Nine To Noon for Tuesday 26 March 2024

 

09:05 Parliament network breached in second attach by China backed hackers: Minister

The Minister Responsible for the Government's security agencies has confirmed that a state-sponsored actor linked to China was involved in malicious cyber activity targeting Parliamentary entities in New Zealand in 2021. Questions have been raised about whether New Zealand might also be caught up in cyber campaigns that have prompted the US and UK to introduce new sanctions against China. In the UK, deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden accused China of being responsible for targeting the Electoral Commission and MPs. The US Justice Department and FBI say millions of Americans' online accounts have been caught up in a Chinese hacking plot that targeted US officials. Judith Collins has just released a statement saying New Zealand "stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of China's state-backed malicious cyber activity". Kathryn speaks with RNZ's Political Editor, Jo Moir.

09:15 Final call for feedback on Auckland's Long-term Plan and Future Fund proposal

Aucklanders have just two more days to consult on the direction of the supercity for the next decade. Submissions close on Thursday for Auckland's Long-term Plan. The centrepiece is the proposal to create an Auckland Future Fund, to increase non-rates revenue, and act as a safety net in emergency situations. To kick it off, mayor Wayne Brown wants Council to sell its remaining 11% shareholding in Auckland International Airport. He also wants to lease out operations at the Ports of Auckland, for around 35 years, while retaining Council ownership of the land. But not everyone is on board with the move. An open letter signed by business leaders, politicians, art figures, and architects opposes the move, arguing Auckland shouldn't transfer control of 77ha of prime waterfront land. Mayor Wayne Brown, and councillor Mike Lee - who is among those with concerns - join Kathryn Ryan.

09:25 Pioneering psychiatrist and trauma researcher Bessel van der Kolk

A study a world leading trauma expert has shown MDMA psychotherapy can help patients overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Bessel van der Kolk - Neuroscientist and Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University Medical School - wrote the 2014 best-seller The Body Keeps the Score. The study into the effects of MDMA on PTSD, published earlier this year, showed the drug, coupled with talk therapy, significantly helped patients overcome traumatic experiences, even from childhood.There is growing evidence that the very careful administration of drugs such as psilocybin's and MDMA in conjunction with therapy can "unlock" past trauma. Australia is the first country to allow the use of psychedelics and MDMA to treat mental health illnesses, while there are studies underway here.Bessel van der Kolk spoke to Kathryn Ryan ahead of the NZ Trauma conference in Christchurch today.

09:45 USA correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben

A New York court has handed former president Donald Trump a lifeline as he runs out of time to secure a US$454m bond for his recent fraud case. Trump now has 10 days to pull together US$175m. Danielle Kurtzleben is also looking at Donald Trump's rallies, analysing what makes them so unique compared to other candidates' public appearances. And Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Danielle Kurtzleben is a political correspondent assigned to NPR's Washington Desk

10:05 Accent discrimination: why we judge people by the way they speak

Why do some people say 'tomayto' and others say 'tomahto'? Where do different accents come from and why? And why is it that we make judgements about people from they way they talk? Dr Rob Drummond is Professor of Sociolinguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University. His book is called You're All Talk : why we are what we speak.  He talks with Kathryn Ryan about his research into stereotypes associated with accents.

10:35 Book review: The Space Between by Lauren Keenan 

Carole Beu of the Women's Bookshop reviews The Space Between by Lauren Keenan published by Penguin Random House NZ

10:45 Around the motu: Logan Savory in Southland

There are ructions at the Invercargill City Council, with councillor Ria Bond claiming Mayor Nobby Clark  has returned too quickly following heart surgery and that the wheels are falling off. Mr Clark has described the comments as outrageous. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor, Tom Campbell has declared his mayoralty bid 18 months out. And in the Gore district there is community anger at the anti social behaviour of some youth in Mataura.

 Southland Tribune editor Logan Savory is based in Invercargill 

11:05 Business commentator Victoria Young

In the most recent installment of BusinessDesk's Business of Education series, the focus is on universities and their balance sheets. Victoria Young also looks at the downturn in property funds as managers cut investor payments and sell down assets, and a board stoush at agricultural supply business PGG Wrightson.

Victoria Young is BusinessDesk's Editor

11:25 How to navigate social media without jeopardising your job

For all of social media and technology's perks, comes the very real risk an internet gaffe could jeopardise your job. Employment lawyers' workloads are increasingly filling up with cases pertinent to the 'new normal': working from home, varied forms of communication, and even emoji use. Anthony Drake is a partner at law firm Wynn Williams; an employment law specialist with more than 20 years' experience. He joins Kathryn Ryan to answer your questions - text us on 2101, or email us at ninetonoon@rnz.co.nz.

11:45 Sports-chat with Marc Hinton

Marc dissects 'dolphingate', and how a run-of-the-mill round of the SailGP event in Lyttleton turned into a political firestorm. Also, is it time to move on from the Crusaders' losing streak in Super Rugby Pacific, and focus instead on the only unbeaten team - the Hurricanes? Marc also weighs in on the speculation Sam Whitelock could make a return to the All Blacks.