Nine To Noon for Monday 21 September 2020

 

 

09:05 Elliot Stables tenants' impasse with landlord over Covid rent

A group of central Auckland businesses in a dispute with their landlord over rent payments, say they risk losing everything if an arrangement can't be found. The group is mainly made up of eateries at Elliot Stables, many of whom have been served Property Law Act notices - or PLAs - requiring them to pay arrears or face action by the landlord, Icon Group. Among those affected is Michael LeRoy-Dyson, owner of the 100-bed Attic Backpackers, based above Elliot Stables. He spoke to Nine to Noon back in June about his situation - he's tied into a five year lease at $360,000 a year, with borders closed to his usual customers. Like the rest of Elliot Stables tenants, his lease was backed by a personal guarantee. Icon Group says it's provided rent relief of over $675,000 for Elliot Stables tenants, and has negotiated effectively with a number of them. Kathryn talks to Luis Cabrera, owner of Besos Latinos in Elliot Stables and Green MP Chloe Swarbrick. 

 

09:20 Young Adult List: Judge John Walker
 

A special court aiming to break a cycle for young adult offenders, who could be sentenced to a life-time of crime because of their neuro-disabilities will offer a separate sitting for offenders aged 18-25.  It's a pilot scheme due to run for a year at Porirua District Court. About 800 people have passed through since it started in July.  A paper released earlier this year found dyslexia, acquired brain injuries and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder were over-represented in NZ's justice system, among victims and offenders.  Kathryn Ryan speaks with Principal Youth Court Judge John Walker, who has established this separate Young Adult List, which has experts on hand to spot where an offender needs specialist intervention.

09:45 Middle East correspondent, Sebastian Usher

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain have signed agreements fully normalising their relations with Israel at the White House, what's happening in Lebanon a month on from the catastrophic Beirut port explosion, and a showdown with the US administration and Iran.

10:05 Crossing the Lines: Gay Kiwi soldiers in World War II

A new book shines a light on a previously untold history, that of homosexual New Zealand soldiers serving during World War II. Brent Coutts' book, called Crossing the Lines, focuses predominantly on the lives of Harold Robinson, Ralph Dyer and Douglas Morison - three men who served together and formed a troupe of female impersonators. Through tracing their friends, and men mentioned in their diaries and letters, the book ends up documents the experience of more than 50 homosexual soldiers during the war and beyond. Brent was able to get to know Harold and Douglas well after interviewing them in person over a number of years  and his research was greatly aided by what he calls a 'treasure trove' of images, letters and diaries kept by the family of one of the men.

Mary Fawcett, Schrödinger's Books reviews The Rise of the Remarkables: Brasswitch and Bot by Gareth Ward. Published by Walker Books.

10:45 The Reading

Butler’s Ringlet by Laurence Fearnley, read by Matthew Chamberlain. Episode 1 of 10.  No webrights.

11:05 Political commentators Jones & Sherson

Neale, Trish and Kathryn talk about National's alternative budget, and tax cuts, as well as the $4 billion dollar mistake in its economic plan. Also a look at Covid's impact on widening inequality.

Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations.

Trish Sherson is from corporate affairs firm Sherson Willis, and a former ACT press secretary. 

 

11:30 Gin production on Great Barrier Island

Australian Andi Ross has turned her back on corporate life and tells Kathryn how she came to set up the Island Gin distillery on Great Barrier Island. She has already produced an award winning gin. She will also share a recipe for gin infused roast chicken.

11:45 Grumpy about Grand Designs - but Happy in Hamilton

Bill McKay thinks Grand Designs gives an unrealistic idea of design and construction - but the Hamilton city centre's new direction is transformative.
 

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