Nine To Noon for Tuesday 21 November 2023

 

 

09:05 As student hall costs rise, RAs lose their rent reduction

Resident Advisers at the University of Auckland say fewer people will want to do the vital role, now a significant rent reduction has been taken away. Resident Advisers - or RAs - as they're known, play an integral role in supporting students in halls of residence, particularly those who are away from home for the first time. They're paid an hourly wage for their work, and were receiving a 25 per cent discount in rent. But while the University is raising their hourly wage to the living wage of $26.25, the rent discount for next year has been scrapped altogether. Kathryn speaks to an RA about the situation, as well as Matthew Lee, chair of the group Students for Fair Rent.

09:25 Govt talks: Is the 'home stretch' in sight?

Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has confirmed National has agreed on policy with both ACT and New Zealand First, leaving portfolios and cabinet positions on the negotiating table as the three parties go into their 18th day of talks. However Mr Luxon still can't say when the government will be formed. And the details of how what is shaping up to a a full three-way Cabinet, will deal with party differences. RNZ Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch joins Kathryn to discuss.

09:35 Helping Northlanders navigate the legal system

 In Whangarei, young lawyer Keegan Jones has set up a clinic for people who may need legal help but are unsure where to start. Since graduating with a double Bachelor's degree in law and commerce last year, Keegan Jones has established a clinic which follows a Kaupapa Maori approach. He says it's a service to support whānau who may need a lawyer, don't know how to engage one, or may have difficulty covering the costs. Keegan Jones says the iwi-based free legal clinic aims to reduce barriers to justice through a te ao Māori lens.
 

09:45 USA correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben

A new investigation on disgraced congressman George Santos shows that he took money from his campaign fund and spent it on a wild array of purchases, including Only Fans subscriptions, and botox. And concern is growing over Donald Trump's increasing use of authoritarian language.

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

10:05 Alexandria: a city that shaped the modern world

The Egyptian city of Alexandria is steeped in history: from Cleopatra and Napoleon, to the Arab Spring, Alexandria has seen it all. Like Istanbul and Jerusalem, Alexandria sits at a crossroads of Africa, Europe and Asia, the nexus of cultures, languages and religion, with a history of influential figures and dominant empires. It was founded in 331 BC, when it was founded by Alexander the Great. Historian Professor Islam Issa tells the story of the city in his new book Alexandria : The City that Changed the World. He is a multi-award-winning author, curator, and broadcaster.

10:35 Book review: Lawrence of Arabia by Ranulph Fiennes 

Quentin Johnson reviews Lawrence of Arabia by Ranulph Fiennes published by Penguin Random House New Zealand

10:45 Around the motu: Diane McCarthy in Whakatane

Diane discusses an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, held by the Kawerau District Council, to determine whether to establish a Māori Ward for the district. And two groups appealing consents granted to expand and develop Otakiri Springs bottling plant are being heard in the Supreme Court this week. 

11:05 Business commentator Victoria Young

BusinessDesk investigations editor, Victoria Young discusses workplace wellness and the cost of an absent employee, and some big changes in the fishing industry. Also, some high-profile exits from the redevelopment project at Scott Base.

11:30 Blended families urged to sort their wills

We all know that we should get our acts together and write a will to take care not just of our financials but also for the wellbeing of any children - for blended families, this is even more important. Blended families without a will in place are more at risk of facing legal and financial minefields after a family member's death. If you have kids from a previous relationship, who'll look after them when you die? Would it be your current spouse, their biological parent, or another family member or guardian? Will step siblings no longer live together? Family law expert Bill Holland joins Kathryn to talk about why sorting out these issues early is best.

11:45 Sports-chat with Glen Larmer

Glen Larmer wraps up the Cricket World Cup, and discusses rumours of All Blacks coach Ian Foster's next move.

Music played in this show

'Under Pressure' by Queen and David Bowie

'Birthday' by 'The Sugarcubes

'Sports Men' by Haruomi Hosono