Nine To Noon

Science commentator Siouxsie Wiles answers your Covid questions

March 24, 2020 22:43 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn again to talk about Covid-19 and answer listeners questions.

Parenting Coronokids

March 24, 2020 22:27 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MB

Parenting expert Karen Boyes joins Kathryn to share some tips to help parents cope with having their kids home for the next four weeks. Her top one? You are not expected to be the Teacher. You are the Parent.

Internet and phone services feel the heat

March 24, 2020 22:08 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

People working from home who might be worried whether their broadband and phone networks will cope during the four week lockdown are being given reassurances by providers. We talk Geoff Thorn is the CEO of the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum and industry spokesperson.

Vets: an essential service

March 24, 2020 21:55 - 5 minutes - 4.79 MB

Veterinarians are classified as an essential service during this escalated response to containing Covid-19. Indeed walking the dog features as one of the reasons people are allowed to leave the home - as long as dog walkers stay a safe distance (2m) away from other people. Meantime, while a case has been reported of a dog in China testing positive for coronavirus our own veterinary service says there is limited evidence companion animals can be infected with COVID-19 or that pet dogs or ...

What help for carers of high needs people during lockdown?

March 24, 2020 21:43 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MB

Carers of people with autism, intellectual disabilities and high and complex needs say they're preparing for a very stressful four weeks, with uncertainty around respite care and a vastly altered residential care system. Autism NZ CEO Dane Dougan and Colleen Brown who has a son with an intellectual disability and is chair of Disability Connect.

House buyers and sellers in limbo during lockdown

March 24, 2020 21:26 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Those people buying or selling a house during the lockdown are in an uncertain state right now. The Real Estate Institute's Bindi Norwell and conveyancing lawyer Mark Szigetvary join Kathryn to talk about how it affects the industry and what homeowners can do.

New scheme aims to shore up small and medium-sized businesses

March 24, 2020 21:16 - 9 minutes - 9.1 MB

The Government and the banks will implement a $6.25 billion Business Finance Guarantee Scheme for small and medium-sized businesses, to protect jobs and support the economy. It will provide short-term credit to cushion the financial distress on solvent small and medium-sized firms affected by the COVID-19 crisis.Finance Minister Grant Robertson says retail banks have agreed a six month mortgage repayment holiday to households whose income has been affected by Covid-19. Kiwibank Chief Eco...

Food purchases up - can anything stop people panic buying?

March 24, 2020 21:06 - 10 minutes - 9.31 MB

The amount people are spending on food is up 150 per cent on last year. Supermarkets are begging people to stop panic buying, but it appears they're not listening. Chris Quinn, CEO of Foodstuffs North Island is back on the programme.

Are retired doctors and nurses returning to work?

March 24, 2020 20:52 - 7 minutes - 7.02 MB

The Medical Council and Nursing Council are the organisations charged with accelerating re-certification and re-registration of doctors and nurses offering to return to the frontline. Kathryn talks with CEO of the Nursing Council Cath Byrne and Chair of the Medical Council, Dr Curtis Walker.

How will Covid-19 affect cancer patients?

March 24, 2020 20:42 - 10 minutes - 9.46 MB

The Cancer Society says it expects most cancer treatments to go ahead as normal during the four week lockdown. The society says all chemotherapy will go ahead, while some other treatments may change, or be deferred, depending on each individual patient. The society's medical director Dr Chris Jackson explains what the lockdown means for patients.

'Get home' deadline extended

March 24, 2020 20:33 - 8 minutes - 7.91 MB

The deadline for stranded students and workers to get home from the regions has been extended to midnight Friday. This follows queues and concern at our domestic ports and airports as students and travellers try to get home before the original cut-off date of midnight tonight. Minister of Transport Phil Twyford speaks with Kathryn.

