Nine To Noon for Tuesday 3 June 2025

09:05 How vulnerable customers are handled by telcos in the age of the app

The telecommunications sector is finding it harder to protect vulnerable consumers as more people turn to platforms such as Facebook and Snapchat as their primary communication method, over traditional telephones. The Telecommunications Forum recently updated its Vulnerable Telecommunications Consumers Code - which is a voluntary code operators sign up to. It sets out the principles that Retail Service Providers and Network Operators should follow when providing assistance to vulnerable consumers, and seeks to ensure customers dependent on a communications method, due to reasons of health, safety or disability are supported. But it doesn't mobile or platforms that aren't linked to a phone number, like Facebook messenger or Snapchat. Paul Brislen, Telecommunications Forum chief executive joins Kathryn to discuss.

09:20 PM's new science advisor John Roche

The Prime Minister's new chief science advisor, John Roche, is getting underway with his new job, a year after the position was vacated by his predecessor Dame Juliet Gerrard. John Roche was previously the Chief Science Advisor at the Ministry of Primary Industries. He joins Kathryn to discuss what his priorities in the new job will be and the challenges facing the scientific sector.  

09:30 Needy data centres showing up in water-scarce areas

 A joint investigation by UK media company, The Guardian, and a non-profit investigating organisation, Source Material, has found that big tech companies are operating data centres the use vast amounts of water in areas of the world where water is scarce. The companies are also reported to be building many more. The developments could potentially have a huge impact on populations already living with water shortages. In response to questions from the two media organisations,  Amazon and Google defended their developments, saying they always take water scarcity into account. The reporters used  local news reports and industry sources to  compile a map of 632 datacentres - either built or under development. Kathryn speak to one of the reporters from Source Material involved in the investigation, Constanza Gambarini.

09:45 US correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben

President Trump's tariffs have been ruled illegal by a federal court, but the Oval Office is appealing. Meanwhile, Trump announced steel and aluminium tariffs would double to 50 per cent - and the court has not struck these down. Elon Musk is leaving as questions rise about his drug use, and the President's legislation to enact much of his agenda, the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' is falling foul with fiscal hawks in his party because of the amount of debt it puts on the Government.

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

10:05 Two doctors, one diary and a health system in crisis

The reality of working in our under pressure healthcare system is laid bare in Diary of a Junior Doctor - the new five part docu-series which follows a group of junior doctors at the country's biggest and busiest hospital - Auckland's Middlemore. Faced with 70 hour working weeks, they must learn to balance the often high stakes demands of their medical careers with those of their personal lives. Kathryn is joined by Dr Shadie Lupo, who features in the series and health equity advocate, Dr Emma Wehipeihana, who served as a medical consultant and cultural advisor.

10:30 Stuff and TradeMe to merge 

Stuff and TradeMe have announced a merger. In a statement, the companies say TradeMe will take a 50 percent stake in Stuff Digital. Stuff's mastheads, events and a neighbourly businesses are not included in the deal. The amount of the deal has not been disclosed. Colin Peacock is presenter of RNZ's Mediawatch. 

10:35 Book review: The Question of Palestine by Edward Said 

Cynthia Morahan reviews The Question of Palestine by Edward Said published by Text Publishing

10:45 Around the motu: Alisha Evans in Tauranga

Tauranga councillors have questioned the cost of portaloos needed for busy netball courts. A community pool has been saved from closure and Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale isn't moving to the city he leads just yet. 

Tauranga based Local Democracy Reporter Alisha Evans has all the details.

11:05 Business commentator Dileepa Fonseka

WorkSafe is given six months to pursue fewer 'novel' prosecutions or face deeper restructuring. A Road of National Significance north of Levin is cut down to two lanes, while Microsoft cuts its global workforce as concerns rise about AI taking jobs. 

Dileepa Fonseka is a Senior Correspondent with BusinessDesk

11:25 From a tragic accident to a sporting dream

On March 4th 2016 Bailley Unahi suffered a severe spinal injury following the collapse of a crowded balcony at a Six60 concert on Dunedin's infamous Castle Street. Trapped underneath, her life may have changed in a few fateful moments but Bailley says there is much to be thankful for. She talks to Kathryn about the career she never knew she wanted and the sporting pursuit which she hopes will take her all the way to next year's Winter Paralympics. 

11:45 Sports-chat with Joe Porter

Super Rugby six finalists are decided - and defending champions the Blues sneak in to set up a blockbuster playoff with the table-topping Chiefs. Joe also discusses the Kiwi who has won the biggest gravel cycling race in the world, while the ANZ Netball championship heats up.