In a move proving controversial, athletics has become the first sport to offer prize money to Olympic champions, announcing that gold medallists in Paris will earn US$50,000.

Sports commentator Dana Johannsen

From nine to noon every weekday, Kathryn Ryan talks to the people driving the news - in New Zealand and around the world. Delve beneath the headlines to find out the real story, listen to Nine to Noon's expert commentators and reviewers and catch up with the latest lifestyle trends on this award-winning programme.

News

Comedic duo Michele A'Court and Irene Pink bring this week's lighter moments, including the cat who climbed into a postage box and travelled more than 1000 kilometres across America.

The week that was with Michele A'Court and Irene Pink

Qatar has made a surprise bid to host the finals of the new Rugby Nations Championship from 2026.  And in Mini-Golf news, Kiwi Matt Ansley finished second in a major world tour.

Work on the almost-completed Palmerston North cycleway has paused as arguments rage. Also, why ratepayers are facing an eye-watering bill for a new sewage treatment plant.

Around the motu: Jimmy Ellingham in Palmerston North

Lisa Adler from Unity Books Wellington reviews You Are Here by David Nicholls published Hachette

Book review: You Are Here by David Nicholls

Jeremiah Manele has been elected as the Solomon Islands' new Prime Minister. Meanwhile police in Honiara are on high alert with the capital having a well-documented history of public unrest around political events. RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins

Sports commentator Dana Johannsen

Download our free app to listen on your phone