Nine To Noon
Smart, in-depth and relentlessly curious, host Kathryn Ryan dives into the stories shaping New Zealand and its people. Interviews and expert analysis from around the world and at home. It’s where big ideas are unpacked and everyday life explored.
Episodes
Sport correspondent Sam Ackerman
The All Blacks' test against South Africa sees Richie Mo'unga returning to number 10. The Black Ferns face France with some major players making returns, while the Warriors open their NRL Finals run against the Dolphins.
Friday funnies
Irene Pink and Jeremy Elwood with a lighter take on some recent stories.
Around the motu: James Pocock, the Gisborne Herald Editor
James discusses the nurses strike over staffing levels in the local ED, rebuilding work starts on a relocated the marae, hecklers at Shane Jone's election meetings and a regional community trust buys a city centre site as part of a revitalisation push.
Book review: Dance-Floor Romance by Chris Tse
Melissa Oliver reviews: Dance-Floor Romance by Chris Tse (Auckland University Press), and The Crown Ain't Worth Much by Hanif Abdurraquib (Button Poetry). Melissa also talks about the Verb Readers & Writes Festival and the launch of Dance-Floor Romance and HIDE by Rebecca Hawkes.
Matilda's director and choreographer on the upcoming musical
Hamish Mouat is the director and choreographer for Matilda. He has extensive musical theatre experience in New Zealand and overseas, and performed himself, as a child for the company he now works with - G&T Productions.
Molly Crighton's new murder mystery novel
The Category One historic place has the only stone-vaulted ceiling in New Zealand - an awe-inspiring sight, and for Molly Crighton, the perfect place to set a murder under.
Asia correspondent Edward White
The latest in the rescue and recovery efforts in Nepal, measles emergency in Bangladesh, and ties between China and India seem to be warming.
How urban design creates better cities for wildlife & people
Increasingly wildlife and urban life are co-habiting, as cities push out wider and higher than ever before.
Huge waitlists for orthopaedic surgery
Thousands of people are waiting for orthopaedic surgery nationally.
Millions of dollars spent by pokie orgs, instead of grants
The Department of Internal Affairs has confirmed millions of dollars that should have been paid out in community grants, was instead used by pokie operators for their own expenses.
Screentime: This is Home, The People vs Robodebt, The AI Doc
The People vs Robodebt tells the story of how Australia's disastrous Centrelink debt recovery scheme was brought down.
Parenting: How to help kids with seasonal allergies
So how can families best prepare, and what can be done to alleviate watery eyes and runny noses in our tamariki? Dr Amy Chan is an associate professor of pharmacy at Auckland University.
Tech: Luddites, AI and jobs, the long arc of history
Tech correspondent Alex Sims looks at how it's been weaponised amid the AI race, and whether we need to see Luddites in a different light.
Around the motu:David Williams in the South Island
Christchurch infrastructure and heritage are in the spotlight as the council investigates recurring pothole damage on newly repaired Flockton Street, and the quake-damaged 1930s New City Hotel nears full restoration.
Pacific: Hurricane Lowell, Australia-Naoero asylum deal
Pacific correspondent Christina Persico looks at the impact of Hurricane Lowell in Hawaii, Australia's moves to deport asylum seekers to Naoero (formerly Nauru).
The life and work of Kiwi sculptor Terry Stringer
From his early days at Elam to his distinctive public sculptures and the creation of Zealandia Sculpture Garden, his work has become an important part of Aotearoa's artistic landscape.
UK: PM defends Israeli settlement trade ban & more
UK correspondent Steph Spyro on the PM's defence of his Government's ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Reform UK says it would ban face coverings like burkas and balaclavas. Prince Harry and Meghan are reportedly "surprised" at the King's formal reiteration that they're not working royals.
Finding the link between sleep and better mental health
Research into sleep, depression and other mental health challenges specifically among Pacific youth.
Consumers fight back against fakes
There's pushback against counterfeit goods, from designer bags to toys, as consumers complain about the devaluing of their authentic branded products.
How hearing loss costs the country $1 billion a year
A new economic impact report has found untreated hearing loss costs New Zealand more than $1 billion dollars a year.
Ensuring kids' financial education is consistent
Last month the Education Minister released updated Science and Social Sciences learning areas for Years 0 to 10 - which include what the minister described as a "strong focus" on financial education. So what could - or should - that look like? Jo Malcolm Black is chief executive of Life Education Trust which has been delivering financial information to students in years 9 - 11 through its Sma
Aging stronger- Why muscle matters
The need to maintain muscle as people age is gaining a higher profile.
Around the motu: Ian Allen in Marlborough
The road works on Blenheim's main shopping street affecting businesses, Marlborough's Food and Wine Festival is put on hold, the local couple pushing ahead with trekking in Nepal to support local tourism there and the town's first packet noodle cafe.
