Nine To Noon

Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government.

Bruce McKenzie of Bruce McKenzie Booksellers in Palmerston North reviews The Fish by Lloyd Jones, published by Penguin Random House

Sustainable intensive gardening might sound like a contradiction in terms, but small-scale market gardener Jodi Roebuck and his partner Tanya are proving it can be done. They farm a half acre block 12 kilometers outside of New Plymouth and provide top-end microgreens and salads to a select number of restaurants and shops, but have also expanded to Pak N Save Supermarket. Jodi says when they set up it was important for them to find the perfect site.

Sebastian and Kathryn discuss whether we are about to see agreement finally on reviving 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and if the recent summit in Israel with 4 Arab countries will be a significant harbinger of change in the region. Also the two month ceasefire in Yemen. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter

Stephen Charles is a former judge of appeal in the Victorian Supreme Court, QC, member of the Accountable Round Table and the Centre for Public Integrity making the case for a Federal anti-corruption commission in Australia. He says pork barreling and other forms of corruption are common in Australian politics and are undermining trust in democracy. Scott Morrison's coalition government did propose the establishment of an anti-corruption commission in 2018, but when the idea finally reached legislative form in November 2020, it was widely panned by critics as so flawed as to be useless. Now with another Federal Election due in mid May, Stephen Charles says the Coalition won't hesitate to pour money into marginal seats, while Australia's rankings in international integrity rankings goes down. He's co-written a book with Dr Catherine Williams called Keeping Them Honest.

Vaccine mandates end in schools and early childhood centres at midnight, as they do in many settings, including Police, Defence Force and businesses operating vaccine passes. An estimated 96% of school and early childhood staff complied with the rule when it was introduced last year, but a few thousand teachers and other staff refused to be vaccinated against the virus and lost their jobs. Some may now seek re-employment and principals may be looking to re-employing them. Schools have been advised by the New Zealand School Trustees Association cases of returning teachers can be assessed on a "case by case" basis. Kathryn discusses the implications with Auckland Primary Principals' Association and Principal of Newmarket Primary School Wendy Koefod, and PPTA President Melanie Webber.

Comedians Te Radar and Michele A'Court with some of the things tourists find baffling about New Zealand, with a common complaint that our takeaway fish and chips are very light on condiments.

Sam says with the the America's Cup now going to be raced in Barcelona, although it is technically NZ's Cup, he ponders whether it will feel like it, and whether support for Team NZ will dwindle. Also the All Whites are one game away from the World Cup, and talk is escalating of former All Black and respected rugby coach Wayne Smith joining the Black Ferns.

Carole Beu of the Women's Bookshop in Ponsonby reviews Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, published by Penguin Random House

Wendy Kopp is the founder of Teach for All - an international network placing graduates and professionals in schools and communities where they're needed most. Established over 30 years ago, there are currently more than 15,000 teachers in the midst of their initial two year teaching placement - reaching more than a million students in 60 countries, including in New Zealand. Wendy Kopp is the author of two books, holds honorary doctorates from 15 universities, and has been named among Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People.