Nine To Noon for Thursday 26 October 2023

09:05 Telcos fail to improve billing apps for second year

The Commerce Commission says mobile phone providers have failed to improve pre-pay billing apps, for the second year in a row. In the latest report, prepared by Consumer NZ, not much has changed when it comes to annual information on data, text and call usage - making comparison between telcos difficult. In 2021, the Commerce Commission asked 2 Degrees, One NZ and Spark to improve information around usage and spend, so customers can compare plans more easily. Jessica Walker, campaigns manager for Consumer NZ, says nothing has changed since last year's report.

09:15 The potential perils of lending money to family

The Financial Ombudsman says all agreements to loan money to family need to be properly documented. In a recent case, an elderly woman took a complaint against her daughter's mortgage broker, over $50,000. Financial Services Complaints, a dispute resolution service, found there was no loan agreement in writing, and the money didn't have to be repaid. The dispute centred around whether the sum was a loan or gift. This is becoming an increasingly common situation, with banks including a family loan in their assessment of mortgage affordability - thus incentivising informal arrangements. The 'bank of mum and dad' is now, Consumer NZ estimates, the fifth largest lender to owner-occupiers, just behind the four big banks. Financial Ombudsman Susan Taylor, who is also chief executive of Financial Services Complaints, says there can be a reluctance to formally document family lending arrangements.

09:30 Older drivers will need more roundabouts, better signs

New research finds older drivers are not higher risk behind the wheel, but suggests as the proportion of seniors grows, we'll need more roundabouts and better road signs. Kathryn speaks with AA Research Foundation, he was the project manager, Simon Douglas

09:45 UK: Tension over Labour leader's Gaza comments, Rishi marks first anniversary

UK correspondent Harriet Line joins Kathryn to look at the tensions mounting within the Labour party over Sir Keir Starmer's position on the Israel/Gaza conflict. He's faced criticism for appearing to say Israel had the "right" to cut off water and energy to Gaza. He's sought to clarify his position and has met with Muslim MPs. Meanwhile the British government has called for 'specific pauses' in the conflict between Israel and Hamas  - but not a ceasefire. And Rishi Sunak has marked his first anniversary in Number 10.

Harriet Line is Deputy Political Editor of the Daily Mail

10:05 Designing buildings with physical health in mind

Toronto-based architect Tye Farrow has a particular interest in how a space can make us feel. His designs across North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East have gained recognition for their focus on physical and mental wellbeing. Tye, who has a Master of Neuroscience Applied to Architecture, often centres his buildings around timber elements and natural sunlight. He's designed a cancer centre in which many remark doesn't feel at all like a hospital, and several schools, which he says is another crucial point where architecture and health intersect. The World Congress on Design and Healthhas identified him as a global leader who making "a significant contribution to health and humanity through the medium of architecture and design". Tye Farrow has just wrapped up a New Zealand speaking tour, where he discusses the concept of optimising health through environmental enrichment.

10:35 Book review: 50 years, 50 stories: Marlborough the region that turned the wine world upside down by Tessa Anderson 

Harry Broad reviews 50 years, 50 stories: Marlborough the region that turned the wine world upside down by Tessa Anderson published by Tessa Anderson

10:45 Around the motu : Jimmy Ellingham in Palmerston North

Jimmy has the latest on Massey University's financial troubles, and cuts to staff and courses. Also, why Taumaranui locals want dozens of abandoned trains in the town - gone. And what has led 62 year old Trevor Moore to fundraise for  the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter, based in Palmerston North.

11:05 Tech: Twitter one year on, streaming hike, North Korea internet takeover

Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to talk about how Twitter has changed in the year since Elon Musk's $44b buyout. He'll also look at why video streamers are pushing up prices well beyond inflation and why it might come with ads. And North Korean agents have been insinuating their way into tens of thousands of freelance IT roles around the world - what's the danger and what are some of the signs one has been hired?

11:25 Parenting : Harmonious grandparenting 

Bestselling author and psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg talks to Kathryn about creating and fostering the grandparent-grandchild relationship. Throughout time it has been a special relationship, but as lives get busier, retirement age stretches out and technology absorbs children - we're looking at key ways to navigate the complexities of connecting and staying in touch. Dr Carr-Gregg's latest book Grandparents - is a practical guide to navigating being a Nana or Grandad.

11:45 Screentime: Killers of the Flower Moon, Beckham, The Enfield Poltergeist

Film and TV reviewer Chris Schulz joins Kathryn to talk about Martin Scorcese's Killers of the Flower Moon, based on the book of the same name, which is about the Oklahoma murders of members of the Osage Nation following the discovery of oil on their land. He'll also rate the documentary into David Beckham (Netflix) and one for Halloween: The Enfield Poltergeist (Apple), which focuses on the true story of a London family in the 1970s who claimed they were terrorised by an evil spirit.