Nine To Noon for Tuesday 24 March 2020

 

 

09:05 Covid-19 lock down - what next for workers?

Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni speaks with Kathryn Ryan about the financial assistance available to people no longer able to work due to Covid-19 restrictions, and what help there is for employers of essential services looking for staff.

09:15 How will businesses, workers, renters &  mortgage holders get through ?

Jarrod Kerr Chief Economist for Kiwibank talks to Kathryn Ryan about how is the economy going to keep ticking over during the crisis? He says banks are stronger than they were during the Global Financial Crisis and the government has plenty of head room.

09:25 University students scramble to get home

Around the country there are more than 16,000 students in university accommodation, they're urgently trying to get home or face the prospect of being locked up in their halls of residence. Victoria University Vice Chancellor Grant Guildford has the latest.

09:30 Transport woes for stranded students

Kathryn Ryan speaks with Rachel Uttley a Hawke's Bay Mum struggling to get her daughter home from Dunedin.

09:50 What new Covid-19 restrictions mean for tenants/landlords

Soon the country will reach Level 4 restrictions. It means many will be working from home, but as non-essential businesses close, it mean many will struggle to pay rent. At the same time, students are returning home, leaving unfinished tenancies in their wake, and landlords are worrying about mortgage repayments. Joining Kathryn Ryan to talk about this is Robert Whitaker from Renter's United, and The New Zealand Property Investors' Federation President Sharon Cullwick.

10:05 School's out: Now what?

Schools around the country have fallen silent today - as the doors are closed to all but the children of "essential workers". After tomorrow, they'll close to all students for at least the next four weeks. How well are schools prepared to deliver online learning, and how much teaching will parents be expected to do? How long can universities realistically deliver lectures and tutorials online? Joining Kathryn is Liam Rutherford, president of the NZEI, Chris Whelan, chief executive of Universities NZ and Chris Perry, president of the New Zealand Principals' Federation.

10:20 Covid-19 justice implications - clogged courts

Changes to the way courts normally operate are underway and Heads of Bench have identified proceedings that will be given priority, with special concern given to matters to do with liberty.The greatest impact is expected to be on the District Court, which includes the Family Court.To examine what lies ahead for people before the courts, those awaiting trial, sentencings and the protection of young people in custody : Criminal barrister and President of the Auckland District Law Society, Marie Dyhrberg, and from Oranga Tamariki, Ben Hannifin, general manager of Youth Justice Residences.

10:35 Some levity amongst the chaos - everyday life commentary

As sporting events around the world have been cancelled as Covid-19 has taken hold, a British rugby commentator has carved out a new niche for himself. Nick Heath has been recording commentaries (at a safe distance) of such mundane things as people crossing the road. The online postings have gone global!. 

10:40 Your Covid questions answered by microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles

If you have any questions for Dr Wiles, please email us at ninetonoon@rnz.co.nz or text us at 2101. 

11:05 Business commentator Rod Oram - supporting businesses to survive

Business commentator Rod Oram on how best to help support demand in the domestic economy and how some other countries are doing so.

 

11:15 Vets: an essential service

Vets are classified as an essential service during this escalated response to containing Covid-19. Indeed walking the dog features as one of the reasons people are allowed to leave the home - as long as dog walkers stay a safe distance (2m) away from other people.  The NZ Veterinary Association says there is limited evidence companion animals can be infected with COVID-19 or that pet dogs or cats can present a source of infection to humans or other animals. NZVA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Helen Beattie speaks with Kathryn Ryan.

11:20  Keep calm, anxiety is contagious

Professor of Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington, Marc Wilson has some advice for people feeling stressed and anxious.

11:45 Media commentator Andrew Holden

Andrew talks to Kathryn about newsroom contingency plans and how they're working as the Covid-19 outbreak intensifies.

Andrew Holden is a journalist for more than 30 years including five as Editor of The Press (in Christchurch) and four as Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne.