Nine To Noon

A new test to identify the presence of the pathogen responsible for kauri dieback will make checking for, and keeping updated on the spread of the disease, easier and cheaper.

While it remains the dominant choice for streaming music, the number of New Zealanders listening to Spotify has dropped since 2024.

Doctors say hospital emergency departments are in crisis with more people presenting sicker than ever and patients regularly being accessed in corridors or ambulance bays.

Provincial rugby regions have until next Friday to respond to a potential major overhaul of domestic competitions.  Northland is one of the team's whose future will be in doubt, and is working on its response to the options.

Employment law expert Charles McGuinness looks at employment settlement agreements - or "NDAs" - including some recent high-profile cases.

This year marks the International Year of Volunteers and the Citizens Advice Bureau's Andrew Hubbard joins Kathryn to talk about the enormous contribution volunteers make within our community.

Whanganui's oldest kindergarten is to shut, as a famous brutalist building in the city centre is put up for sale.

Quentin Johnson talks about his favourite book series, Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. Published by HarperCollins.

When British comedian, author, and former junior doctor Adam Kay's book This Is Going to Hurt was released nearly a decade ago it became a publishing and television phenomenon. His new show is coming to New Zealand in December.

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton looks at the stepping up of cybersecurity for all public-sector websites that's followed revelations AI agents had infiltrated a site containing Medicare data.

A new Kiwi charity launched this morning is taking on one of the biggest challenges in cancer care: how to make new treatments more affordable and accessible to the people who need them.

Supermarket reform has become a key focus of the election campaign. But how workable are their various policies?

A new survey of parents and family members has found there is growing support for a publicly-funded early childhood education system. How could it work?

English Premier League football club Manchester City found guilty for breaking financial regulations, while the Black Ferns lose a tight game to the world champions England.

She's now the Executive Director of Nga Rangatahi Toa, an organisation that uses creative practice, cultural connection and self-care strategies to help rangatahi find their voice and create positive pathways for themselves.

A new luxury store opens in Auckland's CBD, as a conference in the city weighs up the increase in businesses' use of artificial intelligence and whether it could spell the end for traditional software services.

The wildfire threat to Blenheim and Hanmer have led FENZ to warn residents, even in the towns, to have a grab bag ready in case of a major fire on the back of the El Niño weather system. Ian Allen is editor of the Marlborough Express

Christchurch podiatrist Simon Wheeler says the popularity of minimal and barefoot shoes has likely peaked. He says the popularity now is about higher stack heights, maximal cushioning, and rocker-style shoes.

He has co-written a book with music journalist Michael Dwyer. Split Enz: An Adventure in Music and Design is full of photographs, designs and recollections of the band from the 1970s through to today.

The fallout from the US President's attack on the press continues after a court rules in favour of letting some journalists back into the White House. Danielle also discusses Chinese President Xi's visit to Washington.

Hato Hone St John is pushing for more volunteers to learn how to perform CPR, and be available to offer lifesaving support.

Time is running out for those with outstanding income tax debt to make use of an IRD pilot scheme that could help them avoid being stung by the authorities.

Health insurance became the largest category of disputes to the ombudsman for the first time in the year to June.

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Her latest project Give came out of an unexpected encounter with a group of breast cancer survivors.

Ben Thomas is a former National government press secretary, a columnist and a director of public affairs firm Capital. Tracey Martin was a New Zealand First MP. From 2017 to 2020 she held the roles of Minister for Children, Seniors, Internal Affairs and Associate Education. She is currently the chief executive of the Aged Care Association.

Former ministers upset over changes to the Conservation Act, the latest on Canterbury's nitrate emergency and how is the Christchurch Hospital coping? Newsroom's South Island correspondent and environment editor David Williams.

Holly Walker reviews two books: And How Are Things with You? by Mia Farlane (Makaro Press), and The Rehearsal by Eleanor Catton (Te Herenga Waka University Press).

His latest book Unsayable is part memoir, part insight into the disciplined graft of writing and part reflection, on the craft, and even the point, of fiction writing.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is under serious pressure, Europe's debate on social media bans for children continues, and the future of Germany's city centres has been the subject of debate for years - but a new survey suggests people are returning to town and city centres in greater numbers.

A group of researchers in the United States are purposely infecting young trees with Dutch elm disease. It's being called a 'long shot' attempt to find some resistance to the fast-acting, fatal disease.

Research by the accounting software platform Hnry found 71 per cent of sole traders support a simpler tax system, with 46 per cent support lifting the GST threshold in line with inflation to at least $75,000.

Winegrowers are expecting to face continued volatility as the sector adjusts to changing drinking habits, export tariffs, and climate change.

Sport correspondent Sam Ackerman

Donna Brookbanks and Te Radar with a lighter take on recent stories.

Coroner Heather McKenzie examines the death of a 12-year-old New Plymouth girl by suspected suicide in 2017. Robin also discusses the decision to delay a decision on an LNG import terminal, while a doctors orchestra raises money for Hospice.

