Nine To Noon for Friday 12 September 2025

09:05 The Conservation Minister on who should make decisions over conservation land

The Minister of Conservation has put forward proposals that would change the way decisons are made about national parks and conservation land. Plans are already underway to amend the Conservation Act to modernise land management and support a government priority to unleash economic growth on conservation land. Now, the Minister has is also proposing changes that would give him sole decision making powers over the conservation estate through a new National Conservation Policy Statement that critics say would strip away democratic process and prioritise commercial interests. The policy has only gone out for limited consultation at this stage, but the plan would remove the decision making authority of several statutory bodies.Federated Mountain Clubs, who are on the current decision making body the  NZ Conservation Authority, have described the move as unprecedented and a fundamental shift in how conservation land is managed. The Conservation Minister, Tama Potaka, speaks to Kathryn about why the proposed change has been put forward.

09:20 Finding out how old New Zealand's infrastructure really is

New Zealand's Infrastructure Commission has looked back over 150 years of public construction to remind people how old some of our buildings and roads actually are. A study just released shows two thirds of this country's roads existed in 1925, but less than 2% were paved and the majority of hospitals and schools were built in the 40 years following World War 2. It also tracks how much this country has been spending on infrastructure overtime. New Zealand is committing  more money than ever to building, renewing and maintaining networks. But in relation to the size of this country's economy, investment in public construction and networks is said to be relatively stable. The Infrastructure  Commission hopes that getting a clear understanding of the age of infrastructure networks, will help with prioritising spending on maintenance and replacements needed for the future.  Peter Nunns, the General Manager of Strategy at the Infrastructure Commission, joins Kathryn to discuss what can be learnt from the report.

09:30 Personalised 3-D printed bone support and orthotics

Auckland University biomedical engineering experts are working to develop 3-D printed bone supports and orthotics that are individually fitted and can support varying medical needs. Currently, devices to support recovery, or to prevent damage, are a standard fit. But new research means these supports can be designed to fit individual needs, giving greater flexibility where possible, and  incorporating gels to ease pressure. The technology could also be adapted to provide protection during sport. Maedeh Amirpour, a senior lecturer in biomedical engineering at Auckland University, is one of the lead researchers.

09:45 Pacific correspondent Caleb Fotheringham

RNZ Pacific's Caleb Fotheringham reports from the Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara

10:05 The incredible real-life story behind Chloe Adams' debut fiction novel

It's 1949 and two cousins meet at a Melbourne hotel to discuss a deeply personal matter. Mary - unwed and pregnant - is newly returned from the reconstruction efforts in post-war Japan. And Tess, who is married and has been trying to have a child for years, is about to ask her to give her the baby. It's a captivating hook for the opening lines of Chloe Adams' debut novel The Occupation - it's also based on a true story. Mary is Chloe Adams' grandmother, whose daughter didn't learn until she was an adult that 'Aunt Mary' was her biological mother. The Occupation is ultimately a work of fiction, but is set within a true part of history, and contains references to true events. Adams was awarded the 2024 Penguin Literary Prize for the novel.

10:30 When Lord Grantham came to Palmerston North

The popular historical drama Downton Abbey is having one last hurrah, with the release of its third - and supposedly final, movie. The television series ran for six seasons from 2010 through to 2015 and was the subject of three movies - the latest of which came out yesterday in cinemas. But while it has many fans here and around the world, there are not many who can say one of the stars of the show have appeared at their school assembly to give them a signed photo. But that's just what happened to Lauren Hutchinson back in 2012. 

10:35 Book review: Ara by Dr Hinemoa Elder

Elizabeth Heritage reviews Ara by Dr Hinemoa Elder, published by Penguin Random House NZ.

10:45 Around the motu: Chris Hyde in Hawkes Bay

Chris talks about a local kaumātua who  wants the river dredged so he can  paddle a waka he built for the last time, the  Esk Valley is  being choked by dust and a call for a week-long Negroni Festival.

11:05 Music with Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor of Slowboat records plays tracks from Suede's new album, a debut album from Dunedin indie band Pearly, and a greatest hits collection from Billy Joel is issued on vinyl.

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

11:45 The week that was: 100 metres backwards in heels

Our comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks with a look at the funny stories of the week, including the Spanish man who has broken the world record for the fastest backward 100 meters in heels.