Nine To Noon for Wednesday 16 October 2019

 

09:05 Gang growth. More 'Underbelly' than "Once Were Warriors'.

Gangs are growing at their highest rate since the 1970s. What's behind the hike across New Zealand, especially in the provinces?  Detective Sergeant Ray Sunkel is presenting on the shocking statistics to the Police Association's annual conference later today, he joins Kathryn, along with gang expert Jarrod Gilbert.

09:20 Growing bio-materials for eye surgery 

Corneal transplant is a tricky business, but for many people it can be a life changing operation. However, cornea transplants are limited by donor numbers. Demand for corneal transplant organs far outstrips supply and for people needing this surgery there can be a very long wait on the list.

Dr Laura Domigan from Auckland University is trying to do something about that. She's a biomedical engineer and is working closely with ophthalmic surgeons to learn everything she can about the eye so she can help grow corneal tissue back, rather than replacing it. She is conducting this research with the support of the MacDiarmid Institute.

 

 

 

09:45 Australia correspondent Karen Middleton

Karen joins Kathryn to talk about the pressure the Prime Minister is under from drought-stricken farmers, a call to bring home the 66 Australian women and children who remain in ISIS holding camps as the Turkish army advances into Syria and a new bank inquiry as the economy slows.

10:05 Calm your Collywobbles! History Hustle's Joe Gillard

 Joe Gillard has put together a handy guide of old timey linguistic gems that once gave colourful expression to the English language. Words like honeyfuggle (to flatter someone), ninnyhammer (fool) and collywobbles (nervous anxiety). His book is called  'The Little Book of Lost Words' and it's providing delight to history buffs and word lovers alike. Joe Gillard is also the founder of 'History Hustle' a digital publication  for history fans which boasts over 320,000 loyal social media followers.

10:35 NZ Book review - Scented by Laurence Fearnley

Louise O'Brien from quarterly review periodical New Zealand Books Pukapuka Aotearoa, reviews Scented by Laurence Fearnley. This book is published by Penguin Random House.

10:45 The Reading

The Imaginary Lives of James Poneke by Tina Makereti read by Mitch Thomas. Episode 5 of 12.

11:05 A retrospective - and prospective - of Randy Newman

Music commentator Graeme Downes has booked his tickets for a night with Randy Newman when he's here in February. With six decades of back catalogue, Graeme picks five short songs that illustrate some of his best work.

 

11.30 The only way is up - green walls: Mel Robinson

Landscape architect Mel Robinson is interested in the aesthetic, health and environmental benefits of vertical green walls. At five storeys high, Mel recently designed New Zealand's tallest outdoor green walls for the St Mark's luxury apartment complex in Remuera, for which she has been awarded several awards, including a Homestar Innovation Point. Mel and her green wall designs are featuring in the Auckland Garden DesignFest next month.  Here's the Living Roof Guide that has a  “how to” guide to making your own green wall.

11:45 Employment law case: Morgan vs Tranzit Coachlines

Law commentator Charles McGuinness joins Kathryn to talk about fixed term employment agreements and a case called Morgan vs Tranzit Coachlines.

Charles McGuinness is an employment lawyer in Wellington.