Nine To Noon for Tuesday 16 April 2024

09:05 Can fintechs become the 'maverick' disruptor to the big banks?

Some fintechs say they can be the "maverick" disruptor New Zealand's banking system is missing. These are digital services that offer more innovation when it comes to things like budgeting data, foreign exchange and transferring money. But the Commerce Commission says these fintechs are struggling to get a foothold here citing issues around data access, obtaining a business bank account and scaling difficulties. Revolut started in the UK in 2015 as a pre-paid card with no transaction fees and it has now expanded to offer wider banking services. Popular with New Zealand expats in London, it arrived here last July and has more than 30 million customers worldwide. DOSH is a New Zealand fintech that offers a digital wallet making it easy to split a bill or cap spending on certain things. Neither are registered banks but they are both financial services providers. Georgia Grange is Revolut's New Zealand head, and Shane Marsh is co-founder of DOSH. Kathryn also speaks to banking expert and Massey University associate professor Claire Matthews.

09:30 Call for NZ to have minimum accessibility standards for news

As the New Zealand news landscape undergoes a radical reshape, there are concerns that many Kiwis are already missing out. Unlike other countries there is no requirement for New Zealand websites, including those with a news focus, to meet any accessibility standards. Captioning and audio descriptions can make a huge difference to the hearing or visually impaired. Access Matters Aotearoa has been campaigning for a complete redrafting of the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill  - one that would include minimum enforceable standards to help address accessibility issues. Kathryn is joined by policy lead Juliana Carvalho and Neil Jarvis, who's worked as a digital accessibility consultant and believes the issue should be top of mind for policymakers.

09:45 USA correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben

The first criminal trial of a former president is underway in New York. Donald Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records for his alleged role in a hush money scheme before the 2016 election. And Trump, who is again a presidential candidate, is continuing to cause confusion on his stance on abortion rights.

Danielle Kurtzleben is a political correspondent assigned to NPR's Washington Desk.

10:05 Luminarium magic to light up Auckland's Aotea Square

If you're looking to escape reality for a while - or possibly somewhere to entertain the kids these school holidays - a giant colourful labyrinth could be just the ticket. The ABORIALIS Luminarium is a giant inflatable sculpture you can walk through - with a kaleidoscope of colour and accompanying ethereal soundtrack.  It was installed in Christchurch over the summer, now Aucklanders get a chance to experience it. They'll join some three million people across 40 countries have experienced the various luminaria created by English designer Alan Parkinson's Architects of Air company. Kathryn is joined by Jo Edwards who's one of the Luminarium's managers. More information, including about tickets, can be found here.

10:10 Nigel Ritson's quest to cultivate the perfect feijoa

Nigel Ritson estimates he's eaten more than 50,000 feijoas in his quest to find the perfect one. His fascination with the fruit began in in the 1990's when be bought a tough piece of land in Takaka, with the dream of growing something. Feijoas were one of the few trees which could thrive there. But simply growing feijoas in hoards wasn't enough for Nigel. He wanted to cultivate fruit with the best shape, colour, resilience, and - most importantly - taste. He now runs a breeding program at Foretaste Feijoa Fruit, which aims to grow varieties which could become popular with commercial growers. He tells Kathryn Ryan about what makes the perfect feijoa.

10:35 Book review: My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes 

Gina Rogers reviews My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes published by Penguin Random House

10:45 Around the motu: Diane McCarthy in Whakatane 

The Whakatāne District Council has received over 1000 submissions to its long-term plan, more than it has ever had from any other consultation process. And the Kawerau District Council has been copping flak recently about plans to introduce fluoride its town water supply by the end of June

11:05 Business commentator Dileepa Fonseka

Dileepa looks at the most recent immigration figures showing the number of highly skilled migrants is falling, despite a bump in immigration. And a new BusinessDesk series, JobWatch 2024, looks at layoffs in both the private and public sectors. Finally, a new report launches today, looking at food and fibre exports and what might lift their productivity.

Dileepa Fonseka is a Senior Correspondent with BusinessDesk.

11:30 The myth and might of the extinct Haast's Eagle

The Haast's Eagle or Te Hōkioi bird is the largest eagle every known to have existed. Over the centuries its existence was questioned, was it real, or was it just legend? Scientists have pored over what was known about the bulky bird and debated whether it was able to fly. In his new book, Hard by the Cloud House, Peter Walker examines the legend of Te Hōkioi and its part in the avian history of Aotearoa.

11:45 Sports correspondent Joe Porter

Sports correspondent Joe Porter talks to Kathryn about the Hurricanes' storming season with seven wins from seven after their big win over the Chiefs in Wellington over the weekend. Joe also discusses the end to the Super Rugby Aupiki season, a lucky draw for the Warriors, the Black Caps' Pakistan tour and the American golfer who's won his second Masters in three years.