a Federal anti-corruption commission in Australia. He says pork barreling and other forms of corruption are common in Australian politics and are undermining trust in democracy. Scott Morrison's coalition government did propose the establishment of an anti-corruption commission in 2018, but when the idea finally reached legislative form in November 2020, it was widely panned by critics as so flawed as to be useless. Now with another Federal Election due in mid May, Stephen Charles says the Coalition won't hesitate to pour money into marginal seats, while Australia's rankings in international integrity rankings goes down. He's co-written a book with Dr Catherine Williams called Keeping Them Honest.
Vaccine mandates end in schools and early childhood centres at midnight, as they do in many settings, including Police, Defence Force and businesses operating vaccine passes. An estimated 96% of school and early childhood staff complied with the rule when it was introduced last year, but a few thousand teachers and other staff refused to be vaccinated against the virus and lost their jobs. Some may now seek re-employment and principals may be looking to re-employing them. Schools have been advised by the New Zealand School Trustees Association cases of returning teachers can be assessed on a "case by case" basis. Kathryn discusses the implications with Auckland Primary Principals' Association and Principal of Newmarket Primary School Wendy Koefod, and PPTA President Melanie Webber.
Comedians Te Radar and Michele A'Court with some of the things tourists find baffling about New Zealand, with a common complaint that our takeaway fish and chips are very light on condiments.
Sam says with the the America's Cup now going to be raced in Barcelona, although it is technically NZ's Cup, he ponders whether it will feel like it, and whether support for Team NZ will dwindle. Also the All Whites are one game away from the World Cup, and talk is escalating of former All Black and respected rugby coach Wayne Smith joining the Black Ferns.
Carole Beu of the Women's Bookshop in Ponsonby reviews Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, published by Penguin Random House
Wendy Kopp is the founder of Teach for All - an international network placing graduates and professionals in schools and communities where they're needed most. Established over 30 years ago, there are currently more than 15,000 teachers in the midst of their initial two year teaching placement - reaching more than a million students in 60 countries, including in New Zealand. Wendy Kopp is the author of two books, holds honorary doctorates from 15 universities, and has been named among Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People.
Shanghai officials have expanded the city's lockdown ahead of schedule as Covid cases jump in the city. China has relied on stringent isolation, contact tracing and testing to maintain its dynamic zero approach, but Omicron has proven tougher to stamp out. And in Singapore, a top court has dismissed a final appeal by a Malaysian man sentenced to death for drug trafficking. His lawyers say the trial violated international laws as the man has intellectual disabilities. Advocates say he could face execution within days. Elizabeth Beattie is a Journalist at Thomson Reuters, based in Hong Kong
Professor Damon Salesa is the country's first Pasifika Vice-Chancellor. He has begun his new role leading AUT this week, previously he was the University of Auckland's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Pacific). During his long career in academia he has specialised in Pacific politics, history, technology, culture and society. He's also an author, Rhodes Scholar and Fellow of the Royal Society Te Aparangi. Professor Salesa says the Covid 19 pandemic has illuminated just how much access and opportunity is unequally distributed across different groups of people, and that has to change.
Fifty years ago today, University of Otago researchers began to study over 1,000 Dunedin babies born in 1972 and 1973. The Dunedin Study, as its known, is now the world's longest-running multidisciplinary human health and development research project.
Film reviewer James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about the second season of Bridgerton (Netflix), The Duke (in cinemas), The Newsreader (ThreeGo) and Lady Boss (Rialto, rentals).
How often do you hear your mum or dad's words come out of your mouth when you talk to (or shout at) your kids? Words you swore you would never say to your own child. One of Australia's foremost parenting experts, Maggie Dent says no matter how many parenting books you read, the biggest influence on your parenting style will be your own upbringing. Maggie is the mother of four boys, a former teacher and counsellor whose latest book is called Parental As Anything: Toddlers to Tweens. She is also the host of the ABC podcast Parental as Anything.
Cybersecurity expert Tony Grasso joins Kathryn to look at why Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab has been added to the national security threat list by the FCC. He'll also talk about a Chinese threat actor known as Scarab that has been associated with a campaign against Ukraine, the seven teens arrested in the UK as part of cyber-crime gang Lapsus$ and US charges laid against Russian government employees over their hacks of critical energy infrastructure.
Corey Peters won gold in the Men's Downhill Sitting event at this year's Winter Paralympics in Beijing- only to win silver less than 24 hours later in the Men's Super-G Sitting event. This added to his collection of medals, having already won silver and bronze in the previous two winter games. The 38-year-old was also the flag bearer at this year's closing ceremony. His achievements at this years Winter Paralympics are particularly remarkable, given he has been unable to compete in a downhill event for two years due to the pandemic.
The first commuter rubber has hit the new motorway fast-tracking the Capital with the Kapiti Coast. Transmission Gully opened its brand new 27kms of tarmac quietly to traffic at 2:45am this morning, giving the first experience of driving the steep Wainui Saddle, which at 8% is the same gradient as Ngauranga Gorge, only twice as long. This is the first glimpse of a valley, now a road, that has been hidden behind hills from its predecessor SH1, all but inaccessible other than to outdoor adventurers. Waka Kotahi says its taken a hundred years to build it, and is discouraging people from rushing out to give it a go. But, there was no stopping our Nine to Noon colleague Melanie Phipps, who's blue-toothed her phone and checks in with Kathryn Ryan from the Pauatahanui interchange.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about Boris Johnson's insistence the Covid rules were followed, despite police fining 20 people who attended parties at Downing Street. Universal Covid-19 testing ends this week and stay at home guidance will change and the Homes for Ukraine scheme for refugees has only seen 2700 visas approved - with a waiting list of 28,300.
There are an estimated 2500 refugees in Nelson - mostly from Nepal, Myanmar and Colombia. Local dentist Dr Jacob Linn realised that many of the refugees he was treating at the local hospital dental department had little understanding of what was going on, due to language and cultural barriers. So he set about fixing it. He speaks with Kathryn Ryan.
Process units at Marsden Point have now been shut down, marking an end to the refining operation at the plant. From tomorrow Refining NZ becomes Channel Infrastructure and the 60-year-old refinery becomes an import-only terminal for already-refined products - something critics say may have an impact on our fuel security. Energy Minister Megan Woods told Nine to Noon two weeks ago her advice was that it would not change the fundamentals of how we get fuel here - crude or refined - nor would it impact energy security. The refinery transition will though, prompt big changes to our fuel reserves - and Simon Terry from the Sustainability Council says it could see the need for a massive new investment in storage capacity. He tells Kathryn Ryan that's something that's likely to end up being passed on to motorists.
Doctors are warning new oral antiviral drugs, which have been dubbed a "game changer" when treating covid in vulnerable patients, will not be available to all who want them. The Government has secured 60,000 doses each of Molnupiravir, manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Paxlovid, made by Pfizer. The first shipment of Paxlovid has arrived in the country and will be rolled out next week, but Molnupiravir is still undergoing Medsafe approval and isn't expected to arrive until sometime between April and June. Some District Health Boards are struggling to deal with the wave of Omicron cases, and the number of deaths have increased - could this treatment have come too late? And, are 120,000 doses enough to help those who need it the most? Dr Bryan Betty, Medical Director of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and Pharmac's Chief Executive Sarah Fitt join Kathryn to discuss.
Changes to vaccination mandates and who is covered by them will kick in next week, but what impact might that have on private employers considering their own vaccination policies? And as the omicron wave subsides, what will that mean for employees working from home. Can they be forced back into the office? The legal commentator today is Helen Pryde of Duncan Cotterill.
Farmer Christine Hilton is quick to turn her hand to anything. She's built a log cabin on her land in Twizel, and although new farming she's made sure her Geraldine farm stands out from others. She talks to Kathryn about the rigours and challenges of farming, running an events business on the land, and how her cabin offers respite.
Transmission Gully has officially opened today, after missing five deadlines in the last two years. A ribbon-cutting ceremony has just been held for the 27-kilometre stretch of highway from Wellington through Kapiti. Our reporter Jake McKee is one of the first to take a drive along Transmission Gully. He tells Kathryn how he found it.
Harry Broad reviews Letters to You by Jazz Thornton, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
The most common causes of death have changed dramatically over the centuries; ten thousand years ago, in the Palaeolithic period, you were most likely to die from violence or an accident, while in the Middle Ages, death was most often a result of famine, plague or childbirth. By the 19th century, infectious diseases such as smallpox, typhoid and measles were our biggest killers. So what changed, what's killing us most now, and how might it look in the future? Kathryn speaks to Andrew Doig, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Manchester, whose four decades of research have culminated in his book This Mortal Coil, A History of Death.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane looks at what was announced in yesterday's federal Budget, from a temporary cut in the amount of fuel excise collected to a number of cash payments. But Bernard says there was little support in the budget for climate change, even as parts of east Australia are facing yet more flooding - just weeks after the last devastating deluge.
A shake-up is coming to the way Auckland collects and charges for its waste services. At the moment it's different in the Super City depending on where you live: residents in Manukau and Auckland City are charged through their rates, residents elsewhere buy bags or bin tags and pay-as-they-throw. The Council, as part of its waste minimisation plan, wants to standardise its collection services and fees, and has just closed its submissions on the process this week. To discuss the changes, Kathryn is joined by Parul Sood, GM for waste solutions at Auckland Council, and Dr Jeff Seadon, an expert in waste minimisation AUT's School of Future Environments, who fears what's planned will have the opposite effect to what's intended and encourage people to throw more, more often.
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands has confirmed his government has finalised a security treaty with China. The agreement lays down a framework which could permit Beijing to deploy forces to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described the deal as "gravely concerning". Kathryn speaks with Mihai Sora, a Research Fellow in the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute, and a former Australian diplomat to Solomon Islands.
NZME goes solo in negotiations with Google and Meta (Facebook) and Andrew says this will disappoint the broader media industry in NZ, who have applied to the Commerce Commission for approval to bargain collectively with the digital giants. Also Today FM has launched with Tova O'Brien doing the breakfast show. Andrew looks at how it's going so far. Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
When Chanelle Moriah was diagnosed with autism at age 21, life finally began to make sense. By then, there had been several misdiagnosis and six years in the mental health system. After the diagnosis, Chanelle went in search of information , but couldn't find much written from the perspective of someone with autism. So they wrote and illustrated their own book, now published by Allen & Unwin, and called I am Autistic: An interactive and informative guide to autism (by someone diagnosed with it).
Pattrick talks about suggestions that there almost needs to be a Ministry for Auckland, the supercity mayoral race and an imminent America's Cup decision. Also, there is increasingly pessimistic talk of a global recession this year, led by Europe, with the US teetering close to it too. What might that mean here?
Elisabeth Easther reviews Breathless by Amy McCulloch, published by Penguin Random House NZ
Our guest today is trying to work out why we think, and why we exist as cognitive beings. It turns out we're not very good at assessing ourselves and how we think. Which makes the whole thing difficult. Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex Anil Seth has put his work on the subject so far down in a new book titled Being You. He joins Kathryn to discuss the fabric of reality and why we have such a hard time comprehending it.
Relations between the US and Russia are close to a full collapse after President Biden's declaration that Russian leader Vladimir Putin "cannot remain in power" . The off-the-cuff remark has potentially serious implications for Washington's ability to help end the war in Ukraine and avoid a wider conflict. Meanwhile in President Biden has just unveiled his budget for the 2023 fiscal year in which he calls for more military spending in the face of Russian aggression toward Ukraine. And the 94th Academy Awards may be remembered for Will Smith assaulting Chris Rock, but it made history too. Jane Campion won her first directing Oscar, having won in 1994 for her screenplay for "The Piano" - making her the third woman to win in the directing category.
In his new book Kainga Dr Paul Tapsell says too often Maori become alienated from their ancestral identity. He founded Maori.maps.com to help reconnection. The digital web service is particularly helping reconnect connecting urban-raised Maori youth to their ancestral communities. Dr Tapsell (Te Arawa, Tainui) is a museum curator, ethnographer and anthropologist. He's also former director Maori at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and a former Dean of the University of Otago's Te Tumu School of Maori, Pacific & Indigenous Studies
As more New Zealanders recover from Covid, we're exploring what is known about the health effects of Long Covid. As a nation our quick and stringent initial COVID-19 pandemic response has been praised, but two years on, focus is now turning to the long-term health effects and ongoing recovery. A WHO policy brief has suggested around 25 percent of people who have had the virus, will continue to have symptoms for at least a month, and three months on, around one in 10 people are still feeling unwell. So just how much is understood about this pandemic, the after effects of Long Covid and how to best manage it. Anna Brooks, is an immunologist and Senior lecturer at the University of Auckland, and she is part of a team of international researchers investigating the debilitating post viral condition. Dr Brooks says even asymptomatic people can get Long Covid. Kathryn will also talk to Dr Bronwyn Lennox Thompson about the implications for returning to exercise. She is a lecturer in Pain & Pain Management and Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch
Bill McKay discusses the merits and issues of construction in two popular materials and a better one: engineered timber. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Yum Jar is a Porirua based, zero-waste company that serves their customers' dinners in jars. Even the delivery method is environmentally friendly - with the food boxes brought to customers' doors via electric vehicle. The business is also living wage accredited. The meals take less than 30 minutes to make and are all plant based. Head Chef and CEO at Yum Jar, Ottilie Smith speaks to Kathryn about what inspired her business.
Ben Thomas and Shane Te Pou discuss changes in the messaging coming from the big two political parties - is Labour trying to get away from being the Covid government and can either of them afford to ignore the big challenges to hip pocket issues? Ben Thomas is a PR consultant and a former National Government press secretary. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. He is a Director and HR Manager for IT Company Mega.
