Nine To Noon for Monday 10 May 2021

09:05 Low hydro lakes point to a developing power crisis

The country's biggest power user Tiwai Point aluminium smelter has agreed to cut its electricity usage as the industry faces a developing power crisis. Below average rainfall is putting pressure on hydro-generation with the country's hydro lakes dropping to 65 percent of normal levels for this time of year. Tiwai Point had reached an agreement with Meridian Energy on a framework for the smelter to reduce its usage by up to 30.5 megawatts. And there are warnings also for residential users of price rises on the way. Kathryn speaks with Transpower's General Manager of Operations Stephen Jay, Meridian Energy's General Manager of Wholesale Chris Ewers and the chief executive of Genesis Energy, Marc England.

09:25 Succession law under review - who can challenge a will?

The Law Commission is reviewing the law around who should get a person's property when they die. Historically New Zealanders tend to leave their wealth to their family, in particular a surviving partner or children. But when they don't it can result in court challenges and traumatic family relations - and raises the question should parents be able to leave their children out of their will?. The Law Commission's Deputy President Helen McQueen says New Zealand succession law affects everyone, but it is old and out of date considering the very many different family make-ups in Aotearoa in 2021. She is the lead commissioner of the review which is seeking public consultation.

09:45 Africa correspondent Debora Patta

Vaccine inequality and patient waivers could see Africa go the way of India's pandemic crisis. Africa is in dire need of vaccines but they have been snapped up by wealthier countries. Debora also talks to Kathryn about ISIS becoming stronger in northern Mozambique and South Africa is looking to ban captive lion hunting. 

10:05 The impact soil has on everything

Nicole Masters has been passionate about nature and the land for as far back as she can remember. An independent agroecologist, she is the founder of Integrity Soils, which is a company specialising in regenerative agriculture. Her book For the Love of Soil, aims tp make education on land regeneration accessible to everyone. She helps farmers and producers, here and abroad to use regenerative agriculture practices. Nicole Masters is currently living in Montana doing consultancy work and she is a speaker at the Boma NZ Agri Summit.

10:35 Book review: Seat 7A by Sebastian Fitzek

Quentin Johnson reviews Seat 7A by Sebastian Fitzek, published by Head of Zeus

10:45 The Reading

Elisabeth Easther with 'Mark My Words' the first part of her story series 'Between The Lines'.

11:05 Political commentators Neale Jones & Ben Thomas

Neale, Ben and Kathryn talk about a new unit within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to keep the Government on track to meeting priorities in key portfolios, including housing, child welfare and infrastructure. They also look at fair pay agreements and ahead to next week's budget.

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.

Ben Thomas is a PR consultant and a former National Government press secretary.

11:30 Shaken not stirred: Bartender of the Year

Our best bartenders went shaker to shaker over the weekend at the Highball New Zealand Bartender of the Year competition: two days of intense cocktail making and shaking and spirits challenges.  Kathryn is joined by winner Wellingtonian Alex Vowels and competition organiser Riki Carter, with tips for mixing a good cocktail, or mocktail.

11:45 Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne

Kennedy has been traversing the Old Ghost Road, a walking/cycling trail that follows an old gold miners' road from the Buller Gorge to the West Coast, and Pryces Rahui Reserve, a little-known forest gem near Hunterville.

Music played in this show

Artist: The Chills
Song: Heavenly Pop Hit
Time played: 9:40

Artist: American Honey
Song: Current Joys
Time played: 10:35

Artist: Chelsea Jade
Song: Ride Or Cry
Time played: 10:45