Nine To Noon for Friday 31 October 2025

09:05 Asbestos fears after fire shut Palmerston North schools  

A number of schools in Palmerston North, plus several early childhood centres, have decided to shut today over asbestos fears following a large fire. The blaze in the closed down Fitz Bar on Ferguson Street on Thursday afternoon spread quickly, with plumes of black smoke billowing out across the city.  A text alert was sent by emergency services warning people to stay indoors and keep windows closed, and to turn off air conditioning. Palmerston North Intermediate School is nearby and has made a precautionary decision to close. Kathryn speaks to the local fire service's senior officer Hayden Robinson and the principal of Palmerston North Intermediate Hamish Ruawai, which has closed for the day

09:20 Plunket urges whanau to vaccinate as measles cases climb 

With only about 80 percent of New Zealanders immunised against measles, Plunket is urging households with babies to make sure they are vaccinated. Under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, the Measles Mumps and Rubella - MMR - vaccine is given at 12 and 15 months, however, it is babies under one who are most at risk of serious illness and complications if they are infected. Plunket is offering measles vaccinations to the families of babies who are too young to receive it themselves. One of the country's largest schools, Auckland Grammar, is closed for years 9 and 10 today, due to an infectious measles case at the school last Friday. It brings the number in the current outbreak to 13, with more than 2000 close contacts identified so far. Together with the 12 cases in the separate Northland outbreak, that makes 25 known measles cases this month. Plunket chief nurse is Zoe Tipa.

09:30 How the youth court is leading the way for neurodiverse people 

At every stage, from apprehension to arrest to sentencing, people with neurological challenges such as autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, ADHD or brain injuries are disadvantaged in court. That's the starting point for University of Auckland law professor Mark Henaghan - who says more needs to be done to give those without strong verbal skills a fair go in the justice system. Along with reasearcher Jean Choi the pair have contributed to a new book titled  International Perspectives of Neuroscience in the Youth Justice Courtroom. Mark Henaghan says the consequences of misunderstanding neurodiversity are serious, and identifying neurodivergent defendants early in the process is critical.

09:45 Asia correspondent Ed White

US President Donald Trump came away from his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping calling it a "great success" and rating it 12 out of 10.

Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times based in Shanghai

10:05  Why Sally Millington's doing 52 new things each year

If you find it hard to break your routine, but secretly harbour a desire to try something new - boy does Sally Millington have a story for you. Back in 2018 the Englishwoman found herself with a voucher to a climbing gym and doing something that really pushed her comfort limits. After it was done, she felt euphoric. It sparked an interest in trying to incorporate more new things into her life - and so she kept going. Seven years later it's morphed into Challenge 52, where Sally does 52 new things each year. She describes them as ranging from the daft to the daring, and she documents what she does - in the hope it might inspire others to try new things too. Sally joins Kathryn to talk about her favourite challenges, and incidentally, she's coming to New Zealand for the first time next year - and keen for any suggestions of things she should try when she's here. Text 2101 or email us at ninetonoon@rnz.co.nz.

10:30 Solve for Tomorrow winners tackle race-tracking and mountain bike safety

The nation-wide science and innovation competition Solve for Tomorrow has just announced its winners for 2025. And if the calibre of these projects is anything to go by it shows the future of science, technology, engineering and maths is in good hands. The competition is open to intermediate and high school students, and asks them to identify an issue facing their community, then come up with an idea to change things for the better. Taking out first place in the year 7-10 category is Jack Harker from ACG Parnell College in Auckland. He developed a live race-tracking system for youth sailing. The system uses long range radio devices and a web dashboard so coaches can replay races for analysis and spectators can follow fleets in real time. And first place in the year 11-13 category is Cameron Moore from Rotorua Lakes High School. You may recognise his name - he took out the junior category just two years ago. 

10:35 Book review: Outliers by Michael Jackson

Airini Beautrais reviews Outliers by Michael Jackson, published by Ugly Hill Press.

10:45 Around the motu: Robin Martin in Taranaki

Robin has the latest on the Mt Messenger by-pass project, issues with the Awakino Gorge continue and local  garden festivals  kick off.

11:05 New music with Grant Smithies

Recently awarded an Arts Foundation Laureate, Bill Direen has been a key figure in Aotearoa’s music and literary figure for nearly five decades. We’ll hear two tracks from his new Bilders album today, followed by some “bush doof” from Perth’s Tame Impala and new work from Brooklyn soul/ funk veteran, Brian Jackson. 

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

11:45 The week that was 

Our comedians Te Radar and Donna Brookbanks with a few laughs including the divorced Turkish couple who've agreed on "child support" payments for their two cats.