Nine To Noon

Sam previews the Wellington Phoenix's big semi-final, which is set to be in front of a sellout crowd in Wellington.

The funding and future of the Arts Centre is one of the biggest stories to emerge from the City Council's Long Term Plan. The Mosque inquest resumes on Monday and Jean has the latest on nitrate levels in Canterbury water.

Eden Denyer from Unity Books Wellington reviews The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe published by Hachette

A key part of Dr Stuart Brown's  professional life has been dedicated to studying human play and the vital role it has in development and wellbeing.

RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins has the latest from New Caledonia, where five people have been killed in violent clashes between indigenous Kanak pro-independence protestors and security forces. Local media are reporting people are panic buying, as shops run out of food, water and fuel. Medicines and blood supplies in hospitals are also getting low. And the French Government has banned Tiktok in New Caledonia, in a bid to limit contact between rioters.

Kiwi Fulbright scholar Bonita Bigham is researching how laws to prevent trade in endangered species are impacting indigenous art.

Federated Farmers say intense banking pressure on farmers is taking a huge emotional toll - amid calls for an inquiry into the rural banking sector.

Doctors specialising in women's health say the shortage of hormone replacement therapy patches is getting worse, and Pharmac has been too slow to act.

Film and TV correspondent Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to talk about Infiniti, a sci-fi mystery playing on the Rialto Channel, TVNZ's Motherhood anthology that looks at five short independent stories from Aotearoa and ThreeNow's High Country - a crime drama set in Victoria that stars New Zealand actress Sara Wiseman.

One in every three people between the ages of 18 and 34 still live at home with their parents, according to Stats NZ.  How do you navigate sharing household costs with adult children who've either returned home or never left?

Tech commentator Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to look at revelations UK departments plan to use pupil data to check for benefit fraud and pursue parents.

The cost estimates of a second Ashburton Bridge are rising.

David Hill reviews Ans Westra: A Life in Photography by Paul Moon published by Massey University Press

Yuan Yang was born in Sichuan, China, in 1990 and moved with her parents to England when she was four.

UK correspondent Matthew Parris on a ruling from a Belfast judge that the plan to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda wouldn't apply in the province.

Business owners on a Wellington road undergoing a multi-million dollar upgrade, fear it may need to be ripped up again if water leaks persist.

A growing 'tent encampment' in Dunedin City was entirely predictable, say groups working with rough sleepers, as concerns grow for their welfare in winter.

Science correspondent Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to talk about the new research conducted on samples of composer Ludwig van Beethoven's hair, clipped from his head from fans as he lay dying. It's found a staggering amount of lead and other toxins in his body - could wine be to blame? And amid aurora-fever, what causes the different colours that feed into the incredible light display? Allan Blackman is a Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology.

A year on from a divorce or long-term relationship breakup is about the right time to enter the dating world, says Auckland sex therapist Jo Robertson. "If it's too early you haven't been given enough time to reflect and grieve and feel pain. Also, if you've got kids in the picture, they haven't had enough time to grieve and to reflect. So yeah, I think a year - without wanting to create rules - is about a good time to start thinking about it," she tells Kathryn Ryan.

For New Zealand Music Month, Charlotte plays some new local music as well as a track from 70s folk-inspired LA artist Jessica Pratt. Charlotte is host of RNZ's Music 101 show.

The Fiordland Business Association has come up with a novel solution to the region's worker accommodation shortage that, if adopted, could see as many as 30 temporary homes built.

Elisabeth Easther reviews Earth by John Boyne published by Penguin Random House.

New Zealander Alex Kendall is chief executive and co-founder of Wayve AI. It's a UK company that has just received the backing of $1.7 billion to develop its AI technology for self-driving cars.

Annie Jacobsen's new book In Nuclear War: A Scenario lays out what would happen if North Korea launched a nuclear missile at the United States.