Mary Fawcett of Schrödinger's Books in Petone reviews Sticky by Laurie Winkless, published by Bloomsbury
They are enormous, highly intelligent and threatened. Vice president of Asia-Pacific Marine Programs at Conservation International Mark Erdmann leads a team of researchers trying to build on our scant knowledge and understanding of oceanic manta rays. Mark's work largely focuses on the management of marine protected areas. Having lived in Indonesia for a couple of decades, he's logged a couple of hundred new species of reef fish. Apart from reef fish his speciality is mantis shrimp, endangered sharks, rays and skate. But he tells Kathryn Ryan, manta rays are his absolute favourite animal of all. Mark is a professional marine biologist of some thirty years. His research work has influenced policy and management decisions, and contributed to the expansion of marine protected areas in West Papua. Sightings of manta rays in New Zealand can be logged here.
Joe Biden calls Vladimir Putin a 'butcher' and says he 'cannot remain in power'. An off-the-cuff remark at the end of a speech in Poland has the world wondering if the US President had drastically changed his position on regime change in Moscow. President Biden also called Putin a 'butcher', 'dictator' and 'war criminal', in his toughest language yet since the Russian president began his invasion of Ukraine. But the White House quickly tried to clarify the remarks, saying the US was not advocating regime change. Joe Biden spoke at Warsaw's Royal Castle and also visited a stadium where large numbers of Ukrainian refugees are being looked after. Earlier, in a show of unity with Western allies, Biden held talks with EU, NATO and G7 leaders in Brussels.
When Paralympic skiier Corey Peters sped to the medal podium, he did so in a ground-breaking sit-ski designed by engineers at the University of Canterbury. Corey took home two medals from the Beijing Paralympics - a gold in the Men's Downhill Sitting and silver in the Men's Super-G Sitting. In mid 2020, the university was approached by Snow Sports NZ to improve the aerodynamic design of Peters' standard, off-the-shelf sit ski. Sit skis are made up of a seat and suspension system mounted to a single ski. Mechanical Engineering Lecturer Dr Natalia Kabaliuk, along with three students used scaled down models, computer modelling and a wind tunnel to test out the design. Expecting to get drag down by one to two percent at best, the team decreased the drag of the ski by a whopping 10 percent - a design that's being described as "world leading." Dr Kabaliuk and Master's student Tessa Impey spoke to Kathryn Ryan about the project.
The Environmental Law Initiative is concerned re-classification of Stewardship land is being pushed through too quickly, with potentially disastrous consequences, including that some of our public conservation land will be sold off for mining. Cherished land including pristine parts of the Southern Alps are included in the 2.7 million hectares (9%) of New Zealand's land area that has been designated as Stewardship land and is now up for review. Kathryn speaks with The Environmental Law Initiative's Senior Legal Advisor Allan Brent and Senior Researcher Matt Hall who fear the reclassification process is bearing down without adequate transparency, particularly with regard to vested interests like mining, and that the speed of the review lends to the possibility for disposal. They are concerned a cabinet paper directs panels to prioritise "the assessment for reclassification of any stewardship land where applications are sought for mining access arrangements", raising fears surrounding land's conservation classification and value could also be compromised, resulting in fragmented ecosystems where conservation land borders national parks. For example in South Westland they fear any weak classifications, or disposals for mining within the World Heritage area would endanger its very status. Government-appointed review panels are due to report their recommendations for Westland and open them up for consultation in early May, for a forty day period.. In Westland alone there are 500 parcels of Stewardship land.
Our comedians Comedians Te Radar and James Elliott have ducks and bread lamps on their minds.
Sam talks to Kathryn about the long-awaited return of spectators to sports games this weekend, after two years of empty or sparsely populated stadiums. Also the White Ferns impending Cricket World Cup exit, and will Ross Taylor's farewell will be a bang or a whimper?
Melissa Oliver from Unity Books Wellington reviews Remember Me by Charity Norman, published by Allen and Unwin
The eyes of the world may be on Ukraine right now, but Dr Jeffrey Veidlinger has focused on a largely forgotten period of history that once captured international attention there too. At the end of the first world war a wave of anti-semitic violence rocked the eastern European region as the Russian empire fell apart. It's thought over 100,000 Jews died in hundreds of localised attacks and forced hundreds of thousands more to flee. The violence itself was carried out by those of varying political, military and class persuasions: the Jew seemed to be the one enemy they could all agree on. Despite alarm raised at the time, the deadly pogroms have come to be overshadowed by the horrors of the Holocaust. Dr Veidlinger argues in his new book, In the Midst of Civilised Europe, that the Holocaust's roots can be found in these pogroms.
Pacific countries have Covid community transmission for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020, Susana looks at how well are they coping. Lockdown is a significant option as their medical resources, staff and facilities are limited. And Polyfest is underway in Manukau, with hundreds of students taking to the stages, but no live audiences. Covid safety protocols has meant everyone is instead watching online. Susana Lei'ataua is RNZ Pacific's news editor
A polar bear, a blue fox and a honey badger are all up for grabs in Dunedin this weekend at an auction of taxidermied animals. Stuffed animal collectors are an eclectic group – young and old, male and female – says third-generation auctioneer Ronnie Proctor.
Demand for mental health support amongst Asian New Zealanders has soared since the beginning of the pandemic, but the community remains underserved. One provider, Asian Family Services, is trying to meet the demands of the Asian population, but says its funding is limited and is managing a three week long waitlist. In a recent 2021 survey commissioned by the health provider, 44 percent of respondents reported symptoms of depression, increasing to 61 percent for those under 30 years of age. Asian Family Services is working to fill the gap in support; it runs an 0800 helpline operating in ten different languages, and also provides support for mental health issues, problem gambling, and home isolation help. But its national director Kelly Feng tells Lynn how more funding and a clearer national strategy is needed to support Asian mental health.
After nearly a decade languishing in off-shore detention centres, 450 refugees in Australia will be resettled in this country over three years. The Australian government agreed to the deal yesterday - nine years after it was first offered by the then National Prime Minister John Key. Kathryn speaks with Melbourne based human rights lawyer Alison Battison who has acted for many of the refugees.
Film and TV correspondent Laumata Lauano joins Lynn to talk about sci-fi flick The Adam Project (Netflix) starring Ryan Reynolds, new fraud documentary Bad Vegan (Netflix), a Hitchcockian thriller Windfall (Netflix)and bite-sized Samoan comedy Meeps (Vimeo/YouTube).
Russia's war in Ukraine is dominating the headlines, so what can parents, grandparents or educators do to help children understand what they're seeing? And how can that message be delivered in an appropriate way to various age groups - from pre-schoolers to teenagers? Lynn is joined by Dr Nicole Racine, a clinical pyschologist and expert in paediatric mental health based at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada.
Technology correspondent Bill Bennett joins Lynn to look at why there appears to have been a lack of cyber-attacks during Russia's month-long war with Ukraine. He says, in reality, there IS a cyber-war going on but it's very much behind the scenes and doesn't affect New Zealand. It's a year since Australia introduced laws to make tech giants pay for the news they display - how has it gone? And why are Meta (formerly Facebook) employees running for the door? It's not because they've had an attack of conscience about what the social media giant has been up to.
Evacuations have taken place in the middle of the night and Tolaga Bay Civil Defence expects some residents to remain cut off for four days or more, as a result of this week's flooding. A helicopter has been up this morning identifying damage to roads and infrastructure. Almost half a metre of rain has fallen in two days.The Hikuwai River north of Gisborne peaked at higher than 12 metres - coming within a hundred millimetres or so of going over its banks and causing massive damage. RNZ reporter Andrew Mcrae speaks to Lynn Freeman with the latest.
Adam Nicolson has been obsessed with the landscape we live in his entire life. Recently Adam has been staring into rockpools, trying to work out what might stare back. The journalist, broadcaster and poet has been writing books about how we interact with our environments since the 1980s and his newest tome The Sea is Not Made of Water: Life Between the Tides is no exception. In the book he wanders around the world to try and understand what the liminal space of the world's seas can tell us. He's also been captured by the way we think about that thin strip that isn't quite 'land' or 'ocean'.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Lynn to look at what was in Rishi Sunak's spring mini-budget, including a 5p per litre cut in fuel tax and a future 1p reduction in income tax. It comes as Brits - like many around the world, experience a rise in the cost of living. New figures show inflation in the UK has risen to 6.2 per cent. And shoppers won't be buying free range eggs anytime soon - they're banned from sale after a rise in bird flu cases
A volunteer firefighter who made a complaint of sexual harassment against a senior officer has been stood down for two years waiting for the case to be resolved, while the respondent involved has continued in the brigade. Jane (not her real name) lodged her complaint with the Behavior and Conduct Office within FENZ in 2020. It is one of 58 unresolved complaints of sexual harassment and bullying reported to Fire and Emergency in the last three years - around a third of all complaints. The BCO was established in wake of the damning 2019 Judge Coral Shaw report, which found bullying and harassment was rife at all levels and across all regions within FENZ. An independent review last year found that while the BCO is well resourced and has support from senior leaders, unresolved historic complaints damage its perception among fire fighters. Jane says after what she's been through, she has little faith in the BCO and she doesn't believe anything has changed within the culture at FENZ since the Shaw report. She speaks with Lynn Freeman, along with the Secretary of the Professional Firefighters Union, Wattie Watson. FENZ Deputy Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley responds.
Lynn Freeman speaks with Professor Sir David Skegg, chair of the Covid 19 Public Health Advisory Group, about the pathway forward for the country. The government announced yesterday that vaccine passes and scanning will be scrapped with worker mandates lifted in some sectors. The traffic light system will stay in place, but gathering limits are rising for indoor settings and lifted completely for outdoor events.
A look at how researchers have developed a natural antibacterial texture for use on food packaging based on the bacteria-killing properties of cicada and dragonfly wings.
His latest co-written work opens at Circa Theatre in Wellington on Saturday, with a season at Auckland's Centerpoint to come. Called Timberrrr!, it is set in Taranaki in the 1940s in the world of competitive woodchopping.
RNZ political editor Jane Patterson discusses the government's announcement on the next steps for covid restrictions.
David Hill reviews Burning Questions by Margaret Atwood, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
The area between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay has been particularly hard hit, closing the highway around East Cape to Opotiki, David Wilson is Tairawhiti's Civil Defence Group controller.
Neuroscientist and the former Director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab at Harvard Medical School Moshe Bar is the author of Mindwandering - How it can improve your mood and boost your creativity and he's been exploring the vitality that can come from the vague.
Australia correspondent Chris Niesche joins Lynn to look at the miltiary's new Space Command which formally began operating on Tuesday.
Lynn discusses the project with Darius Fagan, General Manager for Case Management and Probation at the Department of Correction and Mike Williams, chief executive of the Howard League.
Lynn Freeman spoke with Sir Peter Gluckman, the report's co-author, Koi Tu director and former Chief Science Advisor, and Nick Hill, Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill.
Lynn talked to Zak Horomia, chairman of the Hinemaurea Marae in Mangatuna, where some residents were evacuated in the early hours of the morning.
Liz Koh says with higher interest rates and rising inflation many families will feel a big squeeze. We are likely to see big increases in short term debt as families struggle to cope with financial stress. It's time to take action now! Liz Koh is a financial planner and specialising in retirement planning. This discussion is of a general nature, and does not constitute financial advice.
The Citizens Advice Bureau is calling on the Government to protect the rights of people who are renting accommodation, but are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. Dr Hubbard says the Citizens Advice Bureau is seeing a growing number of renting-related inquiries, but where clients have no recourse as their situation is not covered by the Act. That includes flatmates, private boarders, people living in the same house as their landlord, and those living in other situations like camping grounds. Lynn speaks with Deputy Chief Executive of the Citizens Advice Bureau, Dr Andrew Hubbard.
Nikki discusses water reform with the Water NZ National Performance Review just out, and she also talks to Lynn about the demand for GIB board which is in short supply.
Michelle Rahurahu reviews Toi Tu Toi Ora edited by Ed Nigel Borell, Moana Jackson and Taarati Taiaroa, published by Penguin Random House NZ
What really drives people towards cults is language, says linguist Amanda Montell. Her new book Cultish: the Language of Fanaticism explores the linguistic patterns that cults and cult-like brands use.
The US President Joe Biden heads to Brussels for a NATO summit this week as pressure builds on the military alliance over the Russian invasion and continued bombing of cities in Ukraine. Domesticallly, the US Senate hearing is underway to confirm the first black woman justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Also record gas prices and a four decade high inflation rate is troubling Americas, along with rising Covid cases and a new worrying variant.
A community of tinkers and makers in Kingland Auckland have joined forces to establish their own urban creative playground. Hackland is a makerspace equipped with tools and materials to enable people to follow their passions and interests. It was inspired by similar spaces in urban areas overseas. There are about 40 members, made up of like-minded individuals interested in upcycling or recycling old objects, or just making something completely new.
Yesterday Nine to Noon looked at a new report into the declining rates of literacy and numeracy in the country and what could be done to fix it. This morning Lynn focuses on the $11b missing from the economy from people who aren't dealt a fair hand in the education system. They're called 'under-served' learners and there's 66,290 of them; students who leave school with low, or no qualifications, with Maori, Pasifika and the disabled over-represented. A new analysis from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research has put a dollar figure on how much under-served learners are missing out on in earnings: compared to those with a level 4 - 6 qualification, it's $500,000 over their working life. The research was prepared by NZIER principal economist Michael Bealing, who talks to Lynn about how the $11b was measured. She'll also talk to Mark Rushworth, UP Education group chief executive, about the report the research informs.
As the weather turns colder, Kennedy reflects on something truly cold: the wreck of Shackleton's ship "Endurance," discovered a fortnight ago on the bottom of the Weddell Sea in Antarctica. He also provides an update on "Lucky", the kereru which has evaded predators and reached the age of 60 days on Rod Morris's property at The Cove, Otago Peninsula. And he shares some thoughts on cycling the Karangahake Gorge section of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
At Dunedin's Scottish restaurant Bracken, there's tartan on the walls, the staff wear kilts and haggis and whisky are always on the menu. Chef David Burt tells Lynn Freeman about his passion for Scottish cuisine.
