Nine To Noon for Monday 27 January 2025

09:05 Structured literacy teaching begins at schools

The school year cranks back into life from today, bringing with it changes to the way children learn to read. From this term on, schools will be required to teach structured literacy in years zero to three - part of the National government's plan to lift achievement. $67m was set aside in last year's Budget to help schools buy resources and train teachers in the new approach. In addition to the literacy changes, a new math curriculum for years 1 - 8 will also kick in a year early - alongside twice-yearly assessments in writing and maths for primary and intermediate schools. So are schools ready? Joining Kathryn is Belmont Primary School principal Bruce Cunningham and Ripeka Lissels, new president of the New Zealand Educational Institute and principal of Te Whata Tau o Putauaki school in the Bay of Plenty.

09:20 Manchester mayor 13 years on from city deal

The Government has committed to long-term city and regional deals, but exactly what these will look like remains to be seen. Regions have been invited to submit proposals that boost economic growth and establish a pipeline of infrastructure. Such a deal was struck in Manchester in 2011 when 10 local authorities banded together, securing better access to central government and European Union funding. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority now works to improve housing, law and order, education and employment prospects for the 2.8 million people living within its jurisdiction. The mayor of Greater Manchester has the most power of any elected mayor outside London and oversees decisions in relation to areas including public transport, strategic planning and housing, productivity and skills, economy and innovation, and the environment. The mayor also fulfils the role of police and crime commissioner as well as responsibility for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Kathryn Ryan talks to Greater Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham about what has changed for his city since the deal 13 years ago.

09:45 Foreign correspondent Seamus Kearney

Seamus Kearney speaks with Kathryn about Donald Trump's insistence on taking over Greenland, the German election campaign heats up, and Lukashenko looking set for a seventh term as president of Belarus.

10:05 Gene Kelly's widow, Patricia, on creating a film to honour his life

He was one of the most famous actors and dancers of his era. Gene Kelly was known for this incredible athletic dance style he brought to numerous films through the 40s and 50s, including An American in Paris, Anchors Away and Singin' in the Rain. He was also a singer, choreographer and director - he directed the 1969 film Hello, Dolly! starring Barbara Streisand. Fans of Kelly's work will get a unique opportunity to view it at this year's Auckland Arts Festival, courtesy of his widow, Patricia Ward Kelly. The pair met in Gene's later years - when she was a young writer. At that first meeting, she had no idea who he was. Patricia has helped create a stage show coming to the Auckland Arts Festival, and featuring the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, called Gene Kelly, a LIfe in Music.

10:35 Book review: Three of the best from 2024

Kiran Dass reviews three of her favourite books from last year: The Position of Spoons by Deborah Levy, published by Penguin Books, The Vast Extent by Lavinia Greenlaw, published by Faber and Faber, and You Are Here by David Nicholls, published by Hodder and Stoughton.

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

David discusses the latest in North Canterbury including the councils' beginning work on their annual plans, updates a year on from Oxford Forest Conservation Area gaining international dark sky park status, and the impact of rapid population growth on the area.

David Hill is a Local Democracy Reporter with North Canterbury News.

11:05 Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Liam Hehir

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.

Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.

11:30 The good oil: Juno Olives' Andy Liley on a boutique Kiwi industry

 As far as career changes go, you'd be hard pressed to find a bigger one. Andy Liley had worked as a paediatric anaethetist for nearly two decades, both in the UK and in New Zealand. But he'd always been interested in growing stuff. When the opportunity to take over a 1500-tree olive grove in the Wairarapa arose - he seized it. He and his wife Helen now own Juno Olives - set up originally by Karen and Ian Juno in a location just outside Greytown. He joins Kathryn to talk about how they operate, what they produce and the passion Kiwi olive growers have in the boutique industry.

11:45 Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne

What's your bird of the year? According to birding tradition, the first bird you see on New Year’s morning is your theme bird for the year.

Music played in this show

Track: Break

Artist: Fazer Daze

10:57

Track: Oh Boi 

Artist: Anna Coddington

11:30

Track: Daisy

Artist: Phoebe Rings

11:45