Nine To Noon for Friday 13 March 2020

 

 

 

09:05 Travel bans cause dismay and uncertainty, markets plunge

There's massive uncertainty in the travel and export sectors due to Covid-19, amid the escalating lock downs in Europe and the United States, and with new travel restrictions on the cards for New Zealand. Global share markets have fallen dramatically in response to the US travel ban, which the EU has said was taken 'unilaterally and without consultation'. The latest ban comes as the global travel industry is already struggling and several airlines have gone under. Aviation commentator, Irene King and Export NZ executive director, Catherine Beard join Kathryn to discuss.

09:15 Advice to employers coping with Covid-19 isolation

More than 9000 New Zealanders are in isolation as the country deals with the global outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus, but what issues is this throwing up for employers? Earlier this week the Ministry of Health advised people to stay home if they have mild cold symptoms, to help slow the spread of the virus. But what happens if employees can't work from home? Or have used up their sick leave? The Employers and Manufacturers Association has more than 7000 members from Taupo northwards. The organisation's general legal counsel Matt Dearing joins Kathryn to talk about what advice it's giving businesses about how to handle Covid-19.

09:30 Tasman Glacier backcountry hut 'moves'

A new backcountry hut in The Tasman Glacier is set to become the latest example of how we're adapting to the rigours of climate change. The new Beetham Valley hut in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park which will house up to five people, is being built as a "moveable" mountain hut. That means the hut, is being constructed so it can be moved as the glacier recedes, or if local tracks become more difficult to access. Johnny McFarlane Project Director with Beca Ltd is with us from the Aoraki/Mt Cook area with  the latest on build.

09:45 Pacific correspondent Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor

As French Polynesia confirms its first case of Covid-19 RNZ's Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor takes a look at how the region is dealing with the new coronovirus.

10:05 Does free will truly exist?

Dr Hannah Critchlow is a neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge. Her debut book, 'The Science of Fate: Why Your Future is More Predictable Than You Think' examines how much of our life is predetermined at birth and to what extent we are in control of our destiny.

10:45 The Reading

New writing by some of the graduate writers at the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University in Wellington.

Rotovegas by David Glynn told by Jack Sergent.

10:58 Auckland's Pasifika Festival cancelled

RNZ reporter Katie Scotcher reports from the Auckland Council where Mayor Phil Goff has announced this weekend's Pasifika Festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

11:05 Book review -  Blueberries by Ellena Savage

David Hill reviews Blueberries by Ellena Savage, which is published by Text Publishing.

11:15 Music reviewer Grant Smithies​

After ten years performing live, Lyttelton musician Kate Owen releases her debut album today. We'll hear a track from that alongside gems from Afrobeat pioneer Ebo Taylor, early Washington garage band The Sonics and "the Female Preacher", funk pioneer Lyn Collins.

11:30 COVID-19 hits multiple sports fixtures

Stuff National Correspondent specialising in sport, Dana Johanssen discusses the impact of COVID-19 on a range of sporting fixtures, looks ahead to Netball's ANZ premiership and the NRL season which both get under way this weekend. Also, the ramifications of the rebrand of its second-tier men's team "the All Blacks XV".

11:45 The week that was

Our comedians Te Radar and Brynley Stent take a look at the lighter stories making the headlines this week.