Nine To Noon

09:05 Fast track approval for a major Auckland  housing development -  on a flood plain

One of Auckland's largest new housing developments - the Sunfield "masterplanned community"  near Ardmore airport in South Auckland has been the go-ahead under fast track provisions. The plan developer, Winton, envisages nearly 4 thousand homes, a town centre, retail and healthcare buildings, three retirement villages and approximately 26 hectares of parks and reserves and ecological areas. The regional development minister, Shane Jones, says the new it'll deliver up to $3.2 billion to the economy and support more than 24,000 jobs over the 10 - 15 year building period. But concerns have been raised about the fact it sits on a flood plain and the area doesn't have extensive transport, water and sewerage infrastructure needed to support it. The Fast Track panel that gave the go ahead did attach a number of conditions including the need for storm water and drainage management plans. Kathryn speaks to Kelvin Hieatt, the chair of the Papakura Community Board and  Auckland Councillor Richard Hills, the chair of the policy and planning committee.

Winton was invited to join Nine to Noon to talk about it's plans, but no one was available, instead it shared these comments about planning to alleviate any flood risk, especially for nearby Papakura. It said the engineering solution for the Sunfield masterplanned community had been designed by a tier 1 engineering firm, and the work had been peer reviewed by a further two equally well qualified independent engineering firms.   The stormwater solution for Sunfield masterplanned community is based on stage 1 of the Awakeri Wetlands, which services part of the Sunfield site, which was designed and constructed by Auckland Council and is currently operational. 

09:25 Hundreds of vintage cars descend on Nelson

More than 500 vintage and classic cars have descended on Nelson for a week long Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring.. along with their pretty fanatical owners. The oldest model dates back to 1905 and the newest is a sprightly 1996 vintage. The cars will take daily tours around the Nelson Tasman region, stopping at rural schools for lunch stops. And for those visitors from overseas who can't bring a classic car with them - they can borrow one from a local owner. Leading it all is George Kear, the President of the Vintage Car Club of NZ.

09:35 Community rallies to support Northland burglary victim 

A Far North community has rallied around its local electrician after three vehicles and his tools were stolen from outside his Tauranga Bay property. John Archer's tools were inside his work vehicle, while the vehicle itself was insured - his tools - and two other private vehicles were not. Meanwhile, a Givealittle page has raised more than $4,500 to help John replace his tools. 

Anyone with information is asked to update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 260308/6555.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

09:45 Australia: Why did Iranian footballers leave? SA election looms

Australia correspondent Bernard Keane looks at why members of the Iranian women's football team reversed their decision to seek asylum. Inflation rates are predicted to increase this week and South Australia's election is looming there, will it be a big test of One Nation to see if their poll support can translate into votes?

Bernard Keane is the political editor of Crikey.com.au

10:05 Comedian Emmanuel Sonubi on his transformative near-death experience on stage

Comedians often talk about dying on stage - but few mean it literally. Seven years ago British comedian Emmanuel Sonubi was working long hours in Dubai - first at his day job and then over the weekends performing gigs. Once a heavy smoker and a bit of a weekend drinker, he'd been having trouble breathing - but was reluctant to go to hospital to have it investigated. Then his heart gave out on stage. The near-death experience has led the Live at the Apollo headliner and host to a radically different lifestyle, it's also inspired a show called 'Life after Near Death' which he debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year. Kiwi audiences will get to see it when he's here for the New Zealand International Comedy Festival in May. You can also see him at the 5 Star Comedy Preview on 30 April at SkyCity theatre, and at the Best Foods Comedy Gala on 1 May at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre. Emmanuel talks to Kathryn about how he's become a campaigner for heart health and organ donation.

10:30 Seabed mapping reveals ongoing damage caused by anchors

A multi-year project investigating damage done to the sea floor caused by ship anchors, has found the destruction is more extensive than first thought. Previous mapping of the Wellington harbour shows anchor scars are preserved for about 15 years. And now recent mapping of the Bay of Islands shows the disturbance to the seafloor has spread further than where ships are supposed to be anchoring. The research compares maps of the seabed from 2025 and 2013. AUT senior lecturer Dr Marta Ribó is involved in the project. Dr Ribo explains how harbour mapping shows anchor scars can last for decades, and the impact this has on marine life. 

10:35 Book review: A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman

Melanie O’Loughlin of Lamplight Books in Auckland reviews A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman, published by Penguin Random House.

10:45 Around the motu: Piers Fuller Editor of  the Wairarapa Times-Age

Piers talks about the push from Masterton for a return of direct flights from the local airport, a drive to get a local dialysisi unit, a successful Gold Shears and volunteers to help maintain and improve the miniature railway in Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton  

11:05 Music: When artists write songs for their children

Music correspondent Kirsten Zemke takes us for little walk through history, with artists who wrote tracks for their children. From Billy Joel and John Lennon, to Minnie Riperton and Lenny Kravitz. How did these songs deviate from the artist's style at the time?

Kirsten Zemke is an ethnomusicologist at the University of Auckland's School of Social Sciences

11:20 Trapeze artist Adam Malone on the circus and cabaret show seducing Auckland audiences 

An upbeat circus, cabaret and comedy show has been seducing audiences at the Auckland Arts Festival. La Ronde sees audiences treated to pole dancing, trapeze acts and soaring vocal performances. The glitzy show is soundtracked by classic eighties dance tunes and takes place under a glistening disco ball. Australian circus performer and burlesque artist Adam Malone is one of the stars of the show from Brisbane outfit Strut & Fret taking place at Spiegeltent in Aotea Square. He stepped down from his trusty trapeze to tell Kathryn all about La Ronde, which runs until Sunday 22 March. 

11:45 Money: What's the Iran conflict doing on markets?

When war broke out in the Middle East, it brought with it warnings about soaring fuel prices and shaky share markets. We’ve seen the fuel price rise – but so far, share markets haven’t been as affected. What’s going on, and what can investors expect to happen next? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds joins Kathryn to discuss.