Nine To Noon for Monday 29 January 2024

09:05 Self ordered medical tests 'concerning and unnecessary': GPs

Doctors are raising concern about the rise of self ordered medical tests, as a new Australian study finds they have limited usefulness for consumers. If you are willing to pay, a range of medical tests can be ordered from private laboratories without a doctor's involvement  - including full blood count, cholesterol, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases. These cost anywhere from $25 to $340. Dr Bryan Betty, chair of the General Practice New Zealand, says many family doctors have noticed the trend toward self-ordered tests, but caution that without expert interpretation,  they can cause unnecessary anxiety, and potentially unnecessary medical procedures. A recent Australian study has found the benefits to most consumers are questionable. But the country's largest provider of private tests says it's all about empowering patients.

09:20 Earthquake-prone building regulations unaffordable for some owners

Calls are growing for the new Government to urgently address the hefty bills facing owners of earthquake-prone buildings. Former Wellington owner Hazel Kirkham is warning many simply cannot afford the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to get their buildings up to code, and will not be able to comply with upcoming deadlines. Much of the issue is condensed in the Capital, which has more multi-owner quake-prone buildings than any other city, as well as shorter timeframes to comply, due to its seismic risk. A review of the regulations was promised in 2022, but it has been pushed forward to 2027. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says he is seeking advice from officials in the coming weeks on what options are available to the Government. Wellington City Councillor Iona Pannett is warning potential buyers not to buy apartments until policy around earthquake strengthening is changed. Hazel Kirkham and Iona Pannett speak with Kathryn Ryan.

09:45 Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney

Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney is in the Wellington studio this week, looking at some of the bigger stories coming up. An EU summit in Brussels on Thursday is hoping to achieve unity on ongoing financial assistance for Ukraine, but faces opposition from Hungary. And as the second anniversary of the beginning of Russia's invasion approaches, Ukraine is attempting new military tactics. And discussion is building ahead of the EU elections in June, which are are seen as crucial in terms of how Europe reshapes itself for future challenges.

10:05 The cancer con that captured a global audience

Investigative producer, Nancy Moscatiello, uncovered a scam so outrageous it hid in plain sight for nearly a decade - at the heart of it, a charming, young Christian. Amanda C. Riley started a blog when she was 'diagnosed' with Hodgkins Lymphoma. It was 2012, blogging was just starting to gain traction on the internet and the tragic story of the young mum of two, dying from cancer, soon captured the hearts of a church community, then America. As hashtag Team Amanda went viral, the money for 'treatment' came pouring in, but then an investigative producer received an anonymous tip, and decided to take a closer look. The story of the unravelling that followed became a hit podcast series 'Scamanda'. Kathryn spoke to the investigative producer behind the scenes, Nancy Moscatiello.

10:35 Book review: Three of the best from 2023 - Iris and Me by Philippa Werry, Te Wehenga by Mat Tait, and All the Words We Know by Bruce Nash

David Hill reviews three of his favourite books from last year: Iris and Me by Philippa Werry, published by Ahoy! Cuba Press, Te Wehenga, by Mat Tait, published by Allen and Unwin Children's NZ, and All the Words We Know by Bruce Nash published by Allen and Unwin

10:45 Around the motu: John Freer in Coromandel

The on-going Cathedral Cove saga is now being drawn out for another eight months with the Department of Conservation announcing it won't have a decision on the future of the iconic walking track until September. CFM local news reporter.John says the opening of SH 25A has been a game changer for the summer holiday season. He'll also talk about Will Fransen's survival tale after falling of his launch and spending almost 24 hours in the water. 

11:05 Political commentators Neale Jones and Brigitte Morten

Neale and Brigitte discuss the latest cigarette controversy, with associate health minister Casey Costello seeking advice on a three-year freeze on the inflation-adjusted tax on smoking tobacco products. And Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made an appearance at Rātana, promising to “honour” the Treaty of Waitangi. ACT leader David Seymour says he expects Waitangi commemorations will be "more tense" than usual this year.

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 public affairs firm Capital.

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, a National Party member and currently volunteering for the party's deputy leader, Nicola Willis.

11:30 Making cooking more affordable

Nadia Key and her Mum Elke are behind the social enterprise Husk and Honey and together they have compiled a cook book called Collectively Homegrown. It features recipes from a range of cultures cooking in home kitchens around the motu and profits will go to Women's Refuge.

11:45 Urban Issue with Bill McKay

Bill McKay toured a few Australasian cities over summer; and shares his thoughts from the log industry to public transport.

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Music played in this show

Dallas Tamaira - Stormy

Reb Fountain - Foxbright