Rnz: Nine To Noon

Ed White has the latest on the fire in Hong Kong, India's air pollution and China's efforts to boost the number of marriages.

This weekend, one of Auckland's best-known roads - Karangahape  - will be partially closed for the Others Way music festival - the first time that's happened for a ticketed event. 

Launched as a trial in 2023, Health15 supports construction workers by providing free 15-minute on-site health checks. Jamie Summers who had a stroke at 39, is one of those behind the scheme.  

The Commerce Commission is proposing to let gas distributors moderately lift prices . 

Film and TV reviewer Tom Augustine joins Kathryn to talk about three TV shows he thinks are great viewing in the leadup to Christmas.

In parenting today, when puberty hits and suddenly you don't recognise your own child. Clinical Psychologist Kathryn Berkett says adolescence is the most intense period of brain development since early childhood. 

Tech commentator Peter Griffin joins Kathryn to talk about a revival of Google's AI ambitions, with news Meta may look at buying its AI-centric computer chips for its data centres - so where does that leave Nvidia?

James discusses Gisborne's "in-house" water services plans getting government approval, the local deer hunt feeding families, Tairawhiti schools pledge to uphold Te Tiriti despite law change and a long serving search and rescue volunteer is recognised.

Dean Bedford reviews The Mushroom Tapes by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper & Sarah Krasnostein, published by Text Publishing.

Waipukurau is to get a cash depot, as part of a Reserve Bank trial, meaning businesses no longer have to drive 50 kilometres to the nearest bank. 

The world of backyard fight clubs is a controversial one. and when TVNZ in depth journalist Indira Stewart began investigating them in Auckland and Northland, she wasn't sure what she'd find. 

UK correspondent Rob Watson looks at what's in Chancellor Rachel Reeves Budget - including some new taxes and a lifting of the two-child cap on benefits. Rob Watson is a BBC political correspondent

Those in the housing market are all too familiar with all the foibles of dealing with banks and making sure the money side is all lined up. But what would be needed if you tried to buy using crypto?

The Supreme Court has effectively limited the parole conditions that can be imposed on an offender - so what does that mean for public safety?

Some principals say their schools will be left tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket for asbestos sand decontamination and refurbishment costs.

If you're part of the 20 percent of Kiwis who suffer from hay fever - there's probably no need to tell you we're into peak season right now.

Anyone with a lawn will know how often they need mowing at this time of year. 

Peter looks at Hawaiian waka returns to Waitangi, 40 years after sparking a revival of Maori ocean voyaging. He'll look at local shock over the violent death of businessman Monty Knight and there's a big development in the long-running saga of Kaeo's water supply following a decade-long boil water notice.

Sonja de Friez reviews Good Things Come and Go by Josie Shapiro, published by Allen & Unwin.

From heat watches to rain warnings - the South Island is bearing the brunt of some particularly changeable Spring weather.