The last elements of Covid restrictions are coming down fast - Ben, Shane and Lynn discuss who the transition will benefit and what political risk the changes carry. Also with Simon Bridges leaving parliament, National has a new finance spokesperson with Nicola Willis, and what the latest political poll is showing. Ben Thomas is a PR consultant and a former National Government press secretary. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. He is a Director and HR Manager for IT Company Mega.
Thunderstorms and lightning have lashed Northland and Auckland this morning causing widespread disruption, including power outages, school closures, property damage and flooding. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for the Rodney, Gulf, Kaipara, Auckland City, Waitakere, Franklin and Albany areas. More than 4000 lightning strikes were recorded in the Auckland and lower Northland regions, with more than 700 in the space of five minutes earlier this morning. According to NIWA records, Auckland recorded its second wettest hour on record this morning. Lynn speaks with Met Service meteorologist, Lewis Ferris.
Jonathan Slaght spent five years risking life and limb in the remote forests of eastern Russia researching the largest and one of the most elusive owls on the planet. The endangered Blakiston's fish owl has a wingspan of six feet and are the easiest to find in winter, where their tracks can be spotted along the snowy river banks. Jonathan Slaght has long been enamoured by the mysterious bird and alongside a devoted team, embarked on a research mission involving blizzards, the crossing of thawing rivers and the threat of a run in with bears and tigers. Lynn Freeman spoke to Slaght about his book, A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl documenting his adventures.
Maritime New Zealand says the search is continuing to find the five unaccounted people in the waters off North Cape. An emergency beacon was activated by a vessel about eight o'clock last night. 10 people were on board and five were rescued and are now in a stable condition in Kaitaia Hospital. Helicopters and boats have been out searching the water this morning and ground crews also searching along the shoreline. Lynn gets an update from search and rescue officer Nick Burt.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks at an "aggressive increase" in defence spending amidst a push to further help Ukraine. Also Catherine talks to Lynn about Canada pulling back on most of its Covid restrictions. Catherine Cullen is a Senior Reporter on Parliament Hill for CBC News.
Some hats are already in the ring to replace Phil Goff, who are they and what are the most pressing issues facing Auckland? NZ Herald Supercity reporter Bernard Orsman has the latest. He's covered local government for more than 20 years.
A new report brings into sharp focus what needs to happen to prevent the current over a third of fifteen year olds from struggling with maths, reading and writing. Now I don't know my ABC: The perilous state of literacy in Aotearoa New Zealand is a new report from the Education Hub, a not-for-profit group aiming to bridge the gap between research and what actually goes on in education. It follows up on a set of statistics presented in a 2020 UNICEF report showing 35% of fifteen-year-old Kiwis struggle with maths, reading and writing, while the rest - 65% - have at least basic proficiency in reading and maths. To break it down further, 19% are illiterate and another 21% only have basic ability in literacy. These are devastating facts for Education Hub founder, and report lead author Nina Hood, who tells Lynn Freeman the report has attempted to understand more fully where we're at and how we got here, in order to address this literary crisis, and, though it acknowledges there is no quick fix, what needs to happen to affect positive change.
Dana talks to Lynn about Super Rugby and crowd sizes, with Dr Ashley Bloomfield assuring the Super Rugby franchises that officials are looking into the rules around crowd restrictions at rugby games. Also the new women's competition Super Rugby Aupiki wraps up this weekend and a setback for the White Ferns losing their Cricket World Cup match to South Africa. Dana Johannsen is Stuff's National Correspondent specialising in sport.
Jenna Todd of Time Out Bookstore reviews The Love Songs of W.E. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, published by HarperCollins
Our next guest is on a mission to encourage and develop indigenous small business through a Te Ao Maori lens. Pat MacFie is the co-founder of tech companies and creative agencies Indigo, Manaaki & Chooice. He also spent many years at kiwi tech company Xero. It's been a very successful career, and is really just kicking into the next gear. But what's important now to Pat, his wife Jada and their partner Monty Betham is the work they have embarked on in the teeth of a pandemic to boost education and opportunity for people who grow up with fewer options than others. The MacFie foundation is committed to donating 100 $5,000 tertiary education scholarships over the next ten years. Pat and Jada are using all their companies now to try and encourage new people into small business, and help them flourish.
The latest on China's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including calls for Xi Jinping to use his leverage over Vladimir Putin to convince the Russian leader to back down. Ed says despite all of the mounting objections to Russia's actions, there are signs that western allies India and Pakistan are moving even closer to Russia since the invasion, meanwhile Taiwan is starting to take its own defence and security more seriously after being rocked by the events in Ukraine. And South Korea has a new president after a scandal ridden campaign which has enraged women voters. Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times.
Carolyn Cooper is the country's first ever Aged Care Commissioner, who began this month. She's a former nurse, who became the head of BUPA, a huge rest home and retirement village business with $1.6 billion of assets. The role of Aged Care Commissioner was first promised by Labour in the 2017 election, but the budget for it only confirmed last year. The Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall says Dr Cooper will be "leading much needed systematic change in the sector" as well as being an advocate on behalf of consumers and their whanau for better services. 36,000 New Zealanders live in aged residential care, while a further 75,000 receive home-based care.
The price of oil has settled in recent days after a surge in the past couple of weeks to levels not seen since 2008. Many experts predict the price of oil could reach $240 a barrel this winter if Western countries roll out more sanctions on Russian oil exports, in response to its war on Ukraine. Here, the government has lowered the tax on fuel for three months, to mitigate the impact of rising petrol prices which saw a litre of 91 go over $3. Lynn Freeman speaks with Mukesh Sahdev, Senior Vice President at energy research firm Rystad Energy, he's also former head of Global Crude Trading Analytics for Shell.
Chris Schulz joins Lynn to look at WeCrashed (Apple+), another truth-inspired downfall drama starring Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway that details how WeWork, which was one of the world's most valuable start-ups...until it wasn't. He'll also talk about the Kiwi-peppered comedy Our Flag Means Death (Sky/Neon) and one for the kids: Turning Red (Disney+).
Speech and Language Therapist Christian Wright talks with Lynn Freeman about the language skills new entrants need to have a successful start to school.
Technology commentator Peter Griffin joins Lynn to talk about moves by Chorus to start switching off the last copper line connections, with most households now on fibre where it's available. What does it mean for those that aren't?
Cynthia Morahan reviews Strangers I Know by Claudia Durastanti (translated from the original Italian by Elizabeth Harris) published by Text Publishing
If you were to compare your life to the French King Louis XVI you might think that there was, in fact, no comparison. He had riches, servants, palaces - including the one at Versailles. Lynn's guest is economist and inventor Grant Ryan, who has a theory designed to make you rethink that. He calls it Comparonomics. Louis XVI was - before his appointment with the guillotine - unbelievably rich - but still lived in a drafty old palace, in unsanitary conditions with horrifically bad healthcare. This is Grant's point. He wonders why, when we are among the richest one percent of people that have ever lived, we don't FEEL like we're doing that well. He hopes his Comparonomic tool can help people change their perceptions of progress and their place in the world.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Lynn to talk about the overwhelming response to the new homes-for Ukrainian-refugees scheme, the squatters who moved into a Russian oligarch's mansion, Boris Johnson's visit to Saudi Arabia in search of more oil, hope for Nazanin Zahari Ratcliffe in Iran, Rod Stewart's DIY pothole fix and no more doughnuts or suits as an inflation measure.
January's volcanic eruption in Tonga and subsequent tsunami garnered international intrigue, but a New Zealand volcanologist is the first overseas scientist allowed into the kingdom to piece together what led to such a massive explosion. When Tonga's Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai submarine volcano erupted in January, explosions could be heard as far away as New Zealand and Alaska. It is now known to be the largest volcanic explosion ever recorded - double that of the next largest, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991. Professor of Volcanology at the University of Auckland, Shane Cronin has examined ash from the explosion, video footage and aerial images. He has a working theory that the side of the volcano collapsed, vastly expanding the already explosive interactions between magma and water. Lynn Freeman speaks to Professor Cronin who is in managed isolation in Tonga.
Animal welfare campaigner Angus Robson is frustrated at what he says is a lack of progress made by the Ministry of Primary Industries to push requirements for shade and shelter into law, to prevent farm animals from suffering heat stress. The Ministry's code of welfare for dairy cattle stipulates farmers "need to have in place management plans to provide shelter and/or shade". But there's no legal requirement for farmers to provide shade or shelter and MPI was contacted 21 times during the summer with heat-related animal welfare concerns. MPI's Director of Compliance Services Gary Orr joins Lynn Freeman, along with Angus Robson.
An estimated three million refugees have fled the war in Ukraine into neighbouring countries, including over 1.8 million into Poland. The international disaster relief charity Shelterbox has been on the ground in Poland since early March. Lynn Freeman speaks with Martin Strutton from Shelterbox in Krakow in South East Poland.
Many festivals have had to cancel live performances during this omicron outbreak, but arts commentator Lyne Pringle believe dance companies are doing a great job at finding ways to connect.
Lynn Freeman speaks with Trust spokesperson Tony Stoddard and Chief Executive of the Wellington Cable Car company, Cesar Piotto.
Stella Chrysostomou of Volume Books in Nelson reviews The Hotel by Sophie Calle, published by Siglio Press.
Lisa is a chartered accountant, and runs her own accountancy and business advisory firm, Social Currency. The company donates 10 per cent of its revenue to various charities that support at-risk kids.
Chris joins Lynn to look at the criticism being leveled at the federal government, after it was revealed it initially refused three requests from the New South Wales government for help during the devastating recent floods.
Auckland-based architect Rob Guild is sounding the alarm about the way New Zealand is approaching housing intensification; which risks poor design and a lack of amenity.
The plan is open for one year and will allow Ukrainian-born New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor a relative and their immediate family to come to this country. But Olha Viazenko, who has lived in Dunedin with her husband and daughter for three and a half years on a working visa, says her family won't be eligible. She says the scheme is too narrow and only affect a small number. She joins Lynn Freeman, along with Victoriya Pashorina-Nichols from the group Mahi for Ukraine.
Andrew talks to Kathryn the plans for a new public media entity formed from TVNZ and RNZ and the many unanswered questions about the detail. Two critical moments will occur in the next three months: the make-up of the Board, and how much money will be allocated in the May Budget for the new organisation. Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.
Consumer NZ's head of communications and campaigns Gemma Rasmussen joins Kathryn to shine a light on some big issues for consumers. They include new figures on what we're paying for some grocery staples and how we feel about it, and the disappointing final recommendations of the Commerce Commission into the supermarket sector. She'll also talk about Consumer's checks on sustainability claims by The Warehouse.
Pattrick talks to Kathryn about how things look for Jenny Shipley and her fellow directors of Mainzeal after last week's Supreme Court hearings? Also he believes the government's petrol tax and public transport decisions are "good politics" but says they also would appear to herald that for the next 18 months, this is a government that will be poll-driven, short termist, and ultimately highly pragmatic in its desire to win a third term. Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
Harry Ricketts reviews Super Model Minority by Chris Tse, published by Auckland University Press
Monica Ali's debut novel Brick Lane catapulted her to fame in 2003 which she followed with Alentejo Blue, In the Kitchen, and Untold Story. Her latest novel, Love Marriage, is her first book in 10 years, and has been well worth the wait. It tells the story of Yasmin, a 26-year-old trainee doctor from an Indian family, who is engaged to her colleague Joe, the upper middle-class son of an outspoken feminist author. Two people. Two families. Two cultures. What could go wrong? Love Marriage continues Monica Ali's longstanding interest in how individuals and families respond when conflicts arise and family truths emerge... The book has already been picked up for adaptation by the BBC.
Congress has passed a $13.6 billion aid package for Ukraine, divided between humanitarian and defense aid. The humanitarian section includes money for direct support to refugees, food and health care support and money to help groups working with people who have fled the country or are displaced within Ukraine. The defense spending includes $3 billion to support the U.S. military's European Command and additional money to allow President Biden to transfer defense equipment to Ukraine and allies supporting Ukraine. There's also funding to fight disinformation and to provide support for cybersecurity. On the domestic front, Kelsey says gas prices have hit a new record high this week with prices rocketing over $4.17 a gallon. It is creating huge price shocks across the economy, which is already struggling with inflation. Kelsey Snell is a congressional correspondent for NPR, based in Washington DC.
In New Zealand they are a bloodsucking nuisance, but in other parts of the world mosquitos spread serious disease - including the Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue, and malaria. The Ministry of Health website states that Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other living creature. UK based, medical entomologist at Keele University, Frederic Tripet is the co-author of a study recently published in the journal Scientific. The study has found that mossies have learned to avoid five common pesticides after a single non-lethal dose.
The recent commitment by 175 UN nations to end plastic pollution waste is being hailed as an historic moment and a huge global step in the right direction. Earlier this month, Heads of State, Ministers for the environment and other representatives, including New Zealand, endorsed a resolution at the UN Environment Assembly in Kenya. The aim is to draft a legally-binding treaty by 2024 - to stop the proliferation of plastic. But what does this mean in practice, and what is achievable from this large global commitment?. To discuss the scope of the mandate and what negotiations lie ahead to actually stem and prevent plastic pollution, Kathryn talks to Dr Trisia Farrelly who is on the United Nations Environment Programme's Scientific Advisory Committee and Expert Group and Marine biologist and Senior Scientist at ESR and Dr Olga Pantos. Olga is the co-lead of the MBIE-funded national project 'Aotearoa Impacts and Mitigation of Microplastics'.
Bill talks to Kathryn about commercial conversion; transforming empty office space into apartments and reinvigorating our inner cities. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Anzil is a labour of love for Hungarian husband and wife team, Andras Laszlo and Ivett Kerekes. With their family they're bringing gourmet Italian cheeses, Central-European inspired salami and ciabatta bread to local weekend markets - all of which are being snapped up by customers craving a taste of abroad without brandishing the passport. Anzil is also the name their catering business and restaurant goes by. Kathryn is joined by Ivette Kerekes.