Book review: Ngaio Marsh and Ngaio Marsh Award
Libby Kirkby-McLeod shares her favourite Ngaio Marsh books, including Died in the Wool and Opening Night. Libby also discusses the Ngaio Marsh Award and this year's longlist.
Job opportunity Auckland's haunted tourist attraction
Do you love scaring people, enjoy dressing up and don't mind screaming?
More than just outdoor skills: Wild Chix community thriving
Wild Chix is a safe space for women to learn the basics of boating, fishing hunting and other outdoor activities.
Australia correspondent Bernard Keane
Albanese announces his next step in a tentative war on Big Tech, One Nation's latest policy branded inflationary, and the Australian Government is looking to expand the already extensive access to Australian military bases by the United States. Bernard Keane is political editor of Crikey.com.au
Concerns over buildings requiring higher floors for floods
Builders say the Gore's District Council has gone too far with new rules to protect against flooding.
'A kick in the guts' as more post office closures planned
The latest in a string of post office closures in Christchurch has sparked a furious response and petition.
How will digital drivers licenses work - consultation closed
Having a digital driver licence on your phone is a step closer - but how exactly will it work?
Sports correspondent Sam Ackerman
A big announcement for the sport of squash, with this country to host the world championships, while the All Blacks lose the third game in the series in South Africa.
Kelly Ana Morey's novel published a year after her death
Kelly Ana had spent a decade working on the ambitious story of five generations of Maori women, but died before she could complete the final edits.
Business commentator Hamish McNicol
Following widespread executive departures, misconduct investigations, and a severe drop in stakeholder satisfaction, Financial Markets Authority chief executive Samantha Barrass has reached an early settlement.
Around the motu: Ché Baker the editor of the Southland Times.
Gore faces developer pushback over new district flood-protection rules that require floor levels to be elevated up to 1.8 meters.
Miscommunication is a common issue for couples seeking therapy
Amanda is here to unpick how to make improvements when nobody's really listening to the other person.
Award-winning senior family court lawyer on improvements needed
Erin Ebborn, was recently awarded the Access to Justice Award at the Bar Associations symposium in Auckland.
USA correspondent David Smith
The nation mourns the death of pioneering feminist icon Gloria Steinem at age 92, as Americans prepare to commemorate 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Builders report steady pipeline of future work despite economy
The group's chief executive Ankit Sharma says it shows the industry has adapted to tougher conditions.
The art and science of modelling infectious disease outbreaks
Professor Michael Plank, an infectious-disease modeller at Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha University of Canterbury, is talking about the challenges of disease modelling.
Methanex closure unlocks large gas supply
At times, Methanex was using close to half of the country's total natural gas supply.
Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne
Kennedy also I reflects on the life of Kentucky farmer, poet, novelist and essayist Wendell Berry, who died a week ago.
Making the most of what you've got handy in the kitchen
Their five cookbooks have been enormously successful and they're now back with their sixth book, How We Cook.
Political commentators Brigitte Morten and Phil Goff
Brigitte Morten and Phil Goff discuss the latest in politics.
Around the motu: Torika Tokalau, Stuff LDR reporter in Auckland
One of Auckland's most ticketed streets sees drop in infringement with longer parking times and Avondale to get a destination playground.
Book review: Louise Ward reviews two books
Louise Ward from Wardini Books reviews: The Comeback Kid by Airana Ngarewa (Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand), and Giant Heart: How Jonah Lomu Became a Rugby Legend by David Hill and Nadene Lomu (Penguin Random House).
Li Cunxin on the surprising chapters of his life
Li talks about his move to Australia with his growing family, his time as a stockbroker and his time as artistic director of The Queensland Ballet.
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney
Historic state election win for German far-right AfD party, US sends envoys to Moscow & Kyiv in new peace effort, Europe makes spaceflight history with rocket launch, and 100,000 jobs to go at German automobile company Volkswagen.
How to live in an increasingly 'gamified' world
Gamification is the use of game design elements in everyday life, and can be a powerful way to change behaviour.
BOP council dealing with spill from toll roads
The Council says a significant number of road users are avoiding the user-pay roads.
Shortage of cardiac beds leaving patients waiting weeks
A shortage of cardiac beds and staff in Wellington and Christchurch hospitals is leaving patients at risk.
Sports commentator Sam Ackerman
The latest from the national rugby teams in South Africa, the Warriors, and other sportspeople we should be keeping an eye out for this weekend.
Friday funnies
Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks with a lighter take on recent events.
Around the motu: Jesse Archer from LakeFM in Taupo
Taupo-nui-a-Tia College has hit another milestone in its recovery from February's devastating fire, which destroyed a block of a dozen classrooms, Taupo council works to protect electricity fund against amalgamations and Broadlands School principal Graeme Taylor is marking 20 years at the helm of the small rural Reporoa school.
