The Panel with Claire Matthews and Guy Williams (Part 1)
The Doomsday Clock, which monitors how close the world is to symbolic point of annihilation, has moved 30 seconds closer to midnight. The last time the world was in this close was in 1953, during the height of the Cold War. The organisation behind the clock sited the dire nuclear situation and climate change dangers. We ask the panelists if they're worried. It's hot and it's going to get hotter. Yesterday's top temperature was more than 37 degrees, the hottest since February 2011. Train lines ahve ahd speed restrictions put on them beacuae the tracks are getting too hot and some have started a petition about the sweltering conditions inside the trains. Residents are being warned to keep their windows shut in so burglars don't take advantage of the easier access. Today Taumaranui is expected to take the top temp, we talk to the owner of a local Canoe and Jet boat company, Karen Hawkless, about how they're dealing with the weather. With the heat comes mosquitos. Wellingtonians are complaining of particularly bad bites. New research says if you swat mozzies away they stay away but that's not quite an effective method of staying unbitten. We ask the panelists if they have any tricks for keeping the insects away or if they have the natural scent that acts as a deterrent. The Christchurch City Council has to remove a new path behind homes in Waimairi Beach because the soil used is contaminated with asbestos. It's removal is expected to cost $285,000. The council only became away the soil was contaminated when a resident presented it with test results showing the asbestos. Residents are worried it could a health concern. Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey tells us whether the asbestos is a health concern or not. We continue our discussion on the bad habits of those visiting our popualr hot spots. The Guardian is reporting that tourists have ruined the Milford track with their digusting ways which is taking workers a long time to clean up. Meanwhile the Waitaki District Council has revealed about 80 percent of fines handed out for breaches under the Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw have not yet been paid. The panelists discuss.
