Nine To Noon for Monday 7 March 2022

09:05 The sticky issue of closing Marsden Point amid global oil uncertainty

Big changes are coming to the way we get fuel into, and around, the country - and there are warnings about the huge implications of getting it wrong. The price of petrol is already burning a hole through many people's pockets, and with rising inflation and a war in Europe ignited by energy giant Russia, the pain at the pump won't be extinguished any time soon. Amid this smoldering situation, comes the transition of Marsden Point next month from oil refinery to import terminal. Instead of product being refined here and shipped to ports around the country, it's estimated 175 big tankers will bring in what we need each year - roughly one pumping and dumping into our supplies every two days. The two tankers that have been chugging New Zealand-refined product around the country's coastline, the MT Kokako and MT Matuku, will be taken out of service in a few weeks. And this change will affect how we meet our obligation to keep a certain about of fuel in reserve. Kathryn speaks first to Craig Harrison, president of the Maritime Union which is part of the Save Our Tankers campaign - concerned about the impact of these fundamental changes. She'll also talk to Julian Hughes, Z Energy's General Manager, Supply.

 

09:30  ETS: reward native not pine forest

The Ministry of Primary Industries is considering changing the forestry settings here in New Zealand, discouraging the planting of pinus radiata and long-lived exotic species for long-term carbon planting under the ETS.  Seeking feedback to this, MPI has published a discussion document Managing exotic afforestation incentives. Submissions are open now and close on 22 April. Environmental organisations - such as Forest and Bird - are in support -  saying native forest and wetland restoration provide a much better long-term carbon solution for carbon storage.  But Forest Owners Association chief executive, also managing director of forestry management company Port Blakely Phil Taylor tells Kathryn Ryan says it's not that straightforward and not necessarily the right move.

 

09:40 Russia's advance in Ukraine

Russia has taken control of Europe's largest nuclear power station in south-eastern Ukraine after an attack that set it on fire and raised worldwide fears of nuclear catastrophe. There has been a lull in major ground offensives against key cities, including Kyiv, but heavy bombing has been reported in Irpin, on the outskirts of the capital. A second attempt to evacuate civilians from the southern city of Mariupol has been halted due to Russian shelling. Meanwhile in Russia, it's estimated more than 10,000 people have been arrested at anti-war protests across the country over the last 11 days. Oliver Carroll  is The Independent's Moscow correspondent

 

09:45 Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney - strong support for Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion

It's estimated more than 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country in search of shelter, with many more expected to join the exodus. It's shaping up to be Europe's biggest refugee crisis since WW2, with a big shift in the EU's normally fractious refugee policy. Neighbouring countries are doing all they can to welcome Ukrainians, with an outpouring of help from governments and NGOs but also spontaneous networks of volunteers.  EU nations and NATO allies are quickly reassessing European security strategies in light of the Russian invasion, with no one taking any chances about what Vladimir Putin may have in mind.

10:05   Wellington e-motorcycle start-up takes off

Cofounders of e-motobike start up FTN Motion, Kendall Bristow and Luke Sinclair, talk to Kathryn Ryan about their range of e-motorcycles and the overwhelming response they've had.

10:35 Book review: Madhouse at the End of the Earth by Julian Sancton

Quentin Johnson reviews Madhouse at the End of the Earth by Julian Sancton, published by Penguin   

10:45 The Reading

11:05 Political commentators Mills & Morten

National's leader Christopher Luxon makes the case for tax cuts. Kathryn, Stephen and Brigitte discuss what further sanctions New Zealand could place on Russia. Also, the protest at Parliament is gone, but how long will the impact linger?

Stephen Mills is an executive director at Talbot Mills research limited which is the polling firm used by Labour. He is a former political adviser to two Labour governments.

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

 

11:30 A celebration of Syrian culinary culture in the capital

Pomegranate molasses and tahini may be more typically found in Syrian kitchens rather than Kiwi pantries, but the owners of the Wellington's restaurant Damascus, are hoping to inspire a love of their country's culinary heritage among its diners. Hasan Alwarhani is originally from the Syrian city of Swaida and in 2017 set up a Syrian food truck together with his partner Flora Quintana, a chef who is originally from Argentina. The journey to the Wellington food scene has been a long one for the couple who originally met in Dubai in 2008. Kathryn speaks with Hasan about why they decided to settle on a Middle Eastern offering.

11:45 Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne - with an eye on the ocean

Kennedy gets into deep water, talking about fish that are the size of cars, the locusts of the sea, and a reef that now qualifies for a name change.

Music played in this show

Artist: Japanese Breakfast
Track: Be Sweet
Time played: 10:35

Artist: Jose Gonzalez
Track: Swing
Time played: 10:45

Artist: Orlando Weeks
Track: Deep Down Way Out
Time played: 11:30

Artist:  Ibeyi
Track: Sister 2
Time played: 11:45