Afternoons for Wednesday 5 April 2023

 

1:15 Increased cost of dying in NZ

Everyday we hear more about the devastating impact the rising cost of living has on families, particularly those on lower and fixed incomes.

One of the lesser talked about, but equally impacted aspects of those costs is the increased cost of dying.

In fact, the ongoing rise of the costs associated with death have prompted funeral directors to even call the situation a crisis for many trying to farewell loved ones with dignity and respect.

Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand Chief Executive Gillian Boyes talks to Jesse.

1:25 Using emojis instead of words isn't a great idea online

If you love using emojis to communicate online - it's a big thumbs down from researchers looking at electronic transactions. 

Monash University researchers found that using emojis rather than words to complete sentences is actually a turn off for potential customers or people trading online.

It was worse when non-face emojis were used as well.

To explain this all further, Dr  Bhoomija Ranjan from Monash Business School talks to Jesse.

1:35 Fall prevention tool designed by Canterbury University students

A simple invention called a "couch pole" could help reduce falls and injuries for older people.

A group of Canterbury students doing their honours in engineering designed the couch pole to help people get from a seated to standing position safely.

They're partnered with health tech company Enztec to develop it further.

CEO of Enztec Iain McMillan talks to Jesse about the device.

1:45 NZ Handcyclist becomes Oceania Champion

Over the weekend Timaru handcyclist Jono Nelson won the title of Oceania Champion!

The Oceania Road Cycling Championships were held in Brisbane over the weekend

After the race Jono posted on Facebook, "today I completed the hardest road race of my life"

Jono speaks to Jesse about his triumph and goal of going to the Olympics.

2.12 Podcast Critic: Adam Burns

Today RNZ Christchurch reporter Adam Burns is reviewing podcasts Broken Record and What A Lad.

2:25 Bookmarks with Ingrid Hipkiss

Today's Bookmarks guest is a journalist with an impressive two decades in the field and the newest addition to RNZ's flagship Morning Report team.

Ingrid starts her presenting duties on Morning Report from next Tuesday alongside Corin Dann.

To get to know her a bit better Ingrid shares what she likes to read, watch and listen to when she's not working.

3:10 Declining mental health in teens, a solution may have been found

The data tells the story we already knew was true. Teenagers are facing a mental health crisis, with soaring rates of anxiety and depression. Right around 2012, in English speaking countries including New Zealand, teen mental health collapsed. Why? Prominent teen mental health experts brought in research assistant  Zach Rausch to review the data and look for an answer. They may have found it. Rausch shares what they have learned so far that may help us help our teenagers.

3:35 Stories from Our Changing World

Coming up on Our Changing World, the Rotopiko wetland complex is being threatened by the droppings of hundreds of thousands of roosting birds each evening.

Claire Concannon visits to learn more about the place, the problem, and the solutions to try tackle it.

3:45 The Panel with Sue Bradford and Nick Leggett