Nine To Noon

A lighter look at the week's news, including an illegal farm on the 16th floor rooftop of a building in Athens and the shop in Orkeny trying to deal with an over order of 38 thousand bananas.

Jared talks about the fuel surcharges being brought in by some Queenstown tour operators, permit charges for the historic Macetown Rd.

Melissa Oliver of Unity Books Wellington reviews Hungus by Amber Esau, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.

Maurice Yearbury is the president of the Waikato Centre Sheep Dog Trial Association and says they are struggling to bring in younger members.

The cyclone is expected to pass over Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty on Sunday before moving over the rest of the North Island.

She can read original texts in Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Cuneiform.

Koroi discusses the tropical cyclone approaching Papua New Guinea, the political crisis in Solomon Islands heads to court today.

Along with being the first zoo, it was also the first conservation organisation in Wellington.

The report is warning the sector needs to move away from what it says, has been until now ad-hoc workforce planning and for Government support to retain skilled oil and gas workers.

Master Plumbers is telling members to ensure all contracts include a clause allowing for escalating product costs, enabling these costs to be passed on to clients.

Film and television reviewer James Croot details the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, The Testaments (Disney+), set fifteen years after the original.

Repeating mental pathways, giving time to emotions and being a good debater are all key parts of learning to think critically.

Technology commentator Mark Pesce discusses why Anthropic's latest 'Mythos' AI model is considered so dangerous.

Tess talks to Kathryn about urgent plans to get solar power up and running on Stewart Island as the diesel crisis bites, issues around social media use and a Dunedin Councillor, the aftermath of the rat infestation at a local Woolworths and the Otago Rally hits town with 140 crews competing.

Gail Pittaway reviews Addition by Toni Jordan, published by Text Publishing.

Electric motorcycle manufacturer FTN Motion has launched the Streetdog XR, a more powerful evolution of its original Streetdog, following a $2m capital raise.

Two thirds of the UNESCO World Heritage site at Pompeii has yet to be excavated, but what do we already know about the people who lived there?

Harry Taylor is a parliamentary reporter for PA Media.

The dogs working for Waikato University to protect whitebait and now adding their skills to the fight against invasive golden clams.

The work by a small Auckland team to care for organs donated for transplant.

A new report by Australia's eSafety Commissioner has found social media giants aren't complying with the country's under-16 ban.

Science commentator Allan Blackman looks at what goes into nitrogen fertiliser, how oxygen gets made on board the International Space Station, and how science could help baristas make a perfect cup of coffee every time.

What would New Zealand look like in sixty years, if war had ravaged the northern hemisphere and survivors fled south?

President Donald Trump has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran on the condition that Iran agree to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz.

James discusses the 37 year old relief firefightering truck being used in Gisborne, a reduction of 30% for the East Coast rock lobster fishery, worries over driving safety and wandering stock and the local vape stores breaking regulations.

Laura Caygill reviews Lázár by Nelio Biederman, published by Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand.

In a social media post, US President Donald Trump says he agrees to suspend bombing and attacks on Iran for a period of two weeks after discussions with Pakistan.

The word "mum" was Karina McHardy's first official red flag that something was going on with her toddler son. He was saying it - and then one day it was gone.

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton details the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith, the decorated war hero who was arrested yesterday at Sydney Airport.

Farmer says confirmation that critically endangered Australasian bittern were living at the bottom of her farm was better than winning Lotto.

Subcontractors are lobbying for better protections against loss of income when larger contracting firms and companies go into liquidation.

The clock is ticking on the deadline issued by US President Donald Trump for Iran to make a deal, or 'a whole civilisation will die tonight'.

Glen gives a round up of what's happening in the sport world.

The Australian-born defender has more than made her mark on New Zealand's netball scene. Listeners will remember her as an integral part of a dominant Waikato team during the 1980s.

Government agencies have disclosed spending more than $20 million on AI and automation tools, though fragmented budgets and 'hidden' licensing costs mean the actual figure is likely much higher.

Peter discusses the possible timber mill closures in Kaitaia, the toll roads planned for between Northland and Auckland, recovery after more flooding batters the region and the latest on the shooting that lead to the discovery of a rare bat.

Harry Broad reviews Bill McLeod: Mountaineering Legend by Ross Cullen, published by Potton & Burton.

Other operations included trying to flip Soviet agents to work for the West - as well as fake intel to lure Russian operatives down dead ends.

She's a sustainability advocate and author of two books on a zero waste lifestyle. She also has a big social media presence in which she shares her insights into how to reduce, rescue or reuse items.

President Trump's Monday press conference regarding a rescue in Iran is being eclipsed by his aggressive threats toward the country's infrastructure.

