RNZ: Nine To Noon

Sam Ackerman talks Super Rugby, Winter Olympics and the T20 World Cup.

Comedians Pinky Agnew and Donna Brookbanks with a lighter take on some recent stories.

Weather update with RNZ reporter lauren Crimp

Around the motu: Robin Martin

Holly Walker reviews three of her favourite books from last year: The Mushroom Tapes by Helen Garner, Sarah Krasnostein,and Chloe Hooper, published by Text Publishing, In Defence of Leisure by Akshi Singh, published by Penguin Books,and Surplus Women by Michelle Duff, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.

The Royal Wellington Golf Club is hosting the Women's Amateur Asia Pacific tournament. The winner earns invitations to three major championships, and thousands of visitors are expected through. Lesley Wong is the Royal Wellington Club captain.

Dr Richard Harris rose to fame after he was involved in the rescue of 12 young footballers and their coach from a Thai cave in 2018. The Australian anesthetist helped with the delicate balance of sedating the boys so they could be extracted from where they were trapped inside the cave system. Now retired, Richard, fellow Thai cave rescuer Craig Challen, and their team are the subject of a documentary following them on a death-defying cave dive here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Deeper - from director Jennifer Peedom - is now screening on Netflix. The divers have been 2-hundred and 45 metres inside Kahurangi National Park's Pearse Resurgence, adapting technology to use hydrogen as a breathing gas and overcoming significant and life-threatening physical challenges. Richard told me he hadn't been prepared for the global response after the Thai rescue

A principal is dead after a school shooting in Thailand, Indonesia plans to send 8000 troops to Gaza, the Philippines Supreme Court rules same-sex coupes can co-own property together, China and Lithuanian relationship hits a bumpy patch over Taiwan, and a Tokyo bar that provides free drinks and counsels people who want to quit their jobs.

Succession planning for Small and Medium Enterprises.

Experts warn changes to health and safety laws will not make workers safer.  

Film and TV correspondent Perlina Lau looks at His and Hers (Netflix), Sirat (cinemas) and how does Bridgerton season 4 shape up? 

Parents and caregivers need lots of support to help neurodivergent children flourish, an Occupational Therapist says.

We've all received unwanted emails, but does unsubscribing from them really work? Tech commentator Alex Sims looks at the law covering spam emails, penalties for breaches and what you can do to reduce the number of emails you receive. Alex Sims is a Professor in the Department of Commercial Law at the University of Auckland Business School and an expert on blockchain technology, copyright law and consumer law.

Piers discusses how the scrapping of the RMA could threaten Wairarapa's Dark Sky Reserve, the subscription based driver service that cold be a world first, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo on a safe life in Masterton and Greytown debuts a cocktail festival.

Cynthia Morahan reviews three of her favourite books from last year: Attention by Anne Enright Penguin Random House, Hardship & Hope by Rebecca McFie, published by Bridget Williams Books, and The Question of Palestine by Edward Said, published by Text Publishing.

Among the surprises of the Winter Olympics this year has been the debut of a team from the United Arab Emirates, including one born in New Zealand. 

Traditional medicines here and in Samoa are being investigated for their potential to treat viral illnesses that afflict people living in the Pacific. A Senior lecturer at Auckland University, Natalie Netzler, has won funding for her indigenous-led work to discover antiviral therapies.

UK correspondent Natasha Clark looks at questions put to Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his former communications chief Matthew Doyle - who was made a Lord in December - and his ties to a convicted sex offender.

She's been an advocate for women in law, and spoken about rising threats to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. 

While no decisions have been made, Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed officials are working through analysis and targeted consultation.

RNZ's Susan Edmunds looks at why the economic recovery has been so slow to take off. She also looks at warnings from Consumer NZ that power prices are likely to rise by about 5 percent this year - on top of the rises that have already occurred due through increases to lines charges. Susan Edmunds is RNZ's Money Correspondent

Fleur Caulton says a recent refresh and renovation of Queenstown's Rātā signals a turning point in the tourism town's fortunes. 

Kereama Wright is the Director of Mairanga Media providing news for Whakatane radio stations Tumeke FM and Sun FM.

David Hill reviews three of his favourite books from last year.

The Christchurch AI start-up that turns meeting notes into documents.

It's Swan Lake - but not as you know it. Australia's premier circus company, Circa, is bringing its version of the well-known ballet to the Auckland Arts Festival next month. 

Australia correspondent Bernard Keane joins Kathryn to talk about protests at the visit of Israel's President Isaac Herzog. 

Researchers say the way economics education is taught in New Zealand is narrow and outdated.

A new purpose built centre has opened after five years of Auckland's community going without access to care.

Marnie Prickett says the government's draft legislation weakens the current protections over drinking water sources, such as aquifers, rivers or lakes. 

Zoi Sadowski-Synott wins New Zealand's first medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

When is a sunburn, or a mole, or a bump on the skin cause for concern? And what should you do about it?

Crown Regional Holdings and a sharp increase in "red"-rated projects and analysts are watching closely as the NZX reporting season kicks off this week.

Farmers facing bills for emergency generators, SpaceOps and NASA and Southern Field Days

Louise O'Brien reviews three of her favourite books from last year. The Hallmarked Man, Familiaris  and The Image of Her 

Uncovering the burgeoning African Grey parrot black market 

Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell refuses to answer questions.  

The chateau has sat empty since it was closed in February 2023 due to its earthquake risk.

Claire Coleman previously led the revision of the arts curriculum and made the allegations during her appearance at select committee.

Sally new bridge at Hooker Track, what a typical day in the park looks like, and which sights and walks she recommends.

At Shortjaw Brewing in Westport, customers can enjoy award winning beers and food made with all local ingredients. 

Dale, Brigitte and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the politics at this year's Waitangi commemorations.