Brigitte, Shane and Kathryn discuss National overtaking Labour in the polls, and whether this is a turning point for the Labour Government. Also National's strategy in honing in on cost of living, and the rising prices of grocery shopping and the cost of living. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party
Christchurch-based environmental philanthropist and one of our most high profile forensic scientists, Dr Anna Sandiford has contributed forensic evidence to the likes of David Bain and Mark Lundy's murder trails. But with twenty-five years of DNA samples and footprint examination under her belt, Anna is also branching-out to her first scientific love, environmental protection. She has four hectares of land on the West Coast, close to Punakaiki, which she's setting about restoring to its former native glory.
Reaction from European nations to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including the possibility of new sanctions from the west and the latest diplomatic efforts from EU members. Thomas Sparrow is a political correspondent for Deutsche Welle, based in Berlin
People around the world are watching Russia's war on Ukraine in disbelief, wondering what's driving Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin calls the onslaught a "special military operation" to "demilitarize and denazify Ukraine." Mr Putin is known to have a deep interest in history, so what can history tell us about his motivation? Dr Evgeny Pavlov is Associate Professor of Russian and History at the University of Canterbury and Vice President of the Australia and New Zealand Slavists' Association. His recent work includes an edited volume on the political narratives in Russia's relations with Post-Soviet Europe 30 years after the breakup of the USSR.
The disabled community is speaking out about distressing waits for personal care and navigating pandemic assistance as Covid adds to the chronic shortage of home carers. The Disability Rights Commissioner is so concerned about reports of people let down by not receiving timely care during Omicron, that she's launched an inquiry using powers under the Human Rights Act. One in 4 New Zealanders has a disability. Bernadette Ingham has a lived disability, her husband uses a wheelchair and she is extremely frustrated that the needs of disabled people are not being addressed in the pandemic response. Kathryn will also speak with Disabled Persons Assembly Chief Executive Prudence Walker, NZ Disability Support Network Chief Executive Peter Reynolds and to Marsha Marshall, the CEO of Manawanui, which is the country's leading provider of Individualised Funding services for people with disabilities.
Comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks bring some levity to the end of the week, including the findings of a new study which shows many people are cheating on their daily Wordle game.
Sam talks to Kathryn about the King of Spin, Shane Warne, his sporting prowess, bowling achievements and the global tributes paid to him this week, following his death in Koh Samui, Thailand aged 52. Also womens world cup cricket, Super Rugby Aupiki, and the social media post that landed NZR in hot water.
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. Published by Little, Brown A bold and funny insight into the complicated familial relationships of Olga, a strong-minded Puerto Rican narrator and guide through a rapidly gentrifying and corrupt New York. Gonzalez's debut novel is a beautiful and hilarious look at identity, family, politics and love.
The Post-It note tacked to your wall, the non-stick frypan in the kitchen cupboard, and even your vehicle's tyres gripping the road... You've probably not given too much thought to what makes things sticky, and others slippery. But Laurie Winkless has. She's a physicist and science writer, based in Wellington, and has just published Sticky: The Secret Science of Surfaces. Laurie Winkless tells Kathryn how we're surrounded by stickiness, and it's shaped the manufactured and natural world around us.
Susana talks to Kathryn about the passage of Covid in the Pacific, including Niue and Vanuatu experiencing their first cases.
Ashburton's Deputy Mayor has been left frustrated after being told it will be two years before the Transport Agency Waka Kotahi could lower a speed limit on a 300 metre stretch of road on the outskirts of Methven. Liz McMillan says developments along State Highway 77 mean the 100-k speed limit is no longer fit for purpose. Frustrated with the length of time it's taken for the agency to act, she's launched a petition which has gained 500 signatures - or a quarter of the town's population.
The Disability Rights Commissioner is so concerned about the situation for disabled people during omicron, she has launched an inquiry.Paula Tesoreiro says she is worried about a lack of targeted, accessible information for disabled people, support for testing, help for those experiencing difficulties self-isolating, and the continuity of essential in-home services for disabled people. She says she has heard multiple anecdotes about people being let down by the current response.
Earlier this week Nine to Noon looked at the big change on the way to how we get fuel into, and around, New Zealand. After nearly 60 years, the Marsden Point Refinery will shut down its processing units and become an import-only terminal from next month. It means New Zealand will be reliant on tankers bringing refined oil products into the country - a report from Z Energy estimated 175 tankers would visit each year. Amid this fundamental change to our fuel processing capability comes Russia's attack on Ukraine, and the impact it's having on global oil supply and pricing. New Zealand is party to an agreement which saw it support the release of 60 million barrels of emergency oil stocks, in order to ease uncertainty in the market. But how we store our own emergency reserves will also have to change because of the transition at Marsden Point. Energy Minister Megan Woods joins Kathryn to discuss.
Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to look at BBC comedy Quacks, screening on Rialto Channel. She'll also preview TVNZ's Beyond the Veil, a collection of supernatural stories and a new documentary series from Louis Theroux called Forbidden America, screening on Prime.
Kathryn chats with Clinical Psychologist Jacqui Maguire about how to help highly sensitive children manage their emotions. These might be children who have large empathy for others, who are deeply reflective, or can be easily overstimulated or overwhelmed. Jacqui says highly sensitive children make up 20 per cent of all children.
Technology commentator Peter Griffin joins Kathryn to look at how tech companies have responded to the crisis in Ukraine, and how a Hamilton 20-year-old's $70 million NFT sale is a real case of buyer-beware.
Dr Becky Smethurst: Black Hole gazing We all know what a black hole is don't we? They suck everything in and there's no light or time in the middle. At least that's how they work in films. Our guest this morning is a woman who has dedicated her life to trying to find out exactly what they are, and tell people about it! Dr Rebecca Smethurst is a British astrophysicist, author, and YouTuber who is currently working as a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. She's the author of Space: 10 Things You Should Know and Space at the Speed of Light: The History of 14 Billion Years for People Short on Time. But she's known better to many as Dr Becky, on her staggeringly popular youtube channel where she does everything from meme dissection to deep analysis of new astrophysical research.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye joins Kathryn to discuss the standing ovation given to Ukraine's President Zelensky during his address to the House of Commons, and how the foreign secretary Liz Truss has attended the EU summit since the first time since Brexit as the crisis reshapes alliances in Europe. Refugees are pouring into Europe, could the UK take more? Covid cases are on the rise again in the UK - just as the over-75s face their fourth jab, and former speaker John Bercow has been found by an independent panel to be a serial bully and a serial liar.
Scientists have found and videoed South Pole explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship The Endurance, which was lost in November 1915. 107 years later, the wooden ship has been located three kilometres down in the icy Antarctic Weddell Sea, in remarkable condition. The ship was crushed by sea-ice and sank, forcing Shackleton and his crew to abandoned ship and escape on foot and in small boats. The mission's leader veteran polar geographer Dr John Shears had described it as "the world's most difficult shipwreck search". The crew battled constantly-shifting sea-ice, blizzards, and temperatures dropping down to -18C. Kathryn speaks with photographer and drone operator on the expedition James Blake, son of New Zealand sailor and environmentalist Sir Peter Blake and Lady Pippa.
Kathryn speaks with Ukrainian journalist, now refugee in Poland Sofia Koczmar-Tymoshenko. She is one of an estimated two million refugees who have fled the Russian invasion, mostly to Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. Just today 40,000 people have been evacuated from conflict zones around the country during a 12 hour ceasefire. Until recently Sofia Koczmar-Tymoshenko was working as a journalist in Kyiv, but made the decision to flee with her husband and young daughter. Kathryn also speaks with Jess Letch, manager of disaster and crisis response with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies based in Budapest.
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to look at the new study that's examined the brains of people who'd had a Covid infection and found a worrying reduction in the size of their grey matter in the areas responsible for memory and smell.
Kathryn spoke to James Mount about how they embarked on their endeavour - at the age of 22 - and the success they've had.
Phil Vine reviews When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
Anne Helen Petersen and Charlie Warzel have been looking at the psychology and realities of remote work during the pandemic and put their findings together in a new book titled Out of Office - The big problem and bigger promise of working from home.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn to look at the devastating floods sweeping the east coast of Australia.
Margaret explains how the data could have application for mobile apps and wearable technology rather than constant phone calls or visits from health workers.
Tens of thousands of school children are unnecessarily missing school camps due to fears over omicron Covid, according to one of the largest providers of outdoor camps.
Kathryn spoke with Campbell Barry, Mayor of Hutt City, who was one of eight mayors and 11 iwi representatives on the Working Group.
Liz talks to Kathryn about the six key life stages which represent times of financial risk for women - growing up, studying and requalifying, entering and re-entering the workforce, relationships (making and breaking), motherhood and becoming a carer, later life (planning and entering retirement), the last stage of life (ill health, infirmity and dying). What should we be doing to ensure that the next generation of women have equal, when compared to men, independent and stable financial futures?
When Jazz Thornton was her lowest ebb mentally, a set of letters written to her by a good friend became really important. They were each in a separate labelled envelope and specifically written to help fight a particular feeling or situation, such as anxiety, anger or suidical thoughts, and she read them many, many times. The mental health campaigner, film maker, charity founder, 2021 Young New Zealander of Year and author has a new book Letters to You, based on those letters: words of support and inspiration for difficult times.
Rebecca talks to Kathryn about the money behind the women's cricket World Cup and whether sports events are good business. Also the Commerce Commission's supermarket report out today. Rebecca Stevenson is BusinessDesk's head of news.
Rob Kelly reviews The Women of Rothschild by Natalie Livingstone, published by Hachette New Zealand
While we might sometimes consider insects a bit of a nuisance, the world would be in big trouble without them. Insects pollinate food crops essential for our survival, they control pests and help decompose waste, and they support the ecosystems that sustain our lives. Oliver Milman, environment correspondent for the Guardian, says insects are not only our greatest allies on this planet, they display some of the most astonishing characteristics and abilities. And yet insects are at the centre of a silent unfolding disaster - some call it "insectageddon". Habitat loss, pesticides and climate change are threatening insect populations worldwide and the United Nations estimates that half a million species could be lost by the midpoint of this century. Kathryn speaks with Oliver Milman about what he found out while writing his book The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires that Run the World.
On the international front, American political eyes are all on Ukraine and the worsening situation caused by Russia's invasion. Domestically, Ron says the Budget showdown is due this week, with some Republicans balking, even though the package will include much needed financial support for Ukraine.
A huge international commitment to ending plastic pollution has just gained momentum. Late last week, Heads of State, Ministers for the environment and other representatives from 175 nations, including New Zealand, endorsed a resolution at the UN Environment Assembly in Kenya. The aim is to draft a legally-binding treaty by 2024 and it is expected to reflect a range of ways to address the full lifecycle of plastics. To look at what is happening here in the reduce and recycling of plastics and with all sorts of other waste across the board, Waste Management General Manager of Strategy, Customer & Sustainability Ingrid Cronin-Knight.
The Commerce Commission says competition in the grocery sector is not working well for consumers, but has stopped short of requiring the big two players Foodstuffs and Woolworths NZ to divest some of their existing stores. The market regulator's final study into the retail grocery sector has just been released, and reccomends making more land available for new grocery stores, by changing planning laws to free-up sites and banning the use of restrictive land covenants by competing chains. It also reccomends improving access to the wholesale supply of groceries at competitive prices, monitoring the conduct of the major grocery retailers and the establishment of a mandatory code of conduct. RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford is at the Commerce Commission.
60 per cent of households will face significant energy price rises next month. The government is phasing out low-use, fixed-electricity pricing plans across the country following a 2019 independent panel review of electricity pricing. From April 1, 60 per cent of households will pay double for the fixed line component of their energy bill - from 30 cents per day to 60 cents per day. Meanwhile Consumer New Zealand's Power Switch Manager Paul Fuge says many energy companies are currently putting up variable prices as well. He says some of the most vulnerable households on fixed incomes could be facing increases of $200 this year - and more than $650 a year in five years. Kathryn also talks with Fair Energy Manager for the Sustainability Trust, Phil Squire.
Kennedy gets into deep water, talking about fish that are the size of cars, the locusts of the sea, and a reef that now qualifies for a name change.
Three nights a week, Wellingtonians can feast on authentic Middle Eastern food at a suburban community hall. The mobile restaurant Damascus is run by Syrian-born chef Hasan Alwarhani and his Argentinian-born partner Flora Quintana.
National's leader Christopher Luxon makes the case for tax cuts. Kathryn, Stephen and Brigitte discuss what further sanctions New Zealand could place on Russia. Also, the protest at Parliament is gone, but how long will the impact linger?. Stephen Mills is an executive director at Talbot Mills research limited which is the polling firm used by Labour. He is a former political adviser to two Labour governments. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government.
Quentin Johnson reviews Madhouse at the End of the Earth by Julian Sancton, published by Penguin
Cofounders of e-motobike start up FTN Motion, Kendall Bristow and Luke Sinclair, talk to Kathryn Ryan about their range of e-motorcycles and the overwhelming response they've had.
It's estimated more than 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country in search of shelter, with many more expected to join the exodus. It's shaping up to be Europe's biggest refugee crisis since WW2, with a big shift in the EU's normally fractious refugee policy. Neighbouring countries are doing all they can to welcome Ukrainians, with an outpouring of help from governments and NGOs but also spontaneous networks of volunteers. EU nations and NATO allies are quickly reassessing European security strategies in light of the Russian invasion, with no one taking any chances about what Vladimir Putin may have in mind.