The red admiral is a familiar species in some parts of the country, but it is uncommon in other regions.

Since 2020 the proportion of waste in recycling bins has continued to climb, due to both deliberate contamination by households, and common mistakes by people thinking they are doing the right thing.

The latest push is a partnership between Health New Zealand and the College of GPs to attract doctors from overseas, focusing on those with UK medical qualifications.

James Croot reviews four new movies - I Swear, Hoppers, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die.

Being a new parent is hard. There's a plethora of information out there and it's hard to know what to trust, where to turn and how to cut through the noise. Dr Natalie Flynn, who is a registered clinical psychologist and the author of Smart Mothering, dubs this "bombardment syndrome".

Technology correspondent Bill Bennett looks at why the US has decided to ban the sale of Wifi routers made outside the US.

Mike discusses the rejection of a door charge for out of towners at the Sarjeant Gallery, problems at the local pilot training academy, the return of a stolen cockatoo and the miracle babies born three months premature in the 1940's celebrate their 80th birthday. Mike Tweed is a Multimedia Journalist for the Whanganui Chronicle

Chris Penk and Penny Simmonds have been promoted to Cabinet, as the Prime Minister reshuffles his ministerial lineup ahead of the election. The reshuffle sees first-term MPs Cameron Brewer and Mike Butterick made ministers outside of Cabinet. Cameron Brewer becomes Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Small Business and Manufacturing, and Associate Minister of Immigration. Mike Butterick becomes Minister for Land Information and Associate Minister of Agriculture. The changes were necessitated by the upcoming retirement of Judith Collins, as well as Dr Shane Reti's decision to stand down at the election.

David Hill reviews Kiwi Roots: The Making of a New Zealander by John Mullinder, published by John Mullinder.

US author Hannah Lillith Assadi's work looks at what it means to come of age under the weight of history - but her latest novel, examines that through a deeply personal lens. Paradiso 17 has only just been released, but has already been longlisted for this year's 2026 Women's Prize for Fiction.

Correspondent Natasha Clark looks at the strained ties between the US and UK over the Iran war, as the UK seeks to strengthen ties with the EU.

In the mid-1990s the situation was so bad there was just one breeding pair and about 20 kōkako in the two hectare management area.

A local fast-track style legislation allowing for less contested consenting has been instrumental in getting the work completed earlier than it would have otherwise been, the head of the programme says.

Energy analysts Enerlytica were involved in a recent major report by PwC into the case for LNG in New Zealand - they found without future imports nearly half of commercial users would be out of gas by 2035.

Changes to employment law kicked in last month, with some pretty big impacts for high-earning individuals as well as contractors.

Aucklanders who want a peek inside their new convention centre have the chance from Friday, with a new indoor light festival running just in time for the school holidays.

Jonathan discusses the new "guardian" for the city's central area who will be a caretaker for the CBD, promised rates relief and the return of two hour free parking, the planned $10m Hamilton runway extension.

Louise Ward of Wardini Books reviews Romeo v Juliet by R.A. Spratt, published by Penguin.

Mark Erdmann heads up ReShark - the world's first shark rewilding program, aiming to restore Indo-Pacific leopard sharks to reefs where they've disappeared, starting in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton examines the ways the Albanese government is helping Australians cope with rising fuel costs - including slashing excise for three months.

The country's largest and most valuable fishery - hoki - is celebrating 25 years of independent certification under the Marine Stewardship Council standard.

An energy analyst warns the world has never known an oil crisis the likes of which is unfolding and says 'the sky's the limit' when it comes to how high prices might go.

A former nurse with more than two decades spent researching Māori health inequities, Jacquie Kidd is now facing down her own terminal cancer diagnosis.

The All Whites record a historic 4-1 win over Chile, and in Super Rugby the Hurricanes are the form team. The Kiwi basketballer making history in the US College scene. And there's a new statement signing for the New Zealand Warriors following the departure of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Marc Hinton is a senior sports writer for Stuff

Mark Wright's one-man theatre show 'Voices from Gallipoli' tells the story of the brave men and women who sailed halfway around the world over 100 years ago.

Calida has an update on KMD Brands, the economic fallout from the war in Iran and how local companies are reacting, and the proliferation of class actions. Calida is co-editor at the National Business Review

Robin discusses the building of a marae in New Plymouth, the first functioning marae in the city 150 years, the story behind the cause of the Tongariro National Park fires, fines for a farmer who intimidated council staff, and the Opunake theatre back up and running after fundraising to fix the projector.

Chris Tse reviews New Days for Old by James Brown, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.

