Nine To Noon for Friday 28 February 2025

09:05 Half a million disabled people not supported - new survey 

Half a million disabled New Zealanders aren't getting what they need to live a good life. The findings come from the first comprehensive set of disability statistics collected in more than a decade - the 2023 Household Disability Survey which was released yesterday. It found 1 in 6 people, or  851,000, are physically or intellectually disabled. 98,000 are under the age of 15. The survey also finds that two-thirds of this population don't have something they need such as reasonable accommodations, medical care, home modifications, or equipment. Whaikaha chief executive Paula Tesoriero speaks to Kathryn. 

09:25 Amicable lending app by Hawke's Bay farmer

An ex-banker from Hawke's Bay has come up with a simple way of formalising loans between friends and family. Amico is an app that allows users to set repayment terms, interest rates, and create signed loan agreements. Founded by Hawke's Bay farmer Tom Aitken and business partner Kris Hunter, Amico aims to make money lending less awkward and more confident for all parties involved. It supports loans of up to $1 million, from helping with home deposits to smaller personal expenses, and ensures clear terms are set, protecting both the borrower and lender. Currently available in New Zealand and Australia, Amico plans to expand to the Northern Hemisphere. Tom tells Kathryn about how he got the idea for Amico. 

09:30 Tiny discos and much more: creatives to take over carparks 

Creatives are set to take over a section of carparks in Wellington's Cuba Street tomorrow. PARK(ing) Day is run by the Wellington Sculpture Trust -in collaboration with the Capital Creative Arts Trust which puts on Cuba Dupa and Capital on Cuba. 33 parking spaces between Vivian and Ghuznee streets will be transformed for one day....into everything from a mini disco, to a collaborative band space, a tiny forest...and much more. Chair of the Sculpture Trust Jane Black joins Kathryn.

09:45 Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins

RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins talks to Kathryn about ongoing political turmoil in the region – with votes of no confidence against both the Samoan and Cook Islands Prime Ministers defeated this week. Koroi also updates us on multiple cyclones circling the Pacific.

10:05 From Argentina to Alaska Lucy Barnard's mission to cross the Americas on foot

Lucy Barnard is no stranger to grit - she's on a long-term mission to cross the Americas from bottom to top on foot. The Australian record attempter has so far has spent three years walking, broken up by Covid and visa renewals. With 10,000kms left, she's already become an award winner as the Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year for 2024, and she's aiming to finish the off job within the next two years. The feat was first achieved by George Meegan in 1983, it's since been completed by two more men, but no women. Lucy has met all sorts of creatures and people on her travels, including a face off with cartel bosses in Mexico the risk of bears, mountain lions and wolves. She speaks to Kathryn from Australia where she's returned to renew her visa.

10:35 Book review: A Bird in the Bush: From Fledgling to Flight by Marnie Anstis 

Lynn Freeman reviews A Bird in the Bush: From Fledgling to Flight by Marnie Anstis published by Boots Books

10:45 Around the motu: Logan Savory in Southland

The Southern Charity Hospital is open and an important volunteer has stepped in to help, there is tension between Invercargill City Council staff and Invercargill's Mayor, and the New Zealand Track Cycling Championships is experiencing some star power.

Logan Savory is the Southland Tribune editor, based in Invercargill.

11:05 Music reviewer Jeremy Taylor 

 A cracker from the forthcoming Perfume Genius album featuring Aldous Harding, the sassy pop of Sabrina Carpenter, and paying respect to two the best who passed this week.

11:30 Sports commentator Dana Johanssen

Dana discusses the departure this week of Yachting NZ’s long-time CEO David Abercrombie, amid a major organisational reset;  a new contender has entered the race for broadcast rights for NZ Rugby and a Kiwis star at centre of bidding war in the NRL

11:45 The week that was with te Radar and Pinky Agnew

Our comedians Te Radar and Pinky Agnew with a few laughs including the German court ruling that Birkenstocks are not works of art.