Nine To Noon for Friday 14 June 2024

09:05 Fallout over high rises on the horizon for Mount Maunganui 

The outgoing Tauranga City Council Commissioners have signed off a plan which allows for the northern part of the Mount Maunganui to build higher, which could mean six storey buildings dotting the seaside settlement. An independent hearing panel recommended planning heights for the Mount downtown area should remain at 12 metres, or four storeys high, in accordance with Medium Density Residential Standards. This wasn't accepted by the council, so now a change to the city wide planning rule - Plan Change 33 - is before the Minister for Housing, Insfrastructure and RMA Reform. Local Property developer Peter Cooney says although he could make money out of such a venture, he's against this intensification prospect He talks to Kathryn along with Resource Management Specialist lawyer and Chair of the Mount Business Association Kate Barry-Piceno.

09:25 Does New Zealand have a global responsibility to mine more locally?

A geology professor says New Zealand has a global responsibility to mine some of its critical minerals. As the world transitions from fossil fuels to electricity, critical minerals will be needed to build necessary infrastructure like wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Opponents have accused the Government of putting the environment and threatened species at risk in favour of wanting to grow the mining sector. But Martin Brook - an associate professor of applied geology at the University of Auckland - says those opponents need to consider the ethics of blocking mining here while enjoying the benefits of modern technology made with minerals mined elsewhere. The Government is consulting on a draft Minerals Strategy with the likes of antimony, vanadium, titanium and others listed as opportunities for development. Martin speaks to Kathryn about the question of offshoring our minerals need, while the Environmental Defence Society's chairman and chief executive Gary Taylor responds. 

09:35 Making money from scrap metal 

More Aucklanders are turning to scrap metal yards to make ends meet. Family owned business, McDonald Metals in Panmure says many first time scrappers are turning up with stuff to sell. Brian McDonald says every week they have 10-20 new customers. So what can earn you a bit of extra cash - and is there much money in it?

09:45 Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins

Voters in Vanuatu have backed changes aiming to end political instability that has marred its governments for decades. The referendum follows protests last year after the country was led by three prime ministers in nearly a month. 

Koroi Hawkins is RNZ Pacific Editor. 

10:05 If climate change is inevitable, how do we learn to live with it?

 For decades George Wilkenfeld was among those arguing for his country, Australia, to do more to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The independent energy consultant helped develop the country's star-ratings for energy and water efficiency, as well as the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. He's co-authored a new book with climate researcher Clive Hamilton that argues the time for emissions reduction has passed, because the planet will continue to heat - even if targets are met. In their book, Living Hot: Surviving and Thriving on a Heating Planet, they challenge the viability of renewable energy solutions and strategies like electrification. It's a frank assessment of the situation Australia - and the world - finds itself in.  But it also offers hope, breaking down the practical steps that should be taken now to help adapt to an environment changed by the climate.

10:35 Book review: Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe 

Gina Rogers reviews Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe published by Hachette

10:45 Around the motu: : Peter de Graaf in Northland

Some big projects are underway across the Far North, which Peter says are largely being driven by small communities. These include the revamping of Kaitāia town square and swimming pool. And there’s also a lot of activity on the infrastructure front, including roading repairs. 

 RNZ Northland reporter Peter de Graaf based in Kerikeri

11:05 Music reviewer Grant Smithies​

Big basslines, creamy strings, blazing horns and glorious singers- it's time to warm up the winter with some classic Philadelphia soul from Teddy Pendergrass and The Jones Girls. After that, Grant has some shouty northern misanthropy from The Fall and a bracing "thumb piano" funk track from Sierra Leone. 

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman 

Let the Black Caps post-mortem begin - and we’re only half way through the group stage of what is set to be a failed Twenty20 World Cup campaign. Sports commentator Sam Ackerman looks into what lies ahead - and what went wrong - for the New Zealand cricket team. It’s a big weekend in rugby and league as we look at how the Super Rugby Pacific semis, and the Warriors sold-out grudge match, will play out.

11:45 The week that was Irene Pink and Elisabeth Easther

Irene and Elisabeth wrap up the lighter moments of the week, including Hollywood's latest heartthrob: "hot rodent men". And, a British doctor who found a live goldfish in his garden.