Nine To Noon

Educator and parenting expert Nathan Wallis talks to Kathryn about the things that kiwi parents worry about the most. They're revealed in a nationwide survey of 1200 parents by the health insurer nib New Zealand. The amount of time children spend on screens , their mental health and balancing work and family are among the top concerns.

Technology commentator Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to talk about some of the big trends in tech this year, starting with plugging gaps in broadband coverage and extending the 5G network.

Lisa Finucane reviews The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner, pubished by Hachette.

Dr Priyanka Dhopade is a space sustainability researcher and firmly believes that sustainability should be integrated into projects from inception, at the design phase right through to launch and beyond.

UK correspondent Matthew Parris joins Kathryn to talk about the controversy over a Christmas party held at Number 10 Downing St last year in contravention of Covid rules.

Research in 10 countries, including New Zealand, into attitudes towards climate change finds individuals think they're doing enough but want better leadership from government and business.

How are we going to power the country, as demand for electricity is set to sky-rocket with the transition to a low-carbon economy? New Zealand has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and the Government has a target of a 100 percent renewable electricity system by 2030.

In our look at the visual arts today Mark Amery is in Wellington and has been at the extraordinary Hilma af Klint exhibition at City Gallery Wellington, where he also looks at the moon drawings of Rita Angus and some fascinating creative responses to them by two contemporary artists in collaboration: Seraphine Pick and Andrew Beck. Rita Angus herself is the subject of a major exhibition opening at Te Papa December 18, leading Mark to ask where all the major survey shows of other New Zealand artists in Wellington have gone.

Let's face it, this year's silly season is going to be a bit different. What are some of the potential pitfalls to watch out for this festive season as we all try to cope with Covid in the community? Kathryn is joined by Gemma Rasmussen, head of communications and campaigns at Consumer NZ to talk about your rights if Covid upsets your travel plans, how to head off courier or shipping delays and some tips to ease the financial stress of Christmas.

Robert Kelly reviews Can't Get There From Here by André Brett published by Otago University Press.