Nine To Noon

Bill McKay, senior lecturer in architecture and planning who focuses on urban design and resilience, explores fuel-proofing cities. He discusses how sprawl and car dependence raise fuel vulnerability. He recommends electrifying logistics, rooftop solar and microgrids, harvesting industrial rainwater, and converting vacant central buildings to housing to shorten trips and cut fuel use.

Simon Berry, managing director of Whitestone Cheese and chair of the NZ Specialist Cheesemakers Association, talks award-winning Monte Cristo sheep's milk cheddar and what makes it special. He discusses long ageing, seasonal milk supply and the craft behind consistent quality. He also covers challenges like retail shelf space, packaging choices and the need for stronger visibility for specialist cheesemakers.

Lianne Dalziel, former MP, cabinet minister and three-term Christchurch mayor with progressive local-government experience. Brigitte Morten, director at Franks Ogilvy and ex-senior ministerial adviser offering centre-right analysis. They debate the fuel crisis response, long-term transport and energy planning, renewable and EV infrastructure, LNG terminal reassessment, political U-turns, paywave surcharge reform, WHO amendments and pay equity secrecy.

Simon Wilson, an Auckland-based Listener columnist who covers transport and public-space policy. He talks about the Queen Street car vs pedestrian changes and a controversial night trial. He outlines the Papatoetoe by-election backstory. He contrasts proposals for Western Springs and a boutique stadium. He notes a 30% rise in bus patronage and two new cycleways.

Gail Pitaway, a book reviewer with a fresh PhD in creative writing, discusses J.P. Pomare's crime novel The Gambler. She outlines the ordinary but complex PI Vincent Reid. Short sentences cover the shooting at a gun-control rally, a shocked community, tangled relationships, links to an Amish shooting, and Pomare's sharp plotting and elegant prose.

Malcolm Mulholland, a patient advocate for medicine supply continuity and pharmaceutical policy, warns about global supply risks tied to conflict. He explains NZ's reliance on overseas generics and fuel-fed logistics. He urges revisiting contingency plans, regional cooperation, and smarter stock and prescribing strategies to keep medicines flowing.

Miriam Lancewood, author and wilderness living advocate, shares hard-won tales from long treks and off-grid life. She talks solo survival tests, syncing with nature, living off foraged food, and preparing for solitude. Travel stories include Himalayan crossings, Tajikistan camping lessons, and moments of human connection on the road.

Sebastian Usher, BBC Middle East analyst and reporter based in Jerusalem. He outlines US options and possible targets in the region. He describes risks of a protracted conflict and Iran’s asymmetric responses. He covers Houthi maritime threats and Pakistan’s diplomatic shuttle efforts.

Lisa Pester, a patient who recovered quickly after minimally invasive tricuspid valve repair. Dr Christine Goh, the cardiothoracic surgeon who introduced this technique in New Zealand. They discuss the minimally invasive procedure and how it differs from traditional open-heart surgery. They cover which valves can be treated, training and team needs, and the faster recovery and system benefits this approach can bring.

Nathan Surendran, energy transition consultant and chair of the Wise Response Society, explains fuel supply realities and policy choices. He discusses how little fuel is onshore, risks of cargoes being redirected, the case for ring‑fencing diesel for food and farming, and why a new LNG terminal may not be economically sensible. He also highlights mixed public signals that can trigger hoarding and queues.