Nine To Noon for Friday 8 September 2023

 

09:05 Rheumatic fever rates on the rise; back to pre-Covid levels

Rheumatic fever rates are on the rise, and have now returned to pre-Covid levels.  Despite other high income nations reducing or near eliminating rheumatic fever, New Zealand is still struggling to control the disease. Rheumatic fever is preventable, and Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen says the country has an obligation to eliminate the disease, which disproportionately affects Māori and Pasifika people. He says New Zealand must address over-crowding in homes, and how the health system reaches the most vulnerable. Susie Ferguson speaks to Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen, the chief medical officer at Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority. 

09:20: Why hay fever season might feel worse this year

Hay fever season is descending, and for the unlucky among us who develop seasonal allergies, it might feel worse than usual this year. Climate change is thought to be driving a significant increase in grass pollens, which is the most common cause of hay fever in New Zealand. While for some spring and summer simply brings on a few sniffles - for others, especially asthmatics, the cold-like symptoms are enough to disrupt work or social activities. Allergy New Zealand chief executive Mark Dixon speaks with Susie Ferguson.

09:30 Marching to the beat of her own drum

Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world can be a lot to navigate. But for one young woman with Aspergers, ADHD, and Tourettes - music has become something of a roadmap. Fourth year Otago University student Mads Harrop uses music not only to process her experiences, but has found her disabilities can be a strength when it comes to creating. She joins Susie from the Dunedin studio. 

09:45 Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins

RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins discusses a vote of no confidence in Vanuatu which has led to a sudden change of government. And the latest on the fallout after an Indonesian official tried to bribe a RNZ journalist with money.

10:05 New novel explores the complexity of how men commit mass violence

A question central to the new novel from author Nicholas Sheppard is this: are monsters born or bred?
His new work, How to Disappear Completely, is a psychological portrait of a young college dropout, whose perceived grievances see him lash out in what's become a terribly familiar act of mass violence.  Nicholas wanted to know how someone could get to that point - and whether there are warning signs that can be picked up by others in time to prevent it. This is Nicholas' second novel. His first, Broken Play, also explored identity. There, a gifted rugby player wrestles with his sexuality as his career is on the ascent - and his dream of playing for the All Blacks is within reach.
Nicholas is a freelance journalist and writes extensively for a number of publications including The Spectator and Daily Beast.

10:35 Book review: Bellies by Nicola Dinan

Ray Shipley reviews Bellies by Nicola Dinan published by Penguin Books

10:45 Around the motu: Samantha Gee in Nelson

Nelson City Council has voted to publicly notify a plan change that will enable greater housing intensification in the city. It aims to make building up easier - instead of just building out. Mayor Nick Smith has called this the "biggest changes to Nelson's planning rules in a generation". Also, the Government has announced it will contribute to the cost of property buyouts in Nelson after the severe rain and flooding of last August. There are a number of properties in Nelson where the landslide risk is too high for people to return to their homes, but too expensive to fix. 

11:05 Music reviewer Ian Chapman

Americana is a musical style that is hard to pin down. A broad umbrella term, it can encompass folk, gospel, blues, country, jazz, bluegrass... even rhythm and blues and a bit of rock 'n' roll. Today Ian Chapman presents three Kiwi acts who specialise in Americana: Dr John Egenes (aka his performative alter-ego Gunter Flutney), Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields.

Ian Chapman is a Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Music at Otago University.

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

We're in for a huge 24 hours of sport with the All Blacks World Cup campaign finally getting underway, and the Warriors - at last - back in the NRL playoffs.

Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman speaks with Susie Ferguson.

11:45 The week that was with Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks

Our comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks with a few laughs - only in Florida... a man who tried to run across the Atlantic Ocean to London using a makeshift hamster wheel has been arrested. And who are we to judge what qualifies as an emotional support animal? A US man has fought and won to keep his unconventional furry friend at home.