Laura Caygill reviews: The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman (Simon & Schuster), and How to Kill a Witch: by Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi (Octpus Publishing).

Dr Yoo Young Dominique Lee says anger gave her the strength to get her through one of the most difficult experiences of her early medical career - being drugged and sexually assaulted by a senior doctor.

Presidents Trump-Xi meet in Washington DC, Sri Lanka's High Court has given long jail sentences to 15 men charged with plotting the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks, continuing trouble from the Indonesian wildfires, and Singapore bans playing loud audio on buses.

Dave Armstrong is the playwright behind The Surprise Party - a comedy about a small political party that suddenly finds itself with the power to influence who forms the next government.

Author and artist Terri Te Tau is appearing at two Verb Wellington events this week.

Ratepayers will be the losers of the Government's stilted approach to council amalgamations, says the Southland mayor who was the architect of a separate process that started 18 months ago.

Film and television reviewer James Croot looks at the new Brad Pitt movie, filmed in New Zealand: Heart of the Beast. He'll also detail new comedy Coyote vs Acme (cinemas) which is a blend of live action and animation. And American Hostage (Neon, Sky Drama) stars Jon Hamm who stars as a radio reporter thrust into a hostage-taking crisis. James Croot is a TV Guide and The Press film and television reviewer

Whether it's a formal after school activity, or an older student helping out, many children will have some form of tutoring outside of the classroom. Do most children need a tutor? How do you tell and at what age should you consider it? Bronwyn Reid O'Connor is here to help unpack those questions. She is a senior lecturer of mathematics education at the University of Sydney.

Technology correspondent Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to look at why the big AI companies have hundreds of contractors reading through AI-human interactions. Australia is considering banning smart glasses in certain workplaces, citing privacy and security concerns. And a nine-year-old ran up an $118,000 bill on his dad's company credit card advertising his Roblox game on YouTube.

Medical staff at Pahiatua Medical Centre resign over workload and patient safety concerns while two new specialists are set to join Palmerston North Hospital next year after its shortages at its gastro department

Just two weeks after the sinking of a ferry in Vanuatu there's been a boat sinking in PNG with one person dead and four others missing. And Christina updates us on how El Nino is affecting the region.

Airana grew up in Patea, Taranaki and has described himself as a troubled student who found little connection with school.

UK correspondent Steph Spyro joins Kathryn to talk about the first meeting between Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Donald Trump. An urgent review's been ordered after two migrant boats arrived in Kent without being intercepted at sea. A suspected terrorist plot's been thwarted aimed at targeting the Jewish community in northern England during Yom Kippur and Prince William kept silent as he was asked about the claims in his uncle's book about his mother Diana. Steph Spyro is the Daily Express' deputy political editor

Story to Tell, the campaign involves a song by Betty-Anne that's inspired by the whanau's personal stories.

Northland leaders are calling for minimum levels of local employment and supply of materials for upcoming major projects.

A new website to help New Zealanders report sexual harm and identify repeat perpetrators of it has been launched.

What happens when people find themselves nearing retirement with adult children who need a hand with tertiary fees or a house deposit and elderly parents in the late stage of retirement with assisted living costs?

In the 80s Mari Hill Harpur led her and husband Doug to buy a high country property called Fairlight Station, an historic 8000 hectare farm with a homestead that dates back more than 150 years.

The artist behind Dunedin's Ed Sheeran portrait welcomes a 'Free Palestine' tag slapped across it, while a Dunedin city councillor is trespassed from Otago University grounds. Otago Peninsula celebrates becoming possum-free.

Simon Wilson reviews two books: Heresies by Richard Flanagan (Penguin Random House), and Captain Cook and the Unsettled Afterlives of Empire by Tony Ballantyne (Bridget Williams Books).

ANU researcher Dr Elise Stephenson has studied gender in the space sector in more than 80 countries and argues that addressing the major gender disparity in the field is critical. Her new book is Space XX: Gender, Power and the New Space Race.

Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst looks at the Coalition's invitation to Iran's exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi to visit Australia.

We've probably all had a moment when we've been clearing out a cupboard or even an entire house when we're left with a pile of things we don't need, but we don't want to throw away. The question - where should it go?

What is the "AI confidence trap" and how many people are falling for it? Kathryn's joined by Stephen Kho from Avast.

An Auckland developer says house-building projects she has in the city sitting idle, may become viable under new development levy rules.

A sparkling Warriors season in the NRL ends in playoff disappointment. In basketball, a big win for the Breakers to kick off their NBL season, while the Black Ferns remain unbeaten in the WXV Global Series.

Historian Paul Moon has explored the rise and fall of the New Zealand Party.

Westpac says farmers and growers are well placed to deal with the challenges of the El Niño weather system, expected to bring dry conditions for the eastern and northern parts of the country, and wetter than usual for the western and lower South Island. Victoria also discusses a small business's struggles with a cyber security breach, and the state of the coffee machine market in New Zealand.

Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post

Your pet's annual wellness visit can be a great chance for more than just vaccines and a physical check-up.

Sanjeev Gupta made grand promises of green steel and jobs - but there was little truth to it all.

President Trump considers an 'AI Force' and an accompanying 'AI Czar', as he bars certain journalists from White House reporting. In Austin, Texas, a Venezuelan man is shot and injured by an ICE officer, while the the battle over the future of Washington's Kennedy Center has escalaed. Washington bureau chief for The Guardian, David Smith.

A year ago, Kate Stewart was doing eye tests and prescribing glasses, but now she's on the boat as a reserve strategist for the Black Foils team in their SailGP campaign.

Almost 200 community groups have been wrongly declared ineligible for lotteries funding, resulted in missing out on the latest grants round.

The Utilities Disputes commissioner is warning power companies to make sure apps they get consumers to use are functional, after a surge in these types of complaints. That comes as Powershop consumers are reporting their frustration with high bills and not being able to get through to the company's customer service.

Kirsty Prior is Department of Conservation Marine Operations Manager for the 23 Marine Protected Area across the Hauraki Gulf.

Gelato is usually associated with Italy, but an Auckland business is putting a very personal spin on the tradition.

Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, consultant and director of several companies.

The Warriors bring 50,000 fans to Eden Park in finals footy, as Auckland celebrates the opening of City Rail Link.

Kiran Dass reviews: Green Sea by John Summers (Te Herenga Waka University Press), and Helen of Nowhere by Makenna Goodman (Fitzcarraldo Editions).

The banning of vehicles on Uretiti Beach has proven among the most contentious with strong support on both sides.

From pets going missing to dramatic changes in behaviour, stories of an animal "sixth sense" continue to capture our imagination.

The latest from Europe, including growing talk of closer EU-Canada ties despite Trump criticism, and more bad news for Germany's Merz.

Emails to the owner - believed to be overseas - have gone an unanswered and the bill for Hemi's stay is well and truly mounting.

Paikea Kindergarten is situated in the grounds of Whangara School approximately 28 kilometres from Gisborne.

According to Federated Farmers' latest survey in July, nearly one in four arable farmers reported making a loss.

Sam with the latest including The Warriors who play their final home game of the NRL season on Sunday.

Irene King and Donna Brookbanks with a lighter take on some stories from the week.

A fast-track application would extend mining on the Buller Plateaux for 25 years, while a flood protection scheme in Westport has ballooned in cost.

Elisabeth Easther tells Kathryn what she's been reading.

It would unfold into a national scandal and led to the Government aggressively pursuing of hundreds of thousands of false debts.

The latest from Nepal following the deadly flooding surge, wrapping up this year's BRICS statement, and Indonesian fires.

Netflix's new miniseries East of Eden will be on Kiwi screens in just a couple of weeks. For stunt co-ordinator and horsemaster Dayna Pomare, it's the latest in a string of big projects, and she's been kept busy since filming wrapped on the adaptation.

A local real estate website says interest from Australian buyers has surged following tax changes across the Tasman.

The idea of raising the age of superannuation is once again under scrutiny as the election gets closer.

Film and television correspondent Tom Augustine looks at gold smuggling flick The Weight, starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe, set in 1930s America. The Rivals of Amziah King is about a honey-maker whose success is a threat within the local community. And does Practical Magic 2 have what it takes to enchant audiences? Tom Augustine is a Tamaki based filmmaker and critic

Gluten-free, lactose intolerance, nut and egg free - there are any number of options when purchasing food to help manage allergies. So how can you know if a baby or child has an allergy, and what should you do next? Registered dietitian Anna Richards.

Cybersecurity expert Tony Grasso looks at how a million records with edutech provider Mathspace were compromised in a relatively simple attack. He will talk about the explosion of Storm Ransomware, a group which has appeared out of nowhere and immediately teamed up with Qillan, a Russian-speaking crime group that's one of the most prolific in the Australasian space. There's been a severe upturn in the number of attacks against medial infrastructure across the region, with targets including dental clinics and medical centres as well as pharmaceutical supply chains - each with amber severity rating which highlights critical risks to patient care and operations. Cybersecurity expert Tony Grasso is Chief Information Security officer at COGENT. He worked at GCHQ in the UK and is a former Intelligence Officer in New Zealand

Recent earthquake closures of the 108-year-old Edith Cavell bridge have renewed calls for an alternative Queenstown road crossing.

Johnny looks at the sinking of the MV Matui in northern Vanuatu, with 30 people still missing, and more.

Christoph Schumacher's new book takes 52 simple questions and uses them as a springboard into science, psychology, economics and human behaviour,

A look at the calls for political donation reform which are mounting, following Reform's multi-million pound donations from two wealthy donors.

The study, led by researchers from the University of Waikato and Adelaide University, explored how meal timing affected dogs' accuracy.