Russia has taken control of Europe's largest nuclear power station in south-eastern Ukraine after an attack that set it on fire and raised worldwide fears of nuclear catastrophe. There has been a lull in major ground offensives against key cities, including Kyiv, but heavy bombing has been reported in Irpin, on the outskirts of the capital. A second attempt to evacuate civilians from the southern city of Mariupol has been halted due to Russian shelling. Meanwhile in Russia, it's estimated more than 10,000 people have been arrested at anti-war protests across the country over the last 11 days. Oliver Carroll is The Independent's Moscow correspondent
The Ministry of Primary Industries is suggesting changing the forestry settings here in New Zealand so further planting of stands of pinus radiata aren't rewarded by the Emissions Trading Scheme. Seeking feedback to this, MPI has published a discussion document Managing exotic afforestation incentives. Submissions are open now and close on 22 April. Environmental organisations - such as Forest and Bird - are in support - saying native forest and wetland restoration provide a much better long-term carbon solution for carbon storage. But Forest Owners Association chief executive, also managing director of forestry management company Port Blakely Phil Taylor tells Kathryn Ryan says it's not that straightforward and not necessarily the right move.
Big changes are coming to the way we get fuel into, and around, the country - and there are warnings about the huge implications of getting it wrong. The price of petrol is already burning a hole through many people's pockets, and with rising inflation and a war in Europe ignited by energy giant Russia, the pain at the pump won't be extinguished any time soon. Amid this smoldering situation, comes the transition of Marsden Point next month from oil refinery to import terminal. Instead of product being refined here and shipped to ports around the country, it's estimated 175 big tankers will bring in what we need each year - roughly one pumping and dumping into our supplies every two days. The two tankers that have been chugging New Zealand-refined product around the country's coastline, the MT Kokako and MT Matuku, will be taken out of service in a few weeks. And this change will affect how we meet our obligation to keep a certain about of fuel in reserve. Kathryn speaks first to Craig Harrison, president of the Maritime Union which is part of the Save Our Tankers campaign - concerned about the impact of these fundamental changes. She'll also talk to Julian Hughes, Z Energy's General Manager, Supply.
Sports commentator Sam Ackerman with his take on the White Ferns World Cup changes, sporting sanctions against Russia, the Winter paralmypics and a week of celebrating some true sporting success stories in Aotearoa.
Melanie O'Loughlin of Lamplight Books Auckland reviews The Recent East by Thomas Grattan, published by Macmillan Its 1989, the Berlin Wall is freshly down when an East German defector receives news that the family home she fled as a child has now been restored to her. Taking her children from New York to a seaside town in Germany, this transnational novel bursts with unique characters and tackles refuge, belonging and family love. Characters in "The Recent East" are individual riddles, not just political integers. Thomas Mallon, The New Yorker.
From "alternative facts" to the most outlandish fringe conspiracy theories - we're now living in the age of disinformation. We all became familiar with Russian groups using Facebook to spread fake news and sway the outcome of the 2016 US presidential election. But disinformation spreads far wider and much deeper. Ed Coper is an expert in disinformation and in his new book Facts and Other Lies, he explores how disinformation has fractured our society, and threatens democracy itself. He says the anti-mandate protests which have spread from Ottawa, to Canberra and Wellington are the end product of deliberate disinformation campaigns, which are fuelled by social media and seeded by shadowy forces with suspect motives. Kathryn speaks with Ed Coper from Sydney.
China is being criticised by many in the west for failing to join international efforts to stop Putin's invasion. Ed talks to Kathryn about China's official response to Russia's invasion and to sanctions. And in Hong Kong there are grim scenes with mortuaries filling up and panic buying rife as the city's Covid policy reaches a fresh low.
Last week Nine to Noon looked at plans to build a big film studio complex on the outskirts of Wanaka. The proposal, which was given the greenlight late last year under a fast-tracked consent process, would create the country's first purpose-built, large-scale film studio. The plan by Silverlight Studios, will include 10 sound stages, production facilities and the permanent backlots of Venice, a medieval village, Paris and New York all set around an artificial lake. In addition to a working film set, it'll include a film school and operate as a tourist destination. Kathryn previously spoke to Jerry Rowley and Julian Haworth about their concerns - including the appropriateness of the site and the fast-tracked consent process. Today Mike Wallis, one of the three founding directors of Silverlight Studios, joins Kathryn to talk about the project and how it's progressing.
A major new report calls for much closer scrutiny of chemicals approved of, and used, in New Zealand. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment says on paper, there is a robust system in place to assess risks when a chemical is introduced. But of the 30,000 chemicals approved for use in New Zealand, but only around 200 chemicals are routinely tested for. Simon Upton says much of the science on the environmental impact of some chemicals has changed, and the current system is patchy and inadequate. Mr Upton says a common framework needs to be developed and used by all agencies dealing with chemicals, with a priority focus on high risk contaminants.
Film and TV reviewer James Croot joins Kathryn to look at the new Batman film in cinemas, simply called The Batman, with Robert Pattinson in the lead role. He'll also look at The Dropout (Disney+), based on the Elizabeth Holmes-Theranos scandal, Pieces of Her (Netflix) based on the New York Times best-selling novel and starring Toni Collette and Winning Time (Neon), about the rise of the LA Lakers basketball team in the 1980s.
With Omicron established in University populations nationwide and particularly in Dunedin, we're going to take a look at the mental health impact on young people and student life. Dr Kerry Gibson is Clinical psychologist and researcher and an Associate Professor of psychology at the University of Auckland. She is also the author of the book - What young people want from mental health services: A youth informed approach for the digital age.
Mahsa joins Kathryn to look at how the first week of the academic year is shaping up during the omicron outbreak, and what university students' experience of online learning has been. The theme of this year's International Women's Day is #breakthebias, and when it comes to Artificial Intelligence, there's plenty of that. And she'll also discuss mums, games and the Metaverse! Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh is Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering - Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Director of Women in Technology at the Auckland University of Technology.
Joanna Ludbrook of Chicken and Frog Books in Featherston reviews Hauraki Broo by Nikki Slade Robinson, published by Duck Creek Press
RNZ Political reporter Charlie Dreaver from parliament where a huge clean up is underway after the chaotic scenes yesterday in which protesters were cleared from the grounds they had occupied for 23 days.
Larry Miller is the head of the Michael Jordan brand for Nike. But during his steady corporate rise, colleagues had no idea that as a teenager he'd shot and killed a man and served time in jail. When revealing his gangland background caused him to lose his first major job opportunity, he vowed to keep quiet about it. His memoir Jump - My Secret Journey From the Streets to the Boardroom - now sets the record straight. Larry Miller has co-written the book with his daughter Laila Lacy. It's a tale of hardship growing up in a gritty part of Philadelphia, crime, redemption and ultimately global business success.
UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about the UK's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Boris Johnson condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions as "war crimes". He's under further pressure to crack down on Russian oligarchs living in the UK, including Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich - who's confirmed this morning he'll sell the club. Meanwhile the UK's defence secretary has again ruled out imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
Advocates for people with rare disorders say they feel overlooked and let-down the government which promised funding, but has failed to deliver. Around 300 thousand or six percent of New Zealanders live with a rare disorder. A new survey finds for one in five, it took over ten years to gain a diagnosis, with the majority reporting being misdiagnosed at least once. It finds a lack of accessible, effective modern medicines available for the majority of people and most respondents believe that professionals are poorly prepared to support them with their rare disorder. Rare Disorders New Zealand is the only national organisation supporting all New Zealanders with rare disorders, however its funding was been cut in half by the Government. Kathryn speaks with Lisa Foster of Rare Disorders New Zealand and Dr Rosemary Marks, from the Paediatric Society.
Meanwhile a special meeting of the UN General Assembly has voted to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine by a margin of 141 votes to five. Kathryn speaks with the Guardian's world affairs editor Julian Borger at the UN.
The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with even countries usually sympathetic to Russia abstaining. It's day seven of the Russian siege and several major cities are under relentless missile attack.
Legal commentator Charles McGuinness joins Kathryn to talk about a case determined by the Court of Appeal late last year - A Labour Inspector v Southern Taxis -which relates to the relatively common conundrum of whether a contractor might actually be an employee.
Duane Hamacher says early settlers were expert observers of the stars, used astronomy in so many aspects of their lives, and there's so much we can learn from them.
Kim Pittar from Muir's Independent Bookshop Gisborne reviews Violeta by Isabel Allende, published by Penguin Random House.
RNZ reporters Charlotte Cook and Charlie Dreaver provide an update on the police operation at Parliament grounds in Wellington.
Kathryn spoke with historian, witch expert and co-creator of the BBC's Witch Hunt podcast Dr Louise Yeoman, about the 300 years that saw massive loss of life. What did it take to be accused, and was there any hope at all once you were?
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to look at the year's worth of rain that fell in parts of Queensland, amid criticism the weather forecasts weren't up to scratch. Australians of Ukrainian descent have been warned against returning home to fight as their government pledges $70m for lethal aid and Prime Minister Scott Morrison tests positive for Covid-19.
New research reveals Prolactin, the hormone aiding lactation, is also an important modulator of maternal aggression. Most new mothers are primed to protect her new baby vigilantly.
The government's plans to licence rental property managers has been criticised as a 'simplistic tick box exercise' by an industry association. The proposed scheme would see property managers subject to a code of compliance and a "fit and proper" person test.
Police have moved in on the three-week old protest camp at Parliament, clearing out tents and making arrests.
Andrew says with multiple recent suggestions that Cabinet has approved the proposal for the establishment of a new public media entity from TVNZ and RNZ, with each retaining their own brands, what happens next?. If this goes ahead, it will be the biggest shake-up of public media in 30 years. He also talks to Kathryn about the war in Ukraine - from a media persepective. One of the biggest issues has been what to do with Russia Today, the government-backed "news channel" that is active in many countries around the world. Sky in NZ, like others overseas, has stopped broadcasting the channel, on the basis that it is pushing Russian propaganda.
House prices soared in 2021, rental housing stocks are low in some areas and affordability is beyond the reach of many first home buyers and low income earners. Bipartisan legislation was passed in Parliament late last year in favour of housing densification, to counter urban sprawl and boost supply by up to 105,000 new homes in the next eight years. Construction and property entrepreneur Shane Brealey is the managing director of Simplicity Living, and his firm is partnering with the Simplicity KiwiSaver fund to create more affordable rental properties. The aim is to develop 10,000 long-term rental properties that Simplicity Living will fund, build, own and manage. Shane Brearley tells Kathryn that the construction and housing sector has got itself into a mess through over complicating things and not having a production system mindset.
The earnings season is coming to a close this week and Pattrick says there has been a lot of quite strong results, generally stronger than might have been anticipated by some analysts, but it remains to be seen whether this is going to be a 'year of two halves'. Pattrick Smellie is the editor and co-founder of BusinessDesk and has reported on the New Zealand economy and business since 1983.
Rebecca Jones from Scorpio Books in Christchurch reviews A Very Nice Girl by Imogen Crimp, published by Bloomsbury.
Jo Morgan is a mountaineer, avid motorcyclist, adventurer, trader, philanthropist, grandmother, and now author. She's written a memoir about her adventure-filled and unconventional life, which begins with the terrifying avalanche she was caught in three years ago, which killed her two guides. She had taken up mountaineering at the age of 57 had herself the goal of summiting all 24 of New Zealand's peaks over three thousand metres, and was close to attaining that goal when tragedy struck. The book also covers her early life in Southland, her long marriage to economist and erstwhile political candidate Gareth, and how her love of junk dealing may have influenced her son Sam's idea for Trade Me.
In the US, lawmakers are pushing for further sanctions against Russia with the White House is proposing a $6.4 billion dollar fund for Ukraine. This is being opposed by some Republicans, who say President Biden should've done more earlier to contain Vladimir Putin. On the domestic front, Joe Biden has named judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his nominee for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. She is the first Black woman nominated to the court.
Research by Sport New Zealand shines a light on the steep drop off in girls' participation in sport and active recreation. By the age of 16, there is a 17% gap between male and female participation and by age 17, the gap is 28%. The research also shows that the vast majority of teen girls want to be active and understand that it's good for them, but a range of things are standing the way. Sport New Zealand's Chief Executive Raelene Castle talks to Kathryn about a new campaign to get girls moving.
The IPCC has issued a dire warning about the consequences of inaction on climate change, with many of the impacts of global warming already "irreversible". But the report authors say there is still a brief window of time to avoid the very worst, and preparing fast could seriously limit the damage. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released its Working Group II report, Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Coordinating lead author of the New Zealand and Australia chapter Dr Judy Lawrence warns New Zealand is at risk of "cascading and compounding" impacts of climate change, through the increased frequency and severity of floods, heatwaves, fires, droughts, and sea level rise. So how can New Zealand prepare and adapt? Kathryn speaks with Dr Judy Lawrence, who is a Climate Change Commissioner, a leading expert on climate change adaptation, and a coordinating lead author for the IPCC.
Bill McKay looks at an increasingly common scenario on city streets, as local residents, businesses and Councils argue over needed changes to roading, cycle-paths, bus-ways and car parking.
After a decade working in the construction industry, Naomi and Frans Steenkamp now run Wellington's first fresh goat milk creamery. The Steenkamp's 15-acre hillside property is likely "the only goat farm in a capital city in the whole world", Naomi tells Kathryn Ryan.
The Parliament's protest has been going three weeks and frustration grows on all sides, what will it take to end it?. Also, will the government move faster on MIQ now Covid cases in the community are skyrocketing, and we'll examine New Zealand's response to the Ukraine invasion.
David Hill reviews The Frog Prince by James Norcliffe, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
At just 30, Wellingtonian Charlotte Feehan is one of the youngest head brewers in the country. After completing her brewing apprenticeship at Aro Street's Garage Project, she also qualified as a cicerone. Now, since returning from a stint working in breweries in Melbourne, she's been headhunted by Abandoned Brewery in Lower Hutt, where she's been putting her mind to creating recipes for some classic brews, to the more funky blends. She talks to Kathryn about how she first discovered the world of brewing.
