Nine To Noon

As more countries around the world report cases of Omicron, much remains unknown about the new Covid-19 variant. It's less than two weeks since Omicron was designated a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organisation, after it was first reported by scientists in South Africa. 38 countries have now reported cases: overnight the UK reported another 86 omicron infections, the US now has cases in 15 states and Australia has 17 cases in New South Wales and ACT. The designation prompted many countries - including New Zealand - to shut their borders to travellers arriving from a number of southern African nations. But is it too late? Top British scientist Prof Mark Woolhouse said the UK's border rules were "too late" to make a difference to the potential wave of Omicron. Lynn speaks with Dr Margaret Harris, an Australian public health physician and spokesperson for the World Health Organisation.

Sam talks about the Black Caps chances of securing a series win in India, and the fine line between personality and confidence in athletes.

Briar Lawry from Unity Books Auckland reviews Wild Pets by Amber Medland, published by Faber & Faber.

Taranaki-based clinical animal behaviourist Mat Ward specialises in positive reinforcement training, for new pups and throughout their life. It's never too late to teach an old dog a new trick, says Mat, who has even taught a dog to fly a plane. His new book is What Dogs Want, illustrated by Rupert Fawcett. Mat tells Kathryn here he explores the key needs of the animal - and owner - and what might be contributing to bad behaviour.

RNZ Pacific's news editor on unrest in the Solomon islands, Fiji reopens its borders and 60 years since West Papuans first raised their nationalist flag in a short-lived self determination.

It's no secret that we have an issue with food waste in Aotearoa. 15,000 tonnes of bread, 12,000 tonnes of leftovers and 5,000 tonnes of potatoes go in the bin every year. Otago University's Food Waste Innovation project is working on ways to actively reduce food waste and repurpose things that people don't want to eat.

A High Court ruling that Immigration New Zealand was wrong to stop processing refugee visa applications due to Covid border restruction has given hope to a group of 70 Afghan nationals trying to get here. But there are now concerns that MFAT, which has been facilitating emergency flights out of Afghanistan, is about to shut down for summer, and may hinder arrivals into New Zealand for weeks.

Film and TV reviewer James Croot joins the programme to talk about Peter Jackson's docu-series on the Beatles, Get Back (Disney+), the new blockbuster remake of Dune (cinemas), the incredible story of the underwater cave rescue of a Thai football team and The Unforgiveable (Netflix), starring Sandra Bullock.

As youth mental health issues escalate here and globally, a clinical psychologist says it's imperative to listen young people about what services would best help them. Kerry Gibson is an Associate Professor from the University of Auckland and has done extensive research on the matter, including asking young people where they'd like to go for support. The result is her book What Young People Want from Mental Health Services. She says mental health services for youth are outdated, inhospitable and inaccessible to many, and need a radical overhaul.

Technology commentator Dr Mahsa Mohaghegh joins Kathryn to look at where tech is set to head in 2022, and how working from home in the pandemic has driven a rapid digital transformation in many businesses. She'll also talk about AI in facial recognition tools and the resultant privacy concerns, particularly in the wake of the big fine in the UK for Clearview AI. And 2degrees switched on 5G for some customers this week, what smart city features will it enable?