Nine To Noon for Monday 14 August 2023

 

 

09:05 PhD thesis sold as book, without author's knowledge 

A copyright expert says the rise of Artificial Intelligence means academics and authors are increasingly at risk of having their work taken without their knowledge and published. Last month, Wellington PhD student, Hayden Scott Thorne, had his academic thesis about the US Supreme Court published as a paperback book, for sale on major book sites such as Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. 'The Due Process Revolution' was available for $33.99 plus shipping. But Dr Thorne had never authorised a book to be published, and after getting in touch with the companies involved, has had it removed from sale. Last week, five books purportedly by American author Jane Friedman were pulled from Amazon after she complained they were falsely advertised as being written by her - she believes they were written by AI. Susie speaks with Dr Hayden Thorne, and Sam Irvine, chief executive of Copyright Licensing New Zealand. 

09:30 Wisewool: Helping revive the strong wool industry  

As New Zealand's wool prices reach some of the lowest levels in decades, one Tairāwhiti business is working to revive the strong wool industry. Wisewool is family-run, headed by Henry Hansen, who's been in the wool industry for over 40 years, although he comes from a family with more than 120 years in the business. Conscious of a growing despondency amongst strong wool farmers and a waning industry, Wisewool was formed during the Covid lockdowns. The company creates a range of products, including wool blanketing and wool knops (small fluffy balls used as a filler ingredient) all which have a wide variety of uses. It's hoped as Wisewool gains prominence in the market, it will be able to offer sheep farmers a premium price above market value for their strong wool. Wisewool has also received funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries as part of its Sustained Food and Fibre Futures fund to continue to develop their products. Chief executive Henry Hansen tells Susie about the massive potential for wool as an alternative to almost any synthetic product. 

09:45 Ukraine correspondent Debora Patta

Debora Patta is in Ukraine looking at Russia's invasion is disrupting the global supply of grain. But a deal between Russian and African leaders could see six African countries receive grain for free. And, how Russia is interfering with a coup in Niger.

10:05 Sue and Phil Bagshaw on their 'quiet hero' son, killed in Ukraine

Christchurch scientist Andrew Bagshaw was killed in Ukraine in January, while volunteering as an aid worker, helping evacuees flee the front line. He and fellow British volunteer Christopher Parry were trying to rescue an elderly woman in an area of intense military action in the city of Soledar, when their car was hit by an artillery shell in January. Andrew was 47. His parents, Dame Sue and Dr Phillip Bagshaw and others have paid tribute to their son in a new book released today. The Quiet Hero is written by award-winning journalist Phillip Matthews and paints a picture of the unique man he was, and why he risked, and ultimately lost his life.

10:35 Book review: Erebus The Ice Dragon: A portrait of an Antarctic volcano by Colin Monteath

David Hill reviews Erebus The Ice Dragon: A portrait of an Antarctic volcano by Colin Monteath published by Massey University Press

10:45 Around the Motu: Todd Niall in Auckland

RNZ senior Auckland affairs journalist Todd Niall discusses the controversial plans for a second harbour crossing, as well as some new thinking about light rail. Todd also examines how the debate is impacting the relationship between the Government and Auckland Council.

11:05 Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Brigitte Morten 

Brigitte and Gareth discuss yesterday's tax policy announcement from Labour. And the latest from the polls which suggest a possible return for Winston Peters' NZ First Party. A former National Party minister is also hoping to make a comeback this election - Alfred Ngaro is set to launch a new Christian party.

Gareth Hughes is a former Green MP and now works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa.

Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government, a National Party member and currently volunteering for the party's deputy leader, Nicola Willis.

11:30 How to cook to feel good: Alby Hailes on his debut cookbook 'Good Vibes'

2021 Great Kiwi Bake Off winner Alby Hailes joins Susie Ferguson to celebrate the release of his debut cookbook 'Good Vibes'. It's a book that connects food with how we feel. And it's the result of a journey that started in a Dunedin scarfie kitchen writing about cheap cooking, to dealing with the challenges of working as a doctor in mental health, of course to his Bake Off win. 

11:45 City life with Bill McKay

We now know the shape of the Government's plan for a second harbour crossing in Auckland: car and truck tunnels similar to the Waterview tunnel, with a separate tunneled light rail route to Belmont, Takapuna and up to Albany. Bill breaks down some of the practical issues arising from the plan.

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Music played in this show

Track: The Common Thread
Artist: No Broadcast
Time played: 9:45am

Track: Kids And Dogs  
Artist: David Crosby 
Time played: 10:35am

Track: The Crow
Artist: Steve Martin
Time played: 10:40am 
 

Track: Kisses
Artist: Slowdive
Time played: 10:56am