Nine To Noon for Thursday 3 February 2022

 

 

09:05 Controversial new lending rules under investigation - Minister explains

Controversial new lending rules designed to protect borrowers from high-cost loans and unaffordable debt have been roundly criticised for forcing banks to take an overly zealous approach to consumer lending. Home buyers report being turned down for mortgages with banks nitpicking over discretionary spending, while new data suggests businesses are finding it harder to access credit. The Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr David Clark has ordered a review of how the new rules are being implemented, with terms of reference issued earlier this week. Yesterday he met with the heads of the major banks to hear their concerns.

09:30  To mow or let it grow?

Are you planning to mow the lawn over Waitangi weekend? You might want to rethink your plans after listening Dr Bruce Burns, a plant ecologist at the University of Auckland. He says it's time to rethink how often you mow - and there are financial and environmental benefits to not mowing your lawn. 

09:45 More Tory MPs seek to oust Boris Johnson, UK holds talks with Russia over Ukraine

UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about Boris Johnson's sticky week - with the release of the Sue Gray report into parties at No. 10 and more of his Tory colleagues joining in no confidence moves against him. Meanwhile the Prime Minister has participated in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the escalating crisis in Ukraine.

10:05 How to find calm in the maelstrom of life

Dr Sarb Johal is a psychologist of 30 years, author and speaker. His latest book is called Finding Calm: Managing Fear and Anxiety in an Uncertain World. Sarb says particularly in the midst of the pandemic, riding the ups and downs of life can be challenging and many people struggle to find any inner calm, with our minds often working to make things worse. But he says calm isn't something that magically happens and we can all learn to find it.

10:35 Book Review - Three of the best of 2021: Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris; Tenderness by Alison MacLeod and The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman

Ralph McAllister reviews three of his favourite reads from 2021: Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris published by Hachette NZ, Tenderness by Alison MacLeod published by Bloomsbury and The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman published by Penguin.

10:45 The Reading

 Jamie McCaskill reads episode four of SPIDER, by William Taylor. Today: Spider has decided to enter the Helene Goldman Piano competition.

11:05 Prime Minister announces reopening of NZ borders

Jacinda Ardern announces that the reopening of the borders will begin with Australia at the end of this month, and outlines a five stage plan to reconnect New Zealand with the world.

11:20 NZ borders to reopen, starting 27 Feb

RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch discusses the Prime Minister's announcement that the country's borders will begin to reopen for vaccinated people from 27 February, without the requirement to go into MIQ. She has just announced a staged reopening of the borders starting with New Zealanders in Australia, then extending to kiwis elsewhere, critical workers, foreign students, business travellers and tourists.

11:30 The challenges and benefits of setting boundaries for children

Kathryn talks with parenting coach and education consultant Joseph Driessen about children and boundaries.
What are appropriate boundaries and how can parents coach their children to buy into them?
 

11:45 Film & TV: Belfast, Eyes of Tammy Faye, Pam and Tommy

Film and TV reviewer James Croot joins Kathryn to talk about Belfast, written and directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, The Eyes of Tammy Faye and a new series screening on Disney, Pam and Tommy.