Nine To Noon for Monday 10 March 2025

09:05  Charity experts are worried about government's tax plans     

Consultation is underway by the Inland Revenue on the taxation of charities and not-for-profits.The IRD is looking at  the tax exemptions for businesses run by charities and also at donor-controlled charities. It's looking at whether tax concessions are effective and if there are other ways of providing assistance. But experts working in the not for profit and charitable sector are worried the government is looking to the sector to increase tax revenue. Kathryn talks to Craig Fisher, a former auditor, now consultant and board member who works with not for profits, and Geof Nightingale an advisor and former member of the Tax Working Group, which in 2018 also flagged tax exemptions for businesses run by charities. 

09:25 New genetic testing could help early diagnosis of the eye disease glaucoma    

It's estimated 65,000 New Zealand are already living with the eye disease glaucoma, but are totally unaware. Early stage glaucoma has no symptoms    until damage has already been caused. But if caught early it can be treated and prevent future blindness. Up until now the disease was picked up through eye   health tests, such as those done at the optometrist, but now anyone who has glaucoma in the family, or is worried, can pay for a genetic test to check their  pre-disposition to the disease. In addition, new research is indicating how a healthy lifestyle and controlling high blood pressure can also help with prevention. Kathryn is joined by Estelle Powell  who has glaucoma and Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer a specialist surgeon and a leading authority on the disease.

09:35 Auckland rubbish plan a step backwards for waste minimisation

A waste minimisation expert has slammed the phase-out of pay-as-you-throw bin collection in Auckland, saying it punishes those who create little waste and subsidies households that throw away a lot. The previous system, which was available to some areas, is being phased out, with a move to a citywide rates-funded kerbside collection service. Waitakere and North Shore households, who used private waste companies, will also be moved onto the new system. A similar citywide system was introduced recently in Lower Hutt and the Hauraki District Council is planning to do it later this year. Jeff Seadon is an environmental scientist and has worked in waste minimisation and resource efficiency for almost three decades.

09:45 Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney 

Seamus discusses the increasing talk in Europe of a new "nuclear umbrella"- a major policy shift in response to changes in US foreign policy. Also - the first hurdle has passed in talks to form a new German coalition.

10:05 The US singer bringing her  "sunshine soul" to the Auckland Arts Festival

US singer/songwriter, Maya Piata, has used inspiration from her Māori heritage and her home town, New Orleans, to create her own style, something she describes as 'sunshine soul.'  She has strong connections with New Zealand, as her mother was touring in the US with a Māori Performing Arts group when she met Piata's father, a poet and jazz musician. Maya Piata says she will be bringing a combination of the cultures that she identifies with to the Auckland Arts Festival in about a week. She joins Kathryn to talk about her musical influences, surviving Hurricane Katrina when it hit New Orleans and what she's looking forward to doing while she is in New Zealand.

10:35 Book review: Perspectives by Laurent Binet 

Jenna Todd of Time Out Bookstore reviews Perspectives by Laurent Binet published by Harvill Secker

10:45 Around the motu: Simon Wilson in Auckland

Simon discusses the latest news in Auckland including how swimming pools have become a hot topic with the success of "Brownie's Pool", the latest on the public transport cost crisis, including the new farebox recovery policy, Avondale racecourse plans are causing a stir with locals, and the Auckland Future Fund continues to grow.

Simon Wilson is a Senior Writer NZ Herald. 

11:05 Political commentators Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle 

Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital.

Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, consultant and director of several companies. He is currently the Campaign Director for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

11:30 How far would you travel for the country's best burger?

A food truck in a tiny town in the Catlins, on the coast south of Dunedin, has taken out the title of best burger in Aotearoa. And since the win was announced last week Peake's Kitchen has had a steady stream of visitors from all parts of the country. New Zealanders ate more than 100,000 burgers during the month-long Burger Nation competition, and voted for their favourites in four categories. The Supreme Winner for the meat category went to the Peake's Kitchen Beef Burger. Kitchen owners Nicole and Tom speak to Kathryn. 

11:45 Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne

Kennedy talks about the Hukerenui settler museum, one of New Zealand's many early settler museums. Jack Morgan, a local dairy farmer, started collecting memorabilia in his sixties and the museum that houses his collection (and bears his name) is now a repository of everything from a 1950s dental clinic to a classic Kiwi wash house along with a magnificent collection of carved kauri gum - among the bizarre items, a kauri gum Christmas cake.