Annika joins Kathryn to discuss the detail in the federal Budget, which was revealed yesterday. She'll also look at the curious case of the red-bellied black snake dubbed 'Fluffy' that's taken up residence in a Newcastle woman's car and has eluded four expert snake catchers. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age

The equation is simple for the Wellington Phoenix this weekend. Win the game and they will be through to their first ever A-League Grand Final. And they'll probably get a sellout crowd behind them.

The Association of Orthodontists says a recent Health and Disability Commission report highlights what can go wrong when general dentists undertake orthodontal treatment.

Scientists and engineers warn of greater flood risks should the government's Fast Track Approvals bill proceed as it stands.

New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson will talk to media this morning after captain Sam Cane announced his retirement from test rugby, Lisa Carrington has been beaten by fellow Kiwi Aimee Fisher at the Canoe Sprint World Cup, in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.

For over five decades the Environmental Defence Society has been involved in legal battles to help protect New Zealand's unique natural assets.

The Warehouse has pulled the pin on its online retailer TheMarket, announcing it will close the website in June.

Peter looks at a Kaikohe housing project that's on track to be the biggest of its kind in the Far North, as well as the first complex co-built and co-owned by an iwi and council organisation.

Louise O'Brien reviews Table For Two by Amor Towles published by Penguin Random House

Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen is testifying at the former President's hush money trial in New York.

The four major banks are moving toward a system allowing customers to make payments via third parties, using bank-approved software.

There's a push for student trainees to be paid while on their compulsory job placements - as many drop out due to cost of living pressures.

Kennedy is on Northland's east coast to discuss the issue of kina barrens in the area, and some new proposals from Fisheries New Zealand to deal with the problem.

RNZ's Auckland correspondent Amy Williams joins Kathryn to talk about Ponsonby Road businesses looking to fund extra security guards in the wake of a fatal shooting.

Ten years ago London chef Max Halley quit the world of Michelin stars and fine dining to open a simple, unassuming sandwich joint.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is promising 93% of households will benefit from tax relief in the upcoming Budget, as public agencies are tasked with drastic cost-cutting targets.

Stella Chrysostomou of Volume Books reviews Gracehopper by Mandy Hager published by One Tree House

Run by the trio of Adam King, Alan Morrison & Rowan Bettjeman, Viva La Dirt League is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most popular YouTube channels.

Attacks on politicians in Germany are on the rise as elections approach.

After running 7,500km across Canada in 305 days Jon Nabbs gave himself a few months to rest.

The Reserve bank wants retail banks to pay more attention to climate risks and the ongoing insurability of the properties against which they lend.

A just released report paints a dire picture of the state of support being provided to neurodivergent children in our education system.

Te Radar and Pinky Agnew bring the lighter moments of the week, including how a North Korean propaganda song became a Tiktok hit, and the political party in Germany calling for kebabs to be subsidised.

Dana Johannsen has been investigating the tough selection standards New Zealand sets for its Olympic athletes. Is it helping, or harming, the country's medal prospects?

The Buller District Council has started on what it calls a "once in a generation" master planning exercise. It is looking at Westport's environmental vulnerability but also social and economic factors.

Shortly after her 60th birthday party, Jo Peck's husband of 25 years announced he was in love with someone else. In her new memoir Suddenly Single at 60, the Australian advertising exec encourages other women not to get stuck in the despair of divorce.

Chinese president Xi Jinping has made his first trip to Europe since the Covid-19 pandemic, where he was met by varying receptions across different countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ramping up the rhetoric against Muslim people as he vies reelection. And a popular Hong Kong anthem has been banned for its ties to pro-democracy demonstrations. Ed White is a correspondent for the Financial Times, based in Shanghai.

Hydrogen remains more expensive than diesel as a trucking fuel, and the cost of getting a hydrogen powered truck on the road is higher.

European Union's ambassador to New Zealand, Lawrence Meredith talks to Kathryn about the war in Ukraine and the recent FTA with New Zealand.

The country has come through a tight electricity generation supply situation this morning. Transpower chief executive Alison Andrew

The Climate Change Minister, Simon Watts, has just announced a cross party inquiry will be conducted by the Finance and Expenditure Committee into climate adaptation.

