Nine To Noon

Book review: Sound Mind Dead Body by Dave Warner

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa Finucane reviews Sound Mind Dead Body by Dave Warner, published by Fremantle Press.

New novel counting the journey of resistance agent Nancy Wake

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Award-winning children's non-fiction author Maria Gill is back with a new book about famous resistance agent Nancy Wake. The young adult novel - A Fla...

UK correspondent Dan Bloom

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Westminster in a four week holding pattern waiting for Andy Burnham to - maybe - become prime minister. Government ministers are pressing supermarkets...

Controversial Sams Creek gold mine application declined

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A controversial gold mining application for Sams Creek in Golden Bay has been declined after a long running campaign by locals who feared its impact o...

Shaky business confidence puts dent in work vehicle sales

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fewer work utes, vans and truck were sold in April, compared to the previous year, which motor industry experts say is further evidence of shaky busin...

Citrus growers question supermarket pricing

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Citrus growers call for transparency in pricing - with many saying what's charged at the supermarket doesn't match what they are getting paid for thei...

Money with Susan Edmunds

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Consumer New Zealand says no bank has earned one of its People's Choice awards. 

Creating a fantasy world with Pasifika flavour

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kenneth Chapman on creating a fantasy world that reflected  himself. with his children's book  Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove. .

Around the motu: Jared McCulloch 1 News Reporter in Queenstown

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Health investment for  Queenstown and Central Otago District, electricty conference, feasibility study on the Whoosh gondola system, the film and T...

Book review: Have This Heart by Lawrence Patchett

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Harry Ricketts reviews Have This Heart by Lawrence Patchett, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.

Geoff Chase notches 100 PhD successes

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Geoff Chase has helped 100 doctoral students get over the line and now boasts a global network of researchers across academia and industry.  

Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Annika Smethurst is Victorian Affairs editor at The Age.

New handbook to help music therapy choirs be more accessible

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The co-founder of a therapeutic choir for people with brain conditions, has developed a handbook so more choirs can be established around the country....

Fees-free study didn't remove real barriers to tertiary study

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New research found little evidence that the scheme had actually widened access to tertiary studies.

Calls to fulfil defence housing promise amid security concerns

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An advocacy group for serving Defence Force personnel is concerned capital spending on new aircraft and ships will take focus away from continued poor...

Sports correspondent Sam Ackerman

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland FC are one win away from glory in the men's A-League, after a record-breaking season for the Wellington Phoenix in the women's league. Sam al...

Suzie Miller on bringing Ginsburg's life to the stage

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the pre-eminent jurists of her time; the second woman appointed to the US Supreme Court, she served for nearly 30 years...

Business commentator Thomas Manch

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A surge in social media-fueled run clubs is boosting 'super shoe' sales and providers are dominating a multi-million dollar corporate mental health bo...

Around the motu: Kelly Makiha from the Rotorua Daily Post

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly discusses the $3.6 million in taxpayer funded repairs to emergency housing. She explains how the new average speed camera zone will work along w...

Book review: Slash by Gavin Strawhan

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gail Pittaway reviews Slash by Gavin Strawhan, published by Allen & Unwin NZ.

World authority on medieval manuscripts traces Dunedin roots

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher de Hamel traces his lifelong obsession with medieval manuscripts back to a childhood visit to Dunedin Public Library.

USA correspondent David Smith

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

During his high-stakes Beijing summit with Xi Jinping, President Trump pushed for a massive Boeing jet deal.

Northland gym hoping bouldering becomes an Olympic sport

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Three couples have taken a leap and opened a bouldering gym in Whangarei - no ropes, no harnesses and a climb of up to 4.5m.

Canterbury researchers launching drug tests

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers have created a shoebox-sized, fully automated laboratory to help develop better medicines in space. 

New dentistry qualifications, but struggle for all clinic staff

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The New Zealand Dental Association has called for a 50 percent increase in Otago University dentistry graduates. 

