Nine To Noon for Monday 8 March 2021

 

 

09:05 Bigger Cook Strait ferries risk collision and grounding: report

A report into maritime safety in Tory Channel suggests KiwiRail's proposed bigger interisland ferries may carry a heightened risk of grounding and collision which could result in catastrophic loss of life or an oil spill. Kiwirail plans to have two new ships in operation by 2024, which would be nearly 40 metres longer and at least five metres wider than the current ships. The Marlborough District Council commissioned an assessment of navigational safety and risk in Tory Channel -  the narrow waterway used by ferry operators between Wellington and Picton. That report identifies 67 risks, including grounding, collision, limited tug availability and the need for better aids to navigation... The risks are pre-existing, but the report says `the introduction of new, larger ferries with new handling characteristics and greater capacity for passengers and crew, brings new challenges.''
KiwiRail's own risk report finds there is no additional risk in Tory Channel associated with larger ferries.  Kathryn speaks with Marlborough Harbourmaster, Luke Grogan, who is leading a risk assessment group considering the issues. Also with Paul Keating,  chairperson of residents' group Guardians of the Sounds.

09:20 A snapshot of belonging in Aotearoa

A group formed in the aftermath of the Christchurch Mosque terror attacks has been surveying people around the country about belonging and inclusion. Inclusive Aotearoa Collective held meetings in 45 towns and cities around the country, meeting with 860 people from all backgrounds and walks of life, asking what makes people feel they belong, and what stops them from feeling that way. Project Lead for Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono Anjum Rahman and Project Facilitator Keriana Tawhiwhirangi explain the genesis and objectives of the project.

09:45 Middle East correspondent Sebastian Usher

The Iran nuclear deal, with Tehran ruling out holding an informal meeting with the US and Europe on ways to revive a nuclear deal, adamant that the US would have to lift unilateral sanctions. Also the Pope has visited parts of northern Iraq during an historic trip to the country.

10:05 New novel tells the tale of real-life goldfields heroine, Kitty K

Margaret Mills has just published her first novel at the age of 91, based on the life of Kitty Kirk. Kitty was born in Ireland in 1855 and shipped with her mother to the Protestant settlement of Dunedin. The Nine Lives of Kitty K explores the challenges faced by women in the harsh environs of Central Otago during the goldrush. Margaret knows the areas of the book well, having lived in Queenstown for 27 years, before returning to Auckland where she campaigned for Greenpeace. In fact, she was aboard the Rainbow Warrior when it was bombed by French agents in 1985.

10:35 Book review - A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet

Melanie O'Loughlin reviews A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet, published by W.W. Norton & Company.

10:45 The Reading

2000ft Above Worry Level, part five. Written by Eamonn Marra and read by Jack Sergent.

 

11:05 Political commentators Mills & Morten

Parliament's back after a recess dominated by the Valentine's Day Covid cluster. We'll talk about the most recent lockdown, the communications around it and how the vaccine will roll out.

Stephen Mills is the executive director of UMR Research and former political adviser to two Labour governments. UMR does some polling work for the Labour Party.

Brigitte Morten is a senior consultant with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. 

11:30 Paneer cheese enterprise in Southland

A chance conversation at church has led to a Southland farming couple developing a whole new income stream. The cows which graze on Julie and Roger Guise's pastures in Aparima, near Riverton provide the milk which is made into paneer cheese under the moodew label. Restaurant orders are growing. Here are Julie's recipes for paneer coconut curry, and paneer chips with chilli mayo.

11:45 RMA replaced: what's proposed by the three new Acts?

Bill McKay joins Kathryn to look at what the Resource Management Act will be replaced with, and the new approach being taken. It follow's Bill's previous chat on Nine to Noon which looked at what is wrong with the RMA in practice.

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