Nine To Noon

 

09:05 Israeli-NZ disaster expert speaks out about the lasting legacy of the situation in Gaza

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently holding a meeting of his security cabinet to discuss plans to take over all of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defence Force has just told people in Gaza City to leave two areas.In an interview with Fox News, Mr Netanyahu says Israeli control is not the long-term goal, and that Israel will hand over Gaza to Arab forces once Hamas has been removed. Aid agencies say escalating military operations in Gaza City would be "devastating". Meanwhile families and supporters of the hostages being held in Gaza have chained themselves together outside Benjamin Netanyahu's office, saying his latest comments are a death sentence for their loved ones. Ilan Noy is an a leading academic in the economics of disasters - at Victoria University in Wellington. He holds dual Israel and New Zealand citizenship - and says the impacts of the disaster in Gaza will be felt for generations to come, including in his own family. 

09:20 Cost of living pressures hits medic alert bracelets membership     

The healthcare service, Medic Alert, estimates up to 9,000 New Zealanders are letting their membership lapse due to the cost of living pressures. The bracelets carry an emergency number and first responders can access medical records through a 24/7 emergency hotline. Medic Alert says the service is vital for people who may not be able to speak for themselves due to their health condition be it an allergic response, a heart or respiratory condition. Getting the right information to first responders quickly is estimated to save the health systems tens of millions of dollars every year. Now the the service is starting a petition calling for government funding to ensure all those who need a Medic Alert bracelet, can get one. Susie talks to the  CEO of the Medic Alert Foundation, Murray Lord.

09:30  A weekend school for young writers in Christchurch    

For more than 30 years, children and young people with a passion for writing have been able to attend a weekend school in Christchurch and have their talents nurtured by established writers. At the moment  more than 100 young people between the ages of 6 and 18 devote two hours every Saturday to writing. They also have the chance to have their work published in a magazine, Write On, produced by the charity running the school.   Susie is joined by the Director of Write On, Heather McQuillan.     

09:45 Asia correspondent Ed White

Ed discusses a renewed suppression of Tibetan culture,  the latest standoff between President Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a crackdown in China on officials smoking and drinking too much.

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

10:05 The researcher investigating the risks of following 'wellness' influencers

Global wellness is now a multi-billion dollar industry - but how do we know if we're being sold something that's sound  - or snake oil? It's something my next guest has devoted the better part of a decade to researching. Dr Stephanie Alice Baker is based at the Department of Sociology and Criminology at City St George's, University of London.  Among her research interests is online health and wellness culture - and how influencers establish trust, intimacy and authority among their followers. Last year she was a contributing author to a book called Cults - also now a podcast - which examined high-profile cult leaders through history, but also individuals like Elon Musk, Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson who have achieved cult-followings in the 21st century. She recently contributed to RNZ podcast The Lodge, which investigated a wellness retreat based at Takaro Lodge near Te Anau. So what is the role of new media tech doing to society, particularly in helping to amplify mis and dis-information?

10:30 Forest run bringing tourists to Rotorua 

A popular run alongside geysers and Rotorua's redwood forest is all set to take off this weekend. Last year 'Run the Forest' drew more than 3000 runners, with more than 90 per cent of them coming from out of town. This year, it has more than 4000 runners and sold out a month ago. The event has multiple runs up to the half-marathon distance - including a 10km 'Geothermal Traverse' and a 7km 'Redwoods Trail'. Debbie Robertson, general manager at Wai Ariki Hot Springs, the sponsors of the event, and organiser Mike Cockin speak to Susie about the weekend's big event for Rotorua. 

10:35 Book review: Hum by Helen Phillips

Stella Chrisostomou reviews Hum by Helen Phillips, published by Allen & Unwin

10:45 Around the motu: Jonathan Leask in Ashburton  

11:05 New music with Grant Smithies

A new album by venerable Christchurch/ Pt Chalmers band The Bats is on the horizon. We'll hear two advance singles from that today, followed by a melancholy break-up pop anthem from L.A. family trio Haim, and a marvellous new slice of tech-house from Wellington's Chris Tubbs and Dunedin's Eden Burns. 

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

11:45 The week that was

Our comedians Te Radar and Irene bring some levity the end of the week including the Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, coming under fire after admitting that he regularly consults AI tools for a second opinion in his role running the country.