Off the beaten track with Hazel Phillips

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hazel Phillips was warned not to attempt the Three Passes route solo, and for 10 years, listened. But after too many false starts - bad weather, work ...

Life-long love of good food drives Good Chow

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny Yang grew up around fresh food, natural flavour, and home meals made with love and care. 

Political commentators Dale Husband and Ben Thomas

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs programme. Ben Thomas is a former National ...

Around the motu: Amy Williams RNZ senior reporter in Auckland

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Amy discusses the expected announcement in the coming weeks over a second harbour crossing.

Book review: Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gina Rogers reviews Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, published by Macmillan.

The search for the perfect red

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The search is on for a crimson hue that is both vibrant and lasting. 

Award winning doc explores thrills and risk of motorbike riding

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand filmmaker Brooke Darrow has won best documentary  at the London International Student Film Festival. 

Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Eurovision Song Contest overshadowed by boycotts over Gaza, 36 nations & EU back Nuremburg-style court to prosecute Russia, Judge refuses early releas...

GPS device to keep track of boaties when cell range drops out

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time a GPS device that seamlessly switches to satellite once cellular connectivity is out of range, is available for recreational boat u...

QR 'quishing' scams on rise

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The rise of QR scams known as quishing.

Christchurch townhouse boom leaves some out of pocket

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The head of a Christchurch-based building co-operative says a flood of townhouses on the market is causing problems.

Sports Editor Dana Johannsen

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley named his 26-strong squad on Thursday for the Fifa World Cup, two New Zealand clubs still active post the regular A-le...

Friday Funnies: Te Radar and Irene Pink

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Our comedians are here for a lighter look at some of the weeks stories.

Around the motu: Jonathan Leask from the Ashburton Guardian

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathan reports on the on-going battle to get a second bridge underway in Ashburton, the amalgamation question in front of local councils and a world...

After Oscar: The Legacy of a Scandal by Merlin Holland

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dean Bedford reviews After Oscar: The Legacy of a Scandal by Merlin Holland, published by Europa Editions.

Art exhibition looks at the restoration of waterways

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new art exhibition, shaped by Cyclone Gabrielle, has a focus on waterways and climate resilience. Currents Calling Home has opened at the Hastings ...

AMA nominee Ladi6

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hip-hop soul singer Ladi6 - aka Karoline Fuarosa Park-Tamati is a finalist in three categories at the Aotearoa Music Awards later this month. Followin...

Asia correspondent on President Trump's visit to China

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump in China for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Edward White is the Financial Times China correspondent...

Tom Sainsbury on protecting satire and parody

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Members Bill was drawn from the so-called biscuit tin in 2024 and passed it's first reading on - appropriately perhaps - April Fools Day this year...

The human story behind the criminal justice system

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Asher says the country's ever-increasing muster is because it is ultimately cheaper to put people in jail than to pay for the support services that mi...

Screentime: Half Man, Criminal Record 2, Episode One Redux

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Film and television reviewer Tamar Munch 

The value in kids stepping up to stop peers being bullied

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tomorrow is Pink Shirt Day - the annual fundraiser  that aims to raise awareness about bullying. 

Tech: First Mythos - now the rest, RAMageddon and more

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Technology commentator Mark Pesce on the latest issues.

Around the motu: Samantha Gee, RNZ's reporter in Nelson

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The trial of Haydn Tasker who is alleged to have murdered Nelson policewoman Lyn Fleming, problems with drunken teens, Ai helping marine famers and th...

Book review: The Good Settler by Richard Shaw

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Diamond reviews The Good Settler by Richard Shaw, published by Massey University Press.

Ingrid Horrocks takes top fiction prize with All Her Lives

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A collection of short stories about women across generations has taken out New Zealand's top prize for fiction. All Her Lives by Ingrid Horrocks was l...

UK: Starmer's leadership faces toughest test yet

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

UK correspondent Harry Taylor details the latest in the leadership crisis facing PM Sir Keir Starmer. 

Every Bite - helping families find ways to avoid food waste

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This month, families are getting help to reduce food waste through the Every Bite programme that gives a whole host of practical tips. 