Over one hundred Kiwis stuck on Vasco Da Gama

March 24, 2020 20:23 - 9 minutes - 8.67 MB

118 New Zealanders are stuck aboard the Australian Vasco Da Gama cruise ship, due back in Fremantle on Friday. Margaret and Rodger Lane from Christchurch were supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime, but instead, they're trying to work out how to get back to New Zealand, assuming the ship is exempt from Australian port closures. Their son Robbie joins Kathryn to talk about their situation.

Kiwi student stranded in South Africa due to broken embassy printer

March 24, 2020 20:10 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MB

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told tens of thousands of New Zealanders traveling overseas they should consider sheltering in place, in light of Covid-19. The hubs Kiwis usually rely on for transit like LA and Singapore are closed to foreign nationals. Mr Peters says government-assisted flights are being considered, but there's no guarantees. Ibraheen Rasheed is an Otago medical student who had his passport stolen while on an elective placement in South Africa. He was unable to get ...

Keep calm, anxiety is contagious

March 23, 2020 22:37 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

Professor of Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington, Marc Wilson has some advice for people feeling stressed and anxious.

Your questions answered by microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles

March 23, 2020 21:47 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MB

If you have any questions for Dr Wiles, please email us at [email protected] or text us at 2101.

Some levity amongst the chaos - everyday life commentary

March 23, 2020 21:40 - 6 minutes - 5.68 MB

As sports events get cancelled, British rugby commentator Nick Heath is delivering some much-needed laughs with his #LifeCommentary videos.

Covid-19 justice implications - clogged courts

March 23, 2020 21:26 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

Changes to the way courts normally operate are underway and Heads of Bench have identified proceedings that will be given priority, with special concern given to matters to do with liberty.The greatest impact is expected to be on the District Court, which includes the Family Court.To examine what lies ahead for people before the courts, those awaiting trial, sentencings and the protection of young people in custody : Criminal barrister and President of the Auckland District Law Society, ...

School's out: Now what?

March 23, 2020 21:09 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

Schools around the country have fallen silent today - as the doors are closed to all but the children of "essential workers". After tomorrow, they'll close to all students for at least the next four weeks. How well are schools prepared to deliver online learning, and how much teaching will parents be expected to do? How long can universities realistically deliver lectures and tutorials online? Joining Kathryn is Liam Rutherford, president of the NZEI, Chris Whelan, chief executive of Uni...

What new restrictions mean for tenants, and their landlords

March 23, 2020 20:51 - 6 minutes - 6.28 MB

Soon the country will reach Level 4 restrictions in a bid to slow the spread of Covid 19. It means many will be working from home, but as non-essential businesses close, it mean many will struggle to pay rent. At the same time, students are returning home, leaving unfinished tenancies in their wake, and landlords are worrying about mortgage repayments. Joining Kathryn Ryan to talk about this is Robert Whitaker from Renter's United and The New Zealand Property Investors' Federation Presi...

Transport woes for stranded students

March 23, 2020 20:46 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MB

Kathryn Ryan speaks with Rachel Uttley a Hawke's Bay Mum struggling to get her daughter home from Dunedin.

University students scramble to get home

March 23, 2020 20:37 - 9 minutes - 8.29 MB

Around the country there are more than 16,000 students in university accommodation, they're urgently trying to get home or face the prospect of being locked up in their halls of residence. Victoria University Vice Chancellor Grant Guildford has the latest.

How will businesses, renters & mortgage holders get through ?

March 23, 2020 20:25 - 10 minutes - 9.55 MB

Jarrod Kerr Chief Economist for Kiwibank talks to Kathryn Ryan about how is the economy going to keep ticking over during the crisis? He says banks are stronger than they were during the Global Financial Crisis and the government has plenty of head room.

Covid-19 lock down - what next for workers?

March 23, 2020 20:11 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni speaks with Kathryn Ryan about the financial assistance available to people no longer able to work due to Covid-19 restrictions, and what help there is for employers of essential services looking for staff.

