Nine To Noon

Truck drivers are being stuck with offences and penalties for breaches that they are not responsible for.

Join comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks for a hilarious conversation filled with quirky anecdotes. Te shares a bizarre story about an anatomically correct porcupine prize from a festival, while Donna dives into her unique brand of gardening comedy and character performances. The duo also discusses a quirky Turkish divorce case involving 'child support' for cats and a man's dramatic attempt to test friendships by staging his own funeral. Expect laughter and delightful insights about gardening, community allotments, and even comet theories!

Sam Ackerman, a veteran sports commentator known for his insights on rugby, cricket, and netball, dives into the adrenaline-fueled world of sports. He previews the Tonga-New Zealand rugby clash, praising the vibrant Tongan fans. Sam discusses the All Blacks’ upcoming matches, reflects on their developmental tours, and anticipates a strong performance from the Black Caps against England. He highlights India’s impressive run in the Women’s World Cup and examines the Silver Ferns’ comeback, along with the Football Ferns' struggles against the USA.

Robin Martin, RNZ correspondent based in New Plymouth, gives an insider's look at Taranaki's current affairs. He discusses the recent breakthrough of the Mt Messenger tunnel and the upcoming construction phases, alongside ongoing legal disputes. Robin also reports on the landslide victory of new mayor Max Brough and the potential shift in council dynamics. The local garden festival season is buzzing, with economic benefits highlighted by participation from about 7,000 visitors, showcasing Taranaki's vibrant community spirit.

Airini Beautrais, a poet and book reviewer, dives deep into Michael D. Jackson’s short story collection, Outliers. She shares how the unexpected twists in the stories captivated her. Highlighting Jackson's background as an anthropologist and poet, she reveals the blend of genres at play. Airini discusses the intriguing mix of fiction and autobiography while examining Antipodean characters that reflect Pākehā identity in Aotearoa, providing a thought-provoking critique of culture and place.

Jack Harker, a youth competitive sailor and Solve for Tomorrow winner, developed an innovative low-cost, mesh-networked live race-tracking system for sailing. He explains the technology behind his system, which uses GPS and long-range radio to provide real-time boat positions. Cameron Moore, another winner and high school student, discusses his groundbreaking inflatable neck brace for mountain biking, designed to deploy upon crash-induced accelerations to protect riders from serious injuries. Both projects showcase remarkable advancements in safety and technology.

Sally Millington, a British adventurer and creator of Challenge 52, shares her inspiring journey of tackling 52 new experiences each year. From the euphoria sparked by a climbing gym voucher to discovering the liberating joy of dance, Sally discusses the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone. She offers examples of simple first-time activities, addresses the fear of looking silly, and highlights the importance of embracing mistakes. With memorable tales of canoeing and cliff camping, Sally encourages everyone to try something new!

Ed White, Senior Asia correspondent for the Financial Times, shares insights from his time in Shanghai covering US-Asia dynamics. He highlights Trump's flattery-fueled visit to Malaysia, striking commercial deals and peace agreements. In Japan, he discusses security commitments and a rare earths deal aimed at lessening dependence on China. South Korea's unexpected $350 billion investment package and submarine tech talks showcase the evolving economic landscape. Lastly, White reflects on the delicate balance of diplomacy with China following their recent leaders' meeting.

Mark Hennahan, a law professor at the University of Auckland specializing in youth justice and neuroscience, discusses the critical role of youth courts for neurodiverse individuals. He highlights how these courts can help divert young people from deeper criminal pathways and recalls a troubling case of wrongful imprisonment linked to fetal alcohol syndrome. Hennahan emphasizes the necessity for courts to adapt their communication, better recognize neurodiverse needs, and implement support systems instead of solely punitive measures.

Zoe Tipa, the Chief Nurse for Plunket, highlights the urgent need for childhood immunisation amid rising measles cases in New Zealand. She discusses the serious risks measles poses to infants, including complications and high hospitalisation rates. Zoe explains how Plunket is launching new vaccination clinics and directly administering vaccines. She addresses parents' concerns and the impact of misinformation on vaccine uptake. Listen in for essential tips on recognizing measles symptoms and how to respond if exposed.