Nine To Noon for Tuesday 28 May 2024

 

09:05 Community housing providers on the way ahead

As the government puts tens of millions of dollars more into community housing, the sector says it is up against unfair headwinds. Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced a broad review of Government run housing programmes following a highly critical report into Kāinga Ora, which has put the organisation's financial competency in the spotlight. Mr Bishop has confirmed that this Thursday's budget will allocate 140 million dollars to fund 1500 new social housing places, provided by community Housing Providers (CHPs). The social housing waitlist has more than 25,000 applicants, and many people are living in emergency housing motels or staying with relatives as they wait for suitable housing. The 1500 new homes would be allocated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from July 2025 onwards. So are social providers of community housing in a position to provide what is needed? Kathryn speaks with Salvation Army Social Housing National Director Greg Foster, and Hope Simonsen, General Manager for Emerge Aotearoa Housing Trust.

09:20 Thousands of Hutt Valley students could lose school science resource 

Thousands of school children across Hutt Valley could lose out on science kits as the organisation which provides them faces closure. The Hutt Science branch of charitable trust House of Science provides resource kits to around 15,000 primary and intermediate students, across 67 schools. The concept was born out of a 2014 ERO report indicating that over 70% of New Zealand schools lacked an effective science program. The kits have been financially supported by Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt Council for the past nine years, but after June, that funding will discontinue. Hutt Science is launching an urgent appeal for sponsors so it can keep the lights on. Chris Duggan is founder and CEO of House of Science.

09:30 Learning to lie? AI researchers warn of growing deception capacity

As AI systems become more advanced, so - apparently - does their ability to try to hoodwink humans. A recent analysis from US researchers found numerous examples of AI systems manipulating, cheating or bluffing their way through their tasks. The researchers say AI deception raises the risk of fraud and election tampering - or even losing control of the systems altogether. Joining Kathryn is Dr Peter S Park - he's a post-doctoral fellow in AI Existential Safety at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the lead author of the research. He details some of the surprising ways AI systems have been caught telling lies.

09:45 USA correspondent Ximena Bustillo

Donald Trump's hush money trial is nearing a possible verdict this week in New York. Republicans continue their battle against abortion - but why are some viewing it as a losing battle? And curbing illegal immigration is once again a hot-button issue for Texas.

Ximena Bustillo is a multi-platform reporter at NPR covering politics out of the White House and Congress on air and in print.    

10:05 The noisy undersea world affecting whale migration

Noise pollution in the ocean is affecting the navigational skills of whales and other marine animals. Modelling done by the University of Melbourne found that whales are being adversely affected by shipping noise and other human activities on the water. This can affect the giant mammals being able to successfully migrate. Dr Stuart Johnston is a mathematical biology researcher - and he can explain why sound travels a greater distance under the water than in the air and the impact that has on some ocean dwellers.

10:35 Book review: Creative Writer's Sourcebook by John Gillard 

Quentin Johnson reviews Creative Writer's Sourcebook by John Gillard published by Exisle

10:45 Around the motu: David Williams in Christchurch 

Christchurch City Holdings Limited has lost its chair and three directors this month, David takes a look at what is going on and how the council is reacting. Also an estimated finish date for the Metro Sports Centre after costs blow out. And recent violent incidents targeting the Rainbow Community have resulted in prosecutions.

David Williams is Newsroom's Te Waipounamu South Island Correspondent

11:05 Business commentator Rebecca Stevenson

Rebecca looks at some strong results on the NZX, including Turners Automotive and My Food Bag. Utilities software company Gentrack has made a notable turnaround. And a look at tech company Rakon which is the subject of a mystery buyer. In the US, Disneyland Resort cast members have voted to unionise - part of a wider trend across the country of employees seeking better employment conditions.

Rebecca Stevenson is a senior journalist at BusinessDesk.

11:30 Sweating it out. Are saunas good for you?

The tradition of sauna bathing is thought to have originated in Finland over 2000 years ago and is gaining in popularity around the world. But is sweating in small hot room, followed by an icy shower or bath actually good for health and wellbeing? Dr Joy Hussain is an Australian medical doctor and researcher who has studied the benefits of regular sauna use. She tells Kathryn Ryan the evidence does not support sauna for weight loss, but there are many other benefits.

11:45 Sports correspondent Glen Larmer

Glen looks ahead to a special meeting this Thursday where New Zealand Rugby's governance structure will go to a vote. Just one round of Super Rugby remains before the quarter finals. The Warriors have once again defied injuries to down the Dolphins 24-20 on the weekend. And Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková has taken leave, as New Zealand Football investigates an employment matter.

Music played in this show

The Rodger Fox Wellington Jazz Orchestra - 'Bebop and Roses'

The Rodger Fox Wellington Jazz Orchestra  - 'Love of my Life'

Barnaby Weir - 'Tarot Card Rock'

The Cardigans - 'My Favourite Game'