Book review: Perfectly Themselves by Abby Letteri
Lisa Adler from Unity Books Wellington reviews Perfectly Themselves: Horses in the Human World by Abby Letteri, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.
Mario the Maker Magician keeps wonder alive for kids
Mario Marchese known as Mario the Maker Magician has built a global following with his shows that combine gadgets and robots and turn the stage into a playful laboratory.
Asia correspondent Elizabeth Bettie
The search for bodies continues in Nepal, 5000US sailors are docking in the Thai city of Pattaya and motorists in Japan will have to slow down in residential areas
Avocado crop in Northland hit by frosts
Frosts in avocadao orchards in Northland have hit prodcution
Reforming capital markets to better suit the local economy
After two decades of drawing attention to New Zealand's problematic capital markets, a recent OECD report devoted an entire section to how they might be strengthened.
Call to directly employ GPs for under-served areas
They want public health GPs to work alongside resident doctors training to become General Practitioners.
Screentime: The Dog Stars, Tony, The Whisper Man
Film and TV critic Tom Augustine joins Kathryn to discuss The Dog Stars (cinemas), set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus has wiped out humanity and survivors face off with scavengers. Tony (cinemas) is a biographical coming-of-age story about Anthony Bourdain's early years. The Whisper Man (Netflix) is a crime thriller staring Robert De Niro and Michelle Monaghan. And Tom also talks a
Learning a new language
Juliet Kennedy explains language learning for children and the benefits for brain development.
Tech commentator Peter Griffin
OpenAI has its first official engagement with New Zealand media, US pushes looser approach to AI regulation, while EU pushes new law, and fake CAPTCHA pages that install malware are the newest scam tactic.
Around the motu: Kirsty Pickett in Te Anau
Kirsty discusses the speed monitoring technology being installed in the Milford tourist corridor ahead of an expected busy summer, Fiordland College's first musical in a decade, Te Anau's ukulele festival, and a local credited with helping to build local tourism, John Greaney, retires. Kirsty Pickett, co-owner of the Southland App based in Te Anau
Pacific correspondent Johnny Blades
The latest from the Pacific Islands Forum and the Bougainville referendum result is tabled by PNG's parliament but final vote may be a way off. Johnny Blades is a journalist with RNZ Pacific
Artist Holli McEntegart's work explores the idea of care
Artist Holli McEntegart's work has spent years exploring the idea of care, from motherhood and childbirth.
UK correspondent Natasha Clark
Natasha Clark is political editor of LBC London
Slot car racers head to world champs
Two New Zealanders are heading to Finland later this month to compete in the slot car world championships.
Auckland congestion charging options unveiled
Three options have been announced for congestion charging in Auckland with public consultation due to start in November.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer in New Zealand
Canadian police now have a local presence as part of attempts to stop the distribution of illegal drugs.
The latest cancer science: New mRNA research start ups
With Daffodil Day just passed, science correspondent Cushla McGoverin joins Kathryn to look at what's happening with cancer research. She starts with a look at why younger people are getting cancers that used to be associated with old age. She'll also talk about how MRNA vaccines are being used to personalise cancer treatments, and look at some of the new cancer research and start ups in New
Young Aucklander's rise to esteemed film academy
A young Aucklander has just started at a prestigious New York City performing arts school.
Around the motu: Piers Fuller in the Wairarapa
Piers Fuller, editor of the Wairarapa Times-Age based in Masterton.
Book review: Elizabeth Heritage reviews two books
Elizabeth Heritage reviews Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (Penguin Books), and Night Watch by Terry Pratchett (Penguin Books).
British writer Olivia Laing on The Silver Book
The Silver Book, is a love story and noirish thriller set in stylish 1970s Italy.
Australia: Q'land crackdown on e-vehicles & more
New law changes are coming to protect privacy in the AI onslaught - but there'll be no restrictions on AI spy glasses.
VR gets unsporty kids moving
The trial in nine schools follows an earlier pre-pilot with a Wellington high school in 2024.
Calls for more support for families of those who die by suicide
Coroner Alison Mills found Karen Hampson began drinking heavily after her husband's death in 2021, which contributed to her own death in January 2024.
Shelving plans to ban hard-to-recycle plastic
The ban had originally been due to come into force in mid-2025, but the deadline was shifted in late 2024.
Sports correspondent Sam Ackerman
Sam wraps news of a new netball domestic competition, but has the announcement come too late? The Springboks strike back, and the Warriors could win the minor premiership before the NRL finals kick off.
Business, bikes, and a busy mum: Supreme Award winner Kylie Dorr
Kylie began the reproductive services and training business five years ago after she had returned home from living in the United States.
