Nine To Noon for Thursday 19 December 2024

09:05 More houses and a lid on rents: new paper backs densification

A new paper is backing claims Auckland's 2016 unitary plan changes, saw more houses built , and kept a lid on rents.Earlier research by Auckland University economists said the plan changes resulted in 22-thousand more building consents being issued, than would have happened otherwise. However, online critiques of that research claimed the results of Auckland University's three studies were `utterly implausible.'   And that their findings were a `myth.'  Motu Research has looked into the dispute, with a new paper reviewing both perspectives. It has upheld the Auckland University studies’ findings. Motu Research senior economist Stuart Donovan the says critiques of the Auckland planning decision have persisted ,  and have crept into the decision-making around housing supply by other councils. In particular, he cites Wellington City Council this year voting against advice from an Independent Hearings Panel , which determined that planning policies did not play a prominent role in housing affordability in the Capital.

09:30 Air NZ's boss on route changes, Dreamliner issues and a return to London

As the Christmas rush to the airport begins in earnest - we look at how our national carrier has risen to its myriad challenges this year. Air New Zealand's net profit for the financial year to June dropped 65 percent to $146 million  - compared to $412 million the year before. There's been weaker demand for flights, leading to reduced schedules on some routes and criticism of where that leaves service to the regions. As post-Covid travel ramps back up, so too have the number of options people have to fly overseas - particularly to and from the lucrative North American market. Then there's the ongoing saga of maintenance and replacement of engines on various aircraft. So what's facing Air New Zealand in 2025? Its CEO Greg Foran joins Kathryn.

09:45 UK: Archbishop quits, no comp for Waspi women, the prince and the spy

UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about why the former Archbishop of Canterbury has quit his service as a Church of England priest. 'Waspi' women hit by a rising state pension age have protested now any compensation for them has been ruled out,  and Matthew has the latest on Prince Andrew and his interactions with an alleged Chinese spy.

10:05 Laser focused: award winning physicist Dr Miro Erkintalo

The concept of lasers possibly starts to conjure up images of Mission Impossible movie scenes , but in fact the technology underpins much of what we rely on in everyday life, from surgery to communications.  And new Kiwi-led research is setting up huge developments in the field, that could contribute to creating faster internet,  and precision self-driving cars. Associate Professor Miro Erkintalo of Auckland University this year won the Beatrice Hill Tinsley Medal for outstanding research published within 15 years of getting a PhD.  The Medal is awarded by the New Zealand Association of Scientists. Dr Erkintalo is a laser physicist who combines theoretical analyses, numerical modelling, and laboratory experiments to develop novel sources of laser light ,  for applications ranging from telecommunications,  to sensing. He says New Zealand has the potential to be a world-leader in this industry,   and it was a great honour to be awarded the Beatrice Hill Tinsley Medal.

10:35 Book review: Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba 

Roger Christensen of Unity Books Auckland reviews Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba published by Restless Books.

10:45 Around the motu: Natalie Akoorie in Hamilton

Natalie updates Kathryn on the proposed third medical school at Waikato University, Hamilton's Christmas tree may need donations next year, and the former council building that's being demolished in Te Kūiti.

Natalie Akoorie is a RNZ Waikato Senior Reporter.

11:05 GDP figures reveal economy back in recession

The economy contracted significantly in the third quarter as the winter energy crunch weighed on activity. Stats NZ numbers show gross domestic product - a broad measure of economic growth - fell 1 percentage point in the three months ended September. It follows a revised 1.1 percent fall in the previous quarter - meaning the economy is back in recession. RNZ Business Editor Gyles Beckford is with us. 

11:10 Tech in 2024: The year's biggest developments

Technology commentator Peter Griffin joins Kathryn to review what's happened in the sector this year, from movement on open banking and the return of crypto, to the surprising bromance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk and a slowdown in advancing AI large language models.

Peter Griffin is a Wellington-based science and technology journalist.

11:25 Parenting: Tips for achieving peace around the Christmas table

'Tis the season for visits to and from family. And sometimes it's not always smooth sailing. Jenny Hale from Parenting Place says the grandparent / parent dynamic can be difficult to navigate over the holiday season. Whether it's grandad who won't stop handing out the lollies, or grandma going overboard on the gifts.  It could be a clash of parenting styles, or a battle for old and new Christmas traditions. Jenny shares tips for a peaceful holiday season.

11:45 Screentime: The best shows of 2024

Film and TV reviewer Chris Schulz delivers his verdict of the best TV shows of 2024 - and the streaming service that hosted the majority of them.