Nine To Noon for Tuesday 8 October 2024

 

09:05 Fast track list, questions over expert panels

Environmental groups are questioning how the government will be able to stand up enough expert panels, for the sheer volume of projects unveiled in its fast track list . The list of 149 projects, ranging from roading and housing, through to controversial mining applications, and wharf and port extensions  was released yesterday. Some projects that have been rejected through RMA applications, have been revived, and will now be heard by expert panels.  Environmental Defence Society head Gary Taylor says some of the projects, such as renewable energy applications, are welcome. But he says others -- if approved -- will have a detrimental impact on the environment. Kathryn also speaks with Nick Leggett Chief Executive of Infrastructure NZ.

09:20 Southland and Otago farmers desperate for clear spell 

The rain that battered the south at the end of last week has only added to what has been a woeful spring season for Southland and Otago farmers. Most of Southland has seen more than 300 milimetres of rain since August, while Otago farmers lost stock and have widespread damage to fencing after the flooding last week. Farmers are struggling to keep animals fed, lamb death rates were higher and it has been a struggle to sow any crops. There are real concerns for farmer morale because it has been such a struggle. Federated Farmers Southland meat and wool chairman Dean Rabbidge says there are usually isolated parts feeling the pinch from difficult conditions but this year it is region-wide and included parts of South Otago. Milton sheep and beef farmer Nigel Woodhead says his farm was hit by the recent flooding in Otago and that if it was only days earlier it could have been devastating for lambing season. 

09:30 A year on from October 7

Today marks a year since conflict erupted between Israel and Hamas. On the 7th of October 2023, Hamas took 250 people hostage and killed up to twelve hundred. It also marks a year since the beginning of Israel's retaliation - since then, more than 41,000 people in Gaza have been killed. Ceremonies have been held around the world to mark the date, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue fighting in a televised address. Kathryn speaks to BBC Middle East editor Seb Usher, and Médecins Sans Frontières' emergency medicine manager Sally Stevenson.

09:45 USA correspondent Ron Elving

Ron joins Kathryn to talk about the deadlocked presidential race where neither candidate seems to have an advantage.

Ron Elving is a Senior Editor and Correspondent, Washington Desk for NPR news.

10:05 Fame, fortune and food: Tony Astle spills the secrets behind his elite restaurant Antoine's

For decades it was the place in New Zealand to be wined, dined...and seen. Antoine's was a fine dining restaurant in the heart of Auckland's Parnell run by chef Tony Astle and his wife Beth from 1972 through to 2021. In his words: "Crooks, Lawyers. Car dealers. Stockbrokers. Show-offs, Corporate Cowboys. Warring Couples. The Richerratti. We saw them all..." And Tony tells all - while side-stepping any legal landmines - in his memoir, Let them eat Tripe: The story of Antoine's. It was written with help from seasoned journalist Geraldine Johns, who admits to once being banned by Tony from his restaurant. He joins Kathryn to explain.

10:35 Book review: Precipice by Robert Harris

Jane Westaway reviews Precipice by Robert Harris, published by Penguin Random House

10:45 Around the motu: Kelly Makiha in Rotorua

Officials are trying to get their heads around two murders on opposite ends of town; Daniel Rikiti admits in court that he drove the car that killed Richard Martin; and beloved country singer Eddie Low is remembered.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist with the Rotorua Daily Post

11:05 Business commentator Victoria Young

BusinessDesk Editor Victoria Young covers Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk's goal to bring down the cost of building; Spark's poor performance on the NZX; and a Reserve Bank decision due tomorrow.

11:25 The short film shining a light on the legal limitations for stalking victims

When May - not her real name - broke up with her boyfriend, he wouldn't let her go. He'd be waiting for her at the gym, or the mall. He'd repeatedly show up at her house - even outside the house of the man she was dating. The escalation of the episodes and her increasing fears of what he could do to her have been captured in a new short film called The Man Outside. Kathryn speaks with May about her experience, as well as the film's producer Jessica Todd who hopes it'll shine a light on the legal situation stalking victims find themselves having to deal with. You can watch the film here.

**If you need help with stalking or are feeling unsafe, go to the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse website for a list of resources. 

11:45 Sports-chat with Marc Hinton

Stuff senior sports writer Marc Hinton covers the naming of the All Blacks Squad with critics of Scott Robertson saying he's been too conservative, and the Silver Ferns defeat to England.