From professional wrestler to professor at Auckland University. Mike Lee on the twists and turns of his career.

President Trump's mixed messages on what is happening in Iran, while a 'No Kings' protest draws millions around the country in opposition of his actions. Danielle also discusses the birthright citizenship question being looked at in the Supreme Court this week. Danielle Kurtzleben is a political correspondent assigned to NPR's Washington Desk.

Campervans are a common sight around the Northland region - but The Refillery is one with a difference.

Could biodiversity credits be a pathway to get more money going into conservation work on private land?

From tomorrow electricity prices increase again for households and businesses already squeezed with high energy bills.

How urban design can build resilience - particularly in a fuel crisis.

For the second consecutive year , the champion commercial cheese award went to Oamaru cheesemaker, Whitestone Cheese with its Monte Cristo sheep's milk cheddar.

Brigitte Morten and Lianne Dalziel discuss the latest in politics

Simon discusses the latest stoush over Queen St, the Papatoetoe local board by-elections are underway, the future of Western Springs,  the latest plans for the Takapuna Golf course and a jump in bus patronage.

Gail Pittaway reviews The Gambler by J. P. Pomare, published by Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand.

Pharmac is closely watching for potential medicine supply risks arising from Iran war and patient advocate, Malcolm Mulholland says plans need to be made now to ensure continuity of supply.

From traversing the Himalayas, to hiking through Tajikistan and hitch-hiking across Turkey, Miriam Lancewood on how to live simply and prepare for the unexpected - such as life on your own.

Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher on talk of US plotting a ground attack and Pakistan acts as a go-between for Washington and Tehran.

For the first time minimally invasive heart valve surgery is being performed in New Zealand.

The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is confident fuel rationing was not yet needed. but people are already battling surging prices and localised shortages. Energy transition consultant and chair of the Wise Response Society, Nathan Surendran.

As the fuel shortages bite, worsening the cost of living crisis, and food processors Watties and McCain plan to close some of their plants - there are renewed calls from a food advocacy group to prioritise more food for domestic consumption. Eat New Zealand, which has a membership of farmers, fishers, food manufacturers, chefs and consumers, is highlighting a growing trend to import food, raising concerns over resilience of supply for local consumption. Its chief executive Angela Clifford says the group would like a strategy to support both commercial manufacture destined to be sent overseas, and secure domestic food supplies for New Zealanders. Foodstuffs sent these comments over food security and local supplies. New Zealanders can be confident that food supply remains secure. While there are cost pressures in parts of the supply chain - including fuel - there is no indication of any risk to the availability of food in our stores. We have long-standing relationships with New Zealand growers and manufacturers, including partners like Wattie's, who have produced a significant portion of our Own Brand frozen vegetables. We value the role local growers play and recognise how important it is to keep food production viable in New Zealand.

Sam Ackerman with the latest sports news.

The underwhelming burger, a teenagers AI interview for a supermarket job, and the curious case of a missing German sports trophy.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist with the Rotorua Daily Post.

Stella Chrysostomou of VOLUME Books in Nelson reviews Brawler by Lauren Groff, published by Penguin Random House.

The Illuminate Market this weekend brings together market stalls, food trucks, creative workshops, free live performances and fun family activities.

Fans of his books will be able to catch Mick when he appears at the Auckland Writers Festival in May.

Ed White is a Financial Times journalist in China.

Those on Cuba Street this weekend might see an alien, butterfly, leopard, or perhaps a creepy clown. The options are endless for Body FX.

Moves to locally conduct genomic testing has caused concern about what it means for insurance premiums and eligibility.

As Northland deals with the cleanup from yesterday's floods, heavy rain is still falling in Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.

When he launched the World Wide Web in December 1990, how did its inventor, Tim Berners-Lee, think it would all go?

Film and television reviewer Tamar Munch reviews Netflix drama Dynasty: The Murdochs, which follows the family's succession battle. She also looks at Mr Nobody Against Putin (DocPlay), a film about a teacher in Russia who refuses to conform to propaganda instructions after the Ukraine invasion. And The Madison stars Michelle Pfeiffer as the matriarch of a family who moves from New York to rural Montana.

Social media is brimming with advice about how to get make money in a hurry - but how best to help teens manage it wisely?

Cybersecurity expert Tony Grasso looks at how the Dutch Finance Ministry opted to kill off access to its systems after it was subject to a cyber attacks, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies has also been subject to a ransomware attack, and major US defense contractor Stryker has had data stolen.

Local accountant makes dire predictions for the wine industry, pet owning spurs on 23 year old to by own home, the best mate beagles lost in the bush and a new music festival for Marlborough. Ian Allen is Editor for Stuff based in Marlborough