Nine To Noon

NZ eight days behind the UK in Covid-19 development

March 22, 2020 20:11 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MB

An epidemiologist says New Zealand can't afford to be complacent about its relatively low numbers of Covid-19 cases, and says he estimates - allowing for population size - that the country is running just eight days behind the UK. 14 new cases were confirmed yesterday, taking New Zealand's total to 66. The UK cases rose by 665 overnight, to take its total to 5683 with 281 deaths. Kathryn talks to Sir David Skegg, an epidemiologist at the University of Otago Medical School and former chai...

The week that was with Irene Pink and James Elliot

March 19, 2020 22:48 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

Why it's now more important than ever to have a sense of humour.

Unis begin to suspend face to face classes

March 19, 2020 22:06 - 6 minutes - 5.77 MB

The University of Auckland is suspending classes next week as it prepares for a possible campus closure. Staff and students have been told there will be no classes next week and scheduled tests have been postponed. Meanwhile Massey University is moving all its classes online. Universities New Zealand Chief Executive Chris Wheelan explains.

Book review - To the Lake by Kapka Kassabova

March 19, 2020 21:40 - 4 minutes - 4.19 MB

Tilly Lloyd of Unity Books, Wellington, reviews To the Lake: A Balkan Journey of War and Peace by Kapka Kassabova. This book is published by Granta. From the celebrated author of Border comes a portrait of an ancient but little-understood corner of the Balkans. Kassabova uncovers the human history shaped by a vast lake region in the southern Balkans, through the stories of poets, fishermen, caretakers, misfits, rulers, and inheritors of war and exile - and sets out to resolve her own anc...

From nurse to mental health watchdog: Hayden Wano

March 19, 2020 21:24 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

Hayden Wano is the chair of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission - established last year as part of the government's response to the comprehensive mental health inquiry. The inquiry recommended sweeping changes, including a suicide reduction target, boosting access to publicly-funded mental health and addiction services for people with mild to moderate needs and broadening the types of services available. 40 recomendations were made and 38 adopted by the government - including the ...

Finance Minister gives details on Air NZ bail-out

March 19, 2020 21:07 - 8 minutes - 8.17 MB

The Finance Minister Grant Robertson has just been briefing media at the Beehive over the government's 900 million dollar loan to shore-up Air New Zealand. RNZ Political Reporter, Jo Moir, has been there.

Health Minister on 'new normal' of Covid-19

March 19, 2020 20:40 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

The Health Minister David Clark says the public health system is readying itself to move quickly if there's a community outbreak of Covid-19 - but we're not there yet.

Hospitality industry feels the bite of Covid-19

March 19, 2020 20:29 - 10 minutes - 9.66 MB

The hospitality industry is braced to take a massive hit from the disruption caused by Covid-19, with an estimated $10 million dollars being lost each week as it drags on. The Restaurant Association says 200 member restaurants are on the brink of having to shut up shop for good. A ban on gatherings spelled the end of the Auckland Night Market, which announced this week it would close temporarily. Kathryn talks to founder Paul De Jonge and Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association....

No guarantees NZers overseas will make it home

March 19, 2020 20:21 - 7 minutes - 7.08 MB

New Zealand's borders are now closed for the first time in its history. From midnight last night, no one except citizens, permanent residents, their children, guardians and partners are allowed in. The Prime Minister took the unpredecented step yesterday saying it is necessary to protect New Zealand from people coming here from countries experiencing major outbreaks of Covid-19. Airlines around the world are in turmoil, cutting services, and laying off staff, making it even more complica...

Government loans $900 m to Air NZ

March 19, 2020 20:08 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

The government is moving to shore-up Air New Zealand with a loan of $900 million. Kathryn speaks with aviation commentator Irene King.

Contagion, The Plot Against America, Love is Blind

March 18, 2020 22:49 - 10 minutes - 9.67 MB

Film and TV reviewer Tamar Munch looks at the 2011 film Contagion and how it's had a surge in popularity thanks to Covid-19. She'll also review the new series The Plot Against America, the drama that imagines an alternate American history during World War II and Love is Blind, a reality series where people try to find a match and fall in love - without meeting face to face.

The joy of sex(uality) education

March 18, 2020 22:26 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MB

How can parents best navigate and negotiate the sexuality journey with young people? University of Canterbury Health lecturer Tracy Clelland has conducted the first local research on New Zealand parents' attitudes towards sexuality education. She says many parents find it difficult to talk about sex and sexuality, and even though they may want to, they often go about it in a way that is not conducive to good communication. She talks to Kathryn about how parents can best approach the role...

