Nine To Noon

09:05 Electricity regulator on new powers, switching website

The country's electricity market regulator will later this month launch a new website for consumers to compare power bills. That as it is being given new powers this year to intervene and make the industry better serve consumers. Last year households and businesses faced increases of between 10 and 15 per cent on their power bills. And in 2024 a dry year caused a spot price shock that closed down several industrial businesses. A review into the market led to the Government deciding to give the Electricity Authority the power to fine companies more, and to change market rules quickly. Sarah Gillies, chief executive of the electricity authority, speaks to Kathryn. Meanwhile Consumer says it will continue to operate the Powerswitch website.

09:25 Saving the once mighty wool industry 

Wool was once New Zealand's main export earner, with wartime booms fuelling the economy in the 1950s.

But now sheep numbers are in rapid decline and the wool industry has faced tough times with competition coming from often cheaper synthetic fibres. After many false attempts to kick start growth in the industry, a new Wool Alliance has been formed and has been out and about over the summer talking to wool producers and manufacturers to gather their thoughts on reinvigorating the industry. The cross - sector body has formed at a time when the prices for the coarser strong wool have surged to 10 year highs. Former Fonterra chair, John Monaghan, has been appointed as the independent chair of the Wool Alliance, charged with leading its rollout

09:45 USA correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben

The Department of Justice releases three million pages of Epstein documents, while two journalists are arrested in Minnesota. Danielle also discusses another Government shutdown as Democrats refuse to continue funding ICE without changes to how the agency is run.

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

10:05 Mārama director on his anti-colonial Māori Gothic horror 

A new Māori Gothic horror is set to hit cinemas next week; it was many years in the making, but nearly derailed by a fatal car crash. Mārama follows a young Māori wahine's journey to the north of England in the mid-1800s, seeking information about her family. She ends up as a governess to the granddaughter of a whaling magnate, but slowly learns the truth of how and why she's ended up there. Mārama is the feature film debut of director Taratoa Stappard, who was born in Aotearoa but has spent most of his life based in the UK. As the film neared completion last year he was in a car crash that claimed the life of his friend, and left him with a permanent eye injury. He joins Kathryn to talk about his journey with this film, along with Ariāna Osborne, who plays the main character of Mary Stephens.

10:30 Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand with a plea for more support

Ukrainian foreign officials are calling for international communities to ramp up their fundraising efforts as the country suffers through a harsh winter of Russian attacks on its energy sector. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has applauded recent Polish efforts it says saw about US$1m raised. Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko and humanitarian and charity founder Tenby Powell discuss what's wanted. 

10:45 Around the motu: Jonathan McKenzie

Jonathan talks about the tourism pressure on Putāruru’s Blue Springs that could result in their temporary closure,  the lobbying to save and extend the Te Huia train service between Hamilton and Auckland and the BNZ Theatre opens  while a new development is planned to renew the riverfront.

11:05 Retirement villages face reform, and a shake-up for MediaWorks

What does 2026 hold for the retirement village sector with reform expected to be introduced in the middle of the year. Victoria also discusses the sale of MediaWorks owner QMS to Australia's Nine Entertainment and what that could mean for New Zealand radio and outdoor advertising. And the latest credit data shows demand for debt, but business closures at an all time high. 

BusinessDesk editor, Victoria Young

11:25 Unearthing layers of history beneath Christchurch

A new archaeology exhibition unearths layers of history and the lives of Cantabrians during the 19th-Century. All the objects showing at Cathedral Square Unearthed were uncovered during excavations conducted following the 22 February 2011 earthquakes. This includes merchant wares and household treasures. In 2011, archaeologist Katharine Watson was one of a handful of people doing archaeological work in the city. Katharine is now Chair of the Christchurch Archaeology Project - the group behind Cathedral Square Unearthed which coincides with the 15th anniversary of the earthquakes.

11:45 Sam Ruthe, Super Rugby and ABs coach search

Tauranga teen Sam Ruthe shocks the world with a new indoor mile record for a New Zealander. The Super Rugby season is two weeks away from kick off, as uncertainty around who the All Blacks coach will be continues.The Australian Open revealed about the state of world tennis, and why the upcoming Winter Olympics in Cortina could be New Zealand’s most successful yet.

Sam Ruthe celebrates after winning the mile at the John Thomas Terrier Classic indoors meet at Boston University, 31 January, 2026 (US time). Photo: Supplied/ Athletics NZ - Aaron Bui