No evidence to support immigration law changes - lawyer

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A leading immigration and human rights lawyer says plans to clamp down on asylum seekers, and make it harder for decisions for deportation to be appea...

Worries about funding under new Conservation Reform Bill

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Federated Mountain clubs is concerned that international visitor access charges to top conservation sites could get rolled into day to day funding rat...

What to do if you're worried about someone's sudden weight loss

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What's the best way to approach a loved one or friend if you're worried about their sudden weight loss and what it could mean? What are the red flags,...

New Zealand's Zine scene

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A hallmark of the punk scene in the 1980s, Zines are now thriving with their own festivals throughout the country. 'Zinester' Bryce Galloway has writt...

Around the motu: Kaitlyn Morrell of the Bay of Plenty times

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kaitlyn discusses the close of a long-running pub in Tauranga's CBD, levels of immigration scepticism in the Bay of Plenty, three historic caves are p...

Out of the Blue: Essays on Artists by Christina Barton

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

David Hill reviews Out of the Blue: Essays on Artists from Aotearoa New Zealand 1985-2021 by Christina Barton, published by Te Herenga Waka University...

London Falling: A young man's mysterious death

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the small hours of a November morning in 2019, a security camera at London's MI6 building captured a figure falling five storeys from an apartment ...

Australia: Tax overhaul, virus quarantine, paratrooper death

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton details what was unveiled in the federal Budget, where Hantavirus cruise passengers from Australia are being ...

More AI - digital health leaders hear about new opportunities

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ensuring health data can flow across health services has been one of the big topics for a gathering of digital health leaders in Wellington.

Whakatāne turns to the community to fund slip-closed walkway

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Local councils are facing a long list of expenditures from water services, to roading, to storm repairs and on top of all of that a planned rates cap....

Calls for New Zealand to plan for future threats

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The fuel crisis and all the hardship it's causing has brought into focus how under prepared New Zealand is to deal with major threats to this country'...

Sports correspondent Sam Ackerman

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Wellington Phoenix women's team are off to a grand final, while in men's football Auckland FC are one step away. The All Blacks bring back a legen...

Guy Hessell on the benefits of going native in the garden

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Like so many kids, Guy Hessell's first job was mowing lawns. When he started redesigning his parents' garden - with dubious results - they passed it o...

Business commentator Hamish McNicol

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hamish also discusses Rocket Lab reaching record-breaking heights with new contracts, while Pacific Edge launches a $24 million capital raise to survi...

Book review: The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Emma Hislop reviews The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch, published by Allen & Unwin.

Around the motu: Peter de Graaf, RNZ's reporter in Northland

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Peter discusses the planned managed retreat of the township of Whirinaki, the social housing planned for a flood zone in Kawakawa, the mystery death o...

Veteran climate activist outraged by Govt's legal manoeuvre

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Supreme Court ruling in 2024 ruled Mike Smith had the right to sue the New Zealand-based companies.

Siri Hustvedt's tribute to her late husband Paul Auster

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When Paul Auster died his wife Siri - herself an acclaimed novelist and essayist - was haunted by his loss and her latest work is a memoir called Gho...

USA correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Simultaneously, a recent Supreme Court decision has sparked a redistricting surge in Republican-led states, potentially shifting the balance of power ...

Plans to make life jackets mandatory in Auckland

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Under present rules whoever is in charge of the boat can give people permission not to wear life jackets. 

The challenges of health planning

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Gary Jackson leads the population health team at Te Whatu Ora, which includes public health doctors, analysts, demographers, and advisors.

Tourism businesses react to trans-Tasman flights being cutt

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Qantas Group says Qantas and Jetstar flights from Australia would be reduced by four percent due to high fuel costs. It follows the announcement of ea...

Urban Issues with Bill McKay

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bill dicusses two topics related to how territory is divided up. First, the announcement that local councils need to come up with plans for amalgamati...

How creating kettle corn keeps this family thriving

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What was supposed to be a weekend side-hustle has grown into a full-time family affair for Donna-Marie Carr, her husband and their three children. Tha...

