Nine To Noon for Wednesday 25 January 2023

 

 

09:05 CPI - inflation may ease, but cost of living still too high

Some economists are picking inflation is at its crest, and with an easing in price rises expected this year, albeit amid the prospect of further interest rate rises and an economic recession. The latest quarterly Consumer Price Index - or CPI figures are out this morning.  Inflation numbers for the final three months of last year are widely expected to render the annual inflation rate fractionally lower at 7.1 percent (from 7.2 percent) - short of the Reserve Bank's November forecast of a 7.5 percent annual rate.  But a reduction in prices at the pump before Christmas have been countered by high grocery bills and an on-going rise in household costs.  For a preview of the CPI announcement Kathryn is joined by Kiwi Bank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr who is predicting inflation is close to its peak, also FINCAP manager of Bay Financial Mentors in Tauranga, Shirley McCombe.

09:30 'Liquid gold': East Cape's mānuka oil and the company driving research into it

Oil from mānuka  trees grown in East Cape is being used to develop treatments for skin infections that are usually only cured by antibiotics. Mānuka  was used as a traditional medicine by Māori, and in the last few decades numerous studies have been done into its anti-microbial, antifungal and antibacterial benefits. One company driving the research is Manuka Bioscience, which manages six mānuka  plantations in partnership with Iwi landowners, some of whom are shareholders in the company. It produces a range of products, including its ManukaRX skincare brand, while the outcome of trials into manuka oil's efficacy in treating mild to severe eczema and impetigo  - or school sores - is expected later in the year. Kathryn is joined by Stuart Cairns, co-founder and CEO of Manuka Bioscience.

09:45 Australia: Inflation, controversial holiday, Qantas woes

Australia correspondent Chris Niesche joins Kathryn to preview inflation figures out this week - has it peaked? Debate over Australia Day continues, with some choosing to forgo observing the public holiday and take another day off instead. He'll also look at a string of incidents - albeit unrelated - plaguing Qantas.

10:05 A journey into the ancient world with bestselling author, Conn Iggulden

Conn Iggulden has written many historical fiction books set in the ancient world. His latest book, Lion is set in and follows the fortunes of Pericles, a famous statesman of Athens. Other works include : the Emperor Series based around the life of Julius Caesar, and the Conqueror Series, based on the life of Mongol warlords and also The War of the Roses series. In a departure from that he also co-authored with his brother Hal the extremely popular The Dangerous Book for Boys. With 20 years as a published and prolific author, it's not unusual for him to release a book a year, and often two.

 

10:35 Book review: Three of the best from 2022: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, Eden by Jim Crace and The Trees by Percival Everett

Louise O'Brien reviews three of her favourite books from last year: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, published by  Tinder Press; Eden by Jim Crace published by  Picador and The Trees by Percival Everett published by Influx Press

10:45 Around the Motu: Tess Brunton in Otago

Kathryn speaks with RNZ Otago reporter Tess Brunton about the controversial changes to Dunedin Hospital, with a reduction in beds, operating theatres and space for staff to work. She'll also talk about the new mayor's push to restore groynes at a popular city beach and the return of the first royal albatross chick camera stars.

11:05 CPI - RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford

CPI figures announced: consumer prices rose 1.4 percent in the three months ended December driven by high food, household, and building costs, but partly offset by cheaper fuel. The annual rate held steady at 7.2 percent.

11:10 Music With Charlotte Ryan

Music 101 host Charlotte Ryan joins Kathryn to play a track from Phoebe Bridgers, who's headlining Auckland's Laneway Festival this weekend. She'll also preview a new album from Kiwi band The Veils, and play a track from Etta James - born this day in 1938.

11:30 Chris Hipkins sworn in as PM

RNZ's Political Editor Jane Patterson speaks with Kathryn live from Government House as new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, and Deputy PM Carmel Sepuloni are formally sworn-in at a ceremony there.

11:35 Books for Less: discounted second hand books, delivered to your door

Ann-Marie Bird set up in business when long-term chronic illness prevented her from doing what she loves: reading.  Ann-Marie was diagnosed with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome five years ago. A former music music teacher and orchestra cellist, the limitations of Anne-Marie's condition meant she couldn't get out to the library, and her supply of books dried up.  So she set up on-line store Books for Less which offers a wide range of discounted second hand books, delivered to your door.  Anne-Marie and husband Moses run the business from their Hamilton home.
They also have a monthly stall at Tamahere markets, for which they're winners in BNZ's Market Made competition. Anne-Marie tells Kathryn she also has another helper at home, Brodey the golden retriever labrador service dog.

11:45 Science: Benjamin Button mice, tasty chocolate, Milky Way majesty

Science commentator Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to talk about a new study that's challenging the inevitability of aging. Boston scientists have found how to reverse age decline in mice. He'll also look at why chocolate tastes so irresistible and some incredible photos of the billions of objects in the Milky Way - you can see it for yourself here.