How telcos have stepped up to help people work from home

March 18, 2020 22:06 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MB

With an unprecedented number of us working from home, and using videoconferencing technology, telcos are offering to waive data caps, technology commentator Peter Griffin says.

Book review - Here We Are by Graham Swift

March 18, 2020 21:42 - 3 minutes - 3.32 MB

Catriona Ferguson reviews Here We Are by Graham Swift, published by Simon & Schuster.

Private hospitals on standby to help with Covid-19

March 18, 2020 21:25 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MB

Private hospitals around the country are standing ready to help if public hospitals become overwhelmed by patients. Richard Whitney, President of the Private Surgical Hospitals Association explains to Kathryn what facilities could be available, and what capacity the private sector has.

Schools shut across the UK, 3rd UK MP tests positive

March 18, 2020 21:07 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about the Covid-19 situation across the UK as the death toll there rises to 104 Schools in Scotland, Wales and England are due to close to all but the children of key workers and the most vulnerable children.

Covid-19. Queenstown test case for tourism and business

March 18, 2020 20:52 - 8 minutes - 7.55 MB

Representatives from business and tourism in Queenstown are meeting with cabinet ministers this afternoon to discuss their immediate needs in light of the Covid 19 epidemic. The Economic Development Minister, Phil Twyford, and the Tourism Minister, Kelvin Davis, will hear, among other pressing issues, the effects restrictions on international travelers are having on local businesses and workers. 90% of the hotel workforce there alone comes from overseas. Kathryn is joined by the CEO of t...

Otago university now fighting mumps outbreak

March 18, 2020 20:42 - 10 minutes - 9.23 MB

Universities around the country are implementing strict protocols on Covid - 19 , and are preparing for the possibility of campuses being closed, and lectures going online. Otago University is also dealing with an outbreak of mumps - another highly contagious virus spread through close personal contact. There are seven confirmed cases at the University so far, including students living in residential halls. Meanwhile two cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed in Dunedin, closing Logan Par...

Covid-19: Thousands of retail jobs could be affected

March 18, 2020 20:25 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MB

The retail sector is braced for thousands of job losses as the number of Covid-19 cases in New Zealand increases.

Covid-19. Why does New Zealand need to 'test, test, test' ?

March 18, 2020 20:10 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MB

With more confirmed cases of Covid-19 are expected to be announced later today, after the total number of cases here jumped by eight to twenty yesterday, a public health research says it's time for us to roll out community testing.

Art: Representing historical art narratives

March 17, 2020 22:49 - 9 minutes - 9.14 MB

Arts correspondent Julia Waite talks about some exhibitions she's seen lately that have found new narratives when it comes to abstraction. She'll also talk about how women are being increasingly represented, and what's happening in places like Central and South America, as well as the Middle East.

Law meets theatre in Pop Up Globe collaboration

March 17, 2020 22:26 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MB

A different take on sponsoring the arts is seeing lawyers take centre stage at Pop Up Globe. Thanks to a unique sponsorship approach with law firm Anthony Harper aspiring young lawyers have been using Shakespeare plays to hone their court-room skills. The theme that was to be explored this year was intellectual property and related matters that occur in the new play Emilia, currently making its international premiere at Auckland's Pop-up Globe, directed by Miriama McDowell. Emilia plays ...

Book review - AUP New Poets 6

March 17, 2020 21:41 - 4 minutes - 4.33 MB

Chris Tse reviews AUP New Poets 6 by Ben Kemp, Vanessa Crofskey and Chris Stewart. This collection is published by Auckland University Press.

Bagpipes: a family playing together

March 17, 2020 21:22 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

Southlander Brendon Fairbairn is keeping his Scottish ancestry alive to the tune of the bagpipes! Not only is he an A grade solo piper, he makes bagpipes too, by hand. The talent runs in the family, his wife Fiona and their two children Liam and Jessica competed with him at the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Invercargill at the weekend.

Australia's Covid cases double in two days

March 17, 2020 21:06 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MB

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton looks at the impact of Covid-19 in Australia, with an announcement on mass gatherings expected shortly. Qantas has axed 90 per cent of its international flights and big festivals and sports events are off. Australians are being warned to return home as soon as they can, because they soon be unable to. A new $10b package is expected to be targeted at the worst-hit industries.