Political commentators Neale Jones and Peter Dunne

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kathryn, Peter and Neale discuss recent events in politics including plans by the Internal Affairs Minister for a citizenship test.

Around the motu: Tom Hunt, senior reporter for The Post in Wellington

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tom discusses the $130k spent on bespoke council office art, more than 60 properties ask to have heritage status removed, a campaign to reduce council...

Book review: Side Character Energy by Olivia Tolich

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Holly Walker reviews Side Character Energy by Olivia Tolich, published by Text Publishing.

Ann Beaglehole tells the story of her family's escape from the Hungarian Revolution

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and historian Ann Beaglehole has released a striking memoir recounting her family's journey to New Zealand as refugees fleeing the Hungarian Re...

Sophie Lloyd is an award-winning and skilled film gaffer

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sophie Lloyd is a highly skilled gaffer - or the chief lighting technician who works closely with the director of photography.

Foreign correspondent Daniel Schweimler in South America

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Argentina is home to the deadly Hantavirus Andes strain. What is being done, what is Hantavirus and should we be concerned about it spreading? US pres...

Tackling Northland's waste problem, one piece of junk at a time 

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Heath and Eva Nixon remove people's unwanted household items, furniture, appliances, and general clutter. 

Corrections staff say fuel crisis impacting commute

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The union representing prison workers says the fuel crisis is taking its toll on staff - many of whom have hours-long commutes to get to the prison. ...

Tale of two electricity networks

10 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Two major networks serving nearly a million people are likely to seek Commerce Commission approval to hike rates for households and businesses. 

Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dame Lisa Carrington won't be competing as expected at this weekend's Canoe Sprint World Cup, New Zealand Rugby's announced its new CEO, and the Whit...

Friday funnies

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Friday funnies

Around the motu: Ian Allen in Marlborough

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Borrowing for Picton's ferry terminal, support for  Marlborough based Sounds Air, a community fundraiser in the Waihopai Valley also hopes to tackle ...

Book review: Death of an Ordinary Man by Sarah Perry

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Susanna Andrew of Unity Books Wellington reviews Death of an Ordinary Man by Sarah Perry, published by Penguin Random House.

Abe's Bagels sold for undisclosed sum

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealanders aren't big bagel fans, but when Kiwis do turn to one, there is one brand that shoppers pick over the others. Abe's Bagels, which will m...

Richard Shaw's books on his journey to understand colonisation

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Massey University academic, Richard Shaw's final book in a trilogy on family stories and colonisation.

Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele ousted, New Caledonia suspends trade cooperation with Vanuatu, Starlink set to return to Papua New Guinea and a sec...

Restoring Wellington's largest stream system

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After more than a century of neglect, restoration work is well underway to restore Wellington's largest stream system, the Kaiwharawhara awa. The prog...

Is owning a rental property still worth it?

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Stagnant rents, vacancies and falling capital gains and seeing so-called mum and dad investors are pulling back from owning rental properties. But wha...

Tackling ED waiting times in with a surgical assessment unit

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dunedin Hospital has a new nurse led assessment unit that it's hoped will take the pressure off the emergency department. Southern chief nurse, Jane ...

Screentime: The Devil Wears Prada 2, Widow's Bay, and more

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Film and TV reviewer James Croot joins Susie to discuss The Devil Wears Prada sequel, does it live up to the first - which was made 20 years ago? Wido...

How grandparents are vital for the wellbeing of our mokopuna

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

André Ngapo is learning designer and national coach at Brainwave Trust Aotearoa which focuses giving tamariki the best start in life. 

Tech: Landline comeback, China to protect jobs from AI

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Technology journalist Bill Bennett joins Susie to talk about how a move to "digital minimalism" is seeing younger parents reinstalling home phones to ...

Around the motu: Jesse Archer in Taupo

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Local worries over council reform, drive to prevent deaths during Road Safety Week, winter PJ drive, and new bridge underway for Tongariro River Trail...