Nine To Noon for Friday 6 September 2024

09:05 Du Val contractor ‘hurt’ and ‘scarred’

A contractor owed money from the Du Val property group says the unfolding ordeal has scarred and hurt many who are in the same boat. The first receivers' report for the company has been released by order of the High Court. It highlights irregular accounting and questions the valuations of the group's assets and related party transactions, which led to the group being placed into statutory management last month. It says further investigations are needed into various aspects of the Du Val group's property and investment businesses. Dave Burt, the director of Team Cabling, speaks to Kathryn about contractors' fears. RNZ business editor Gyles Beckford talks Kathryn through what the receivers’ interim report says about Du Val and where to next for creditors.

09:20 Doctor on the devastating impacts of rising syphilis cases

Sexual health specialists are warning the spread of STIs will likely worsen in the next few years as the workforce dwindles. There are currently fifteen specialists in New Zealand, based in six cities, and half of them are due to retire in the next five to ten years. Recent data tracking Syphilis show no detected cases in some of the regions which don't have specialists. Experts say that's a direct example of the need of specialists to lead each region. Two years ago the group of experts suggested a restructure to Health New Zealand which would've meant every region was overseen by a sexual health physician, but instead a single national clinical advisor has been appointed. Kathryn speaks to Massimo Giola of the New Zealand Sexual Health Society, and Michael Meyer, a neonatologist who deals with congenital syphilis at Middlemore Hospital.

09:35 Mons Royale on cracking the global market 

Mons Royale is a global retail success story born from the dreams of a 'ski-bum' from Wānaka. The company started in 2009 as an idea from Hamish Acland to make a merino clothing layer more stylish than what was available. Inspired by the classic 'ski-bum' - Hamish also wanted to simplify clothing so people wearing his brand could focus on their outdoor pursuits. He was soon joined in the business by his wife Hannah - who brought her design expertise to the business. 'Mons' has grown to become an internationally renowned brand in some 1000 stores around the world  with offices in Wānaka, Innsbruck and British Columbia. And a retail store in Wānaka has just opened as the brand celebrates 15 years in business. Hamish - a former pro skier - is chief executive of Mons Royale and talks to Kathryn about the journey so far.  

09:45 Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins

Fiji's new anti-corruption chief Barbara Malimali is being questioned by her own anti-corruption office just one day after her appointment. Koroi has the latest regarding Solomon Islands' 14 Government ministers on an un-sanctioned trip to Australia. And a US Federal government cockfighting ban has been upheld in the Northern Marianas despite local protests.

RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins 

10:05 A neuroscientist's bond with his cow herd

Gregory Berns is a neuroscientist known for his work with dogs and researching the way they think. But after embarking on a new life as an amateur farmer - it was cows that caught his attention. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Greg and wife Kathleen bought an 85-acre farm. But mowing the ever-increasing paddocks proves to be a major issue for Greg. And so he brings in cows to do the job for him. It doesn't take long before Greg forms a special bond with his herd, in particular BB, his 'cowpuppy'. Understanding BB and the others in the miniature Zebu herd is the catalyst behind Greg's new book Cowpuppy: An Unexpected Friendship and a Scientist's Journey into the Secret World of Cows. This is Greg's sixth book - he is more well known for his work with dogs - and he has also written about how human memories and the narratives from them continue to alter our identity. 

10:35 Book review: Home Truths by Charity Norman 

Mellissa Oliver from Unity Books Wellington reviews Home Truths by Charity Norman published by Allen and Unwin

10:45 Around the motu: Mike Tweed in Whanganui

Whanganui District Council has voted 11-2 to keep Maori wards for the 2025 election. A Whanganui freedom camping site next to the Whanganui River has been shut down due to property damage, abuse and threatening behaviour.  And a local tradie is having some success in the boxing ring.
Mike Tweed is a Multimedia Journalist for the Whanganui Chronicle 

11:05 Music reviewer Jeremy Taylor

A fourth album from Dublin indie stars Fontaines DC, Tami Neilson sings Willie Nelson, and a podcast reminder of an all time classic.

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

Sam looks into the intriguing selections for the All Black'ss second test against South Africa and the big moves happening off the field.  Also New Zealand's gold drought at the Paralympics and a huge week for young athletes around Aotearoa.

11:45 The week that was with Michele A'Court & Irene Pink

Michele and Irene bring a few laughs.