Seamus says there's been an historic shift as Germany sends weapons to Ukraine and the taps have been turned off on the Russia to Germany gas pipeline project. Hungary's Prime Minister who is normally seen as a Putin supporter, agrees to back sanctions, And normally close Russia ally, Turkey has called the invasion a 'war' and 'unacceptable', raising possibility of blocking Russian ships to Black Sea.
One of the country's largest commercial landlords wants to see businesses encourage workers back into central city offices, before it's too late. Many CBD employees have been working from home in the omicron outbreak, but Scott Pritchard of Precinct Properties, which includes Commercial Bay in downtown Auckland in its portfolio, is concerned about the long-term impact that could have on the business hubs of Auckland and Wellington.
Western powers have condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to put nuclear forces on "special alert" - in response, he says, to NATO "aggression". The United States is calling it "totally unacceptable", and NATO's chief describing it as "dangerous" and "irresponsible". Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has confirmed a meeting is set to take place on the border of Belarus, between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, four days into the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kathryn gets an update from Kiwi freelance journalist Tom Mutch.
Sad news coming from the world of sport, Sam discuses the loss of another cult hero in Va'aiga Tuigamala - Inga the Winger, and looks at a big week for New Zealand Cricket.
John Duke from Unity Books reviews Mothers, Fathers, and Others by Siri Hustvedt, published by Sceptre.
We imitate other people's behaviour but we also subconsciously imitate what they desire, says entrepreneur Luke Burgis. In the new book Wanting, he argues that by "desiring differently" we can become more independent and find more meaning in our lives.
Universities are steeling themselves for Omicron outbreaks within their student populations, with an outbreak already tearing through Otago University's student precinct. All of the country's eight universities have adopted vaccine mandates in some form for the coming year, and lectures will largely be online. The University of Otago is in the grips of an outbreak in its student population, with 955 active cases of Covid in the city. Dunedin is currently reporting a positivity rate of 21.6 percent, meaning one in five tests are coming back positive, compared to a nation-wide average of 10.9 percent. Kathryn speaks to Professor Grant Guilford, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington, Professor David Murdoch is the new Vice Chancellor at Otago University and a student in Dunedin, who has tested positive.
Kathryn speaks with Dmitri Alperovitch, a US-Russian cybersecurity specialist and geo-political analyst based in Washington DC. He says the West must tailor its sanctions to forestall economic devastation and a spiralling conflict.
Ukraine is under full-scale Russian attack - with troops reportedly advancing from the north, east and south. The Russian Defence Ministry claims to have "neutralised" all Ukraine's airbases and air defences, including an airbase just 30 kilometres from the capital Kyiv. Many Ukrainians are fleeing and those who aren't are seeking spaces in temporary bomb shelters. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky says a new iron curtain is falling in eastern Europe. He has declared martial law and says Kyiv will issue weapons to every Ukrainian who wants to defend their country. The United States President Joe Biden addressed the nation just over an hour ago, announcing new sanctions on Russia, and promising to limit - as much as possible - Russia's ability to do business. Kathryn speaks with New Zealand freelance journalist Tom Mutch and our US correspondent, NPR's Senior Editor and Correspondent Ron Elving.
Film and TV reviewer Laumata Lauano joins Kathryn to talk about Pax Assadi's new comedy Raised by Refugees (Prime, Neon, Sky) based on his family's experiences of moving to New Zealand. She'll also look at second season of Raising Dion (Netflix) and the new documentary Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (Netflix) which examines the actions of the company in the lead-up to, and the aftermath of, two deadly crashes.
Neuroplasticity educator and parenting expert, Nathan Wallis discusses children and Covid. What is the impact on children of having to wear face masks at school? And what are the common features we would expect to see in children who are resilient and not negatively impacted by covid?
Technology commentator Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about whether Google search has optimised itself to deliver ads, rather than worthwhile search results. What happens if Google continues to decline - will we be unable to access decent information because money has been prioritised over functionality? And should you rethink that ancestry test? Mark has some concerning examples of where DNA has been used in ways the person it belongs to didn't expect.
Elisabeth Easther reviews Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes, published by Penguin Random House NZ.
The Reserve Bank Governor joins Kathryn to discuss interest rates, inflation and the economy following yesterday's increase in the official cash rate.
"Davos Man: a member of the global billionaire class that controls the majority of the world's wealth". In his new book, New York Times global economics correspondent Peter S. Goodman contends that those billionaires have spent the past fifty years systematically looting the world's economies, starving societies of much needed tax revenues, profiting from the Covid-19 pandemic and destabilising democracy, all under the guise of a new, more socially conscious form of capitalism. Mr Goodman calls it one of the most monumental heists in human history; the systematic transfer of wealth from ordinary people to the billionaire class. Kathryn speaks with Peter S. Goodman about Davos Man: How the Billionaires Devoured the World.
UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Kathryn to talk about how some in Boris Johnson's party don't feel sanctions against Russia over Ukraine go far enough, but he's defended them, saying the UK is "out in front" on the issue. Meanwhile the effects of the tension with Russia are being felt at the pumps, with petrol hitting new highs. Covid restrictions will be lifted tomorrow - there'll be no legal restriction to isolate if you test positive. And a plan to limit the availability of student loans to those who pass their GCSE English and Math has critics crying foul.
Three generations of the Hitchings family have helped collect and document more than 50,000 specimens of mayflies, including 15 previously undiscovered species.
A $280 million plan to build the country's first purpose-built large-scale film studio complex near Wanaka has the green light - but the fast-tracked process has raised concerns. The complex, by Silverlight Studios will include10 sound stages, production facilities and the backlots of Venice, a medieval village, Paris and New York all set around an artificial lake. In addition to being a working film set, it'll include a film school and operate as a tourist destination. The fast-tracked consent process was brought in midway through 2020, and doesn't require notification or provide for general public feedback. Kathryn talks to two of the parties who were invited to comment on the Silverlight Studios project: Jerry Rowley, from the Mount Barker Residents' Association and Julian Haworth, president of the Upper Clutha Environmental Society.
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about why a booster shot is important in this omicron outbreak, and the differences between the BA.1 and BA.2 strains of omicron. Associate Professor Dr Siouxsie Wiles is the head of Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University of Auckland.
Landscape designer and gardener Xanthe White provides some tricks and tips relating to planting, pruning and harvesting.
Paul Diamond reviews 30 Queer Lives by Matt McEvoy, published by Massey University Press.
The last time Christine Leunens joined Nine to Noon it was from LA, just hours ahead of the Oscars, where Taika Waititi would win Best Adapted Screenplay for JoJo Rabbit. It was adapted, of course, from Christine's book Caging Skies. In the two years since then, she's been busy researching a particularly tumultuous time in New Zealand's history - the 1980s and the impact the Springbok Tour, nuclear testing in the Pacific and bombing of the Rainbow Warrior had at the time. The result is a new novel, In Amber's Wake, a love story set in Auckland, Cambridge and Antarctica, which is already destined for the silver screen, with help from Thelma and Louise producer Mimi Polk Gitlin.
Australia commentator Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the reopening of Australia's borders after 704 days, who are the first arrivals likely to be? Australian tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes is determined to persist with a bid to takeover energy giant AGL and retire some of Australia's key coal plants early, and there's a new flashpoint in the soured relations between Australia and China - this time literally - following an incident in which Chinese military ship aimed a military-grade laser at an Australian Air Force aircraft.
Fatigue among pilots, air traffic control and other aviation workers could lead to an aviation disaster - according to a leading union.The Airline Pilots Assocation or NZALPA - which represents which represents more than 2,600 New Zealand pilots, all air traffic controllers and the majority of flight service operators, says fatigue in the sector is a serious issue. It says the Civil Aviation Bill, currently going through parliament, does nothing to address the problem. NZALPA president Captain Andrew Ridling explains to Kathryn Ryan.
The new hospital being built on the former site of Dunedin's Cadbury factory has resurrected the thorny issue of what to do with the city's one-way street system.
Financial Planner Liz Koh discusses the best investment strategy when markets are volatile, how investors can best protect themselves from losses and the implications for KiwiSaver especially for those KiwiSaver members nearing retirement.
Douglas Lloyd Jenkins is a well-known design writer and his landmark book At Home: A Century of New Zealand Design was the Montana Book Awards Non-Fiction Winner in 2004. He was a co-author of The Dress Circle: New Zealand Fashion Design since 1940, which was shortlisted for the same prize in 2011. Shelter is his first novel, and it's a love story spanning two decades set in Auckland, between builder Joe and the enigmatic Leo, who teaches him an appreciation for music and literature. It's also a story of love for Auckland and its heritage, as Joe becomes a property developer determined to save the city's history from vanishing.
2021 was a bumper year for mergers, acquisitions and takeovers and Rebecca says this year it is shaping up to be the same, with the NZ tech sector in particular is off to a flying start. The total value of New Zealand's mergers and acquisitions transactions for 2021 was $20.4 billion - a 400% increase on the year before, according to an analysis published by Simpson Grierson at the end of last year.
Bronwyn Wylie-Gibb of University Book Shop Dunedin reviews This Mortal Coil: A History of Death by Andrew Doig, published by Bloomsbury. Bronwyn says: It's a fascinating history of how and why we've died in the past and how changing our lives has changed our deaths. Erudite, clear and surprisingly lively!
A small Hamilton company has been credited with saving hundreds of film festivals around the world since the outbreak of the pandemic. Shift72 provides a secure and personalised online video platform with a focus on the film festival market. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Shift72 has helped almost 400 film festivals move online, and it counts some of the world's biggest festivals among its clients; including Sundance, London, New York, Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals. Kathryn speaks with David White, founder and chief executive of Shift72.
In US politics, President Joe Biden tries for diplomacy with Russia while former President Donald Trump faces legal challenges. Also Ron says Covid is easing but tensions over restrictions persist. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
Scientists are claiming a landmark in the process to create sustainable low carbon nuclear fusion energy, in an experiment which recreated the energy process that powers the stars. The experiment, conducted by a team in Oxford in the UK only lasted a few seconds and created just enough energy to boil sixty kettles. But in a JET reactor with a casing capable of withstanding temperatures fifteen times the heat of the middle of the sun (150 million degrees centigrade) a record-breaking 59 megajoules of sustained fusion energy was created. Scientists are calling it a breakthrough, in an experiment not attempted in a quarter of a century. Kathryn speaks with Head of Fusion Science at European research consortium EUROfusion, Professor Volker Naulin who designed and ran the experiment.
As Omicron infections escalate, so is concern from Pasifika outreach organisations about whether Government and public health initiatives endorsing home isolation, and community care are going to keep Covid positive people, who live in large households, safe. Some hospitals services are strained, and then there's the sobering figure from Auckland's Middlemore hospital, that one in 10 patients presenting to the Emergency Department are testing positive for Covid. The hospital serves the South Auckland community which has many multi-generational family households. Kathryn talks to Counties Manukau DHB Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Connolly, Pacific healthcare provider South Seas Healthcare Trust CEO Lemalu Silao Vaisola Sefo and to Dr Debbie Sorensen, who is the chief executive of the Pasifika Medical Association and she is also at the helm of Pasifika Futures, which is a Whanau Ora commissioning agency.
Kennedy has the story of "Lucky," a kereru chick that is being raised by its parents on photographer Rod Morris's property in Broad Bay, on the Otago Peninsula. He also talks to Kathryn about a kereru restoration project being conducted in the Auckland suburb of Kohimarama.
Foods high in dietary fibre support gut health but most of us don't consume enough of them, says Australian research dietitian, Megan Rebuli. She tells Kathryn Ryan why fibre - especially resistant starches - are the focus of the new CSIRO Gut Care Guide.
Neale, Ben and Kathryn will discuss the future of the mandates and look at the political management and messaging around the ongoing and growing protest at Parliament.
Kathryn speaks with an accomplished horse rider, archer, martial artist, gymnast and sword fighter who can fall from high places and emerge from fire unscathed! If she sounds like a modern day Wonder Woman, that's actually fitting, because that's probably where you've seen her last. Dayna Grant is a Kiwi stuntwoman with multiple film and TV credits to her name: from the early days on Hercules and Xena: Warrior Princess to Max Max: Fury Road, Snow White and Huntsman, Underworld 3, The Meg, Adrift and yes, Wonder Woman 1984. Her work on that last production netted her a Screen Actors Guild Award last year for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. The Ngapuhi performer and mother of three is also the founder of the New Zealand Stunt School, which helps to train the next generation of stunt artists.
The drought in Horn of Africa, Debora outlines how it is affecting Somalia and Ethiopia. She also looks at instability in many parts of the continent, including coups in Sudan and Burkina Faso, and the French military has pulled out of Mali. All this is against a backdrop of 18 different extremist groups on the rise across Africa. Meanwhile the the Omicron wave is subsiding in South Africa where it was first discovered, with scientists saying this could be the country's pandemic exit wave.
A community health clinic in Auckland says during last year's Delta outbreak, it became the default provider of medical and welfare care for self-isolating patients, because the Ministry of Health was failing to provide adequate care. Papakura Marae Health Centre serves a community of more than 3,200 people, with at least 95 percent identifying as Maori or Pasifika. When the government moved to a mixed MIQ and Community Supported Isolation and Quarantine (CIQ) model, the Ministry of Health contracted Whakarongorau Aotearoa to carry out a remote check-in service for patients. However the Papakura Marae Health Centre soon observed issues with the service, including reports of whanau isolating in unsafe homes and a failure to consistently perform timely check-ins and reviews. The Papakura Marae Health Centre decided to step in and take over the role of the Ministry of Health's system. Kathryn Dr Matire Harwood is a GP at the Papakura Marae Health Centre. She is also Associate Professor at the University of Auckland and senior researcher at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand.
