Nine To Noon

Australia correspondent Chris Niesche details what's happening with an investigation into a fire at one of the country's two refineries as the country deals with the oil and gas crisis. Chris looks at how the economic conditions could impact the looming Budget and why Rebel Wilson is facing a defamation trial.

An Auckland University researcher is using virtual reality, 3D printing, and real-time data to design and create leg braces for children with cerebral palsy, that are more comfortable. Cerebral palsy affects 1 in 500 New Zealand children, and 7000 New Zealanders currently live with cerebral palsy. It generally appears in very early childhood as the result of brain damage that occurs before or during a baby's birth, and the main symptoms are related to movement and posture. About half of children with cerebral palsy need ankle-foot braces to help them walk and prevent muscle tightening, but they can be bulky and uncomfortable. Sara Chami worked as a clinical orthotist in Tehran fitting braces for children. And also studied prosthetics. She's now with Auckland University's Bioengineering Institute and researching if the braces can be built better.

The New South Wales politician who helped expose the extent of abuse - and the subsequent cover ups - within the early childhood sector, is warning New Zealand needs to learn from Australia when it comes to the impact of privatisation. Greens politician Abigail Boyd invoked a powerful parliamentary order to force the release of internal departmental documents to scrutinise the regulator's handling of breaches in the childcare sector. A fraction of the documents were released, and revealed multiple reports of inappropriate sexual touching, broken elbows, broken wrists, children being kicked, verbally abused, inappropriate restraint, and force-feeding. Abigail Boyd says large private companies dominate the Australian early childhood sector, and occupancy targets, wage targets, revenue and profit targets, and budget targets all come before child wellbeing. Abigail spoke at an early childhood conference in Wellington yesterday, and a public meeting last night.

A revitalisation of Auckland's central business district has been much promised after years of struggling for both businesses and residents with the orange cones and impact of construction of the central rail link. One of those who would like to see a shake up in the approach to the central city is entrepreneur Andrew Barnes - who is also the founder of Perpetual Guardian and is known for promoting the four-day working week.

New Zealand has its second combat sport world champion crowned in as many weeks in the form of Lani Daniels. Sam also discusses the success of the Black Ferns Sevens team as well as the Warriors in the NRL.

Te Rongo Kirkwood's art works have been heating up the glass world. She was the first artist of Maori heritage to receive the prestigious Rakow Commission from the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. The award recognises artists who are pushing the boundaries of what can be done with glass, and Te Rongo's installation The Seer, the Seen and the Seeing - which includes a kakahu or cloak, is now in the Museum's permanent collection. Te Rongo was also the New Zealand Glass Works' first artist in residence four years ago and she also created the award that goes to recipients of music's Aotearoa Charts Icon each year. Her work will be able to be seen at the Aotearoa Art Fair which opens next Thursday April 30 and is the biggest in its history, bringing together more than 60 galleries, and 200 artists from 25 countries. Te Rongo talks to Kathryn about her journey with glass.

Investors are watching the upcoming March quarter CPI release and market reactions to renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Jimmy gives an update on the death of eels and fish due to the drying up of Pukepuke Lagoon in coastal Manawatu.

Elisabeth Easther reviews Love is an Algorithm by Laura Brooke Robson, published by Text Publishing.

Ukrainian-Canadian author Maria Reva's debut novel Endling is a darkly funny and compelling tale about loss and survival.