Nine To Noon for Monday 19 August 2019

 

 

09:05 Tradies pressured to install shoddy componentry

Plumbers, gasfitters and electricians say they're under pressure to install shoddy products from overseas, without proper checks for safety. Imported plumbing products are subject to MBIE guidelines, but the head of the Plumbing, Drainlayers and Gasfitters Association Glen Burr, is concerned there is no longer a requirement for all gas jobs to be lodged and he claims the guidelines have no teeth. That sentiment is echoed by Master Electricians Chief Executive Officer, Bernie McLaughlin. He fears the poor standard of some imported electrical materials could ultimately cause buildings to burn down. Paul Hobbs from MBIE's building system assurance team addresses the concerns. 

 

09:20 Micro-plastic's impact on the engine room of the marine ecosystem

The UN Environment programme estimates that eight million tonnes of plastic ends up in the world's oceans every year. University of Auckland sediment ecologist and eco-hydrologist Dr Julie Hope talks to Kathryn about the impact of ingesting tiny plastic particles on micro-organisms which she says are the foundation of our marine ecosystemDr Hope works in the seafloor ecology lab group at the Institute of Marine Science and has recently won a prestigious Royal Society New Zealand Marsden fast start grant. She'll give a talk about her research next Tuesday at the University of Auckland.

09:45 Europe correspondent - Is Italy headed fully far-right?

Seamus Kearney reports on the political crisis which has erupted in Italy, with the far-right League party appearing to plan a take-over of power, calling a no-confidence vote in the prime minister who leads the country's coalition government. A snap election has been called. Also, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly backtracked and arranged meetings this week in Berlin and Paris to try to break the Brexit impasse. 

10:05 How to store fruit and vegetables for minimum waste

Food wastage in New Zealand is difficult to quantify or break down into fresh produce wastage, but a study by love food hate waste suggests only 5% of households have no avoidable food waste. Dr Jenny Ekman is a postharvest physiologist at Applied Horticultural Research in Sydney. She has done research for industry on how to maximise freshness in the produce supply line - but the principles apply for food storage at home too. Dr Ekman has useful tips on how to correctly store fresh fruit and vegetables.

10:35 Book review - Lapse by Sarah Thornton

Laura Caygill reviews Lapse by Sarah Thornton, which is published by Text Publishing.

10:45 The Reading

Footprints In The Sand written and read by Sarah Boddy. Limited webrights.
 

11:05 Political commentators Hooton & Jones  

Matthew, Neale and Kathryn review the political manoeuvrings at the Pacific Island forum, and the significance of Paula Bennett not standing in Upper Harbour.

Matthew Hooton is an Auckland-based public relations consultant and lobbyist. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is director of Capital Government Relations.. 

11:30 Jackfruit - the jack of all foods

Joydah Mae from Organic Knowledge shares options for creating meals out of meat substitute, jackfruit. She shares a recipe for Moroccan Jackfruit Tagine.

11:45 From Housing in Niue to Churches in Christchurch 

Bill McKay has just returned from taking his architecture students to Niue. He speaks of his long-term research project documenting the architecture of the Pacific, including how the heritage is at risk in so many ways, due to weather events, climate change and local politics. Bill also takes a look at the Catholic Cathedral in Christchurch and other churches.

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Music played in this show

Artist: Laura Viers
Track: Carol Kaye
Time played: 11.35