Nine To Noon

There is 2 days of lockdown for mass Covid vaccinations in Samoa, as Pasifika community vaccination events are underway in South Auckland and Wellington, and in Fiji and New Caledodna 15-17 year olds are being vaccinated. Also, at the UN General Assembly, Marshall Islands leader David Kabua speakes about geopolitical tension in the Pacific. Susana also marks the passing of NZ's first MP of Pacific descent, Taito Phillip Field.

Despite prescriptions for Vitamin D supplements being on the rise, around 20 children each year are being hospitalised for rickets, a condition which affects bone development. Endocrinologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Auckland, Dr Mark Bolland says the condition is easily preventable. His team has looked why there are still cases emerging.

Global Football organisation FIFA is considering a move to holding a men's World Cup Competition every two years, rather than every four. It is carrying out a feasibility study led by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Over half of FIFA's 210 national associations have given their backing to the study into the idea but the move has brought condemnation from some corners with commentators claiming it's just a cash grab. But the idea for a shift to biennial competitions has supporters as well. Among them New Zealand footballer and former All White captain Ryan Nelsen. He was in Doha last week to hear FIFA outline their proposed plan for the change.

The Health Minister Andrew Little talks with Kathryn Ryan about the pathway forward for mental health. He is due to release a stock-take into how much of the $1.9 billion for mental health in the 2019 budget has been spent , or allocated. This week he announced a new 10-year plan for mental wellbeing and the establishment of an external oversight group to keep it on track. All this follows the comprehensive inquiry into mental health which resulted in 38 recommendations put to government nearly three years ago. The Minister has previously expressed frustration with his Ministry over the pace of change. But the new long term pathway for mental wellbeing, known as Kia Manawanui, contains no specific measurable milestones. The Mental Health Foundation has said while it welcomes the initiative, it is concerned it could become a long term 'road to nowhere'.

Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about new Apple+ production The Foundation, based on the 1950s Isaac Asimov novel series that inspired many sci-fi movies - including Star Wars. He'll also look at new doco LulaRich on Amazon, which delves into the multi-level marketing company LulaRoe and finally The Beths documentary (YouTube), based on their post-lockdown celebratory show held in Auckland last year.

Wellington speech and language therapist Christian Wright explains childhood apraxia of speech, where some children have difficulty putting sounds and syllables together.

Technology correspondent Sarah Putt joins Kathryn to talk about how privacy is changing the internet - and how advertisers will have to adapt. Theranos' founder Elizabeth Holmes is in court facing a number of charges - why did her health-tech start-up crumble, and Apple releases its iPhone 13....what's new?

Quentin Johnson reviews This Much is True by Miriam Margolyes, published by Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand.

Tim Heath has taken his 47 years as a teacher - the ideals, mistakes, joys and frustrations - and turned into a funny and compelling read in his new book.

UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to talk about the massive spike in gas prices which have seen power and CO2 suppliers go bust and how it's leading to fears of supermarket shortages - something the government concedes is likely. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told the French to "get a grip" over the AUKUS alliance, but he's also downgraded his ambitions for a post-Brexit free trade deal with the US following talks with US President Joe Biden.