

Nine To Noon
RNZ
Smart, in-depth and relentlessly curious, host Kathryn Ryan dives into the stories shaping New Zealand and its people. Interviews and expert analysis from around the world and at home. It’s where big ideas are unpacked and everyday life explored.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 13min
IRD increases view of crypto activity
Ian Fay, a Deloitte partner who advises on crypto tax and compliance. He explains which platforms must report user identities to IRD and how swaps and DeFi lending can trigger taxable disposals. He covers timing of gains versus losses, recordkeeping challenges with international platforms, and how indirect exposure via funds changes tax treatment.

Mar 23, 2026 • 19min
Concerns Public Works Act changes strip landowner rights
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.

Mar 22, 2026 • 11min
Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne
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.

Mar 22, 2026 • 11min
Eating out with a difference
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.

9 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 24min
Political commentators Neale Jones and Liam Hehir
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.

Mar 22, 2026 • 12min
Around the motu: David Williams Newsroom's Te Waipounamu,
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.

Mar 22, 2026 • 7min
Book review: Every Second Counts by Charlotte Glennie
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.

Mar 22, 2026 • 26min
The husband and wife team behind Aro on life in a caravan
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.

Mar 22, 2026 • 10min
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney
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.

Mar 22, 2026 • 12min
How a simple testicle check could save young men
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.


