Nine To Noon for Friday 16 February 2024

09:05 GPs are accruing large debts and pulling back services

A leading GP is quitting an overnight care scheme after staff being abused was the final straw for the stretched service. Experienced rural GP Dr Tim Malloy was one of the architects of an after-hours programme where rural clinics provide on-call care. But on Wednesday he told patients at his Coast to Coast Health Care in Wellsford they would no longer offer the overnight service after a woman GP was physically intimidated during a late night visit. Dr Malloy says it is the final straw for a service he had already found was unsustainable due to an ageing workforce and chronic underfunding across the sector. Dr Paula Mathieson, owns Rata Family Health in Whangārei and has debts of more than six figures and says an overhaul of GP funding is needed. Her clinic, which was formerly owned by now Health Minister Dr Shane Reti, struggles with a high number of complex patients, who typically have higher costs. Government "capitation" funding - what GPs are paid for per patient - is failing to cover clinic's costs leading some GPs to increase fees or charge for previously free services. Dr Malloy and Dr Mathieson talk to Kathryn about the multitude of issues general practice is facing.

09:20 From disaster to sweet success: Pauariki Honey's cyclone recovery

Last year Nine to Noon featured a story about businesses affected by floods and Cyclone Gabrielle being offered free mentoring help to get them back on their feet. Nearly 200 businesses took up the offer from not-for-profit organisation Business Mentors New Zealand of free mentorship for 12 months. It was to them with experienced mentors who had gone through - and conquered - their own challenges. Cate and Mike King own Pauariki Honey near Gisborne and lost a quarter of their hives and connections to their export routes. They reached to the organisation and were connected to mentor Patrick Brookman. Cate joins Kathryn to talk about how a terrible year has brought unexpected opportunities.

09:30 Abstract honouring of forest giant at Kauri Museum 

Provincial Growth Fund money has been used to create a permanent forest walkway exhibit as part of a significant facelift of Matakohe's Kauri Museum director Jason Smith says the walkway captures the scale and history of the mightly tree from when it appeared in Māori legend. Dr Smith says it is the largest undercover attraction north of Auckland and he hopes the  imminent closure of State Highway One through the Brynderwyn Hills will see detoured motorists pop in. The museum was established 62 years ago by locals.

09:45 Asia correspondent Ed White

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has declared victory in the presidential election with a significant lead ahead of his opponents. Ed White looks at his checkered past and what his presidency will bring. In Myanmar, young people are becoming increasingly worried that they may have to join the armed forces after a conscription enforcement announcement. And in India, there's a legal battle unfolding over the origins of popular dish butter chicken.

Ed White is a correspondent for the Financial Times, based in Shanghai.

10:05 The extraordinary survival story of heritage advocate Dame Anna Crighton 

Dame Anna Crighton's efforts to preserve old buildings in her hometown of Christchurch and in other parts of the country have resulted in many being saved from a wrecking ball, particularly after the Canterbury earthquakes. The former Christchurch City Councillor's memoir Still Standing reveals the many life challenges that have contributed to a fighting spirit and resilience that has helped her heritage advocacy. Dame Anna tells Kathryn about a childhood that was emotionally challenging, her wild adolescence, and a marriage marred by extreme domestic violence.

10:35 Book review: The Fury by Alex Michaelides 

Jessie Bray Sharpin reviews The Fury by Alex Michaelides published by Penguin Random House NZ

10:45 Around the motu: Jonathan Leask in Ashburton

Thousands of locals have been checking out the Ashburton's new civic centre and library. Jonathan has details of the council's long term plan and projected rates rise and there's an initiative underway bring back native birdsong to Methven.

Local Democracy Reporter - Mid Canterbury, Jonathan Leask from the Ashburton Guardian

11:05 New music with Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy has tracks from the second albums from Thom Yorke-fronted The Smile, and Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes, and archival recordings from Christchurch glam combo Odyssey.

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

Sam Ackerman wraps up the week of sport, including all the winners from the Halberg Awards.

11:45 The week that was with Elisabeth Easther and Irene Pink

Elisabeth and Irene bring some of the lighter moments of the week - including the unlikely item belonging to former British PM Sir Winston Churchill which have been snapped up at auction. A set of his false teeth have gone for around NZD$37,000. And a world record attempt in Australia which saw 509 people take an ice bath at the same time.