Nine To Noon for Wednesday 9 February 2022

 

09:05 (Slowly) cracking open the border - will it make a dent in worker shortages?

The government last week delivered a timeline for the border to  - slowly - crack open again, but many in the primary sector fear it'll be too late to make a dent in their worker shortages and help meet critical deadlines. Vaccinated Kiwis in Australia can come home at the end of this month, while those New Zealanders in other parts of the world will be welcome from March 13 - which is also when higher-paid skilled migrants and those on working holiday visas can gain entry. But it's not until mid-April that the offshore temporary visa holders that many industries rely on will be able to start returning - with the possibility of further class exceptions for lower-paid critical workforces. And decisions are still being made on what the phasing in will look like. Kathryn speaks with two representatives of the primary sector: Philip Gregan from New Zealand Winemakers and Chris Lewis, board member and employment spokesperson for Federated Farmers.

09:30 Will new disability legislation include access to media?

People who are deaf, blind or low vision are currently missing out being able to fully access one of life's simple pleasures - watching TV. Currently, NZ on Air funds closed captions and audio description services, but it doesn't cover all scheduled programming. There is no legislation requiring a minimum amount of captioning or audio description, putting New Zealand out of step with other OECD nations. It's hoped that better access to media will be captured by the proposed accessibility legislation unveiled by the government in October, alongside a new Ministry for Disabled People. Disability advocates warn the new legislation must include provisions for accessing information, communications and technology, and if lawmakers don't get it right from the outset, it could take decades to undo the damage. Kathryn speaks with Wendy Youens the chief executive of Able, the country's leading provider of media access services, and John Mulka, chief executive of Blind Low Vision NZ.

09:45 Australia: Anti-vax protesters, PM's poll trouble, apology to women

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton joins Kathryn to talk about the anti-vax protest that has tried to take over Parliament House in Canberra. Meanwhile Covid has ripped through aged care homes, with 530 residents dying of the disease this year. Scott Morrison's popularity has plunged in the polls, and Parliament has issued a formal apology to women and men who suffered sexual assault and harassment while working there following a damaging report last year. And why has Australia's successful men's cricket coach Justin Langer quit?

10:05 The long shadow of childhood trauma

Pioneering American psychiatrist Dr Bruce Perry talks to Kathryn about the  impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain and the implications for clinical practice. For three decades he has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children's mental health and the neurosciences, holding a variety of academic positions. Dr. Perry is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network, Senior Fellow of The Child Trauma Academy. He is a bestselling author and the co-author of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog.

10:35 Police gather at Parliament, convoy protest heats up

Dozens of police officers have arrived on Parliament grounds, where some protestors who were part of yesterday's convoy have been camped out overnight. Kathryn speaks with Political Editor Jane Patterson about what's developing. 

10:40 Book review: Renegades by Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen

Quentin Johnson reviews Renegades by Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen, published by Penguin Random House.

10:45 The Reading

Jamie McCaskill reads episode 7 of SPIDER by William Taylor. Today: Spider is in Wellington waiting for the final rounds of the Goldman Piano Prize.

11:05 Music with Kirsten Johnstone

Music commentator Kirsten Johnstone joins Kathryn to share some uplifting music from Kae Tempest, Big Thief and Noah Slee. 

11:30 Deciphering the love language of text

California based psychiatrist Mimi Winsberg has been studying the insights the language of text can provide about the personalities of online daters. Her book Speaking in Thumbs expands on the subtle signals, hidden messages and the red flags to look for.

11:45 New study into Covid's effects on the cardiovascular system

Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about a new study that highlights the importance of getting boosted, and another that investigated the impact of Covid on the cardiovascular system of US military personnel. She'll also answer listener questions on Covid; you can email ninetonoon@rnz.co.nz or text the programme on 2101.

Associate Professor Dr Siouxsie Wiles is the head of Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University of Auckland.