Nine To Noon

Ron talks to Lynn about the surge of Covid Delta variant cases in the US and ow new medical advice says it's as contagious as chickenpox. Also, a group of senators has finalised legislative language for the long-awaited bipartisan physical infrastructure deal, bringing the Senate one step closer to passing a top priority for President Joe Biden.

A new study assessing the relationship between young people's mental health and where they grow up could influence urban and rural planning. Researchers at the University of Canterbury are mapping localities and investigating whether living near gaming venues, takeaways and liquor stores, or green and blue areas like parks and rivers are linked to mental health. One in four young Kiwis have a mental health issue before they turn 18, with Māori and Pasifika over-represented. It's hoped this will help community advocates to persuade policy makers to take heed, and include findings from the two-year study in future planning. Co-investigator on this project, senior lecturer in public health at the Geo Health Lab at the School of Health Sciences University of Canterbury Matt Hobbs speaks with Lynn Freeman.

The horticulture and wine industries are welcoming a government announcement of more seasonal workers from the Pacific, but say the unpredictability of Covid makes it prudent to move quickly. From next month RSE workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu will be allowed into New Zealand without the need to undergo managed isolation. There's currently only half of the 14,400 RSE workers in the country. Lynn discusses what the announcement means for growers with Kate Hellstrom, CEO of Summerfruit NZ and James Dicey, an Otago-based viticulturist and director of Grape Vision, a company that helps people develop and run vineyards.

Following on from the David Willett's interview we brought you yesterday - where Mr Willetts has travelled to Singapore for potentially life extending medical care for blood cancer, without a confirmed MIQ bed for his return. Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ Chief Executive Officer, Peter Fergusson says it is astounding some of the country's most vulnerable people are being caught up in an MIQ lottery.

An Auckland barrister who travelled to Sydney to be with her dying mother early last month says she is trapped in New South Wales, despite having followed all the guidance of the New Zealand government. Fazilat Shah went to Sydney on the second of July after her mother suffered a severe heart attack the previous day. She died a week later. Ms Shah's return flight was booked for the 24th of July, but growing covid infections in New South Wales saw our government close the border. She has applied for a managed return flight to New Zealand but so far has had four flights cancelled - because she cannot secure a place in Managed Isolation and Quarantine. Ms Shah says she is isolated from her family in New Zealand, grieving alone, unvaccinated, and her legal practice and clients here are suffering.

Kennedy takes us on the scenic route from Blenheim to Picton.

Rosie's Red Hot Cantina's Ollie Edwards gives Kathryn Ryan a burger 101 masterclass, which starts and finishes with the bun, he says. Plus six of our best burger recipes for the weekend.

Brigitte, Shane and Kathryn look at the latest Reid Research poll which has seen a near 10 percentage point drop in support for Labour and the highest-ever rating for ACT. Also, the expectations over pay rounds in the public sector, the continuing mess over MIQ and whether any bold moves will be made in the supermarket sector. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Shane Te Pou is a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party, and a former union official. He is no longer a member of any political party. He is a Director and HR Manager for IT Company Mega.

Louise Ward of Wardini Books reviews The Memory Thief by Leonie Agnew, published by Penguin Random House NZ.

Nicolas Ricketts has been the curator of The Strong Museum of Play in Rochester New York since 1998. He's researched the history of paper artifacts and board games, and served for a time as the president of The Ephemera Society of America. The museum itself holds exhibits ranging from a pinball playfield to a video game hall of fame, also serving as a record and a guide to the way we play throughout our lives.