Nine To Noon

Simon started out as a violin player for the Irish dance company Spirit of the Dance, before moving into the creative space. 

President Trump faces a symbol of domestic frustration with the deterioration of the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, alongside a shifting political landscape marked by recent democratic socialist primary victories.

The programme builds up to a mock election in Term 4, which gives students first-hand experience of the voting process. 

 Following a $30 million Budget announcement to equip up to 500 schools with solar panels and batteries, analyst William Bisley modelled which areas would need the solar systems most.

The Government is making changes to the Building Act, including bringing in a proportionate liability scheme, meaning councils will no longer be the last man standing dealing with building defects.

This week is the Garden Bird Survey week - the 20th year of this citizen science endeavour. One of the trends noted by the survey organisers in Landcare Research this year is that bellbirds (korimako) are experiencing a slow and steady increase - which is excellent news for those of us who adore the call of one of our sweetest songsters. One bird that Kennedy Warne is keen to see increase in numbe...

Matcha, the vividly green tea drink, is now so popular worldwide that shortages are forcing farmers and importers alike to scramble for solutions. 

Peter Dunne was the leader of United Future and is a former MP and Minister who has worked within both National and Labour governments. Andrew Ketels is a government relations consultant and was previously the chief of staff for the ACT Party.

Simon takes his best guess on when City Rail Link might finally open, how likely is a second harbour crossing? What's going on with Heart of the City? And submissions close soon on the controversial move-on orders, Simon discusses what they might mean for Aucklanders.

Sally Wenley reviews Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray, published by Macmillan.

The project began after a wartime suitcase, filled with photographs, postcards and memorabilia, was found. 

Europe's deadly heatwave moves east, Putin admits "difficult period" in Ukraine conflict,  and embattled Serbian president says he'll resign "within weeks".

As part of the effort to regenarate the marine environment around Auckland's waterfront, a project is underway to grow baby kelp. 

The problem gambling foundation wants  a law change banning TV advertising of sports betting, following what it says is a surge in ads during the Football World Cup. 

The daughter of a woman injured in a Ryman retirement village is speaking out after her mother's arm was broken and shoulder dislocated after being pulled over by a care worker. 

The Football World Cup, Black Caps in England, the Warriors and the likelihood of an NRL franchise in Christchurch.

Donna Brookbanks and Michele A'Court with the lighter side of the week.

Peter covers the over 65's forced to live in their cars in Whangarei, plus those still out of their homes due to January storms. 

Quentin Johnson reviews The Realm of Ice and Sky by Buddy Levy, published by Macmillan.

Justin Zoras passed it one night, lights still blazing long after the town had gone quiet and got curious about it.

The latest including trouble for the Hong Kong's booksellers with raids and arrests, plus rising worker anxiety over robots.

For more than two decades, Frances Wilson and Stephen Fitzgerald have played a pivotal role in developing New Zealand opera talent.

Consultants PWC put the training need at between 1,500 and 2,300 additional engineers each year. 

Some teachers are rasing concerns the Ministry of Education's new assessment tool, with others saying their schools won't be using it at all. 

Film and television reviewer Tom Augustine joins Kathryn to talk about what he's been watching.