Nine To Noon

09:05 "The NZDF has been let down for 35 years" : Judith Collins

The Defence Minister discusses the plan for a massive boost in defence spending - up to levels not seen since the early 1990s. Judith Collins has announced $12-billion worth of investment over the next four years, $9 billion of which is new money. The bulk will be spent on maritime, aerospace and information capabilities. This includes extending the lifetime of aging frigates, replacing the maritime helicopters, replacing the Boeing 757 fleet and upgrading cyber security capabilities.  There will also be investment in new capabilities to "enhance combat capability, including strike capacity" in a deteriorating security environment. She says the Defence Force has been let down for 35 years through lack of resourcing.

09:20 Climate change a major concern in latest 'state of the environment' stocktake

A new stocktake from the Ministry for the Environment has found floods are among the most frequent and damaging natural hazards New Zealand faces, but the risk of wildfires is expected to increase throughout the rest of the century. The triennial 'state of the environment' report, released in conjunction with Stats NZ, collates data on the state of our land, air, freshwater, marine habitats, and atmosphere and climate. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. Warmer and drier weather is predicted for the North Island, and wetter weather for the South. Meanwhile invasive species are spreading and threatening biodiversity, and contaminated drinking water poses public health risks. The Ministry's chief executive James Palmer speaks to Kathryn.

09:45 USA correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben

The US tariffs are blowing up markets worldwide and now President Trump is threatening to up the ante with China after it reciprocated tariffs. Also, Danielle explains the significance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race - won by a liberal candidate despite Elon Musk putting his own money behind the conservative pick.

Danielle Kurtzleben is a political correspondent assigned to NPR's Washington Desk.

10:05 CHAII: The Persian-Kiwi rapper with five Tūī nominations 

Whip-smart lyrics, intricate layering and heart-thumping rhythm - these are the foundations that make up CHAII, a Persian-Kiwi rapper and producer who's been on the rise for the last five years. And this morning, she's been announced as the most nominated artist in this year's Aotearoa Music Awards alongside Stan Walker. Her nominations include Album of the Year, Spotify Single of the Year, Best Electronic Artist, and Best Video Content for a self-directed music video. Her music blends rap and hiphop with her Persian roots, telling stories of migrating from Iran to New Zealand as an eight year old. CHAII's offstage name is Mona Senai and she joins Kathryn.

10:30 'Extensive damage' from tornado in Levin

There has been some wild weather in the lower North Island this morning - with heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms. Levin has been hard hit with reports of rooves lifted and trees down. RNZ reporter Jimmy Ellingham speaks to Kathryn from Levin.

10:35 Book review: The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz by Anne Sebba 

Harry Ricketts reviews The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz by Anne Sebba published by Hachette 

10:45 Around the motu: Peter de Graaf in Northland

Peter updates Kathryn on the latest events in Northland including Whangārei council’s fluoride battle, a survey finds one in four road workers are verbally abused every day, water restrictions ease in Northland, and rescued turtles return to the ocean after a long recovery.

RNZ Northland reporter Peter de Graaf based in Kerikeri

11:05 Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson

The markets are a sea of red after the US lays out an extensive tariff regime for the rest of the world. Rebecca also discusses the latest in the Du Val case with Charlotte Clarke's social media activity having a very different view of parts of the business to the liquidators. 

Rebecca Stevenson is a senior journalist at BusinessDesk.

11:30 What pets bring to our lives

Kat Littlewood, a veterinary specialist in animal welfare, talks with Kathryn about what pets bring to our lives, ahead of National Pet Day later this week.  What are the advantages of having a pet? Text your questions for Kat to 2101.

11:45 Sports correspondent Joe Porter

Liam Lawson has a disappointing return to the Racing Bulls at the Japanese Grand Prix. Joe previews the Super Rugby Aupiki final is this weekend - who is the favourite? In the men's competition, Moana Pasifika make history while mountain biker Sammie Maxwell becomes the first NZ female to win a UCI Cross-Country World Cup.