Nine To Noon

Tim Stern, emeritus professor and geophysicist who led gravity-modelling of the Wellington Basin. He explains how soft basin sediments slow and amplify seismic waves. He describes gravity and seismic surveys that revealed a deeper, sharper basin edge. He points to localized edge amplification in parts of central Wellington and notes similar risks for other basin-built NZ cities.

Alistair Hill, General Manager overseeing disability support transformation, explains the rollback of the 2024 funding changes and return of flexible funding. He outlines what supports are allowed again and how budgets and eligibility will be protected. He also discusses where extra funding came from and plans for predictable, sustainable funding and consistent needs assessments.

Allan Blackman, chemistry professor and science commentator at Auckland University of Technology, breaks down fresh research. He covers a newly discovered parasite kinase crucial to malaria spread and its promise as a drug target. He explains fluid physics behind why viscous liquids cling to containers for wildly different times. He also describes a quirky study on cockroach wing‑chewing and pair bonding.

Madeline Kaye, operations manager and event organiser for Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention. Ben Kaye, tattoo artist with 19 years’ experience and international work. They talk about apprenticeship and training, technological advances in tattooing, designing large and 3D-realism pieces, cultural ta moko representation, and the convention’s scale and artist lineup.

Jonathan McKenzie, editor of the Waikato Times and local reporter, paints a vivid picture of regional life. He discusses toxic cyanobacterial blooms hitting lakes and proposed ultrasonic buoy trials. He covers costly repairs to the Waikato Expressway and community frustration over road quality. He also shares quirky local stories from high teen licence pass rates to Gen Z-led bakery raves.

Sonia De Vries, a concise book reviewer, gives an in-depth look at Wings by Paul McCartney. She discusses the interview-driven, documentary style and year-by-year structure. She highlights Wings’ scrappy 1970s beginnings, live-concert innovations, lineup troubles and Linda McCartney’s reappraisal. She also notes the book’s rich photos and documentary roots.

Carrie Lancaster, event coordinator for the West Coast Wild Foods Festival in Hokitika, oversees stalls, programming and visitor info. She talks about an eclectic lineup of 57 food stalls and foraged beverages. Conversation covers cricket and bug preparations, how insects are presented, the mix of local and travelling vendors, music and feral fashion events, and timing based on weather patterns.

David Hall, co-founder of Toha Network focused on climate economics and policy. Tessa Vincent, policy advisor and climate campaigner who edited Kiwis and Climate. They discuss market and policy fixes for emissions, limits of the emissions trading scheme, financing upfront green investments, and community and farming approaches to local climate action.

Chris Niesche, Australia correspondent known for political and regional reporting, explains Australia sending defensive military support and radar assets to the Gulf. He covers parliamentary debate around the decision. He also reports on Iranian women footballers seeking asylum in Australia and a sextortion case that led to a teen's suicide and subsequent convictions.

Kay Saville-Smith, Research Director at CRESA who leads housing and maintenance research, discusses why an estimated 90% of NZ homes need upkeep. She explains how that figure and the $27b cost were derived. Conversations cover which homes are most vulnerable, changing materials and skills, resilient design choices, and practical tools like checklists and portals to help homeowners act.