Nine To Noon for Thursday 8 May 2025

09:05 Medical Council concerns over increased political control vs clinical independence in the workforce

Consultation on updating health workforce regulations has just closed, but it has sparked worries in the profession, including over greater political influence at the expense of clinical independence. The government has talked about modernising the system, streamlining overseas recruitment while maintaining clinical standards, reducing red tape and more focus on putting patients first. The Health Minister Simeon Brown has said the way the health workforce is regulated is overly bureaucratic affecting patient access and the cost of healthcare. But the Medical Council, which sets standards of clinical and cultural competence, says the real problem is the retention of doctors and has expressed concern that collapsing the number of health profession regulators could see increasing political control. Kathryn is joined by the Chair of the Medical Council, Dr Rachelle Love, who is a Christchurch head and neck surgeon.

09:20 Independent electricity retailer bemoans Manawa decision

An independent electricity retailer warns the acquisition by Contact Energy of the country's fifth biggest power generator will ultimately cost consumers more. The Commerce Commission announced approval yesterday for the acquisition of Manawa Energy by Contact. Chair John Small says the Commission does not believe the deal will push electricity prices up for consumers. The Major Energy Users Group has deep concerns about competition, and expects the government and regulators to closely watch that the decision does not increase already elevated prices. Independent retailer Electric Kiwi chief executive Huia Burt says generator-retailers like Contact have been exercising market power to the detriment of consumers and businesses. 

09:40 Update on Glen Innes fire

A fire in Glen Innes has caused thick black smoke to billow over the Auckland suburb this morning. About 50 firefighters have been battling a blaze in a Work and Income building. Crews were called to Mayfair Place at about 7am. RNZ reporter Finn Blackwell speaks to Kathryn from the site.

09:45 UK correspondent Harriet Line 

Harriet discusses the UK/India trade deal, Labour sticking to it's stripping of winter fuel payments and allegations of sexism at Downing St.

10:05 Mysteries, ghosts, fires, avalanches and crevasses: the history of Tongariro National Park

The Tongariro National Park is home to outdoor activities including the world-renowned Alpine Crossing , which thousands of people walk each year. Author Hazel Phillips has gone off track somewhat, in her latest book, to uncover some of the characters,  mysteries, ghosts and tragedies of the park and it mountains. With a particular focus on Ruapehu. A tramper, mountaineer, and resident of the Ruapehu District, Hazel Phillips, spent many days on the mountain exploring for her new book.

10:30 Tourism operators show their wares at annual conference

Tourism operators are showing their wares at the annual tourism business bonaza, TRENZ,  being held in Rotorua. Yesterday the Prime Minister and Tourism Minister were there  - talking up the sector and its prospects. But there's concern that numbers still haven't returned to pre Covid levels - the Chinese market in particular. Tess Brunton is RNZ's tourism reporters and is with us from Rotorua.
 

10:35 Book review: The Mademoiselle Alliance by Natasha Lester 

Gail Pittaway reviews The Mademoiselle Alliance by Natasha Lester published by Hachette

10:45 Around the motu: Jesse Archer in Taupō

Lake levels are dangerously low along the eastern side of Lake Taupō, Tūrangi airfield becomes the new base for rescue helicopter operations, there is an ongoing war on signs in Tūrangi, and Tokaanu Thermal Pools are set to reopen soon.

Jesse Archer is a community broadcaster at Lake FM 89.6 Taupō.

11:05 New technology with University of Auckland Law Professor Alex Sims

Withered technology and Lindy Effect - two big picture concepts about tried and true developments.

11:20  How to talk to children about keeping safe, without freaking them out

An attempted abduction of a child outside an Auckland primary school earlier this week has many parents wondering about the best way to talk to children about keeping safe. How much information should parents give children about potential dangers to them? And how? Clinical Psychologist and mother of three Jacqui Maguire has some tips and tricks.

11:45 Film and TV Review with Tom Augustine

Tom reviews the second season of HBO's The Rehearsal on Neon. Netflix's late night chat show, Everybody's Live and films The Wedding Banquet and Thunderbolts