Nine To Noon

Andrew Hubbard from the Citizen's Advice Bureau says the organisation's fielded more than 2000 enquiries this year about debt collection - an increase of more than 50 percent.

The Commerce Commission has fired shots across the bow over building products rebates. Maria also looks at whether are developers are using the Fast-track Approvals Bill it as a quick way to get a plan change.

Chris has an update on a Pakowhai couple who have refused a voluntary buyout of their Cyclone Gabrielle red zoned property, and how many eligible Category 3 property owners have accepted .

Harry Ricketts reviews New Stories by Owen Marshall published by Penguin Random House NZ

Anthony Field is a founding member of the children's musical supergroup The Wiggles. He's the blue one - and the last of the original group of four remaining. He's just released a book - called "Out of the Blue".

It's the final countdown to the US election with both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris spending time in Pennsylvania before the polls close. Ron Elving is a Senior Editor and Correspondent, Washington Desk for NPR news.

As far as feats go, it's impressive and one that only 33 other people have managed to achieve.

BNZ is to launch an app it says will slash the costs merchants face to take electronic purchases.

It will soon be mandatory for government departments to pay invoices within ten days, a move the government says will help small businesses and improve productivity.

There has been a lot of discussion. and protest, about the environmental impact of the Fast-track Approvals Bill. Bill focuses on housing and a couple of urban projects.

If you've ever been to the beautiful South Canterbury town of Geraldine, you may have stopped in at Barker's to buy some jam, syrup or chutney.

Dale, Fletcher and Kathryn discuss a range of issues on the political agenda, including the Auditor General’s inquiry into possible conflicts of interest by Ministers over fast-track projects.

John takes a look at local body politics and who might be standing in the Thames Coromandel district next year.

Jessie Bray Sharpin reviews Theory and Practice by Michelle de Kretser published by Text Publishing

Two years and 80 different software builds, See-level was launched by Dudley Jackson and its VR headsets are now sold around the world.

Two major opinion polls out this week have revealed who Europeans are hoping will win the US election, but there are big differences in opinions in Western and Eastern Europe.

A Napier man's questioning of his regional council's hazard map has led to his insurer agreeing to pay back several thousand in insurance premiums.

The looming apology at Parliament over abuse in care is criticised as not inclusive of enough survivors.

Comedians Irene Pink and Donna Brookbanks with some of the lighter stories of the week, including a cartoon character mascot unveiled by the Vatican in the hope of engaging young people.

Big occasions await for a series of NZ sporting teams both here and overseas - Sam Ackerman breaks down what awaits the All Blacks, Black Caps and Kiwis - as well as the first ever all NZ A-league derby between Auckland FC and the Wellington Phoenix.

Amy discusses the controversy this week over the decision to move Western Springs Speedway, also an update on the CRL stations taking shape and midtown rejuvenation.

Eden Denyer from Unity Books Wellington reviews This Is How You Remember It by Catherine Prasifka, published by Canongate.

Kiribati's president-elect Taneti Maamau has secured 55 percent of votes.

We reveal the five winners of this year's Nine to Noon short story competition.

Retired eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne has been sentenced to 150 hours of community work for methamphetamine charges at the High Court at Auckland this morning.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission wants to expand the types of investigations it undertakes.

From today, Pharmac is to fund a new form of hormone replacement therapy, after years of campaigning by doctors and patients.

The Commerce Commission has filed proceedings against GIB manufacturer Winstone Wallboards for anti-competitive behaviour.

Film and TV reviewer Tamar Munch looks at the screen adaptation of Jilly Cooper's raunchy novel Rivals (Disney+), new Kiwi drama A Remarkable Place to Die (TVNZ) and #Untruth: The Psychology of Trumpism (DocPlay).

What is the right way to deal with your kids wanting to quit a sport or an extracurricular activity?

Technology correspondent Juha Saarinen looks at how wearables are becoming health and wellbeing oriented, particularly Apple's gear.

