From nine to noon every weekday, Kathryn Ryan talks to the people driving the news - in New Zealand and around the world. Delve beneath the headlines to find out the real story, listen to Nine to Noon's expert commentators and reviewers and catch up with the latest lifestyle trends on this award-winning programme.
Nine To Noon for Wednesday 13 May 2020:
9:09 Our national airline - up in the air? 9:40 Debate on urgent legislation for alert level 2 9:50 Oz Budget delayed, Alan Jones goes, trade war escalates 10:11 Birds of the Auckland Islands - Colin Miskelly: Lost Gold 10:41 Book review - My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell 11:06 Country Music Award nominees, Bic Runga's new band 11:25 Fāgogo on display at Auckland Festival of Photography 11:49 Art gets new lease of life at level 2.
Our national airline - up in the air?
As domestic travel takes off in alert level two, as of tomorrow, what confidence can customers have in our national airline? And what is the likely cascade effect on the wider tourism industry of uncertainty with air travel?
Air New Zealand has refused to refund flights cancelled due to lockdown, instead offering credits for unfulfilled bookings. There will be 20 per cent fewer domestic flights, with fewer seats available but at higher prices - so where do Air NZ passengers stand? Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chris Roberts, CEO of Consumer NZ Jon Duffy and independent aviation commentator Irene King discuss with Kathryn Ryan. Air NZ - again - declined an invitation to interview.
Debate on urgent legislation for alert level 2
Urgent debate will resume at Parliament this morning over legislation that would give authorities sweeping powers under alert level 2. National is not supporting the Covid-19 Public Health Response Bill, which is says endows unchecked powers and demonstrates a lack of trust in New Zealanders. The government says the law is necessary to enforce alert level 2 until a state of emergency is lifted. Political editor Jane Patterson joins Kathryn to pick through the politics in play.
Oz Budget delayed, Alan Jones goes, trade war escalates with China
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the sobering economic outlook delivered by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on what was supposed to be Budget day. Critics welcome controversial radio host Alan Jones' departure and Australia seems to be caught in an escalating trade war with China over its decision to press for an independent investigation into the origins of Covid-19.
Birds of the Auckland Islands - Colin Miskelly: Lost Gold
Snipeologist, Te Papa ornithologist, founder of bird identification website nzbirdsonline and identifier of Happy Feet Colin Miskelly tells Kathryn Ryan why birds have been taking his fancy for over four decades. Along with Craig Symes, Colin Miskelly has edited a beautiful new collection of science papers Lost Gold - Ornithology of the subantarctic Auckland Islands. 465 kms south of Bluff, some of this island group is among the least changed places in the world. They have a very special place in ornithological history, and birds a special place in Colin's heart: he's a self confessed bird nerd.
Book review - My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Louise O'Brien reviews My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell, published by HarperCollins.
The Reading
My Name Was Judas, episode 3. Written by C.K Stead, read by Stuart Devenie.
Country Music Award nominees, Bic Runga's new band
Music 101 host Charlotte Ryan joins Kathryn for a look at who's been nominated for the New Zealand Country Music Awards, the new band formed by Bic Runga called King Sweeties and the new recording of Benee's smash-hit single 'Supalonely' which is just called 'Lownely'.
Fagogo on display at Auckland Festival of Photography
The Auckland Festival of Photography is one that hasn't been cancelled due to Covid-19. One of those taking part is Raymond Sagapolutele, who hopes his images can complement the oral storytelling traditions - or Fāgogo - of Samoa. Raymond been commissioned to mount an exhibition for this month's Auckland Festival of Photography at Pah Homestead for after Queens Birthday weekend.
Art gets new lease of life at level 2
This week Mark Amery focuses on the reopening of our galleries and museums at level 2 and how they have fared closed - in particular a project that has seen five artists commissioned to create new video works from the bubbles about social distance by Christchurch Art Gallery, Spheres. It includes a pretty hilarious solo rework in isolation of iconic 80s teen flick The Breakfast Club by the artist behind the notorious giant hand sculpture 'Quasi', Ronnie van Hout.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/20200513