Nine To Noon

09:05 Pharmac too slow to act over HRT shortage: doctors

Doctors specialising in women's health say the shortage of hormone replacement therapy patches is getting worse, and Pharmac has been too slow to act. Currently two of the most popular dosage patches - used to mitigate the symptoms of estrogen deficiency -   are unavailable nationwide, leaving women shopping around different pharmacies, and some having to pay for extra patches to reach their required prescribed dose. Pharmac limits funding to two patches per week but says it is reconsidering this restriction, as well as moving to fund alternatives such as estrogen gels. The funding agency says demand for HRT patches has more than doubled in the last three and the shortage is likely to continue into next year. Wellingtonian Ella Boliver, who is on HRT, describes the difficulty she is having of accessing the medication. Kathryn also speaks with Auckland endocrinologist with ERH Associates, Dr Megan Ogilvie, and Tauranga based menopause doctor Linda Dear. 

09:25 Farmers feeling undue pressure from banks 

Federated Farmers say intense banking pressure on farmers is taking a huge emotional toll - amid calls for an inquiry into the rural banking sector. Parliament's Primary Production Select Committee has called for submissions from farmers and other interest parties as it decides on whether a formal inquiry is warranted. In its submission, Federated Farmers dairy chair, Richard McIntyre says over the past five years there has been a steady and significant decline in communication, service and willingness to lend to farmers.  The NZ Bankers Association, which represents the major banks, says the increase in capital requirements were a significant factor in interest rates being higher for farm loans, than for residential mortgages.

09:35 How laws prohibiting the trade of endangered species are impacting indigenous art 

Kiwi Fulbright scholar Bonita Bigham is researching how laws to prevent trade in endangered species are impacting indigenous art. Since the mid-2000s, the Department of Conservation has collaborated with coastal iwi to recognise Māori customary rights, however amendments to the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, to provide for whale recovery tikanga, are yet to be made. Taranaki regional councillor and Fulbright scholar Bonita Bigham (Ngāruahine, Te Atiawa) is researching how such laws and conventions - designed to prevent trade of endangered species - have had unintended consequences for indigenous people and practices. In particular, her phD will focus on how these laws impinge on indigenous retrieval and use of marine mammal resources for artists, in Aotearoa and Hawai'i. Bonita joins Kathryn from Hawai'i where in addition to her studies, is also co-leading the Aotearoa New Zealand delegation for the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture due to take place there next month. 

09:45 Pacific correspondent Koroi Hawkins

RNZ Pacific Editor Koroi Hawkins has the latest from New Caledonia, where five people have been killed in violent clashes between indigenous Kanak pro-independence protestors and security forces. Local media are reporting people are panic buying, as shops run out of food, water and fuel. Medicines and blood supplies in hospitals are also getting low. And the French Government has banned Tiktok in New Caledonia, in a bid to limit contact between rioters.

10:05 Why play is critical from cradle to latter years 

Dr Stuart Brown is a past professor of psychiatry at Stanford University and the University of California. A key part of his professional life has been dedicated to studying human play and the vital role it has in development and wellbeing. He talks to Kathryn about why play is critical throughout life, benefiting children and adults. Dr Brown is the founder and President of the National Institute for Play.

10:35 Book review: The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe 

Eden Denyer from Unity Books Wellington reviews The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe published by Hachette

10:45 Around the motu: Jean Edwards in Christchurch

The funding and future of the Arts Centre is one of the biggest stories to emerge from the City Council's Long Term Plan. The Mosque inquest resumes on Monday and Jean has the latest on nitrate levels in Canterbury water.

11:05 Music reviewer Grant Smithies​

The debut album from New York's Chanel Beads is a sad, hazy and marvellous thing. We'll hear two tracks from that today, followed by some jazz-addled funk from Melbourne's Hiatus Kaiyote and some electronic highlife from MC Mabo, lifted from a great new compilation of 80s dance music from Ghana. 

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman 

Sam previews the Wellington Phoenix's big semi-final, which is set to be in front of a sellout crowd in Wellington. Also - what Noeline Taurua has been doing in Australia, the rising New Zealand golf star Kazuma Kobori and what NFL Superbowl winner Harrison Butker said at a college graduation ceremony that sparked outrage.

11:45 The week that was with Donna Brookbanks and Irene Pink

Donna and Irene look at the tourist sparking fury among locals in Spain, after he walked through the centre of Palma in a pair of Speedos and socks. And speaking of socks... Gen Z thinks it can spot a millennial by what pair they choose.