Nine To Noon for Tuesday 19 December 2023

09:05 Bid to reduce orthopaedic wait lists by offering physio instead

Te Whatu Ora is aiming to drastically reduce surgery waitlists for orthopaedic patients, by offering them physiotherapy instead. A trial across Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Waikato, Capital and Coast and Northland has indicated surgery wait times can be reduced by 75 percent. Te Whatu Ora says patients who are waiting for pre-surgery assessments for a range of conditions involving hips, knees and spines, are now being offered preliminary physio appointments in their communities. In some cases, patients are being told physiotherapy is enough - and they're removed from the 'suitable for surgery' waiting list. The programme has since been picked up in other regions and work is underway to roll it out nationwide later next year. Te Whatu Ora Planned Care Taskforce Chair Andrew Connolly speaks to Kathryn Ryan.

09:20 Humanitarian groups push for aid in Gaza as death toll grows

Humanitarian groups are working tirelessly to get aid into Gaza, as the death toll from Israel's war with Hamas grows. The health ministry of Gaza, which is run by Hamas, says the death toll is now over 19,000 with 52,000 people injured, since the start of the war. Hostilities began on October 7 after a terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas militants where 1200 Israelis were killed and 240 hostages were taken, some of whom were released during a brief pause earlier this month. Médecins Sans Frontières says more than 1.8 million people - around 80 percent of the population of Gaza - have been displaced, with people crowded further south in the 40km long Gaza Strip, in what is described as a humanitarian disaster. New Zealander Katrina Penney is the president of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia.She has a background in nursing, and since joining MSF in 2002, has worked in Afghanistan, Nepal, Yemen, Haiti and Sierra Leone.

09:30 Dealing with disappointment when prizegiving leaves children empty handed

Schools have been holding their annual prizegivings, a time to celebrate achievements, but what about the children that don't get a trophy. While most take it on the chin, others can be quite sensitive. Ellie Gwilliam from the Parenting Place says there are many other ways parents and caregivers can honour achievements so children feel their efforts have been noticed, even if they don't get an end of year prize.

09:45 USA correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben

Republicans in Congress are demanding concessions on immigration in exchange for allowing more funding for Ukraine and Israel. The White House has started to take part in these negotiations; which could potentially be the biggest change to immigration policy in decades. And former President Donald Trump shows no signs of slipping in the GOP primary, despite the fact that he's under indictment in four cases, and that other candidates poll better against President Joe Biden. Finally, the Supreme Court has agreed to take up a case about abortion drug mifepristone, after a push by anti-abortion-rights advocates.

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

10:05 A tale of two cities: complexities of governing Auckland and Gisborne

Tāmaki Makaurau and Tairawhiti have been thrown some curve balls by Mother Nature this year. Parts of Auckland and Gisborne were particularly hard hit by Cyclone Gabrielle and it's been a long mop up and rebuild since February, particularly heartbreaking for residents whose homes were red stickered.This was preceded by the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods from a major weather event beginning on the 27th of January. Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Auckland's Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson talk to Kathryn about the issues facing their cities and look to the year ahead.

10:35 Book review: Boy Swallows Universe TV Tie In by Trent Dalton 

Louise Ward of Wardini Books reviews Boy Swallows Universe TV Tie In by Trent Dalton published by 4th Estate

10:45 Around the motu: Chris Hyde in Hawkes Bay

Chris wraps up the big stories of the year from his region, from Cyclone Gabrielle devastation and its heroes to the nationwide furore which unfolded when the Ranfurly Shield was broken. Also Hawkes Bay's champion christmas cookie seller and what's going on with a boulder roadblock at Waimārama beach ?

11:05 Business commentator Victoria Young

BusinessDesk investigations editor, Victoria Young looks at new research that alleges the nation's newest and largest solar farm is made up of panels from a supplier that has a "very high" exposure to forced labour in China. And, a rapidly growing number of beer enthusiasts are reaching for alcohol-free options, with two local craft breweries - Garage Project and Good George - reporting their 0% options are best-sellers this year. 

11:30 How to avoid a fractious festive season 

It's that time of year  families coming together to celebrate, but spending more time together can also bring its own stressors. Relationship therapist Jo Robertson has some tips for avoiding conflict, and for navigating potential flashpoints.

11:45 Sports-chat with Joe Porter

RNZ sports reporter Joe Porter reminisces on some of the standout moments of 2023.