Nine To Noon for Tuesday 3 December 2024

09:05 Rule blocking paramedics from attending emergency calls soon to be lifted

After years of pleading for change, rural GPs are eagerly awaiting new rules later this month which will allow them to hire paramedics to help handle after-hours emergency calls. Currently, rural health clinics can provide 24-7 oncall response for emergencies, but only those registered as ACC providers can attend callouts. These responders are often the only option for rural incidents because an ambulance would be too far away but paramedics have not been covered under the model, meaning GPs have to respond  - adding extra pressure to an already overworked and dwindling group. Now from later this month, rural clinics will be allowed to employ paramedics to be on-call for emergencies. Kathryn talks to Hanmer Springs Health Centre practice manager Paul Walmsley and PRIME national group chair Mark Eager. 

09:25 Retiring Climate Change Commission Chair Rod Carr

Dr Rod Carr retires as chair of the Climate Change Commission later this week after five years in the role. The Commission was created under law passed with cross party support in 2019, and tasked with holding successive governments to account on climate change mitigation and adaption.  His job has been to advise, monitor, and review the crucial targets intended to keep global warming to within 1.5C by 2050. The Commission has issued climate budgets with clear steps that, if taken, would see New Zealand meet targets. Dr Carr talks about the challenges past and future.

09:45 Around the motu: John Freer in Coromandel

John talks to Kathryn about the reopening of the Cathedral Cove walking track, Hauraki Coromandel Post (NZME) will be the next local news outlet to close in the region, and Oceana Gold has been granted an extension in the request for resource consent information.

10:05 Elevators, buses, and Taite Music awards: Whanganui resident Anthonie Tonnon

Anthonie Tonnon is a man of many hats. You may recognise his name from his musical career - he won The Taite Music Prize in 2022 for his song Leave Love Out Of This. He's got two albums and is working on a third, having toured extensively across the US as a proudly independent artist. But the last few years have seen a passion for public transport creep into his music, and now, his working life. A resident of Whanganui, he spends part of his week running the country's only public transport elevator at Durie Hill, which is largely used by walkers and cyclists. Last year he also lead the charge to re-establish a frequent bus route running from one end of the town to the other, which has doubled local patronage. Anthonie Tonnon speaks to Kathryn about his wider ambition for regional public transport.

10:35 Short story winner: Qiu Miaojin is Still Alive

Sometimes we hear something that infuriates us and impels us to act and counter what is being said. It doesn't necessarily leave us feeling more assured. Here is Qiu Miaojin is Still Alive by Mia Farlane told by Harriet Prebble.

10:45 USA correspondent Ron Elving

Ron Elving is a Senior Editor and Correspondent, Washington Desk for NPR news. Ron talks about incoming US President Donald Trump's appointments that are continuing to raise eyebrows. The latest examples involve the new head for the FBI and an unusual pick for Ambassador to France. Also, President Joe Biden has pardoned his own son, who he says was unfairly prosecuted.

10:55 Book review: Shelter from the Storm by Shaun Barnett, Rob Brown and Geoff Spearpoint

Lynn Freeman reviews Shelter from the Storm by Shaun Barnett, Rob Brown and Geoff Spearpoint published by Potton & Burton

11:05 Business commentator Dileepa Fonseka

BusinessDesk senior correspondent, Dileepa Fonseka. Dileepa talks to Kathryn about Government moves to get more private sector ideas into infrastructure decisions. He also talks about Thailand's journey with imported LNG and a New Zealand pitch to Thai investors.

11:25 Dos and don'ts for furry friends at Christmas

Dr Kat Littlewood, a veterinary specialist in animal welfare talks with Kathryn about what cats and dogs like at Christmas time. 

11:45 Sports-chat with Marc Hinton

Marc discusses the Black Caps defeat to England, Auckland FC's winning run to start life in the A-League and he rates Scott Robertson's first year as All Blacks coach. Also who will be named New Zealand's sportswoman of the year with Lydia Ko, Dame Lisa Carrington and Ellesse Andrews all having outstanding years.