Nine To Noon

Chris Penk, Minister for Land Information, explains the government's push for faster land-taking powers and procedural tweaks. Tony Herring, Law Association president and public law expert, warns the reforms could reduce independent oversight and narrow owners’ options. They debate Environment Court roles, emergency powers, Transpower authority, and treatment of Māori freehold land.

Kennedy Warne, long‑time New Zealand Geographic writer covering nature, conservation and travel. He celebrates Otago Peninsula being declared possum-free and discusses tech like drones, thermal imagery and AI cameras aiding predator control. He also recounts National Geographic highlights: Milford Sound’s drama, glowworm caves, cultural visits to Ohinemutu, and a new find, Moke Lake near Queenstown.

Sarah Mills, co-founder of Seeds to Feed, runs community growing and harvest events. Jack Rainey, operations manager at Everybody Eats, runs pay-what-you-can meals from rescued ingredients. They chat about Te Aro Eats pop-ups, shared long-table seating to spark conversation, how rescued-food kitchens and volunteers operate, and the festival outreach that builds connection and accessibility.

Liam Hehir, a Palmerston North lawyer and political commentator with National ties, and Neale Jones, public affairs director and former chief of staff to Labour leaders, discuss crisis politics and government preparedness. They debate limits of action versus optics, foreign policy positioning, targeted relief and public transport measures, and political consequences like tax cuts, polls and leader stability.

David Williams, Newsroom's South Island correspondent who covers regional development, politics and community stories. He digs into why a council depot sale stalled and the affordable housing trade-offs at Sydenham. He reviews The Press’s South Island power players and exposes the ripple effects of Heinz Wattie’s factory cuts on farmers and local economies.

Laura Caygill, a book reviewer and journalist, gives a lively take on Charlotte Glennie’s memoir. She highlights the near‑fatal fall in Croatia and the long recovery threaded through a 30‑year reporting career. She touches on frontline coverage of major disasters, quirky and tender anecdotes, and a plea for stronger foreign reporting. Short, sharp, and hooky.

Charles Looker, musician and co-founder of Aro who works in education and with his iwi, and Emily Looker, musician and manager who balances producing, directing vocals and family life while touring. They talk about living and writing on the road in a caravan, weaving bilingual, genre‑blending songs, their daily caravan routines and tikanga, and plans for accessible nature-based tours.

Seamus Kearney, Europe correspondent based in France who covers EU politics, energy and regional elections. He breaks down how surging fuel and power costs forced leaders to scramble and national relief measures emerged. He maps how the Middle East crisis reshaped summit priorities and unpacks a tight Slovenian vote seen as a wider political test.

Jim Duffy, a urological surgeon, explains risk factors, screening, diagnosis, treatment and fertility issues around testicular cancer. He discusses why young men are affected, common symptoms and myths, the value of monthly self-checks, and practical supports like prostheses and sperm storage. The conversation highlights stigma, family risk and the importance of early detection.

James Waterhouse, BBC correspondent reporting from Jerusalem and the Turkey–Iran border. He describes Iran’s threats to Gulf infrastructure and the 48-hour ultimatum. Air-raid sirens and civilians fleeing toward Turkey are discussed. He explains divergent US and Israeli aims, risks of escalation and possible ground operations, plus flows across the border and rising violence in the West Bank.