New Zealand's key exporters are chartering private ships to ferry produce to foreign markets, amid a Covid-driven cargo crisis. Meat producers and fresh fruit and vege producers are struggling to get goods to overseas buyers because of on-going container ship congestion. As more goods are being shipped, and delays lay siege to best-by dates, meat company Affco has resorted to chartering private vessels to get exports - valued at close to $120m - to their overseas markets. The company's third ship recently set sail from the Port of Tauranga, carrying 6,000 tonnes of frozen meat, destined for California and America's emptying meat aisles. And it's not just Affco. Rival meat companies and other primary producers are on board. In fact half the space in the first export vessel chartered was taken up by pip fruit exporters. Kathryn is joined by Simon Beale, both Logistics Manager for Turners and Growers, and Chair of the NZ Council of Cargo Owners and Mark de Lautour, Head of Affco sales and marketing, who have chartered three ships so far, and predicts this predicament is set to continue for three more years.
NZ Rugby has finally got the Silverlake deal over the line, with confirmation of the sale of a stake of a new commercial entity to the American private-equity business. This comes in the same week NZ Rugby introduced fulltime contracts for top Black Ferns players. And Dana also looks at the NZ triumphs and international controversy from the Winter Olympics. Dana Johannsen is Stuff's National Correspondent specialising in sport.
Gina Rogers reviews Will by Mark Manson and Will Smith published by Penguin Random House.
Rosemary Sullivan is the author of a controversial book on a cold case investigation into what led to young Jewish girl Anne Frank and her family being discovered by the Nazis. The Betrayal of Anne Frank follows a six-year investigation, and identifies a Jewish Notary as leading to the Franks being found, after they'd hidden undetected for two years in Amsterdam. Rosemary Sullivan is a professor emeritus at the university of Toronto and the author of many books including a biography Stalin's Daughter.
As the Winter Olympics draw to a close, from China, there are new signs that Beijing is deepening its support for Russia as the Ukraine crisis stands on a knife's edge. Grim times loom for Hong Kong as the city is forced into ever stricter anti-virus measures just as the rest of the world opens up. And in the Phillipines Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, has the emerged as the frontrunner in the country's presidential race. He's the son of former leader Ferdinand Marcos. Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times.
New research suggests that chimpanzees might be performing a type of first aid; on themselves, and more notably, on their peers. Chimpanzees in Gabon have been observed catching flying insects, immobilising them by squeezing them between their lips, and then applying the insect to a wound. The behaviour was first noticed when an adult female chimpanzee named Suzee was spotted applying the insect treatment to her son's foot. Over a 15-month period, the chimpanzees were observed treating wounds in this manner at least 22 times. The research contributes to ongoing debate about the ability of animals, and chimpanzees in particular, to selflessly help others. Lynn speaks with Professor Dr Simone Pika; the co-author of the study. Dr Pika is the co-director of the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project in Gabon and leads an animal cognition lab at the Institute of Cognitive Science at the University of Osnabrück in Germany.
The threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to hang over the country with a war of words raging between Washington and Moscow. The US president Joe Biden says there's every indication Russia will invade Ukraine in the next few days. Russia has massed more than 150,000 troops on the border with Ukraine, although it denies planning an invasion, and accuses Western leaders of hysteria. This week Russia said some of its units were returning to base, but Washington and NATO say in fact more troops are massing. Lynn Freeman speaks with New Zealand freelance photo journalist Tom Mutch in Kyiv. He has written for The Times, The Telegraph, Open Democracy, and Foreign Policy magazine.
Film and TV correspondent Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about the new Shona Rhimes series Inventing Anna (Netflix), based on the life of fraudster Anna Delvey who pretended to be a German heiress. He'll also talk about Severance (Apple TV+), in which an office worker for a large US drug company agrees to surgery that will separate his home and work memories. And King Richard (cinemas) is a docu-drama on the rise of Venus and Serena Williams that focuses on their dad, played by Will Smith.
A powerful committee of government officials is to convene at parliament over the ongoing protest and blockade. ODESC, the Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination, will meet today. A statement from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet says the meeting is to "ensure there's a shared understanding of the situation and that all risks and potential implications have been identified". Kathryn speaks with RNZ's Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch.
The "middle years" of 11 to 15 year-olds can be a bit of a muddle, when children are stepping away from the influence of their parents and into that of their peers - and social media influencers. Kathryn Gray is head of Middle School at St Margaret's College in Christchurch and recently received an honours award from Independent Schools NZ for her work in Middle School Education. She joins Kathryn to talk about the unique social, emotional and academic needs children - particularly girls - need at this time. And what parents can do to let their child explore new interests and influences, while still respecting and preserving their privacy.
Tony joins Kathryn to talk about the latest in cyber security issues - including how a company lost hundreds of thousands of dollars through an intercepted email in which the scammer simply changed the company's bank account, which wasn't picked up by the bank. He wonders, why do banks not check the company name against the account number? Could QR codes be used in phishing attacks and is there really such a thing as a malware-free network?
One of the UK's leading doctors in pain medicine says despite pain being a universal human experience, very little is still understood about the mechanics of it. As a result, much of the medications and interventions we have for pain are fairly rudimentary. Dr Abdul Lalkhen has been working in pain-related areas; from anesthesiology to pain management, for over two decades, and has now written Pain: The Science of the Feeling Brain. Dr Lalkhen is a member of the Faculty of Pain Medicine at the Royal College of Anesthetists in the UK and is a visiting professor at Manchester Metropolitan University.
UK correspondent Hugo Gye joins Kathryn to talk about Prince Andrew's decision to settle the lawsuit brought against him by Virginia Guiffre - is that really the end of the matter? The UK is seeking to take a leading role in Nato's response to Russian aggression in Ukraine, to show it's engaging with Europe post-Brexit. Boris Johnson is due to announce his "living with Covid" plan next week - but in the meantime he's yet to respond to a request from the police to detail exactly why he attended a number of apparently illegal parties in 10 Downing Street while Covid rules were still in place.
New Zealand Rugby has announced the US equity firm Silver Lake is to invest $200 million in a new commercial entity that will control all revenue-generating assets of New Zealand Rugby. The agreement is subject to ratification by the Provincial Unions and Maori Rugby Board. Kathryn speaks with RNZ sports reporter, Barry Guy, who was at the announcement in Wellington.
The way ice crystals can kill the enjoyment of ice cream demonstrates the crucial role of texture in our experience of food, says scientist Yvonne Kuiper. Although we know texture is at least equally important as taste, we don't yet know how our brains assess and respond to it. A better understanding could help with the treatment of obesity and eating disorders, she tells Kathryn Ryan.
A new report finds dozens of people die each year from preventable drug overdoses, and New Zealand drug laws block the use of new harm reduction measures succeeding overseas. The Drug Foundation's 2022 State of the Nation Report finds opioid overdoses kill around 46 people each year, while synthetic cannabinoids have contributed to at least 51 deaths between 2016 and 2020. The report also finds drug related deaths for Maori are three times the rate for non-Maori. The Drug Foundation says that while changes to drug laws in 2019 have seen a 13 per cent reduction in convictions for low-level drug offences, the results have been far less than hoped. Kathryn speaks with Executive Director of the Drug Foundation, Sarah Helm.
In a month of protests, pandemic panic, grave unrest in the Ukraine and extreme weather events Mark Amery champions some art in Wellington that offers flowers, hugs, sunshine and togetherness. Featured is Salli Culy's paintings Hello to Everybody in a series of lightboxes in Courtenay Place (till May 25), Hanna Shim's exhibition at Enjoy Gallery (till March 30) Wishing You Well. Mark also does shout outs to Vincents Art Workshops in Wellington and the Paraparaumu-shot feature film by Linda Niccol, Poppy, currently streaming through TVNZ.
Nicole Haddow is an Australian journalist and author who says it is possible to grow your wealth while doing your bit for the planet and the population. Her first book, Smashed Avocado: How I Cracked the Property Market and You Can Too details her journey from moving in with her parents aged 30, $11,000 in debt, to saving enough to buy a property. Nicole's new book is called The Ethical Investor, and in it she writes about the steps she's taken to put her money where her ethics are.
Music reviewer Yadana Saw reflects on the Super Bowl halftime show which was celebration of Dad music and the Gen X culture, and the curious ukulele skills of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and some new tunes from 2022.
Harry Ricketts reviews All Tito's Children by Tim Grgec, published by Te Herenga Waka Press
Ravenscar House Museum holds an extraordinary, previously private art collection. The new building has been gifted to Christchurch by art collectors Susan Wakefield and her late husband Jim. The art remains in the ownership of the Ravenscar Trust. Artists in the collection include Colin McCahon, Bill Sutton and Frances Hodgkins. The treasures were previously in the Wakefield's Christchurch home which suffered irreparable earthquake damage. They're now displayed in the purpose-designed and built Ravenscar House Museum in the city's Arts precinct. The story of the art and artefacts is told in in the book - Ravenscar House: A Biography, written by Christchurch journalist and writer Sally Blundell.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane looks at Prime Minister Scott Morrison's attempt to turn on the charm with his family and a ukulele performance ahead of the federal election, even as two byelections in New South Wales suggest troubling times at the polls for the Liberals. And Qantas has been accused of price gouging by customers seeking to use their Covid credits.
The country has moved to phase two of its omicron response meaning shorter isolation times and more relaxed rules around contact tracing. There are an estimated 2658 people self iolating around the country at the moment, with 6305 active cases and 763 reported yesterday. Yesterday, there were 40 people in hospital with the virus but none were in intensive care or high dependency units. So is the country ready for phase two of omicron? Dr Christine McIntosh is the clinical lead for outbreak and home isolation programme in Auckland, for the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre.
The bill banning conversion therapy passed its third and final reading last night, with the support of almost all MPs. The Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill makes it illegal to change or suppress the sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression of a person who is under 18, or if the practice causes serious harm, regardless of age. The bill also amends the Human Rights Act to expand the Human Rights Commission's existing mediation function. The commission will provide mediation and a civil redress scheme for those who have experienced conversion practices. Kathryn speaks with Holly Hedley, a senior associate at Buddle Findlay, who specialises in health and human rights law, and Andre Afamasaga, a manager at the Human Rights Commission who will be responsible for establishing the conversion practices response services team. He is also a former pastor, and a survivor of conversion therapy himself.
How do journalists handle the abuse and threats from protestors when they're just doing their job, to bear witness to what's happening? Andrew says the pressures on them, and their employers to keep them safe. And its parallels to the worldwide campaign that Journalism is not a Crime. Also, 13 NZ news organisations have signed up for the next Meta (ex-Facebook) Audience Development Accelerator.
What is your sleep type? Bear, Lion or Wolf?. Olivia Arezzolo is one of Australia's go-to sleep experts and her book, Bear Lion or Wolf aims to help people understand their sleep type. She says this has the potential to change lives.
Air NZ is supposed to raise $1 billion-plus before the end of next month from the private market. Will it, given the timetable for border openings, or will there be further delay?. Pattrick also looks at the pressure that is likely to start emerging from the international tourism operators once Australia starts opening up later this month.
Leah McFall reviews This Changes Everything by Niki Bezzant, published by Penguin Random House NZ
The astonishing tale of of Mark May's survival in the most rugged of Australian bush has been told in Australian author Tom Patterson's new book Missing. In 1972, 18 year old Mark May seemingly had the world at his feet, an intelligent young man with a scholarship to study law. But ten years on he had issues with drug addiction, had fallen foul of the law and opted out of society. He entered remote gorge country in north-western New South Wales, and that is where he lived rough for for 35 years. His family heard from his sporadically, but in 2017 he went quiet. Tom Patterson talks to Kathryn about what unfolded.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is dominating the political landscape in the US right now. Kelsey says when the US President recently spoke with with his Russian counterpart they did not seem to make any progress on lowering tensions. Joe Biden says he promised "swift and severe costs on Russia" if Ukraine is invaded. And on the domestic front, there are still ongoing fights about masking.
An earthquake engineering expert wants to change the way we predict how the ground will shake during an earthquake. Professor Brendon Bradley from the University of Canterbury is the recipient of a Marsden Fund grant to accelerate his research into seismic hazard analysis and forecasting. He says the idea is to get to a point where they can provide the same sort of information as a weather forecast. Professor Bradley says just like a severe weather warning, engineers would be able to provide information about severe ground shaking, how it varies locally in each city or suburb, and the likely consequence to buildings. Kathryn speaks to Professor Brendon Bradley, the director of Te Hirangu Ru QuakeCoRE - The New Zealand Centre for Earthquake Resilience.
The legal challenge to the government's MIQ system enters its second and final day today. The case is brought by the Grounded Kiwis group which is arguing people have been stranded overseas for far too long. It is seeking a judicial review in the High Court at Wellington. Victoria University's Associate Professor of Law, Dean Knight, talks with Kathryn about what he says is a "complex and tricky" case.
Bill looks at the future of work after our last couple of years; the old normal, the new normal, working during a pandemic. And as we hear about the great resignation, he considers a few pros and cons of remote working versus the old-fashioned office/workplace. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.
Kadin and Kitty Conner's menu at Fin and Feather Eatery is changed monthly, reflecting what seasonal produce is available on Stewart Island. Chef Kadin talks to Kathryn about the savoury ingredients that inspire him, including using seaweed harvested by local school children and making his own crayfish flavoured salt. The couple also makes some high end donuts, which attract queues every Saturday.
Brigitte Morten, Neale Jones and Kathryn look the response of politicians to the ongoing protest situation at parliament. Also, just how much longer are the Covid mandates really are needed. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations.
The ground has been turned and the building begun for a new whare for more than 7 million important documents. A building of national significance, Heke Rua Archives, the new purpose-built archives facility in Wellington is state-of-the-art, with purpose-built digitisation and conservation facilities also for the National Library Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, and Nga Taonga Sound & Vision. In fact, the new Archives building will be linked by a bridge to the National Library, creating a kind of public record and documentary heritage 'campus' for our stories, taonga and heritage. Built on the site of the original Pipitea pa, the project is unique in that the conception and design process has involved mana whenua Taranaki Whanui Te Ati Awa from the start. Kathryn is joined by mana whenua Kura Moeahu /Tahuhu Principal Advisor Hinerangi Himiona who has been involved in this process each step of the way also Arts Laureate Rangi Kipa, who led the design work on the new building, and Chief Archivist Stephen Clarke.
