Nine To Noon for Friday 12 December 2025

09:05 What's going on with the national transport ticketing system?

What is the future of a national integrated transport ticketing system, as another city gives up waiting? The plan - now known as Motu Move - was first announced 16 years ago by then Prime Minister John Key, promising contactless payment options on bus, train  and ferry services across the country. The project has faced delays and warnings that its budget of 1.4 billion could blow out. Last month, Christchurch became the first city to introduce the system for 300 busses, but only for those paying full fare. Earlier this week, Wellington Regional Council announced it will roll out its own contactless payment system in the first half of next year because it cannot wait any longer for the national system. Auckland City already has its own contactless system and councillors have questioned whether it is time to walk away from Motu Move. Kathryn speaks with Canterbury Regional Council chair Dr Deon Swiggs and Auckland Council Transport Committee Chair, Andy Baker.

09:20 Seeds collected from warmer climates to help protect New Zealand species

For the first time seeds from Albania and Serbia have been added to New Zealand's Margot Forde Genebank. The collection - based in Palmerston North - is home to more than 175,000 seed samples from more than 100 countries, and is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. It plays a critical role in preserving plant genetic resources to support food security, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. Among the newly collected species, which are yet to arrive in New Zealand, are populations of ryegrass, clover, fescue, cocksfoot and herbs such as chicory. With New Zealand summers getting hotter and drier  the Bioeconomy Science Institute has collected these new samples because they originate from regions that have recently experienced severe drought. It means they are valuable for developing varieties that can better withstand climate change here in Aotearoa. Kioumars Ghamkhar is the Director of the Margot Forde Genebank.

09:35 Helping injured dogs with false limbs and orthotics

For dog owners whose pets have issues with their limbs,  the  cost of potential surgery can be eye watering. But a business in Invercargill is offering a possible alternative, doggy prosthetics or false limbs, along with orthotics or supportive devices. Stephen Breetzke makes medical prosthetics and orthotics for humans and saw a need for dogs. The result was Pawthotics. Founder Stephen Breetzke talks to Kathryn about what is and what isn't possible when it comes to false limbs for dogs.

09:45 Asia correspondent Elisabeth Beattie

Myanmar is gearing up for an election but will it be free and fair?  A group of bishops from across Asia have met in Hong Kong to discuss use of AI and what role it should play. Conflict on the Cambodia-Thailand border has flared again this week, discussion is underway in Malaysia to overhaul strick dress codes at official places, and in Japan - a mega earthquake advisory is in place.

Elizabeth Beattie is a journalist based in Tokyo.

10:05 Bringing St James cycle trail back to its glory

Mark Inglis loves a challenge. When the mountaineer and amputee learned the once glorious St James cycle trail had fallen into disrepair about 5 years ago, he had to get involved. In the Clarence and Waiau valleys - the 60km trail runs through the 78,000 ha St James Station - one of the country's largest high country farms. DoC took over managing it in 2008 and it became one of the country's 'great rides'. The department has struggled with upkeep, and it was smashed by storms in 2021 with a key bridge destroyed. In August, that was replaced and the trail was stitched back together. Mark set up the St James Cycle Trust and it has been given a 3-year concession to manage the track. But raising revenue to keep it going is difficult, and Mark's focus is on getting local community to embrace the trail.  

10:35 Book review: Katabasis by R F Kuang

Laura Caygill reviews Katabasis by R F Kuang, published by Harper Collins.

Dark academia and magic combine as Alice journeys into the underworld to rescue her professor in this novel for classicists or fans of The Good Place. 

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

Chris talks about Level 4 water restrictions in the coastal community of Kairakau, the tsunami measured in Napier without an earthquake and the Havelock dance company celebrating 50 years.

Chris Hyde is editor of Hawkes Bay Today

11:05 New music with Grant Smithies

Leeds producer Nightmares On Wax (George Evelyn) has just released his 10th studio album, inspired by the sound system culture of his home city. We’ll hear two key tracks from that today, followed by new music from Wellington’s The Close Readers and a dusty classic from Philadelphia soul singer Jill Scott.

11:30 Sports commentator Dana Johannsen

The abrupt departure of NZ Cricket boss Scott Weenink and the future of domestic cricket,  last night's rugby awards, Joseph Parker gives his first interview since news he had tested postiive for a banned substance and an official complaint has been lodged against the head of FIFA.

11:45 The week that was

Comedians te Radar and Elizabeth Easther share some of the lighter stories of the past week, including the seal pup rescued and released twice after being spotted wandering through suburban Christchurch.