Cities, Health and Happiness - and physical distancing

March 22, 2020 22:49 - 9 minutes - 8.97 MB

Despite the Covid-19 crisis and the need for physical distancing, cities will continue to make us healthier and happier. Bill McKay discusses the work of urban economist Edward Glaeser.

Fig season is upon us!

March 22, 2020 22:38 - 9 minutes - 8.37 MB

The family owned, organically certified Te Mata figgery grows around 30 varieties of fresh figs and produces a wide range of fig products. It's all thanks to Murray Douglas and his wife Helen Walker who decided to chuck in their city jobs in Sydney to follow their dream in Hawke's Bay. Murray talks to Kathryn Ryan about his passion for delicious plump figs and shares a recipe for Goat's Cheese, Proscuitto and Walnut Salad.

Otago Uni students help out those in self-isolation

March 22, 2020 22:07 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MB

A flat of seven students in Dunedin have put out an offer to help people stuck at home in self-isolation, or too vulnerable to do things like pick up groceries or prescriptions. They've posted on Facebook to say they are willing to help, no matter how big or small the task. They've already helped out a family with four children, and delivered desperately needed nappies. Kathryn's joined by Jess Godward and Claudia Petrie.

Covid-19 fallout on agricultural sector

March 22, 2020 21:40 - 5 minutes - 4.63 MB

Tim Hunt, head of research at Rabobank Australia and New Zealand, talks to Kathryn Ryan about the Covid-induced impacts on the agricultural sector, especially as the tourism sector collapse means dairy is now the country's largest foreign exchange earner. Among the current concerns are logistics for things like getting to access to fertilisers, and foreign workers for farmers. There are also fears around getting goods to market, with perishable produce most vulnerable.

Business braced for mass layoffs

March 22, 2020 21:26 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MB

Business leaders say they're bracing for mass layoffs this week and hope Cabinet will today sign off on a further package of support. RNZ understands Cabinet is to consider more help for business including lifting the existing $150,000 (per business) cap on the wage subsidy. Kathryn talks with NZ Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Michael Barnett, Kirk Hope, Business New Zealand Chief Executive and Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Kiwifruit growers await decision on migrant workers

March 22, 2020 21:16 - 9 minutes - 8.38 MB

A government decision is expected this week to allow thousands of migrant workers to stay on in New Zealand. Bucking a trend of declining demand for workers, a bumper crop of kiwifruit is hanging heavy on the vine, but there's a shortage of people to pick it. Kathryn talks to Kiwifruit Growers Institute chief executive Nikki Johnson and Sonny Ah-Ching who contacts workers to orchards.

Doctors demand more protective gear for distance consultations

March 22, 2020 20:42 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MB

GPs and hospitals are bracing for a busy week ahead and GPs are moving to consulting at a distance.From today, where possible GPS are aiming to treat the bulk of their patients online or over the phone. Many clinics throughout the country prepared for the dramatic operational change over the weekend. Medical Association Chair, Kate Baddock tells Kathryn about the changes and their plea to the Health Ministry to release more protective equipment to medical practices.

Are we testing enough for COVID 19?

March 22, 2020 20:29 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MB

6000 thousand tests have been done in New Zealand for Covid 19 since the first case entered the country from Iran on February 28th.Yesterday 1200 laboratory tests were carried out.The test are being conducted by ESR and other providers, who also provide testing services for the Pacific.Drive-through hubs set up especially for testing coronavirus are beginning to roll out in New Zealand. Kathryn talks with University of Auckland Associate Professor of molecular medicine and pathology Mark...

People aren't getting the message: Infectious diseases expert

March 22, 2020 20:21 - 6 minutes - 6.07 MB

David Hayman - Professor of Infections Disease Ecology at Massey University - has looked for Ebola in bats, and worked on non-vaccine preventable rabies viruses, says Covid 19 is absolutely serious in the context of infectious diseases. He joins Kathryn to talk about why not everyone seems to be taking it seriously.

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...

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