Nine To Noon for Monday 21 March 2022

09:05  Now I don't know my ABC: The perilous state of literacy in NZ

A new report brings into sharp focus what needs to happen to prevent the current over a third of fifteen year olds from struggling with maths, reading and writing. Now I don't know my ABC: The perilous state of literacy in Aotearoa New Zealand  is a new report from the Education Hub, a not-for-profit group aiming to bridge the gap between research and what actually goes on in education. It follows up on a set of statistics presented in a 2020 UNICEF report showing 35% of fifteen-year-old Kiwis struggle with maths, reading and writing, while the rest - 65% - have at least basic proficiency in reading and maths. To break it down further, 19% are illiterate and another 21% only have basic ability in literacy.  These are devastating facts for Education Hub founder, and report lead author Nina Hood, who tells Lynn Freeman the report has attempted to understand more fully where we're at and how we got here, in order to address this literary crisis, and, though it acknowledges there is no quick fix, what needs to happen to affect positive change.

09:30 The battle for the Auckland mayoralty 

Some hats are already in the ring to replace Phil Goff, who are they and what are the most pressing issues facing Auckland? NZ Herald Supercity reporter Bernard Orsman  has the latest. He's covered local government for more than 20 years.

09:45 Canada correspondent Catherine Cullen

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  looks at an "aggressive increase" in defence spending amidst a push to further help Ukraine. Also Catherine talks to Lynn about Canada pulling back on most of its Covid restrictions.

Catherine Cullen is a Senior Reporter on Parliament Hill for CBC News.

10:05 Five still missing in waters off North Cape

Maritime New Zealand says the search is continuing to find the five unaccounted people in the waters off North Cape. An emergency beacon was activated by a vessel about eight o'clock last night. 10 people were on board and five were rescued and are now in a stable condition in Kaitaia Hospital. Helicopters and boats have been out searching the water this morning and ground crews also searching along the shoreline. Lynn gets an update from search and rescue officer Nick Burt. 

10:10 A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl

Jonathan Slaght spent five years risking life and limb in the remote forests of eastern Russia researching the largest and one of the most elusive owls  on the planet. The endangered Blakiston's fish owl has a wingspan of six feet and are the easiest to find in winter, where their tracks can be spotted along the snowy river banks. Jonathan Slaght has long been enamoured by the mysterious bird and alongside a devoted team, embarked on a research mission involving blizzards, the crossing of thawing rivers and the threat of a run in with bears and tigers. 
Lynn Freeman spoke to Slaght about his book, 'A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl,' documenting his adventures. 

10:30 Wild weather lashes Auckland, Northland 

Thunderstorms and lightning have lashed Northland and Auckland this morning causing widespread disruption, including power outages, school closures, property damage and flooding. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for the Rodney, Gulf, Kaipara, Auckland City, Waitakere, Franklin and Albany areas. More than 4000 lightning strikes were recorded in the Auckland and lower Northland regions, with more than 700 in the space of five minutes earlier this morning. According to NIWA records, Auckland recorded its second wettest hour on record this morning. Lynn speaks with Met Service meteorologist, Lewis Ferris.

10:35 Book review: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Kiran Dass reviews Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, published by Faber   

10:45 The Reading

11:05 Political commentators Thomas & Te Pou

The last elements of Covid restrictions are coming down fast - Ben, Shane and Lynn discuss who the transition will benefit and what political risk the changes carry. Also with Simon Bridges leaving parliament, National has a new finance spokesperson with Nicola Willis, and what the latest political poll is showing.

Ben Thomas is a PR consultant and a former National Government press secretary.

Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. He is a Director and HR Manager for IT Company Mega.

11:30 Kilts, haggis and whiskey: A taste of Dunedin's only Scottish Restaurant

Dunedin may be known as the Edinburgh of the south, but it only has one Scottish restaurant- Bracken. It is owned by Jacqueline and David Burt who emigrated to New Zealand 12 years ago, spending the first 9 years in Kaikoura. The menu changes weekly but there are some staple ingredients, such as haggis and whiskey served every which way. There's tartan on the walls and the staff even wear kilts. Lynn Freeman speaks to David about his passion for Scottish cuisine. 

11:45 Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne

As the weather turns colder, Kennedy reflects on something truly cold: the wreck of Shackleton's ship "Endurance," discovered a fortnight ago on the bottom of the Weddell Sea in Antarctica. He also provides an update on "Lucky", the kereru which has evaded predators and reached the age of 60 days on Rod Morris's property at The Cove, Otago Peninsula. And he shares some thoughts on cycling the Karangahake Gorge section of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

 

Music played in this show

Artist: Aldous Harding

Track: The Barrell

Time played: 11:45am