Nine To Noon for Monday 2 December 2024

09:05 The lights go out at SolarZero - what next for rooftop solar?

SolarZero had one of the largest private equity firms in the world as its owner. But the country's biggest domestic player in rooftop solar - is now in liquidation, along with more than $100 million of taxpayer investment. The company announced it was going into liquidation last Tuesday - when its major investor -- Blackrock -- pulled the pin, blaming "unsustainable opeating losses and liquidity constraints". Blackrock is the world's largest asset manager - with NZ$19.6 trillion under management. The liquidation has left 15,000 customers here in limbo, hundreds of employees out of pocket,  and the Finance Minister seeking urgent advice about the $115 million loaned by the crown owned Green Investment Fund. SolarZero's Chief Executive Matt Ward has said the announcment by the shareholder came as a shock. He's declined an interview at the moment. Kathryn speaks with RNZ Money correspondant Susan Edmunds, Lightforce Solar managing director is John Harman and Chief Executive of the Sustainable Electricity Association, Brendan Winitana.

09:30 Calls to change ACC laws to cover more mental injury claims 

Psychologists are increasingly being asked to fudge diagnosis for clients with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental injuries, so that ACC can be claimed. Currently someone who sustains a mental injury due to a one-off event can claim for injury cover, but not those who may have the same injury due to multiple events over time. It leaves psychologists with the ethical dilemma of acknowledging the cumulative trauma - or asking clients to pick one event. There is a consensus across medical professionals that the situation is non-sensical. The New Zealand College Of Clinical Psychologists has even gone so far as to draft up its own amendment to the ACC legislation which would rectify the anomaly. Paul Skirrow is a clinical psychologist and an executive advisor to the College. he also is a senior lecturer at the University of Otago. Kathryn also talks to Josh Darby, a career firefighter and advocate for change. 

09:45 Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney

Notre Dame in Paris is set to reopen following the devastating 2019 fire that destroyed its roof and spire. Two newly-appointed top European leaders have arrived in Kiev to show support for Ukraine - amid reports the country's President Zelensky has suggested in may be ready to accept a ceasefire by temporarily ceding some Russian-held territory in exchange for NATO membership for unoccupied parts of Ukraine. And anti-government protests are spreading in the former Soviet state of Georgia.

10:05 Fifty peaks in twenty days: Kiwi climber smashes world record

Matheson Brown doesn't mind discomfort. The 28-year-old from New Plymouth just smashed a world record, becoming the fastest person to climb the highest peak in every US state. The clock started at Denali in Alaska, and didn't stop until he got to Mount Rainier in Washington. This epic feat was achieved in 20 days, 14 hours and 4 minutes, with the help of his dad and two friends. No second was wasted... they climbed at all hours of the day and night, sleeping for as little as an hour a time. But it wasn't about the glory of holding a title. Matheson Brown wanted to prove that regular people can achieve big things, even without major resource or professional backing. He joins Kathryn.

10:30 Short story winner: Motel California

While we hear many horror stories about life in emergency housing this story reminds us that community and compassion are all around us. Motel California by Danielle Deluka told by Kali Kopae. It is one of the winning stories from this years Nine to Noon short story competition and we'll be back with another winner at the same time tomorrow.

10:35 Book review: Kahurangi by Dave Hansford 

Harry Broad reviews Kahurangi by Dave Hansford published by Potton & Burton

10:45 Around the motu: David Hill in North Canterbury

Environment Canterbury votes to delay notifying the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement, Kaikōura considers world heritage status bid, Amberley's proposed new cricket ground is approved, despite opposition, and we have updates on school building projects in North Canterbury.

David Hill is a Local Democracy Reporter with North Canterbury News, based in Rangiora.

11:05 Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Tim Hurdle

Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party.

Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, was the National Party Campaign Director in 2020. He is a director of several companies, including Museum Street Strategies, a public affairs firm.

11:30 Using fresh herbs in festive fare

Tasman Bay Herbs was founded in 1996 - and purchased by husband and wife duo Gavin and Emma Visser in 2021. The couple's Motueka greenhouses, at the foot of the Takaka Hill, supply more than 30 different varieties of packaged culinary herbs and salad greens to supermarkets and independent stores across the country. Emma and Gavin join Kathryn Ryan to talk about  New Zealanders' creative use of fresh herbs, and how to incorporate them into the Christmas menu.

11:45 Urban Issues with Bill McKay

Granny flats - not just for grannies. Last week the government released feedback on the consultation to liberalise granny flat rules, and no surprise, there were a huge number of submissions. Bill McKay talk to Kathryn about the proposal and submissions. 

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.