Film and TV reviewer Chris Schulz looks at season two of The Jinx, Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black and Hollywood Con Queen, about a scam targeting professionals in the film industry and how those behind it were caught.

Melbourne-based provisional psychologist Darren Godwin says tween and teens athletes and their parents can benefit from the same sort of assistance pros get to deal with ups and downs.

Technology commentator Peter Griffin joins Kathryn to look at two billion dollar tech deals that are worth keeping an eye on - one for Kiwi Alex Kendall and his autonomous vehicle start up Wayve.

The cyclones which hit the region last year still have a long tail. Thames Coromandel District Councillors are about to review submissions and develop their long term plan. The Hauraki Rail trail is growing in popularity and John has another chapter in the ongoing saga of Cathedral Cove.

Ralph McAllister reviews Beasts of Paris by Stef Penney published by Quercus Books.

Kathryn talks to Corin Tucker from the American rock band Sleater-Kinney. The band is marking 30 years of playing together this year and will perform in Auckland next week.

UK correspondent Matt Dathan looks at another damaging defection for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to Labour, this time of Natalie Elphicke over the issue of immigration. Matt looks at why her move could also be a blow for Labour. It comes as the Tories try to pick themselves up after their worst results in more than 40 years, following the weekend's local elections. Home secretary James Cleverly has announced a new package of measures against Russia as he revealed new spying activity being carried out by Moscow in the UK. And US anti-Israel protests have inspired a dozen sit-ins at UK universities. Matt Dathan is Home Affairs Editor at The Times

Kathryn speaks with finance commentator and bank customer advocate, Janine Starks, on the POLi payments story.

Proponents of a strong global plastics treaty are raising concerns about the influence of lobbyists on the process. This as research seeks to establish a link between microplastics and a rise in bowel cancer.

Money expert David Boyle joins Kathryn to talk about some holes in the argument to make KiwiSaver compulsory to ensure more people are equipped to fund their retirement.

More than 30 New Zealand women who are not mothers write about their experiences in Otherhood. The essay collection explores what it means to live a fulfilling life while giving "a middle finger" to the societal expectations on women, the book's editors tell Nine to Noon.

Poor air quality in the seaside suburb of Mount Maunganui has forced the council to look at the future of industrial businesses in the area.

Phil Vine reviews Study For Obedience by Sarah Bernstein published by Granta.

Many of us will know the difficulties of travelling and being understood in countries where we don't speak the language. Now imagine taking a great work of literature and translating that - without losing the meaning, rhythm and the effect on the reader.

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton looks at $3b in relief for tertiary students in next week's federal Budget because of what had become an alarmingly steep indexation rate.

The country's record net migration of 139,000 new arrivals in the last year has raised concerns about the potential impact on consumer demand and the flow-on to inflation.

Police have confirmed the man wanted in connection with the fatal Ponsonby Road shooting on Sunday evening, Hone Kay- Selwyn, has been found dead.

Buying coal is back on Genesis Energy's agenda - it says it's necessary to ensure a backup of energy supply this winter and beyond amid a gas shortage.

Consumer NZ is warning almost half of New Zealanders could have breached their bank's terms and conditions by using a popular payment method. POLi enables people to make a payment directly from their bank account, without incurring fees from a service provider like Visa or Mastercard. However, Consumer investigative writer Ruairi O'Shea says POLi needs the user to provide their bank log-in details so the merchant can generate the payment. And this could affect a customers' bank protection if caught in a scam. POLi is used by 1.6 million people - 40 percent of bank customers and has done 45 million transactions since 2008. Ruairi O'Shea from Consumer joined Kathryn to explain what he found.

Sports chat with Sam Ackerman.

It's nearly 63 years since American novelist Ernest Hemingway died, yet his work - and his life - continue to fascinate. It's the subject of Dermot Ross's debut novel Hemingway's Goblet, - about a London-based lawyer called Nick Harrieson who discovers his grandfather had not only met the writer but may have inspired him. It comes as Nick's career as a law lecturer at a prestigious university hangs in the balance over his relationship with a student. The book explores relationships in the #MeToo era, with a look to Hemingway's reputation as a heavy drinker and womaniser. Dermot has worked as a corporate lawyer for 40 years, but had always wanted to write a novel. This one took him to the places Hemingway frequented in Spain.

