Nine To Noon for Friday 4 June 2021

 

 

09:05 A second harbour bridge crossing for Auckland cyclists and pedestrians

Transport Minister Michael Woods has just announced a second Waitemata Harbour crossing solely for foot and cycle traffic, saying adding on to the existing Harbour Bridge is not possible. Construction on the new standalone structure could begin next year, taking around five years to complete, at a cost of 785 million dollars. Mr Wood says initial estimates are that 5,000 pedestrians and cyclists would use the new bridge daily.  This morning's announcement comes after last Sunday's Harbour Bridge protest when more than 1000 cyclists calling for a cycle lane blocked two lanes. To discuss the development of the second crossing - cycling advocate Barbara Cuthbert from Bike Auckland, and Chris Carr from one of New Zealand's oldest transport companies, Auckland based Carr and Haslam. 

09:20 $302 m to encourage EVs - are feebates back on the agenda?

The government has set aside $302 million to encourage low emissions vehicles and looks set to move on a feebate scheme, introducing incentives for electric vehicles and eventually a tax on gas guzzlers. The line item was in last month's budget. The Transport Minister Michael Wood is to reveal details later this month, but Nine to Noon understands that the policy will largely resemble the so-called "feebate" scheme - scuppered in the last parliament by the New Zealand First party. Lynn speaks with the chair of Drive Electric, Mark Gilbert and Federated Farmers Climate Change spokesperson Andrew Hoggard.

09:30 Drone shepherding, how sheep react

As more farmers on both sides of the Tasman are embracing drone technology as a tool to efficiently monitor stock, research has examined the effect on sheep. So called barking drones can move stock and herd sheep and also enable farmers to check on lambing without disturbing ewes. A University of New South Wales study has looked into whether sky shepherding is better for barnyard animals than some of the more traditional farming methods. One of the lead researchers, Kate Yaxley has been observing the impact on welfare of farm animals.

09:45 Pacific correspondent Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor

Moera talks to Lynn Freeman about the latest court action stemming from the election result in Samoa. Also, as Fiji responds to an ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, almost all travel to the main island of Viti Levu from other islands within Fiji has been shut down.

10:05 Phill Jones: cajón crafter

Phill Jones is a musician and woodworker who's intertwined his two passions to produce beautiful wooden musical instruments. He handcrafts marimbas and stringed instruments, but is most well-known for making cajón, a box-shaped percussion instrument made with several layered pieces of timber. It was while travelling through the southern Spanish region of Andalusia that Phill encountered that distinct Flamenco sound and the cajón, inspiring both his music and his woodwork. He brought the idea back to New Zealand, starting his business Tukituki Instruments, creating instruments for customers around the world. He speaks to Lynn Freeman from Napier about his work, and his upcoming exhibition 'Heretaunga Resounding' at Arts inc. Heretaunga. 

10:35 Book review: Albert and the Whale by Philip Hoare

Reviewer for Unity Books Wellington John Duke reviews Albert and the Whale by Philip Hoare, published by Fourth Estate

An illuminating exploration of the intersection between life, art and the sea from the award-winning author of Leviathan, or The Whale.  Albrecht Durer changed the way we saw nature through art. He showed us who we are but and also foresaw our future. His is a vision that remains startlingly powerful and seductive, even now.

10:45 The Reading

11:05 Serious crash in Ashburton

There has been a serious crash in Ashburton this morning. RNZ understand there may be multiple fatalities. Lynn talks to Christchurch reporter Kim Moodie.

11:10 Music reviewer Grant Smithies​

Iconic Irish shoegaze band My Bloody Valentine are reissuing their entire catalogue on vinyl over the coming months, starting with their three studio albums. We'll hear a couple of key tracks from those today, alongside the latest from Detroit producer Moodymann and some vintage roots reggae from Freddie McGregor. 

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

Blackcap Devon Conway's incredible double century at Lords, Super Rugby, the rocky road to the Tokyo Olympics and more.

11:45 The week that was

Comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks bring a few laughs.

 

Music played in this show

Artist:   Perfume Genius
Song:  Without You
Time: 10:45

Artist:   Benny Sings
Song: Nobody's Fault
Time: 11:45