The West tries new information tactics in confrontation with Russia. The US and the UK have been at the forefront of unprecedented efforts in recent weeks to quickly disclose intelligence reports about President Vladimir Putin's next possible moves, with warnings of precise details of Russian troop buildups, suggesting an invasion of Ukraine is imminent.
Fed up with people who misuse mobility parks, Claire Dale has launched a petition for tougher enforcement and stiffer fines. 150,000 mobility parking permits are currently in use nationwide through a scheme that's been administered by CCS Disability Action since the late 70s. But the enforcement falls to the carpark owner - the local council, if it's a public space, or the private landowner, in the case of malls or supermarkets. Claire joins Kathryn to explain where she thinks the current enforcement is weak, and what she hopes from presenting the petition at Parliament tomorrow. Also joining the conversation is Raewyn Hailes, an access coordinator for CCS Disability Action who runs the organisation's app for reporting mobility park misuse. Who are the biggest offenders and which companies turn a blind eye?
New Zealand's being urged to do everything it can do now to boost its digital productivity, before it loses out to other OECD nations racing on the information super-highway. The recent 2022 OECD economic survey of New Zealand said the country needed to "unleash digitalisation" to boost productivity. It said New Zealand was being held back by skilled worker shortages brought on by border restrictions and a weak pipeline of those skills due to poor maths achievement in schools. So how can the local tech sector continue with the gains they've made in the past decade? Tech mergers and acquisitions here have grown from $750m to over $11b last year. Kathryn discusses with Bruce Jarvis, who's working on the Digital Tech Industry Transformation Plan, focusing on Software-as-a-Service. And Andrew Mayfield is the CEO of Optimal Workshop, which creates information architecture tools for user research, and has just recently had a $10m dollar investment that will help double his staff.
New regulations on vape products come into force from today but a public health expert says the change won't do anything to stop the rise in young people vaping. All retailers, manufacturers and importers must now only sell notified vaping products that have been registered with the Ministry of Health's Health Advisory and Regulatory Platform. More than five thousand products have been registered.The Health Ministry says the law strikes a balance between ensuring vaping products are available for smokers who want to switch to a less harmful alternative and ensuring these products aren't marketed or sold to young people. But Otago University Professor of Public Health, Janet Hoek says vape products are being aggressively marketed to young people and the new rules won't change that.
Sam has the latest action from the Winter Olympics and pays tribute to Rugby league legend Olsen Filipaina. Here's an interview with Olsen on Nine to Noon in 2020.
Kathryn speaks with Jane Patterson, RNZ's political editor about the morning's developments at the protest at the Beehive.
Released to coincide with an exhibition at London's Tate Modern, Life Between Islands focuses on the myriad musical styles to emerge out of the distinctly Caribbean world of sound systems. We'll hear two key tracks from that today, alongside classics from recent Spotify critic Joni Mitchell and enigmatic Liverpool band, The La's.
Tilly Lloyd from Unity Books reviews The Sea Is Not Made of Water: Life Between the Tides by Adam Nicolson, published by HarperCollins. Few places are as familiar as the shore - and few as full of mystery and surprise. How do sandhoppers inherit an inbuilt compass from their parents? How do crabs understand the tides? How can the death of one winkle guarantee the lives of its companions? What does a prawn know? In The Sea is Not Made of Water, Adam Nicolson explores the natural wonders of the intertidal and our long human relationship with it. The physics and biology of the seas, the long history of the earth, and the stories we tell of those who have lived here: all interconnect in this zone where the philosopher, scientist and poet can meet and find meaning.
Canadian geriatrician Kenneth Rockwood was once part of a pushback against the term 'frailty' but has come to see it's a crucial measure of an older adult's health. He was recently awarded the Ryman Prize for his work, including a clinical frailty index that is improving the treatment of elderly people in healthcare systems around the world.
Susana has an update on Covid in the Pacific. Kiribati records its second death amid more than 2000 active cases since the virus arrived a month ago, rising case numbers in New Caledonia and French Polynesia and Tonga's community outbreak now has 65 cases and a case has been recorded now on the island of Vava'u. And sad news from Sydney, with the death of Rugby League great Olsen Filipaina. Susana Lei'ataua is RNZ Pacific's news editor
Five years ago, Wellingtonian Jessie Wong was studying fashion and frustrated that she couldn't find a bag that would fit all her essentials.So she founded Yu Mei leather goods, producing handbags, totes and other products from South Island deer nappa. Yu Mei now has a team of 16, 37 stockists across Australasia, and three stores. Last night, Jessie Wong won the Women of Influence Award Business Enteprise Category.
Film and TV reviewer Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about some Valentines' - and possibly anti-Valentines' Day viewing options, including The Tinder Swindler (Netflix) which is about three women who swiped right on an international fraudster - and decided to get payback. She'll also talk about I Want You Back (Amazon Prime) and newly-announced Oscar contender The Worst Person in the World (in cinemas from Feb 17).
School's back and while that's probably a welcome relief for parents after a long summer, it might not be plain sailing for every kid. There's the change in routine, new faces and maybe even a whole new school. There's also the Covid curveball - and new measures schools have put in place to minimise the risk to students, including mandatory mask wearing. So how can parents help their kids navigate the transition from holiday to term-time and get them settled in? Kathryn talks to Dave Atkinson, CEO of the Parenting Place.
Technology correspondent Peter Griffin joins Kathryn to look at how Pacific nations like Palau and Tonga are considering whether to follow El Salvador's lead and embrace Bitcoin as legal tender to lower the costs of remittances and attract investment. And why is Meta's share price down 35 % for the year and what's it doing to turn it around?
A state of emergency has been declared in Buller after heavy rain has cut off Westport. Some of the worst affected Northern areas of town have already evacuated and more residents are braced for evacuation. The rising Buller River has reached worrying levels after 160 millimetres of rain overnight. Kathryn speaks with Te Aroha Cook, the West Coast Civil Defence group controller and Jamie Cleine, Buller District Mayor.
Gail Pittaway reviews The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan, published by Penguin Random House.
Returning to the protest at parliament now where police have begun making arrests. Wellington mayor Andy Foster is in Molesworth Street, talking with businesses affected by the disruption.
Clementine Ford has been called an angry loudmouthed polemicist by her detractors, and a leading light of the feminist cause by her many fans.The Australian writer and broadcaster is well known for her first two books: Fight Like A Girl and Boys Will Be Boys. In her new memoir, How We Love, she exposes a softer side - exploring everything from the loss of her mother to cancer, to becoming a mother herself. She'll be appearing at the NZ Festival next month.
UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about the rebuke delivered to Boris Johnson over his attack on Sir Keir Starmer over Jimmy Savile, after protesters pounced on the opposition leader. The PM is trying to shore up support from the right of his party with a minor reshuffle, and there are calls to introduce a windfall tax after BP made its highest profit for eight years and tourism operators say "Covid's over" as they deal with record pre-summer bookings.
Ten years ago, Julia Milne started teaching children at a Hutt Valley primary school how to grow their own kai. That project has become Common Unity - a community hub that feeds 2,000 schoolchildren every week with produce grown by Kainga Ora tenants and Rimutaka Prison inmates.
The electricity supply industry says it's on track for unprecedented growth in the coming years but will be hamstrung by a massive deficit in skilled tradespeople. The industry is warning of a looming skills shortage, with an aging workforce, closed borders limiting immigration and a tight labour market. The worker shortage is against the backdrop of rising electricity demand, with Transpower saying as much generation will need to be built in the next 15 years as was built in the past 40 years. Kathryn speaks with Peter Berry, the chief executive of the Electricity Engineers' Association and Mike Grumball, the General Manager of Assurance at Waihanga Ara Rau - Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council.
As the convoy protest enters its third day, Police have told protesters that Parliament grounds have closed and are asking people to leave, or face being arrested. RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson is at Parliament.
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about a new study that highlights the importance of getting boosted, and another that investigated the impact of Covid on the cardiovascular system of US military personnel. She'll also answer listener questions on Covid; you can email ninetonoon@rnz.co.nz or text the programme on 2101. Associate Professor Dr Siouxsie Wiles is the head of Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University of Auckland.
California based psychiatrist Mimi Winsberg has been studying the insights the language of text can provide about the personalities of online daters. Her book Speaking in Thumbs expands on the subtle signals, hidden messages and the red flags to look for.
Quentin Johnson reviews Renegades by Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen, published by Penguin Random House.
Dozens of police officers have arrived on Parliament grounds, where some protestors who were part of yesterday's convoy have been camped out overnight. Kathryn speaks with Political Editor Jane Patterson about what's developing.
Pioneering American psychiatrist Dr Bruce Perry talks to Kathryn about the impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain and the implications for clinical practice. For three decades he has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children's mental health and the neurosciences, holding a variety of academic positions. Dr. Perry is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network, Senior Fellow of The Child Trauma Academy. He is a bestselling author and the co-author of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog.
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the anti-vax protest that has tried to take over Parliament House in Canberra. Meanwhile Covid has ripped through aged care homes, with 530 residents dying of the disease this year. Scott Morrison's popularity has plunged in the polls, and Parliament has issued a formal apology to women and men who suffered sexual assault and harassment while working there following a damaging report last year. And why has Australia's successful men's cricket coach Justin Langer quit?
People who are deaf, blind or low vision are currently missing out being able to fully access one of life's simple pleasures - watching TV. Currently, NZ on Air funds closed captions and audio description services, but it doesn't cover all scheduled programming. There is no legislation requiring a minimum amount of captioning or audio description, putting New Zealand out of step with other OECD nations. It's hoped that better access to media will be captured by the proposed accessibility legislation unveiled by the government in October, alongside a new Ministry for Disabled People. Disability advocates warn the new legislation must include provisions for accessing information, communications and technology, and if lawmakers don't get it right from the outset, it could take decades to undo the damage. Kathryn speaks with Wendy Youens the chief executive of Able, the country's leading provider of media access services, and John Mulka, chief executive of Blind Low Vision NZ.
The government last week delivered a timeline for the border to - slowly - crack open again, but many in the primary sector fear it'll be too late to make a dent in their worker shortages and help meet critical deadlines. Vaccinated Kiwis in Australia can come home at the end of this month, while those New Zealanders in other parts of the world will be welcome from March 13 - which is also when higher-paid skilled migrants and those on working holiday visas can gain entry. But it's not until mid-April that the offshore temporary visa holders that many industries rely on will be able to start returning - with the possibility of further class exceptions for lower-paid critical workforces. And decisions are still being made on what the phasing in will look like. Kathryn speaks with two representatives of the primary sector: Philip Gregan from New Zealand Winemakers and Chris Lewis, board member and employment spokesperson for Federated Farmers.
Watching Kiwi chefs get creative with their award-winning fresh cheeses is one of the perks of the job for Flavia Spena and Flavio Donati from ViaVio. Originally from Rome, the couple now produces a range of handmade Italian cheeses in Nelson.
Liz says borrowers need to prepare for a new way of living with tighter lending rules, higher interest rates, inflation and lagging wage growth.
Brigitte, Shane and Kathryn discuss the results of the Newshub-Reid poll, the Government's latest Covid measures with movement on boosters and borders, Grant Robertson's social insurance scheme and National's caucus retreat.
Carole Beu of the Women's Bookshop in Auckland reviews Love Marriage by Monica Ali, published by Hachette. From the Booker shortlisted author of Brick Lane, a fascinating, and sometimes amusing, psychological exploration of marriage and parent- adult child relationships. Two junior doctors in a London hospital are engaged -Yasmin, the daughter of Indian Muslim immigrants, and Joe, the son of a high-flying, fiercely feminist social star. Race, class and cultural misunderstandings complicate the already complex family dynamics going on between these engaging characters. Intelligent & thought-provoking.
Kathryn speaks with the producer of a documentary series on the evolution of dogs, narrated by dog-lover and Downton Abbey's own Hugh Bonneville. An estimated billion dogs live with and alongside us and there are foour hundred breeds in all shapes and sizes. The Untold Story of Dogs travels the world to show how canines have enhanced many aspects of our lives: from detecting cancer and fighting beside us in battle to defending threatened species against extinction. The show blends traditional documentary and storytelling and uncovers scientific research being carried out on both domesticated and wild dogs. Matt Brandon is the UK based series producer of Dogs: The Untold Story, at Plimsoll Productions group, who made it for Discovery Channel.
Amid warnings that a Russian invasion of Ukraine may now only be a matter of time, newly deployed U.S troops are arriving in Europe as Russia bolsters its own forces. Ron also talks to Kathryn about the US economy. Although jobs are plentiful and wages rising, Ron says the looming headache is a combination of inflation and higher rates. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.
Innovation should be taught as a subject at school, according to research from Wellington's Creative HQ. It surveyed 150 young people aged 12 to 24 across 20 countries, and found that 96 per cent want innovation to be part of the school curriculum. 89 per cent of the Gen Z respondents said they believe innovation to be crucial to improving the world around them, and just over three quarters considered themselves as innovative. Kathryn speaks with Dr Colin Kennedy, Head of the School of Innovation at Creative HQ.
A new study raises significant questions about how young neurodiverse people are treated by the criminal justice system. Otago University researchers studied 150,000 17 to 25 year olds with autism and found that they were much less likely to be charged with crimes than non-autistic people. However among those charged with an offence, people with autism were more likely to be charged with a serious offence, punishable by two or more years in prison. Kathryn speaks with two of the report's authors, Otago University Research Fellow Nick Bowden and co-researcher Joanne Dacombe.