Natalie talks to Kathryn about the ecological cost of a huge fire which tore through 1039 hectares near Meremere in North Waikato affecting the Whangamarino Wetland.

Emma Hislop reviews Kataraina by Becky Manawatu published by Makaro Press

Filmmaker Luke Graham didn't have to look far for the subject of his latest documentary.

UK correspondent Lara Spirit breaks down what's in new Chancellor Rachel Reeves' first Budget, which included a £40bn package of tax increases to fund the NHS.

A New Zealand company will soon begin a pilot for a video game that helps prisoners regulate their emotions.

Who's in charge at some of our biggest organisations and how are they doing when it comes to gender balance?

Public Trust has revealed it dealt with an unexpectedly high number of applications for guardianship help in the past year - working with 1,443 more clients than it had expected to.

Money expert Lisa Dudson is along to explain what "lifestyle creep" is, how it can take you by surprise and what to do about it. Lisa Dudson is the owner of Acumen.co.nz. Her advice is of a general nature.

A clown dressed as Napoleon. Bubbles. Live music. The moon!

An Otago man has become the first in New Zealand to be sentenced for manufacturing firearms after using a 3D printer to make six weapons.

Sally Wenley reviews Midnight and Blue by Ian Rankin published by Hachette

New Zealand director James Ashcroft is making a mark on the industry just two films in, and now he's received the best review a horror junkie could ask for.

Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst looks at why Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's free - but declared - upgrades on Qantas flights when he was Transport Minister is attracting so much scrutiny.

How should New Zealand prepare for the new US President - either Trump or Harris?

Farmers say rural poaching is one of their biggest crime worries, and they don't trust police to follow up their reports.

Cardiac specialist, Dr Dean Boddington finishes his permanent role at Tauranga Hospital this Friday. After 16 years, he is leaving citing burnout.

Joe talks to Susana about New Zealand Rugby's review focusingon the long-term sustainability of the NPC and player pathways.

Cormack Farrell is the Head Beekeeper for the Australian Parliament in Canberra. It's a role that happened almost by accident. He was working for an engineering firm in downtown Canberra, and convinced his boss to let him keep bees on the balcony of their office. But when the firm had to move premises, there was nowhere for the bees to go. By lucky coincidence, Parliamentary Services was keen to host the bees as part of its sustainability strategy. Suddenly Cormack found himself with the nation's "head bee guy". He's just published a book called Urban Beekeeping, and talks with Susana about how to get started with hives in the city.

Rebecca explains by NZ businessman Chris Ellison, who is the chief executive of Australian mining giant Mineral Resources, is making news across the Tasman.

Central Otago is set to get a new mayor this week with the departure of Tim Cadogan.

Anne Else reviews The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich published by Hachette

Dave MacCalman is not one to complain. The four-time Paralympian has competed and coached on the world stage in several sports.

The Donald Trump and Kamala Harris race to the White House is intensifying ahead of the 5th of November election.

Plans are afoot to crackdown on motorists' anti-social parking on Rakiura - Stewart Island.

A Wellington teacher and study coach says she's seeing increased levels of anxiety and stress among NCEA students, and their parents, as exams loom.

Polytechs around the country are cutting staff and courses as they try to prove they are financially viable as stand alone institutions, as Te Pukenga is unravelled.

Comedians Te Radar and Michele A'Court with some lighter stories including Dunedin airport's cuddle capping time limit!

Organisers for the revived 2026 Commonwealth Games have revealed its scaled back programme for the Glasgow Games.

Around the motu: Piers Fuller in Wairarapa

Kim Pittar from Muir's Independent Bookshop Gisborne reviews Cherrywood by Jock Serong published by Fourth Estate.

When Gillie Jenkinson was in her early 20s she ended up in a religious group that developed into a cult.

North Korean troops appear to be preparing to fight in Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine.

Local cinema software company Vista Group has been named in Callaghan Innovation's Sir Paul Callaghan 100 Report.

Two rural Gisborne women have started petitions for action on road repairs - frustrated that 18 months after Cyclone Gabrielle, their road remains cut off from State highway 35.

