Summer Times for Monday 9 January 2023

09.08 Toxic algae forces swimmers out of the water

It's the time of the year when toxic algae flourishes in our lakes and rivers. Dangerous levels of toxic algae have been found in parts of the Hutt River and people are being warned to stay out of the water and keep their dogs away. The number of rivers in New Zealand with reported toxic algae is rising. For an update Anna is joined by freshwater scientist Susie Wood from the Cawthron Institute.

09:20 Greymouth's hottest day?

While North Islanders bemoan the wet stormy weather parts of the South Island have been basking in sunshine. Yesterday Greymouth reached a sizzling 30.9 degrees and NIWA says that could be a record. Ian Thomson is a local surfer and was out on the water yesterday.

09.25 100th anniversary of Katherine Mansfield's death 

100 years ago Katherine Mansfield died from tuberculosis in France aged just 34. Perhaps New Zealand's most famous writer, her short stories, poetry, letters and reviews were internationally acclaimed and have inspired biographies, radio and television programmes, plays, operatic works and films. Director of Katherine Mansfield House and Garden Cherie Jacobson tells Anna about the events taking place to mark the 100th anniversary of her death and honour her legacy. 

09.35 The soaring popularity and appeal of disc golf 

Looking for a new sport to try this summer? Disc golf which is a combination of frisbee and golf is literally taking off around the country. There's even a Disc Golf Tour and the first tournament of the year has just been held. To tell Anna all about the sport is Managing Director of DiscShopNZ Haydn Shore.

09.45 Summer watching

Whatever the weather there's always something to watch with a myriad of streaming services to choose from. Summertimes reviewer and RNZ producer Charlie Dreaver is across them all and has some top picks.

10.10 Spilling the beans on Wordle 

It's been almost a year since the New York Times bought the viral hit game Wordle from creator Josh Wardle and it continues to be played by millions around the world. Last year the word "Wordle" was the most searched single word on Google. But is its shine starting to come off, and after a year what does the New York Times know about how people are playing the game? Wordplay columnist and senior editor for New York Times Games Deb Amlen is a true Wordle whiz. She joins Anna with some unique insights.

 

10.35 Reimagining our health system 

With the health system overloaded, understaffed and patients struggling to get the timely care they need, Auckland Professor of Public Health Grant Schofield says it's time to reimagine the way healthcare is delivered. He speaks to Anna about the need to take a prevention as cure approach, look at what it takes to have a great life and encourage people to take a more active part in their own health.

10.45 Museum stop: Te Whare Taonga o Whaingaroa Raglan and District Museum 

Today we're heading to the coastal Waikato town of Raglan for our museum stop. Te Whare o Whaingaroa Raglan and District Museum covers Māori history, early settler and town life history, farming, surfing, and photography. Museum Chairperson Barbara Day talks about the special treasures in its collection.

11.10 On the road with comedian Tom Sainsbury

Today we're taking a roadtrip with writer, comedian actor and satirist Tom Sainsbury. He shot to fame as the ‘Snapchat Dude’, donning wigs and manipulating his face to create laugh out loud satirical impersonations of politicians along with a multitude of characters and situations taken from kiwi life.

11.35 Summer food - a taste of Mexico

Salsa, guacamole, lime, coriander - the fresh flavours of Mexico are perfect for summer. Tio Pablo founder Faine Alexander is along to share some flavourful summer eating.

Urban Jumble Daily Quiz 

We've come up with a daily quiz to test both your word and geographical skill. Every day we're giving you three words. Within each word are letters which spell out a New Zealand town or city. Each letter can only be used once. While some words may have more than one answer, the correct answer must be the town or city we're thinking of. So have a pen and paper and a map at hand and have a go. 

Words and solutions for January 9

Mathematics - Thames

Subliminal - Bulls

Unworkable - Kurow