Nine To Noon for Monday 6 October 2025

09:05 Carers concerned budgets may be cut under disability changes

Carers of disabled family members are worried their budgets could be slashed when changes to disability funding come into effect next year. Last month the Government confirmed from 2026 the purchasing guidelines that were put in place in March 2024 that limited what disabled people and their carers could spend their money on would be removed. When this change happens, budgets will be based off what was spent between June 2023 and June 2025 - which includes the period of restricted purchasing, and for many accessing supports that are required has been difficult even before the guidelines were changed - including due to a longstanding lack of support workers, and limited respite and day programmes. The changes start from February 1 2026 for people new to disability support services and  April 1 for those already in the system. Kathryn speaks to two family carers from Northland, Kylee and Kristy.

09:25 Complaints service needed now before water change

With 40 new water utilities beginning in less than a year, the Utilities Disputes service is warning the water bills will be a shock to many. And with them, the disputes commisisoner Neil Mallon says he expects a 'flood' of complaints. Three water service delivery plans in Hamilton, Selwyn and Waimakariri have been given approval and the Government is assessing some 40 other proposals for utilities scheduled to begin operations on July 1 next year. He says, unlike electricity retailers, consumers won't get a choice of supplier. As monopolies, water companies creating a new household bill at a time when the cost of living is high will draw a lot of frustration. Neil Mallon is Utilities Disputes commissioner. 

09:35 State of Auckland CBD 'unacceptable' - business group

Auckland city centre businesses say homelessness and antisocial behaviour are getting worse - despite an increased police presence. Ninety-one per cent, in a recent survey of 100 businesses in around Queen St, said their operations are being impacted by rough sleeping and begging. The city's business association group Heart of the City says it's reluctantly releasing the survey, to get fast action. It says local enterprises need the chance to grow and thrive after a decade of major disruption during the City Rail Link build and to make the most of the CRL opening, along with the International Convention Centre, next year. About 80 per cent said they didn't believe the city centre was in a good state to attract more people and investment, and the same number said the council and the Government did not listen to their needs when planning projects and policies in the CBD. This is despite recent moves such as the opening of a permanent police station in the city centre. Viv Beck, chief executive of Heart of the City, talks to Kathryn.

09:45 Foreign correspondent Seamus Kearney in Europe

Big demonstrations in European capitals against war in Gaza, far-right leaders hail win by populist billionaire in Czech election, Georgian PM accuses EU of attempting to meddle in its affairs, and drone sightings force runway closures at Munich airport.

10:05 From Edinburgh to Auckland: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo goes Down Under

Fans of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo won't have to head to Scotland next year, they'll be able to experience the show in Auckland. It'll be the city's Tattoo debut, following previous successful tours to Wellington in 2000 and 2016. 2025 marked the 75th anniversary of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is seen each year by over 230,000 attendees in Scotland and broadcast to over 100 million viewers around the globe. Overseeing it all is Alan Lane who took over as creative director from New Zealander Michael Braithwaite - Nine to Noon spoke to him back in 2020 as he tried to organise a Tattoo during the pandemic.  No such barrier for Alan though, just the wrangling of one thousand performers - both local and international - including Tattoo fan favourites like Basel's Top Secret Drum Corps. Kathryn speaks to him about his vision for the Tattoo, and how he balances the traditional with the new.

10:35 Book review: Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

Gyles Beckford reviews Prisoners of Geography: 10-Year Anniversary Edition by Tim Marshall, published by Elliott & Thompson.

10:45 Around the motu: Tom Hunt in Wellington 

Tom discusses Sir Peter Jackson's move to evict the beloved Chocolate Fish in historic naval buildings on the Miramar Peninsula, due to plans to renovate former submarine barracks, and the final the week in local government elections with Andrew Little apparently well in the lead to be Wellington's next mayor. 

11:05 Political commentators Brigitte Morten and Neale Jones 

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.

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. He is currently providing PR support for Andrew Little's Campaign for Mayor of Wellington, on a voluntary basis.

11:30 How Auckland restaurant Fatima's became a Foo Fighter's fave

It's hard to imagine for fans of popular Auckland restaurant Fatima's - but it could just have easily been Freida's - a Mexican restaurant. But hospitality mentors at the time nudged Kirsty Senior and her co-founder Krista Dudson toward flavours from the Middle East - and 30 years later, Fatima's is still going strong. Kirsty still owns Fatima's, along with Sophie Gilmour and the pair of them have just released a new cookbook, infused with their love of Mideast cuisine. Simply titled 'Fatima's' it's stocked with recipes for home-cooking: Things like, Fatima's falafel, harissa halloumi, lamb shoulder pita and spiced pork belly. There's sauces to start, like garlic or harissa... and the book doesn't skimp on the sweet stuff either, with pistachio and rose meringues, roast nectarines and almond, apricot and pistachio baklava. No wonder it became a regular spot for Foo Fighter's lead singer Dave Grohl to eat at when in town. Kirsty and Sophie join Kathryn to discuss how they keep the menu fresh and bold.

11:45 Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne

Kennedy reflects on the life of Jane Goodall, and the New Zealand falcon, karearea, voted this year's Bird of the Year for a second time.