Nine To Noon for Thursday 5 February 2026

09:05 Concerns science funding stagnating

The scientists' association says reform of science funding has stagnated, and leaves the country exposed to worsening hazards. The Government has made major changes to the science sector in the past year including merging the Crown Research Institutes into three larger ogranisations known as PROs - public research organisations. These came after the Sir Peter Gluckman-led report into the sector and include some of his recommendations.  But, the NZ Association of Scientists says in some cases 80 per cent of public funding is consumed by overheads and isn't reaching scientists - an issue also raised in the Gluckman report. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti says the reforms are working towards getiting more money to frontline scientists, but that some overheards are necessary for laboratories and equipment. NZAS co-president Lucy Stewart speaks to Kathryn.  

09:20 Concerns over the future of the scientific glass blowing industry

New Zealand's scientific glassblowing industry at risk of disappearing for good, fears one Dunedin-based glass blowing business owner. Scientific glassblowing is a specialised skill involving the creation and repair of laboratory glassware like round bottled flasks,  or glassware for engineering purposes. The issues for the industry are multifaceted - with an ageing workforce, the closure of university glassblowing workshops and educational pathways drying up. When our next guest Dave Maliken emigrated from US around six years ago, and even as recently as 2022, he says there were fourteen glassblowers in NZ. Now, he says there are just four left. 

09:35 New Zealand's leading chamber music festival underway in Nelson

The Adam Chamber Music Festival, currently on in Nelson, has brought in artists from New York, Australia and Canada who, along with local musicians, are playing 83 works by 50 different composers. Among those performing at the chamber music event, is tenor Colin Ainsworth. He has swapped freezing temperatures in  Canada for something a little warmer to appear at the 10 day event. He joins Kathryn from Nelson.

09:45 UK: Fallout from Mandelson ties to Epstein continue

UK correspondent Dan Bloom on the latest developments on former UK ambassador to the US and House of Lords peer Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. PM Keir Starmer has agreed to release all documents relating to his appointment as ambassador, following a threatened revolt from his own Labour MPs.

Dan Bloom is Political Editor of Politico UK

10:05 The sinking history of Earth’s saltiest lake

It's the lowest point on earth, nothing lives in it, and every year it is losing water. The Dead Sea sits between Jordan, Israel and the West Bank - with its main tributary the Jordan River. It is almost 10 times as salty as the ocean, and because of that high salinity, it makes the human body float on the water with ease. Despite the lack of life in the lake, its shores have been home to civilisations for centuries, and today it is known as a popular health and tourism destination. Leeds University Professor of International History Nir Arielli has charted the history of the water body in his book The Dead Sea: A 10-thousand Year History, and speaks to Kathryn about its long history.

10:35 Book review: Three of the best from 2025

Paul Diamond reviews three of his favourite books from last year: Garrison World by Charlotte Macdonald, published by Bridget Williams Books, Mr Ward's Map by Elizabeth Cox, published by Massey University Press, and The Meeting Place by Vincent O'Malley, published by Auckland University Press.

10:45 Around the motu: David Williams,  Newsroom's Te Waipounamu South Island Correspondent

David looks forward to the 15th anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake later this month. He also discusses the ongoing  stink issues from the fire damaged Bromley wastewater plant, the call from Christchurch City Council for surrounding districts to contribute towards roading costs and the retirement of the skipper of the Diamond Harbour Lyttelton ferry.

11:05 Tech: Will AI kill SaaS, govt invests in fusion as MethaneSAT failings examined

Technology correspondent Peter Griffin looks at concerns within the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry about what AI generation could do. The government is set to invest $35m in OpenStar Technologies to build a bigger fusion reactor, but should there be some caution with that, given what happened with the $30m investment in MethaneSAT?

Peter Griffin is a Wellington-based technology journalist

11:25 How to help kids deal with the back-to-school nerves

Most kids will be back to school by now, but not all will be feeling "settled" in their classroom. The return-to-school nerves can be a normal reaction after the long summer break, particularly for children who have moved up to the next level of schooling or changed schools completely. But what if the anxiety doesn't subside? When should parents be concerned and what can they do about it? Kathryn is joined by clinical psychologist and mum of three, Jacqui Maguire.

11:45 Screentime: Mel Brook: The 99 Year Old Man, The Night Manager II, No Other Choice

Film and TV reviewer James Croot looks at a new documentary into the life of comedian Mel Brooks as he heads toward his 99th birthday. The Night Manager, based on the book by John Le Carre and starring Tom Hiddleston, is back after a 10-year gap and No Other Choice is a Korean film about an out-of-work man who goes about eliminating his competition.

James Croot is a film and TV reviewer for Stuff