Nine To Noon

Simon started out as a violin player for the Irish dance company Spirit of the Dance, before moving into the creative space.

President Trump faces a symbol of domestic frustration with the deterioration of the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, alongside a shifting political landscape marked by recent democratic socialist primary victories.

The programme builds up to a mock election in Term 4, which gives students first-hand experience of the voting process.

Following a $30 million Budget announcement to equip up to 500 schools with solar panels and batteries, analyst William Bisley modelled which areas would need the solar systems most.

The Government is making changes to the Building Act, including bringing in a proportionate liability scheme, meaning councils will no longer be the last man standing dealing with building defects.

Builders are worried a new requirement to cover defects in some residential new builds and renovations for a year after completion will unintentionally shut many out of the market. The government is making changes to the Building Act, including bringing in a proportionate liability scheme, meaning councils will no longer be the last man standing dealing with building defects. Instead, each party will be responsible for their share of the work. Combined Building Suppliers Co-operative surveyed hundreds of builders and construction businesses on the planned changes - most of which were sole traders or small firms with five or fewer staff. Two thirds were worried they wouldn't be able to afford insurance to cover such a warranty, with a third saying without cover they would stop residential building altogether. Carl Taylor is the Co-operative's chief executive, and a builder. In a statement, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said the changes being made were industry-informed and struck the right balance.

This week is the Garden Bird Survey week - the 20th year of this citizen science endeavour. One of the trends noted by the survey organisers in Landcare Research this year is that bellbirds (korimako) are experiencing a slow and steady increase - which is excellent news for those of us who adore the call of one of our sweetest songsters. One bird that Kennedy Warne is keen to see increase in numbers on the Tutukaka coast is the oi, or grey-faced petrel, one of the two commonest species of muttonbird. Recently, at dawn, he attended the blessing of a "muttonbird pou" carved and erected by Guy Bowden on a headland on his family's covenanted property between Tutukaka and Matapouri.

Matcha, the vividly green tea drink, is now so popular worldwide that shortages are forcing farmers and importers alike to scramble for solutions.

Peter Dunne was the leader of United Future and is a former MP and Minister who has worked within both National and Labour governments. Andrew Ketels is a government relations consultant and was previously the chief of staff for the ACT Party.

Simon takes his best guess on when City Rail Link might finally open, how likely is a second harbour crossing? What's going on with Heart of the City? And submissions close soon on the controversial move-on orders, Simon discusses what they might mean for Aucklanders.