Nine To Noon for Friday 20 September 2024

09:05 Investigations underway after another ferry loses power in Cook Strait

At least two investigations are underway following the Connemara ship's power failure in Cook Strait overnight. The ferry lost power at about half past ten, not long after leaving Wellington harbour.  CentrePort's tugs - the Tapuhi and then the Tiaki - were able to tow it back to the Pipitea wharf early this morning, with 88 people on board.  The Wellington Harbourmaster, Grant Nalder, told Morning Report it was fortunate mild weather conditions meant there was no risk of it drifting into land. But he says it is worrying yet another ferry has broken down during its sailing, and as the ferries get older, the concern will continue to rise. Mr Nalder says there is not very good support for ferries out in Cook Strait, though improvements have been made to tugs and the sailing route since the Kaitaki lost power in 2023. Kathryn talks first to the Maritime Union's national secretary Carl Findlay.

09:20 Schools overwhelmed by new entrants with learning challenges

A Northland school is struggling to keep up with the number of new entrants arriving with severe learning challenges, and say many are arriving without any early support. Kaeo School principal Paul Barker says hours are spent applying for funding to support new students who would otherwise go under the radar. He says the first few months are a defining time in a child's education, and support should already be arranged before they start. He speaks to Kathryn alongside Christian Wright, a child speech and language therapist.

09:35 CentrePort chief executive on the Bluebridge ship losing power

CentrePort's tugs - the Tapuhi and then the Tiaki - had to tow Bluebridge's Connemara back to Pipitea wharf early this morning, when the ship lost power. CentrePort chief executive Anthony Delaney talks to Kathryn about how the retrieval was carried out by tugs not built for open water salvage, and whether Maritime NZ needs to bring in a new tug more suitable for bringing large ferries back to port.

09:45 Young designer tackling medical waste

Industrial design graduate Jack Pugh has won the 2024 National James Dyson Award for his medical multi-tool. The 22-year-old's invention is designed to improve safety for healthcare workers and reduce medical waste in hospitals.

09:45 Pacific correspondent Christina Persico 

In Papua New Guinea, the police say what began as a dispute between two illegal miners erupted into violence and killings, leaving 32 people dead. The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill which would require US presidents to develop a Pacific Partnership strategy. And Christina looks ahead to next month's Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Apia and explains why Samoa's director-general of health has urged all delegates with special medical needs and conditions to bring their own medicines.

RNZ Pacific Bulletin editor Christina Persico

10:05 US broadcaster and historian Alexander Heffner on the state of US democracy

If you've watched any of the debates or the coverage of the upcoming US election, it is clear the country is divided. But one pundit trying to breach the divide - often with the help of an iconic meal - is historian and broadcaster Alexander Heffner. He is the host of The Open Mind on PBS, a show founded by his grandfather Richard Heffner, who was host from 1956 until his death in 2013. It is the longest-running programme on American public television. Alexander took over the show and has since added Breaking Bread with Alexander, where he interviews elected officials over a meal. Interviewees include the likes of Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg and Lisa Murkowski. Alexander is in the country as a guest of the New Zealand Initiative to discuss the state of the American democracy.

10:35 Book review: Sunderworld Vol 1: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs

Roger Christensen of Unity Books Auckland reviews Sunderworld Vol 1: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs published by Allen and Unwin

10:45 Around the motu: Diane McCarthy in Whakatane

The Ōpōtiki Harbour project is marking a significant milestone today - the rock seawalls will be blessed and opened to visitors for the first time. Several dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters and the Regional Development Minister, Shane Jones will help mark the occasion and walk the walls. Afterwards they'll head to Whakatāne for the Bay of Plenty Regional Growth Summit.

Local Democracy Reporter - Diane McCarthy is with the Whakatane Beacon 
 

11:05 Music reviewer Grant Smithies​

Mighty new soul/ funk compilation Miami Sounds 2 is released this week, showcasing 1970s classics recorded in and around Florida. We’ll hear two key tracks from that today, followed by music from New York house duo Musclecars and a welcome reissue from pioneering Aotearoa hip hop crew, Dam Native. 

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

Sam covers off the latest wtih the All Blacks, Black Caps, the America's Cup. And he marks the passing of former All White Sam Malcolmson who was a member of the 1982 World Cup Squad.

11:45 The week that was

Comedians Te Radar and Elisabeth Easther with a few laughs including where a Lego piece disappeared for 26 years!.