Nine To Noon for Tuesday 9 April 2024

09:05 NZ could be more ambitious on emissions targets : Climate Commission

The government's independent climate advisers says the country is on track to meet its current emissions targets by mid century, except for methane, and that it could be more ambitious. The Climate Change Commission says New Zealand's current effort does not meet international criteria for doing its fair share, when the target was set five years ago. The Commission begins consulting today on three draft proposals covering the country's current net zero and methane 2050 targets, whether emissions from international aviation and shipping should be part of climate targets,  and whether our emission budgets should be toughened up. Commission Chair Rod Carr says our greenhouse gas emissions have fallen the past three years, prospects are looking stronger for methane-reducing technologies in farming,  and land use is expected to change to see more trees planted.  He tells Kathryn Ryan there's no evidence New Zealand should be less ambitious.

09:25 How Cromwell worm farmer Robbie Dick is saving tonnes of organic waste

Cromwell farmer Robbie Dick and his 100 million tiger worms are saving up to 30 tonnes of waste every week. His small patch of land in Central Otago is home WormWorx. His livestock chow through organic waste and convert it into worm castings which can ultimately be used to grow cattle feed, and food. And Robbie also sends 100 kilograms of his worms around the country every week, to be used by big chain stores, local gardens, and the odd septic system.

09:45 USA correspondent Ron Elving

Huge crowds are gathered across North America to watch the coast-to-coast solar eclipse as it passes. And Congress is returning to a lot of unfinished business on Tuesday after a two week break. Meanwhile former president and presidential candidate Donald Trump has changed his stance on abortion rights, saying it should be up to the individual state to decide. 

Ron Elving is a Senior Editor and Correspondent, Washington Desk for NPR news.

10:05 Michael Mosley: how to sleep better

British doctor and best-selling author Dr Michael Mosley suffered from insomina for most of his adult life. He's written numerous books about gut health, intermittent fasting, diabetes and the benefits of walking, and along the way he's used himself as a guinea pig. So when it came to the issue of sleep - it was no different. Dr Mosley took part in a Flinders University sleep health clinic, along with 30 others who suffered from chronic insomnia, sleep apnoea or both. By the end of the eight week programme, 80 per cent of the group had improved sleep. The programme and its results are the focus of a new documentary series - Australia's Sleep Revolution - made for SBS - and an accompanying book called Four Weeks to Better Sleep. Michael Mosley joins Kathryn and will take your questions - text 2101.

10:35 Book review: Ghosts of the British Museum by Noah Angell 

Quentin Johnson reviews Ghosts of the British Museum by Noah Angell published by Hachette

10:45 Around the motu: Ellen Curnow in Westport

Westport News' reporter Ellen Curnow on flood protection for Westport, while the town's air services are threatened. And as the Buller economy outpaces national growth the town's council has a new chief executive. 

11:05 Business commentator Victoria Young

Victoria Young looks at how much chief executives are being paid across the country, and reveals who comes out on top with the biggest salary. Also, BusinessDesk understands at least 50 of Synlait's farmers have given notice to take their milk elsewhere. And the owner of Manuka Doctor has quietly snapped up a minority stake in the New Zealand Breakers.

11:25 What's really worrying our young people? 

Andrew Hubbard from the Citizen's Advice Bureau joins Kathryn to talk about their latest research, which focused on the reasons why under-25s seek them out.  In the past year, the CAB helped around 5,000 people under the age of 25 with information, advice and support. It's published a report called 'Youth Engagement with Citizens Advice Bureau: A CAB Spotlight Report' and set up a website to go with it. So what are their main concerns?

11:45 Sports-chat with Sam Ackerman

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua wants to relax the rules around players competing in the Australian league. In Super Rugby Aupiki, the Blues Women will host the final against the Chiefs Manawa later this week. Meanwhile the National Swimming Championships and Olympic qualifiers are kicking off in Hawke's Bay, while Sam also looks at the reaction to the shooting incident after a Hawke's Bay rugby game.