Nine To Noon for Thursday 13 December 2018

 

 

09:05 Does Te Papa's new-look restructure answer its critics?

After months of uncertainty and disquiet in the science community Te Papa's restructure is out.  Five roles in all have been disestablished across Te Papa, of which two are currently vacant. The rationalized restructure follows strong criticism that had focused on proposed changes to science, with fears expressed over  Te Papa's natural history collections being compromised and the loss of expertise. Now, under the latest changes science will be allowed to retain its allocation of 15 staff - but the number of high level scientific positions will be reduced. Te Papa's Director of Strategy and Performance, and former Head of Science at Te Papa is Dr Dean Peterson. Also joining Kathryn Ryan is Otago University taxonomy specialist Dr Nic Rawlence who works extensively with Te Papa's collections.

09:30 British PM facing vote of no confidence

UK correspondent: Matthew Parris will have the latest on the UK prime minister's a last-minute appeal for support at an emotional meeting of backbench MPs. She told them she will not lead the party into the next scheduled election in 2022 - but wants to stay on to deliver her Brexit deal. She faces a vote of confidence in her leadership after 48 Conservative MPs called for one to be held.

09:45 Rediscovering Louis John Steele

Louis John Steele was celebrated during his life as one of New Zealand's great artists. He was one of Charles Goldie's first teachers and collaborated with him with him on major projects. But when Steele died 100 years ago, he was penniless and was buried in an unmarked grave. Last year, his painting of Sir John Logan Campbell was rediscovered and sold for $505,000 at auction. Doctoral student, Jane Davidson-Ladd is investigating Steele's life and is searching for more of his missing works.

10:05 Tim Allan: Powering ahead with farm e-bikes

The electric bike revolution has reached the farm with a electric-powered farm bike that can last for 120km and makes no noise compared to a petrol bike. Timothy Allan in one of the minds behind UBCO's electric bike that is also used by commuters who also want to head off road at the weekends. It's a New Zealand invention and is making great inroads into Australia and USA. He joins Kathryn to talk about the bike, and how it could change life, and noise levels on the farm.

10:35 Book review - We Can See You by Simon Kernick

Catriona Ferguson reviews We Can See You by Simon Kernick, which is published by Penguin Random House.

"When Brooke Connor’s five year old daughter Paige is kidnapped, her life is turned upside down. But that is only the beginning of a series of events that sees Brooke’s life descend into chaos and threaten the existence hat she has carefully created for herself. Channelling all the inner strength she can find, Brooke sets out to rescue Paige and reclaim her life."

10:45 The Reading - Billy Bird

Billy Bird by Emma Neal read by Victoria Abbott. Part 9 of 10

11:05 Top 10 of Tech Stories for 2018

Our technology commentator, Sarah Putt, has her top ten of the year including the battering of the "Founder Myth", the annus horribilis for Facebook, the NZ CFO debacle and robots stealing our jobs. There was also the Lime scooter revolution and creepy tech in the home.

11:25 Getting your teens through the festive season 

Auckland couple Peter and Sandra Altman have been involved in the Toughlove organisation for 25 years, focussing on providing ongoing support for parents and teenagers going through difficult times. They have a checklist to run through to help parents and teens navigate a harmonious Christmas period and the long summer ahead. And the Altmans say if you're at the end of your tether through unacceptable teen behaviour, give TOUGHLOVE a call (on 0800 868 445).  

11:45 My Brilliant Friend, The City and The City

Lara Strongman reviews two new drama series that have been adapted from popular novels. She's been watching, My Brilliant Friend on TVNZ and The City and The City on Neon.

Music played in this show

Artist: Alynda Segarra

Song: Don't tell me that it's over

Time: 09:43

Artist: Credence Clearwater Revival

Song: Bad Moon Rising 



Time: 10:42

Artist: Aretha Franklin

Song: Natural Woman

Time: 11:22