Nine To Noon

Leah McFall reviews the The Fran Lebowitz Reader by Fran Lebowitz, published by Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand.

Lydia O'Donnell is proud to say that she runs like a girl. The Nike Pacific head running coach is an advocate for a more female-centred approach to running that takes into account women's physiology and menstrual cycle.

Ron talks to Kathryn about the deadlines in the US to raise the country's debt ceiling, and the Democrats are hoping to pass the budget blueprint by the end of the week. And the struggle is ongoing to overcome resistance among anti-vaxxers and COVID deniers.

An Australian study recently published in the journal Trends in Ecology & Evolution has shown some animals' body shapes are adapting and changing to cope with climate change. Sara Ryding of Deakin University led the research team which used 3D scanning to investigate how birds are responding morphologically to warmer temperatures.

Kathryn speaks with the government's advisor on Covid 19, former Air New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Fyfe. He was appointed by the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to try to bring private and public sectors together to solve major issues related to Covid. What are the challenges of getting business and government working together ?

One of the sectors facing a serious short-fall in skilled workers is the technology sector. A recent industry report found the IT sector is over-reliant on overseas recruits, and isn't properly developing home grown talent. Last week, Amazon's web arm last week announced an eight billion dollar plan to build data centres in Auckland by 2024, which it claims will create a thousand jobs and add nearly 11-billion dollars to GDP over the next 15 years. The plan still needs approval from the Overseas Investment Office. But a senior software consultant says there simply arn't the skilled people to fill 1000 new jobs in cloud computing. Bruce Jarvis, Group Manager of Digital Services at Callaghan Innovation, says the Amazon plan could in fact constrain the growth of New Zealand export businesses.

Applications open next week for the government's home self-isolation pilot. 150 spots are available for businesses wanting to send staff on overseas trips, and cellphone facial and fingerprint recognition will be used to ensure people stay home while they isolate. Business leaders are welcoming the pilot, but say many sectors are crippled by skill shortages, and they want a clear plan from government on the pathway forward. Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Leeann Watson.

Kennedy talks to Kathryn about a cherished patch of forest, wetland and sandspit on the banks of the Tamaki River in Auckland - Tahuna Torea, "the sandspit of the oystercatchers." Once slated to become a rubbish tip, the land was rescued and rehabilitated by dedicated volunteers, including the Welsh ornithologist and nature writer Ronald Lockley, who lived in a house overlooking the reserve. Today it is an enchanted place to see birdlife, learn about native trees and recall centuries of Maori habitation of the area.

Food writer, Jenny Garing runs community cooking courses in Marlborough and also creates exotic spice blends for her Ground Gourmet Essentials range. She talks to Kathryn about how and when to incorporate cinnamon, cardamom and cumin into your cooking. Some of her recipes showcasing the spices include Cinnamon and Almond Lamb Curry, Cinnamon-Baked Apples and Black Cardamom and Cumin Rice.

Stephen, Brigitte and Kathryn talk about Covid vaccination targets and the rights of those who are unvaccinated, and former Prime Minister Sir John Key's op-ed piece about opening up the country. Also the three waters policy and National leader Judith Collins withdrawing from media interviews last week.