Blind Low Vision NZ says people with assistance dogs are constantly experiencing discrimination by ride share services and taxis, illegally refusing their fare.

Film and TV reviewer Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to look at the latest version of The Office, set in Australia with a suite of familiar Kiwi cast members. He'll also look at documentary Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara - where fans of the Canadian indie music duo were scammed for years. Chris also has a look at what's on offer at this year's British and Irish film festival.

Tech commentator Alex Sims talks through the pros and cons of rapidly developing facial recognition systems. It can be useful and efficient - but everything comes with a cost.

Christchurch-based clinical psychologist Catherine Gallagher shares tips for parents worried about their child's body image.

A plan change mooted by Canterbury's regional council, ECan, could lead to a halt to dairy expansion in the province.

Cynthia Morahan reviews Pretty Ugly by Kirsty Gunn published by Otago University Press.

Dan Jones has been the editor of the New York Times essay column Modern Love for 20 years. So what has he learned about life and love?

An iwi-lead earn-as-you-learn programme in the Far North is teaching young people the basics of plumbing as it inches closer to the mammoth task of installing nearly 600 drinking water tanks.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council is moving to shore up shipping as a viable transport alternative into and around the region should future severe weather events cut off communities' road access.

Several housing projects to be considered under the proposed fast-track law are on potential flood-prone land, despite warnings about any construction there.

Science correspondent Allan Blackman looks at a new study into whether cats are really liquid (just search the internet).

Coming out to family can be really difficult, but what happens when it results in someone being disowned?

Figures released to RNZ show Health NZ MidCentral spent over $100,000 each on two coronial cases over deaths at Palmerston North Hospital.

Gina Rogers reviews Friends of Dorothy by Sandi Toksvig published by Hachette.

Community sport is under pressure with fewer volunteers putting their hand up to help run local clubs.

Michael Mansvelt has spent 30 years creating beautiful spaces.

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton discusses the reaction after King Charles and Queen Camilla were shouted at by an Indigenous senator, danced at by a bunch of students outside the Sydney Opera House and spat on by Hephner the alpaca.

Ans Westra documented New Zealand life through her photography for more than six decades, taking an estimated 320,000 images; 160,000 of them feature people.

A new organisation has just launched to advocate for serving military personnel it says are underpaid and living in mouldy unsafe housing.

The head doctor of a medicinal cannabis clinic responds to concerns his sector has begun to look more like a recreational market.

Sport in Aotearoa is on an absolute high - after an astonishing few days on results for New Zealanders.

Dr Kat Littlewood, a veterinary specialist and Massey University lecturer in animal welfare talks with Kathryn about 'animal senses', and how dogs and cats 'see' with their noses.

Dileepa and Kathryn mark the passing of former Fonterra Chief Executive Theo Spierings who has died after a short illness.

Georgina discusses the Wellington City Council's fiasco last week, with the Government threatening to intervene over the decision not to sell airport shares.

Lynn Freeman reviews My Animals, and Other Animals by Bill Bailey published by Hachette

Honey Hireme-Smiler's sporting prowess is undeniable. She joins Kathryn to talk about a tumultuous start in life and why the time was right to detail what she's gone through.

Ron discusses Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's choice to lean into vulgar language and sex jokes.

Nature Baby is now a fully grown 'nature adult' - as the infant clothes maker celebrates 25 years in the business.

It's been three years since a fire destroyed part of the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment plant, and while a significant milestone was reached last week, residents are looking down the line of three more years of fixes.

It's two weeks until phase one of a planned police withdrawal from most mental health-related calls takes effect.

There has been a lot of discussion and protest about the environmental impact of the Fast-track Approvals Bill.

We're heading north in the food slot today, where locally farmed paua is on the menu at the Savour Northland festival.

Gareth, Ben and Kathryn reflect on the coalition government's first year, their policies, promises and what's been delivered on.

Dargaville Hospital staff are under pressure. For many months they're struggled to find doctors to work there, especially overnight.