Nine To Noon for Friday 8 November 2024

09:05 Australia proposes social media ban on under 16s – calls for NZ to follow suit

The Australian government is to legislate for a ban on social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced yesterday that a bill will be introduced to parliament within weeks. An age limit of 16 would take place in 12 months, and responsibility will be put on social media platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram to work out how they would block Australian under 16s from using their sites. Kathryn speaks with University of Auckland Senior Research fellow and spokesperson for the lobby group “Before 16”, Samantha Marsh, who says New Zealand should follow Australia’s lead. Also with Professor Judith Bessant from RMIT University in Melbourne, one of over 100 academics who opposed the proposed ban.

09:20 NZ insurer to fund cochlear implants

A New Zealand insurer has changed its policy to cover majority of the cost of cochlear implants. Southern Cross is providing up to seventeen thousand dollars towards surgery and internal hearing devices. The external sound processor and any replacements aren't covered. Advocates involved in the decision say it's a decade in the making and has come in good time, with nearly one in five New Zealanders dealing with hearing loss. Ravin Nand is the General Manager Cochlear Australia & New Zealand.

09:35 Whanganui's Sarjeant Gallery reopens 

Tomorrow is the big day for those in the arts and Whanganui residents. The Sarjeant Gallery - also known as Te Whare o Rehua -  is finally reopening after closing to the public in 2014 when it was designated as an earthquake risk meeting only 5 per cent of the building code. It has since undergone a $70 million redevelopment. More than half of the cost has been paid by Government grants, another 20 percent by the Whanganui District Council with the rest coming through fundraising, community grants and donations. It has not been a straightforward process, being built in a time of inflation and Covid-19 lockdowns, as well as the nature of an old building having to be strengthened. The building site with cranes and scaffolding has overlooked the city for five years and now it can be unveiled. Gaye Batty is the Sarjeant redevelopment project director.  

09:45 Asia correspondent Ed White

Ed explains how Xi Jinping's administration is preparing for a new era of trade hostilities and geopolitical tension with the US under a Donald Trump presidency. And how the US election outcome has also returned questions to America's security and trade commitments to longstanding US allies across Asia, including Japan and South Korea. And he has the latest on North Korea's entry into Russia's war in Ukraine.

Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times based in Shanghai

 

10:05 What woolsheds in the heartland reveal about New Zealand's proud shearing history

Annette O'Sullivan and Jane Ussher have captured the stories of the people and the history of 15 woolsheds in heartland Aotearoa. Her large hardback book Woolsheds - the historic shearing sheds of Aotearoa New Zealand  is liberally sprinkled with photographs of the interiors and exteriors of woolsheds, captured by Jane Ussher.

 

10:30 Tauranga's Steph Dryfhout claims world tree climbing title 

Stephanie Dryfhout has just become the latest New Zealander to win the international tree climbing competition. This country has a long history of winning tree climbing titles on the world stage. Steph took out the women's masters competition at the International Tree Climbing Competition, which took place Savannah, Georgia at the end of October  To do so she had to get the most points over five climbing activities that tested her dexterity through the tree as well as speed, safety and ability to rescue another climber. It was a big month for Steph, she also won the New Zealand Tree Climbing Championships earlier in October.

10:35 Book review: Remembering and Becoming: Oral history in Aotearoa New Zealand Edited by Anna Green and Megan Hutching 

Paul Diamond reviews Remembering and Becoming: Oral history in Aotearoa New Zealand Edited by Anna Green and Megan Hutching published by Otago University Press

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

David discusses how Canterbury's councils are reacting to a report from the Office of the Auditor-General which is calling councils to work together to tackle climate change. The Hurunui District Council has confirmed funding for a new embankment project to fight rising sea levels. The rain fall in North Canterbury during Labour Weekend providing much relief for the drought afflicted region.  And Waimakariri's Deputy Mayor has called on the Canterbury Regional Council to stop side stepping issues with the Kaiapoi River. 

11:05 New music with Jeremy Taylor

16 years since their last new music, and goth rock veterans The Cure deliver a late period masterpiece, plus new music from Mutton Bird David Long, a classic reissue from Elvis Costello, and we pay tribute to the great Quincy Jones, who passed away this week.

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

Sam discusses whether Ireland has become the All Blacks biggest rugby enemy? Sam also looks at what's on the line in this weekend's grudge match plus retirements and farewells to Olympic icons this week and Liam Lawson's formula one fast track.

11:45 The week that was

Comedians Te Radar and Michele A'Court with the home décor that makes you look old according to Gen-Z and how an Aussie Melbourne Cup punter turned $100 into $3.5 million.