Nine To Noon

RNZ reporter Sam Olley has spent six days in Waitangi covering this year's commemorations and joins Kathryn to explain how they shaped up compared to last year's Omicron-affected event. She'll look at the exchanges between politicians and the chairs, key messages delivered and the reception new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins received.

Melanie O'Loughlin Lamplight Books in Auckland reviews Self Portrait by Celia Paul, published by Vintage

Is reaching 150 years old possible? Neuropsychiatrist Professor Perminder Sachdev looks at common factors for longevity. Much of his work relates to the epidemiology of dementia and cognitive ageing. In particular, the focus is on identifying risk factors for dementia, especially those that can be modifying, in diverse communities, so that strategies can be developed to help delay the onset of dementia. The idea behind this is that if dementia can be delayed by even 1-2 years, it will lead to a significant reduction in disease burden.

Ron talks to Kathryn about what's next in the saga of the suspected Chinese spy balloon shot down by the US military off the coast of South Carolina.

A newly-formed alliance is hoping to place housing firmly at the top of the election agenda this year for all political parties. The Homes We Deserve has the backing of 22 organisations who want to see a commitment to a renovation programme for at least 200,000 homes. The alliance says over 300-thousand homes in New Zealand are sometimes, or always, damp and 250,000 had mould larger than a piece of A4 paper. It says doing up these homes could slash carbon emissions, household bills, create tens of thousands of jobs and improve the health of Kiwis. Joining to outline their argument is Andrew Eagles from the Green Building Council and Letitia Harding from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation.

Community pharmacies say they're under increasing pressure due to funding issues and the influx of discount chemist chains, forcing dozens to close their doors. 70 community pharmacies have closed in the last four years according to the Pharmacy Guild.Last year 30 were shut down, largely replaced by discount chains such as the Chemist Warehouse and Countdown supermarket pharmacies.A group of pharmacists has taken a legal case against Te Whatu Ora claiming it has issued invalid contracts to discount pharmacies to operate, the judgement is yet to be issued. In Auckland, Seema Rambisheswar permanently closed her Life Pharmacy store in Glenfield just over a week ago, after working there for 22 years - and owning it for 14 years. She talks to Kathryn about what forced the closure, and Pharmacy Guild Chief Executive, Andrew Gaudin outlines the multiple stressors on the sector.

Comedians Te Radar and Irene Pink with a revelation from the Queen of organisation and tidiness, Marie Kondo, that she's given up on extreme tidiness in her home.

Sam breaks down the big announcements that hang over the head of New Zealand Football - with undesirable outcomes seen as a real threat. We assess where the Black Caps are before their home 'summer' after a forgettable trip to India as we look at the week's winners and losers.

Todd reports from the city of slips, silt, shocking weather devastation and survival stories. He looks at the role of the New Minister for Auckland against a backdrop of constant criticism of the way Mayor Wayne Brown has handed the event. How are central and local Government going to work together? Stuff Senior Auckland Affairs Journalist Todd Niall

Ralph McAllister reviews three of his favourite books from last year: All the Broken Places by John Boyne, published by Penguin; Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson, published by Penguin and House of Fortune by Jessie Burton, published by Pan MacMillan