Nine To Noon

09:05 Amendments being rushed through for Fast Track Approval law

The government's pushing through dozens of changes to the Fast Track Approvals Act before Christmas, in a move environmental groups are describing as a power grab. The Amendments would increase ministerial influence over applications for projects that range from port, roading and housing developments, to energy projects, mining,  quarrying, and aquaculture.  They will shorten decision making time frames, and reduce the rights of groups to have input into the decision making process,  or appeal decisions. The changes were announced by Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop and Shane Jones at the start of this week,  and were described as `creating an express lane'  for new supermarkets. But the amendment' would also affect a much wider range of sectors and organisations, and has attracted criticism for giving more influence both to ministers and fast track approval applicants. The bill, in the name of the  RMA, Housing,  Transport,  and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, had its first reading yesterday. Labour's Environment spokesperson, Rachel Brooking, said the bill moved closer to the original idea behind the Fast Track Amendment Act - which thousands protested against last year - of Minister's having the final say over projects. Kathryn talks to Megan Dimozantos, the President of the Federated Mountain Clubs - one a number of groups worried about the planned changes. Chris Bishop was unavailable, but responded to the criticisms saying the changes were to simplify the system and make it easier for everyone, including people lodging applications, those commenting on them and for decision makers. He said the purpose was not to give Ministers more power over project decisions; rather, they are about strengthening accountability and ensuring alignment with Ministers' priorities for the operation of the fast-track system.

09:20 The amateur Waikato Sumo wrestlers with Olympic dreams 

The ancient sport of Sumo mixes tradition, discipline and Shinto religious rituals - and is of course synonymous with Japan. There is also a small Sumo scene here in New Zealand led by a small stable of amateur wrestlers. Manawatu-based Filipo Chanel Tovio is the two-time Oceania Heavyweight Champion. Filipo has achieved this after only taking up Sumo within the last two years. He is aiming to be at the Azerbaijan World Championships in 2026. After deciding to start competing, Filipo reached out to Waikato Sumo Club - a Hamilton based grassroots sumo club led by Dwight Rawson. Together, along with a stable of fellow amateurs, Filipo and Dwight are fighting for sumo in New Zealand and have Olympic dreams. 

09:30 The huge art exhibition helping to support Women's Refuge is back

For the next two weeks a clifftop park in Auckland will be transformed into a giant art gallery. NZ Sculpture Onshore is the country's biggest sculpture exhibition, with art works ranging in size from the piwakawaka or fantail to a 3-metre long whale. Now in its 29th year, the biennial exhibition at Auckland's Fort Takapuna is the biggest fundraiser for Women's Refuge, with over $2.m generated from the event over that time.  Joining Kathryn is Rachel Brebner, who's chair of the Friend's of Women's Refuges Trust and Hawera-based artist Daniel McKerrow. His super-sized tui dominated the skyline at the 2023 exhibition and this year's piece Waharuruhau has netted him the inaugural Sculpture of Strength - or SOS - award. It's a three-metre high wahine cloaked in a flowing copper kākahu.

09:45 Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins

RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins 

10:05 James Willcocks: taking Predator Free Wellington to the world stage

In 2017, a group of Wellingtonians got together with a bold goal: to eradicate pests on the Miramar peninsula to prove that it could be done. Stemming from the nationwide "Predator Free 2050" initiative, and with funding from Wellington councils and the Next Foundation -  Predator Free Wellington was born. It quickly caught the imagination of households and community groups who rallied around the common goal of eliminating rats, stoats, weasles, and possums. The goal was achieved in six years, and now PFW has  expanded to nearby areas. But the government is withdrawing support for Predator Free 2050 and shifting responsibility back to the Department of Conservation, meaning Predator Free Wellington will have a growing financial shortfall. James Willcocks is the Project leader for Predator Free Wellington - and he's on a mission to take the concept much bigger than Wellington. He's just back from the four yearly World Conservation Congress, held in Dubai this time, and says Predator Free Wellington was recognised for being world-leading human-centred conservation in action.

10:30 New independent supermarket for Upper Hutt 

A new independent supermarket has opened in Upper Hutt - aiming to win locals away from the big duopoly stores. Brewtown is a hub for concerts, entertainment, breweries, and a Sunday market - and now a supermarket, Plenty Foods. It opened yesterday afternoon to much local fanfare. Local businessman Henry Hutcheon owns the store. He says locals created the supermarket for people who want an alternative to the big duopoly. 

10:35 Book review: The Eleventh Hour by Salman Rushdie

Lisa Adler of Unity Books Wellington reviews The Eleventh Hour by Salman Rushdie, published by Penguin Random House.

10:45 Around the motu: Alexa Cook in Hawkes Bay

Alexa discusses the fires that have been hitting the area and meetings over who should be responsible for reducing risk  and paying for the work. Plus the Coronial Inquest in Cyclone Gabrielle re-opens next week.

11:05 Music reviewer Jeremy Taylor 

Jeremy Taylor of Slow Boat Records play new releases from Lily Allen and Hayley Williams, and a long overdue reissue from Stephen Duffy's superb Lilac Time

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

11:45 The week that was

Our comedians Te Radar and Elisabeth with humour to round off the week, including the lucky 77 year old French man who lived survived a 40 metre fall down a ravine by drinking red wine he had in his bag.