Nine To Noon

Sam Ackerman, an experienced New Zealand sports commentator, brings fast-paced updates and analysis. He previews All Whites matches and weather challenges. He breaks down the Warriors’ strong start and player comebacks. He highlights Super Rugby matchups, standout performances, domestic award winners, record golf rounds, rowing’s Māori Cup significance, and a surprising triathlon win.

Quick laughs about an underwhelming burger story and a man who hoarded and froze thousands of Big Macs. A tale of seven dogs who escaped a meat truck and trekked home led by a Corgi. A teenager flummoxed by an AI job interview sparks debate about automated hiring. New DNA findings push back when dogs first became human companions. Suggestions for forest bathing and mental reset.

Kelly Makiha, senior Rotorua Daily Post journalist who covers local news, crime and community stories. She recounts a child abduction case and prison recall, Te Arawa’s purchase of Rotorua Duck Tours and its sustainability aims, a missing Tokoroa teacher and family concerns, and a record-breaking Supper Club fundraiser for Ronald McDonald retreats.

Stella Chrysostomou, bookseller and reviewer at VOLUME Books in Nelson, gives a lively take on Lauren Groff's short story collection Brawler. She praises Groff's short story craft. She contrasts Brawler's inward focus with Groff's Florida. She highlights themes of relationships, trauma, subtle violence, and recurring water imagery.

Harry Unsworth, representative of MOXIE (part of Recreate NZ) who supports disabled people into work, talks about the Illuminate Market and the organisation’s programmes. He describes months of stall preparation, in-house products from the Harvest team, and the event’s free performances and activities. He also highlights accessible roles like MC Jaden Movods and the market’s growth since 2019.

Mick Herron, British novelist behind the Slough House Slow Horses series, talks craft and character. He explains how Jackson Lamb arrived by accident and why he writes character-first. He discusses commuting routines, themes of failure and politics, and how contemporary events like Brexit and 7/7 shape his spy stories.

Ed White, Financial Times Asia correspondent based in Shanghai, offers on-the-ground reporting and analysis. He discusses Pakistan's back-channel mediation between the US and Iran. He highlights Asian governments moving into crisis mode and China restricting exports to protect domestic fuel and fertilizer supplies. He covers regional policy responses such as energy emergency measures and demand-reduction steps.

Myrta Heiderike, sister and festival bodypainting pro known for speedy live transformations. Yolanda Bartram, co-founder of BodyFX with 25 years in special effects and film. They chat about live festival makeovers, quick-adapt painting techniques, prosthetics and alien-creature looks. Expect colourful layers, glitter, and the practical challenges of painting on moving, three-dimensional canvases.

Andrew Schelling, a genomics and cancer researcher at the University of Auckland, explains why local genomic testing matters. He outlines how faster local analysis helps diagnosis, precision cancer treatment and prevention. Discussion covers examples of conditions helped, AI in diagnostics, and how insurance rules are causing people to decline testing and delay care.

Kim Baker-Wilson, RNZ reporter on location in Whangamata, gives live updates from flood-affected Coromandel. She describes submerged roads, stranded crews, school closures and visible slip scars. She reports changing radar and renewed rainfall. Listeners hear clear safety advice about avoiding floodwaters and travel as warnings continue across multiple regions.