BusinessDesk editor, Victoria Young crunches the numbers as Westpac and BNZ post their six-month results, with other major banks expected to follow.

Wellington correspondent Georgina Campbell disusses the latest news from the capital, including a retailer who claims the Green MP Julie Anne Genter grabbed her arm during a conversation about banning cars from heart of the city.

Kiran Dass reviews Hagstone by Sinéad Gleeson published by Fourth Estate.

Ballerina-turned-author and comedian Sacha Jones on her book The Fatter Sex - looking at women's battles with diet, weight and body confidence.

Ron looks at the latest on the war in Gaza, and the wave of university campus protests across the US. He is a Senior Editor and Correspondent, Washington Desk for NPR news.

Claiming on insurance can be complicated and legalistic - insurance ombudsman Karen Stevens answers your questions

Coastal shipping was seen as a saviour after Cyclone Gabrielle, but Government backing for the sector has cooled.

Westpac says many households and businesses are struggling with high interest rates and costs and the coming months will be challenging. Chief Executive Catherine McGrath talks about the sluggish economy and what the bank is doing about frauds and scams.

What would you do if your local council or the Government asked to buy your house? It happened to Bill McKay recently, under the Public Works Act.

The price of cocoa - the raw ingredient in chocolate - has trebled in the last twelve months. Foundry Chocolate owner David Herrick discusses the implications.

Sue Bradford and Liam Hehir discuss the allegations of inappropriate behaviour surfacing against Green MP Julie Anne Genter, following her outburst in the House - and the party's response. And the still unresolved question of New Zealand's participation in AUKUS Pillar Two. Sue Bradford is a community-based activist and former Green MP. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.

The search for a bone marrow donor for a gravely ill Rotorua boy and how the Maori and Pasifika population may be able to help. Popular restaurant Urbano Bistro has reopened after a car ploughed through the front doors, severely injuring one of the diners. New units at a Kainga Ora site are not being welcomed by some Rotorua residents who claim they look like shipping containers. And Kelly touches on the speech Rotorua Boys High head boy made at the ANZAC Day civic service. Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist with the Rotorua Daily Post

Louise Ward of Wardini Books reviews Ash by Louise Wallace published by Te Herenga Waka University Press

European students are joining a wave of mostly peaceful university protests against Israel's war in Gaza.

AgriZero NZ is a public-private partnership between the New Zealand government and some of the country's largest agri-businesses aiming to reduceagricultural methane emissions 30% by 2030. Head of Strategy & Engagement Ruth Leary discusses what progress is being made.

The latest unemployment figures show once again youth are hardest hit during economic headwinds.  AUT Professor of Economics and NZ Policy Research Institute director Gail Pacheco speaks to Kathryn.

More than 80 percent of councils around the country are planning a double-digit rates rise this next year. Local Government New Zealand president and Selwyn District mayor Sam Broughton says the funding system for councils is broken.

Comedic duo Michele A'Court and Irene Pink bring this week's lighter moments, including the cat who climbed into a postage box and travelled more than 1000 kilometres across America.

Qatar has made a surprise bid to host the finals of the new Rugby Nations Championship from 2026.  And in Mini-Golf news, Kiwi Matt Ansley finished second in a major world tour.

Work on the almost-completed Palmerston North cycleway has paused as arguments rage. Also, why ratepayers are facing an eye-watering bill for a new sewage treatment plant.

Lisa Adler from Unity Books Wellington reviews You Are Here by David Nicholls published Hachette

Jeremiah Manele has been elected as the Solomon Islands' new Prime Minister. Meanwhile police in Honiara are on high alert with the capital having a well-documented history of public unrest around political events. RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins

The government has introduced new measures to increase school attendance, but some schools have devised their own initiatives to boost attendance and tackle the "truancy crisis".