Nine To Noon for Friday 26 January 2024

09:05 Auckland Anniversary weekend floods: residents out of homes one year on

Saturday marks one year since Auckland's Anniversary weekend floods, which caused widespread damage and the deaths of four people. More than 7000 homes were stickered due to damage, and 600 households needed emergency accommodation. While much of the city is back to normal, some people - particularly out west - are still out of their homes. Auckland Council says 1570 properties are still yet to be categorised. Kathryn Ryan speaks with Auckland Council deputy group recovery manager Mace Ward, and West Auckland Is Flooding chairman Lyall Carter.

09:20 NIWA forecasters use AI to predict impacts of extreme weather down to street level

Forecasters are exploring whether they can use AI to help predict the impacts of extreme weather, right down to a street level. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, NIWA has added five million dollars a year in funding for extreme weather research. It's being pumped into several projects that are producing models, showing which properties or infrastructure could be at risk from things like storms, droughts and heatwaves. Climate scientist Nava Fedaeff is spearheading one such project, pulling together a range of data to forecast exactly where any potential slips or flooding may hit. Meteorologist Ben Noll says his team has already been briefing key agencies and authorities, about areas at risk of drought or fire that El Niño may deliver in the months ahead.

09:45 Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins

RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins discusses China's deepening interference across the Pacific, as Tuvalu heads to the polls. The country of just over 11,000 people is expected to review its diplomatic ties with Taiwan after the election. And there's political instability across Melanesia as Papua New Guinea reels from recent riots, and Fiji's government is rocked by a misconduct scandal.

10:05 Julian Borger's new book explores a hidden family past of escaping Holocaust

British journalist Julian Borger has carved a prominent voice in media as The Guardian's world affairs editor, but recently, he's been working to uncover a story close to his heart - his own family history - which has ties to the very newspaper he works for. In August 1938, an advertisement ran in The Manchester Guardian - now The Guardian - reading: "I seek a kind person who will educate my intelligent boy". That boy was Julian's father - Robert Borger - then an 11-year-old Jewish boy living under Nazi rule in Austria. It was only after his dad tragically took his own life that Julian learned of how his family ended up in Britain. And they were not alone. Julian has just released a book, I Seek A Kind Person, following the lives of the advertised children of the Holocaust, and where they ended up.

10:35 Book review: Three of the best from 2023 - Articulations by Henrietta Bollinger, Happy Place by Emily Henry, and Āria by Jessica Hinerangi

Mellissa Oliver from Unity Books Wellington reviews three of their favourite books from last year: Articulations by Henrietta Bollinger, published by Tender Press; Happy Place by Emily Henry, published by Penguin Books; and Āria by Jessica Hinerangi, published by Auckland University Press

10:45 Around the motu: Georgina Campbell in Wellington 

As Wellington severe water shortage intensifies, Victoria University students are being encouraged to half flush toilets and take shorter showers. The Local Government Minister Simeon Brown meets with mayors on Monday about the situation. And Georgina says a team of Wellington zoo veterinarians are going to great lengths to stop a pair of motherless ruru chicks imprinting on them.  

NZ Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell

11:05 Music reviewer Grant Smithies​

Grant Smithies has spent much of the summer holidays rummaging through dusty boxes of 7” vinyl singles. We’ll hear some of his favourite finds. Brace yourself for the stoner soul of Donovan/Jeff Beck, some rare garage guitar action from Karen Verros, an affectionate Dylan parody by The Hombres, a hybrid of Middle Eastern melodies and Brooklyn sass from Habibi, and some ice cool rocksteady from Desmond Dekker.  

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

Sam Ackerman looks at the fine line between sports star and role model, as domestic violence charges are levelled against former All Black Byron Kelleher. And the Black Caps has announced its squad for the two-test series against South Africa next month - with a notable absence.

11:45 The week that was with Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks

Our comedic duo look at the brighter moments of the week, including an advertisement for what's being described as the best job in New Zealand - a KFC taste tester. And a British wildlife park has hatched a new plan to rehabilitate eight potty-mouthed parrots, who have picked up several expletives.