Nine To Noon for Monday 21 June 2021

09:05 Kiwi households struggle to pay power bills amid price hikes

Rising power prices have are placing Kiwi households under pressure, with 18 per cent reporting a struggle to pay bills over the past year.  Consumer NZ's most recent survey found 16 per cent of people had missed paying their power bill by the due date, 12 per cent had overdue fees as a result and one in ten said they'd been refused service by a power company because of missed payments. There's no requirement for retailers to supply power, and in 2020 there were more than 12,500 disconnections for non-payment of bills. Nau Mai Rā is the country's first Māori power retailer, and it's petitioning the government to ensure electricity generators provide fair and affordable wholesale pricing to retailers representing vulnerable communities. It wants to see a retailer of last resort nominated, that won't turn anyone away. Kathryn talks to co-founder Ezra Hirawani and a customer,  Jamie, who was turned away by multiple other providers due to her credit history.

09:30 Clean-up begins in Tokomaru Bay

A big clean-up is underway in Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast following a weekend deluge of more than 200mm of rain in 24 hours. Kathryn speaks to Gisborne Regional  Civil Defence Group Controller David Wilson.

09:40 Wellington Spatial Plan: Heritage or new houses? 

A controversial plan to create more homes for a growing population in Wellington is back on the council's table, with another version of the 30 year Spatial Plan released last week, to be voted on this Thursday. 
The latest iteration increased the areas of houses protected due to their character, to the dismay of people who want to see more growth in the city. But character areas will be reduced by 60 percent compared to now under the plan. Key to the creation of the spatial plan, which will dictate how the city is built for the next 30 years, is the direction of the Government as set out in the New Policy Statement for Urban Development. The legislation calls for councils to make sure planning is meeting demand, and that developments suit the community. Senior Lecturer at Victoria University's Wellington School of Architecture Guy Marriage discusses the plan with Kathryn. 

09:45 South America correspondent Katy Watson

In Brazil, there have been half a million Covid 19 deaths and critics of President Bolsonaro have called for nationwide protests, seeking impeachment and vaccines. Also there have been widespread demonstrations in Colombia in recent months against the government. Initially sparked by a tax reform that has since been withdrawn, but protestors are now demanding better opportunities for young people and an end to police violence.

10:05 Tokomaru Bay flood evacuees

Kathryn speaks to Tokomaru Bay residents affected by flooding in the area, including Rick Whaitiri - from Arthur Street in Tokomaru Bay who says it was like a dam burst through his property, washing away his sister's caravan. She'll also talk to Irena Smith and Kevin McKay.

10:15 Envoy: Shark Cull - Andre Borell

Although some are protected and endangered, off Australia's east coast sharks are also culled - according to a new documentary. Narrated by Eric Bana, Envoy: Shark Cull is about the world's longest running coastal shark safety programmes. Shark nets and drum lines have been in place since the 1930s in Queensland and in New South Wales, with the stated aim of keeping swimmers safe. The film delivers the message that shark protection programmes aren't just counter-productive and cruel, they are creating "a floating seafood buffet for large predators".  Kathryn speaks with Envoy: Shark Cull director Andre Borell. Envoy: Shark Cull is released in NZ in July.

10:35 Book review: Rangikura by Tayi Tibble  

Paul Diamond reviews Rangikura by Tayi Tibble, published by VUP   

10:45 The Reading

11:05 Political commentators Jones and Hehir

Neale, Liam and Kathryn talk about the positive forecasts for the economy, tempered with worker shortages set to bite. Also the latest Covid vaccine rollout and whether the booking system is robust enough.

Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is director of Capital Government Relations.
Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member

 

11:30  Healthy nutrition for women at every stage

In our food slot today we're looking at nutrition and how to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of women at all stages of life. Australia's national science agency, CSIRO conducts research into human health including disease prevention. It has released a new book The CSIRO Women's health and nutrition guide. From puberty to menopause and old age - we'll explore how crucial food and lifestyle are to maintaining good health as a woman's body changes across a life span. Gemma Williams is a Research Dietitian with CSIRO's Nutrition and Health Programme Adelaide and has some recipes for all ages..

 

11:45 Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne

Kennedy talks to Kathryn about his four days on the Paparoa Track, the country's newest Great Walk. He has now cycled it and walked it - traversing from one side of the Paparoa National Park to the other.