Global airlines will go bankrupt soon: Centre for Aviation

March 17, 2020 20:54 - 6 minutes - 5.57 MB

A Sydney airline analysis and consulting firm is warning most airlines will be bankrupt by May unless urgent action is taken. With large swathes of the globe effectively in lock down, and extensive travel restrictions and border closures, carriers are grounding services and air travel dwindling rapidly.Trading in Air New Zealand shares remains on hold - while the airline is in talks with the government - its major shareholder. Air New Zealand has drastically slashed its international ser...

Eldercare sector : protecting the elderly, screening visitors

March 17, 2020 20:32 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

The aged care sector has formed an industry task force to deal with the challenges posed by Covid-19, and is now bringing in restrictions on visitors in line with Ministry of Health pandemic safety protocols.

Will New Zealand's Covid-19 stimulus package be enough?

March 17, 2020 20:06 - 23 minutes - 22 MB

Grant Robertson talks to Kathryn Ryan about his unprecedented $12-point-one billion dollar stimulus package. It includes wage subsidies of $5.1 billion, which for employers means $585 a week for full time staff, and $350 a week for part time staff capped at $150,000 per business, $126million for self-isolation support, $500 million for health and a bump in benefits. But already he's admitting not all jobs will be saved.

Finding stillness in the constant Babble

March 16, 2020 22:27 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MB

Auckland Arts Festival event, Babble brings young South Auckland voices to the stage. Kathryn talks to Babble director, Scotty Cotter and performer Hunter Karaka about navigating a noisy world.

Book review - Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor

March 16, 2020 21:42 - 3 minutes - 3.24 MB

John King reviews Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor, Text Publishing.

MBS: Saudi Arabia's 'Mr Everything'

March 16, 2020 21:17 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MB

New York Times Beirut bureau chief, Ben Hubbard, has written a gripping portrait of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his mythic rise to power. Also known as MBS, the prince has been linked to the grisly killing of journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, and using big tech to spy on dissidents. Ben Hubbard has been reporting out of the Middle East for 15 years and is fluent in Arabic. His book is called 'MBS: The rise to power of Mohammed bin Salman'.

USA correspondent Ron Elving on America's shutdown

March 16, 2020 21:07 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

Covid-19 is shutting down much of America yet somehow leaving a substantial minority unmoved. The intense Donald Trump supporters apparently deem it disloyal to the president to take any precautions at all. And what had been a tardy response by the White House has become another skirmish in the running war between the president and the realities around him. Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News.

Auckland Council responds to land-bankers' criticism

March 16, 2020 20:52 - 8 minutes - 7.36 MB

One of the country's biggest land-bankers, Garry Robertson, says local council compliance hurdles and delays are a major headache for people like him, and developers - and must shoulder some of the blame for the housing crisis. Mr Robertson estimates the land he's purchased and sold to developers has been turned into 15 thousand sections and now house tens of thousands of people. He's been involved with some of Auckland's best known new housing areas including Milldale, Silverdale, Flat ...

What are supermarkets doing to keep shelves stocked?

March 16, 2020 20:37 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

As the Covid-19 pandemic fuels panic buying around the world, what assurances can supermarkets give customers about whether they can get food and other items when they need them? Kathryn is joined by Kiri Hannifin, who's Countdown's General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Quality, Safety and Sustainability, and Foodstuff's North Island CEO Chris Quin to look at what they are doing for their customers and workers.

Adrian Orr: what more can the central bank do?

March 16, 2020 20:08 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

The Finance Minister Grant Robertson will unveil a multi-billion dollar rescue plan later today, to help combat the deepening impact of the Covid-19, expected to be worse than the Global Financial Crisis. Yesterday the Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate to an all time low of zero-point-two-five percent (0.25%) and says that will remain in place for at least the next 12 months.It was a coordinated approach with central banks around the world. In the United States the benchmark Federa...

Public solidarity in the time of social isolation

March 15, 2020 22:48 - 10 minutes - 9.99 MB

Kennedy Warne joins Kathryn to talk about stories from the past and present that show the importance of public solidarity as we cope with a pandemic. He also pays tribute to a tenacious tree: the pohutakawa.

Easy, low-cost vegan meals

March 15, 2020 22:34 - 13 minutes - 12 MB

Jackie Norman and Gareth Scurr share vegan recipes for busy people - all developed in their camper van kitchen.

Book review - Indelicacy by Amina Cain

March 15, 2020 21:43 - 3 minutes - 2.94 MB

Gail Pittaway reviews Indelicacy by Amina Cain, which is published by Text Publishing.

Councils must share blame for housing crisis: land-banker

March 15, 2020 21:13 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

One of the country's biggest land-bankers, who has been involved with some of Auckland's best known new housing areas including Milldale, Silverdale, Flat Bush, Pokeno and Tuakau, says local council compliance hurdles and delays are a huge part of the housing crisis. Garry Robertson estimates over the past two decades the green fields land he has purchased has been turned into 15,000 sections around the country, which now house tens of thousands of people. He says he's become increasingl...

Shares slide as market opens

March 15, 2020 21:06 - 6 minutes - 6.21 MB

The New Zealand stock exchange has just opened 1.3 per cent down on Friday's close. Earlier the Reserve Bank governor cut the benchmark interest rate to the lowest level ever and trading in Air New Zealand shares was halted. RNZ business editor Gyles Beckford.

European nations under strict lockdown

March 15, 2020 20:51 - 8 minutes - 8.02 MB

Correspondent Seamus Kearney joins Kathryn to talk about the shock reverberating around Europe as governments moved rapidly to impose unprecedented, strict lockdowns on millions of citizens, closing schools, shops and restaurants and urging people to stay at home.

Schools and Education Ministry discuss contingency plans

March 15, 2020 20:45 - 4 minutes - 4.58 MB

School principals and the Ministry of Education are discussing contingency plans, should school closures eventuate if the coronavirus pandemic worsens here. Internationally there have already been a raft of sweeping measures and mass closures to try to stem the spread of the virus. Kathryn is joined by Principals' Federation President Perry Rush.

Reserve Bank coronavirus cut - what impact will it have?

March 15, 2020 20:19 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

The Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate to a record low of 0.25 per cent this morning, as the country steps up its response to the coronavirus pandemic. The cut was made ahead of the announcement from the government tomorrow of an economic package to ease the impact of a downturn on businesses - and their employees. Kathryn talks to Jarrod Kerr, Kiwibank's chief economist and Kirk Hope of Business New Zealand.

Air New Zealand in share trading halt

March 15, 2020 20:09 - 10 minutes - 9.57 MB

Air New Zealand has placed itself into a share-trading halt today to allow it to thoroughly assess the operational and financial impacts of global travel restrictions. It says it is further reducing capacity across its network as Covid-19 affects travel demand. It also says the airline will be a smaller airline requiring fewer resources, including fewer people. Air New Zealand is to reduce long-haul flights by 85 percent over the coming months. Andy Bowley, an aviation analyst at Forsyth...

COVID-19 hits multiple sports fixtures

March 12, 2020 22:33 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MB

Stuff National Correspondent specialising in sport, Dana Johanssen discusses the impact of COVID-19 on a range of sporting fixtures, looks ahead to Netball's ANZ premiership and the NRL season which both get under way this weekend. Also, the ramifications of the rebrand of its second-tier men's team "the All Blacks XV".

Music reviewer: Grant Smithies

March 12, 2020 22:11 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

After ten years performing live, Lyttelton musician Kate Owen releases her debut album today. We'll hear a track from that alongside gems from Afrobeat pioneer Ebo Taylor, early Washington garage band The Sonics and "the Female Preacher", funk pioneer Lyn Collins.

Book review - Blueberries by Ellena Savage

March 12, 2020 22:07 - 3 minutes - 3.66 MB

David Hill reviews Blueberries by Ellena Savage, which is published by Text Publishing.

Auckland's Pasifika Festival cancelled

March 12, 2020 21:58 - 2 minutes - 1.98 MB

RNZ reporter Katie Scotcher reports from the Auckland Council where Mayor Phil Goff has announced this weekend's Pasifika Festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Does free will truly exist?

March 12, 2020 21:07 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MB

Dr Hannah Critchlow is a neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge. Her debut book, 'The Science of Fate: Why Your Future is More Predictable Than You Think' examines how much of our life is predetermined at birth and to what extent we are in control of our destiny.

Tasman Glacier backcountry hut 'moves'

March 12, 2020 20:44 - 6 minutes - 5.97 MB

A new backcountry hut in The Tasman Glacier is set to become the latest example of how we're adapting to the rigours of climate change. The new Beetham Valley hut in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park which will house up to five people, is being built as a "moveable" mountain hut. That means the hut, is being constructed so it can be moved as the glacier recedes, or if local tracks become more difficult to access. Johnny McFarlane Project Director with Beca Ltd is with us from the Aoraki/M...

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