Nine To Noon

Join Anna McKessar, an expert in digital parenting from Parenting Place, as she navigates the tricky waters of gifting phones to kids. She emphasizes that the right age to gift a phone varies based on responsibility rather than a set number. Alternatives like ‘dumb’ phones can ease this journey. Anna advocates for setting digital boundaries, teaching online safety, and the importance of family agreements. Plus, she shares insights on co-parenting challenges and the balance between monitoring tech use and building trust. A must-listen for concerned parents!

Mark Pesce, a tech commentator and researcher, dives into how increasing social circles since 2010 have ironically heightened polarization. He discusses cognitive overload from friendship expansion and the necessity of fostering tolerance within growing networks. Pesce also warns about deepfakes, revealing the alarming capabilities of AI in fabricating realistic documents and voices, while highlighting Brazil's innovative cryptographic receipt system as a countermeasure. The episode examines the ramifications of AI-generated cheating and even mind-captioning technologies for the speech-impaired.

Torika Tokalau, a local democracy reporter for Stuff in Auckland, dives into urgent public interest issues. She discusses a controversial court petition regarding voting irregularities in Papatoetoe, where residents have reported ballots cast in their names without their knowledge. Torika also covers a new measles case linked to Auckland Airport, along with the current outbreak totals. Additionally, she highlights a $48,750 fine for unlawful earthworks and the recent fire damage on the newly reopened Fury Falls track, reminding listeners of fire safety.

Sally Wendley, a passionate book reviewer known for her sharp critiques of contemporary fiction, dives into David Baldacci's gripping tale, Nash Falls. She unpacks the complexities of protagonist Nash's life, from his corporate success to the haunting shadows of his past, including a tragic family background. The tension escalates as Nash is pulled into an FBI investigation against a sinister money-laundering operation. Sally expertly highlights Baldacci's engaging writing style, and her excitement for future installments shines through.

Maegen Blom, Operations Manager at Mills Bay Mussels and a rising star in New Zealand aquaculture, shares her journey from a dairy farm to the world of mussel farming. She discusses the family's adventurous move to Marlborough Sounds and their decision to diversify into mussels. Maegen highlights her passion for food marketing, the creation of a tasting room, and her role in promoting the nutritional benefits of mussels. As a young leader, she emphasizes the importance of building networks like Young Fish to support peers in the industry.

Dan Bloom, Political editor at Politico UK, delves into the intriguing presence of a Russian spy ship in British waters and the alleged laser incidents involving UK aircraft, underscoring the rising tensions with Russia. He highlights Chinese espionage tactics aimed at MPs and discusses the chaotic operational environment within Downing Street, including its cramped layout and practical dysfunctions. Bloom also analyzes Labour's tougher asylum policies amid political pressures, providing a keen insight into current UK governance challenges.

Join John Simich, the founding trustee of Matuku Link, and Rebecca Bowler, the lead educator, as they delve into the vital work of restoring West Auckland's wetlands. They discuss the significance of the recent international award won for their conservation efforts. Learn about the unique matuku bird's calls, the hands-on education programs engaging over a thousand students yearly, and the various ecosystem services wetlands provide. John shares the innovative steps taken in restoration, while Rebecca invites listeners to participate in open days and volunteer opportunities.

Plestia Alaqad is a Palestinian journalist and author of The Eyes of Gaza: A Diary of Resilience, who captures the trials of life in Gaza post-October 7, 2023. She shares heartfelt memories of childhood and community, illustrating Gaza's enduring spirit despite the occupation. Plestia discusses the challenges of capturing Gaza's beauty through her journalism and the unprecedented nature of the recent conflict. Through personal anecdotes, she reveals the trauma of daily life under bombardment and emphasizes the need for Palestinian voices to be heard and honored.

Richard McNamara, a former rural manager for Fire and Emergency NZ and a key figure in the 2017 Port Hills fire, raises alarms about the impact of cutting specialist wildfire roles. He discusses the unique skills required for rural wildfire management and the escalating risks tied to climate change. Peter Hallett, a senior advisor and Firefighters Union delegate, highlights concerns over merging specialized risk roles into generalist positions, which may compromise public safety and the efficiency of frontline operations. They both urge for a reevaluation of current plans to maintain wildfire expertise.

Science commentator Laurie Winkless joins Kathryn with a new study that looked at 86,000 people in 27 European countries to understand how multilingualism may influence their brain health as they age.