Nine To Noon for Friday 26 August 2022

 

09:05 AUT apologises to academic for poor handling of sexual harassment complaint 

Auckland University of Technology has unreservedly apologised to a former academic for its bungled response to her sexual harassment complaint about a former staff member. Dr Marisa Paterson was director of Australian National University's Centre for Gambling Research in 2020 when she publicly accused problem gambling expert, Professor Max Abbott, of stalking and harassing her. Now an Australian MP, Dr Paterson said in a statement that in addition to the sexual harassment, there was significant harm for her as an individual to have to fight an institution, in public, for an adequate response. She says the apology is public recognition of that. Her complaint had earlier prompted an independent review by Kate Davenport QC, in which 273 people reported being bullied or had seen it happen in the AUT workplace. Kathryn speaks to Dr Marisa Paterson from Canberra, and Michael Timmins, the Director of the Office of Human Rights Proceedings. 

09:30 Protecting the Southern Rātā in Papatowai

A Catlins conservation group has finally purchased a section of the Papatowai estuary behind an iconic stand of rātā - a deal it's been working on for several years. The Papatowai Forest Heritage Trust bought the 15 adjacent sections from the Findlater family, creating what will be called the Findlater Reserve. The purchase is part of a wider effort to protect the Southern rātā which hang over the beach at Papatowai. The land will be covenanted, joining other sections previously protected by the trust. Kathryn speaks to the spokesperson of the Papatowai Forest Heritage Trust Fergus Sutherland who is over the moon about the sale. 

09:45 Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins

The Solomon Islands government has secured a $US66 million loan from China for tech giant Huawei to expand the country's telecommunications network. It is the first major loan the country has received from Beijing since the signing of its security pact with China earlier this year. Also, Pacific countries are being urged to modernise tuna management strategy to ensure decisions are more science driven with less political interference. And jubilation in Samoa jubilant after news the iconic local beer will continue to be produced there.

RNZ Pacific's journalist Koroi Hawkins

10:05 One family's remarkable journey to be reunited during World War II

In December 1941, as the Japanese made their lightning attack on Pearl Harbour, Hong Kong also came under bombardment and fell two weeks later. Marie Broom was trapped in Hong Kong with her four children - not knowing what had happened to her husband Vincent, who'd been working in Singapore. As the family faced the  occupation alone, Vincent escaped Singapore. He managed to make his way to India, where he began a slow and perilous journey east to try to get to Marie and the children. Their story has been captured in a new book called 'A Message for Nasty', written by Marie and Vincent's grandson, Roderick Fry. Roderick is a designer usually based in Paris and is back in New Zealand for the Auckland Writers' Festival. 

10:35 Book review - The Seaplane on Final Approach by Rebecca Rukeyser

Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews The Seaplane on Final Approach by Rebecca Rukeyser, published by Granta

10:45 The Reading

The final short story in our series by Pip Adam.  Erin Banks with You've Come a Long Way Baby.
 

11:05 Music reviewer Grant Smithies​

One of the most adventurous bands of the 1970s, War blended soul, Latin, jazz, blues, reggae, and rock influences into an effortlessly funky whole. Five of their classic early albums have just been reissued. We'll hear two standout War tracks today, alongside new work from Wellington psych-pop band Mirror Ritual and pungent Auckland producer, Stinky Jim. 

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

Sam reviews what has been a rare hysteria-free week for the current All Blacks squad, whether a former All Black should be allowed to play for the Wallabies, and how going against the grain can pay dividends.

11:45 The week that was

Comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks with some of the lighter stories of the week, including a Rotorua man's shopping trip for a linen jacket which ended up with him being locked in Hallensteins.

 

Music played in this show

Track: Smooth Sailin
Artist: Leon Bridges
Time Played: 09:28

Track: Jersey
Artist: Barrie
Time Played: 10:40