Nine To Noon

Pope Leo has this week warned against the dangers of AI calling for the disarming of artificial intelligence.He denounced the 'culture of power' around AI and said the technology must be subject to the 'most rigorous' ethical constraints as it is used for everything from work to war.

The Finance Minister Nicola Willis took a gamble with her budget yesterday. Touted as a responsible financial move with no sugar hits, Budget 2026 focused on the long term, and an early return to surplus, over election year sweeteners.

Film and TV reviewer James Croot chooses his pick of options from this year's French Film Festival. He'll also preview A Private Life - a French film starring Jodie Foster in flawless français, and look at how the second season of Rivals measures up. James Croot is a TV Guide and The Press film and television reviewer

How do all the education changes affect students and what support might they need?

Tech commentator Alex Sims joins Nine to Noon to talk about the risks for businesses in the era of AI - citing an Australian example of a candle business who received a complaint about a broken candle with a clearly AI-doctored image. What does NZ law say about protections for businesses from this kind of behaviour? And chargebacks on credit cards can be great if your card is stolen, but Alex looks at how they can be used to scam businesses as well. Alex Sims is a Professor in the Department of Commercial Law at the University of Auckland Business School and an expert on blockchain technology, copyright law and consumer law

David discusses how amalgamation plans are unfolding in North Canterbury, a funding boost for a new road, astrotourism in Kaikoura and the compulsory audit fees being questioned by several councils.

Lynn Freeman reviews Landfall 251: Autumn 2026 edited by Lynley Edmeades, published by Otago University Press.

Jitendra Bothara's research focused on challenges he believes are overlooked in modern engineering.

UK correspondent Rob Watson looks at the Makerfield by-election which could return Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to Parliament for a Labour leadership contest. Former Labour PM Tony Blair has put his thoughts on the leadership issue into a 5,700-word scathing assessment of where the party is at. Rob also has the latest reports on the vetting of Peter Mandelson and how a possible social media ban is shaping up. Rob Watson is a BBC political correspondent

Four of Wellington's most significant fashion labels are banding together for a three-day programme at City Gallery Wellington - the first public opening of the building in over two years.