Canterbury Mornings

A US professor says Americans have a distorted view of the dangers they face.This comes on the 17th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.New York State University professor of sociology Richard Lachmann told Chris Lynch cable news media in America are overplaying things because fear sells.He says Americans think they're in danger of terrorist attacks, which they're not and that their children will be gunned down in schools - which is very rare.Richard Lachmann says Americans aren't aware of the dangers in other parts of the world.

Christchurch is welcoming its first "thinker in residence".The Christchurch Foundation has brought Hila Oren, chief executive of the Tel Aviv Foundation, to the city for two months. Christchurch Foundation chief executive Amy Carter told Chris Lynch it's about having someone provide a mirror for us to look at ourselves from time to time. 

Former Christchurch Mayor Sir Bob Parker told Chris Lynch he doesn't believe the stadium will ever be a "real money maker" but says it's a vital facility for one of the country's biggest cities. 

An economist is questioning the direct economic benefits of Christchurch's proposed stadium.Chief Economist at The New Zealand Initiative, and former Christchurch resident, Dr Eric Crampton told Chris Lynch it would be pretty surprising if the council were able to come up with a case that the stadium would be profitable.He says generally these cases instead would be based on purported benefits to the wider community, but there is always some question about the assumptions made going into those.      

Christchurch's deputy mayor says he won't stand against Lianne Dalziel in next year's local body elections.Lianne Dalziel said two years ago this term would be her last - but she has yet to formally state her intentions.Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner told Chris Lynch he's waiting to see if she will seek a third term.He says he won't run against Lianne but if she indicated she's not standing, then he will.Andrew Turner says he would be happy to continue on as Deputy Mayor if Lianne Dalziel runs.

Water bottling operation Cloud Ocean has illegally pumped more than 10 million litres of water from its Belfast bore, breaching its consent conditions.Last month Environment Canterbury issued Cloud Ocean with a cease operations and abatement notice. However this notice was lifted on Friday after Cloud Ocean provided them with the necessary documentation to reactivate the consent. Aotearoa Water Action spokesman Peter Richardson told Chris Lynch they are pushing forward with the court action challenging the consents issued by Environment Canterbury.   

Emily Heazlewood from Romer is in with the best things to get up to around Christchurch this week!

The Prime Minister told Chris Lynch she won't be firing Clare Curran following her series of blunders. Chris also spoke to the Prime Minister about her trip to Nauru and the prospect of raising the refugee quota. 

It's Alzheimer's awareness month so Chris Lynch had Dr Matthew Croucher, an expert in dementia working at the Canterbury District Health Board, in studio for a question and answer session about dementia.Listen to the full interview for Dr Croucher's answers to the following questions:What should I do if I’m worried that someone’s memory and brain power may be failing?What’s the difference between normal ageing / senior moments and a dementia illness? Are there other causes of memory and brain power going downhill besides a dementia illness?How would I go about getting it checked out?If it turns out to be a dementia illness, what’s the point in knowing anyway?  If you'd like further information on dementia visit https://www.dementia.nz/ or http://www.alzheimers.org.nz/  

City Councillor David East has been stood down from a committee after making claims council staff allegedly tampered with the city's district plan.At a press conference on Monday, David East claimed a "policy omission" is affecting South New Brighton, Southshore and Redcliffs residents wanting to build, renovate or extend their homes.Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has confirmed he's since been stood down from chairing the Regulatory Performance Committee.The Mayor says she's disappointed in his actions, and council management are making a complaint under the Elected Members' Code of Conduct regarding his actions. ​National MP and former Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee told Chris Lynch the city is in a bad state when you have the non-elected people telling the elected people what they can and cannot ask or say publicly.

A horse racing expert believes the New Zealand harness racing industry will survive the latest allegations of corruption.This follows the arrest of seven people alleged to have been involved in match-fixing and the possession and supply of Class B drugs.NZ Herald racing editor Michael Guerin told Chris Lynch the impact should be minimal.He says there's no doubt there'll be some repercussions but there are plenty of examples overseas to prove people don't tend to shy away from betting on races because of them.

Politics Friday: Living wage, rental changes and the CBD

Christchurch Police are seeking information following an aggravated robbery at the Challenge service station on Blighs Road.A man entered the service station armed with a claw hammer at around 8.20 on Friday night.The man threatened the service station attendant before making off with cigarettes and cash.The man was wearing a distinctive black cap with a white logo and carrying a black backpack, also with a white logo.He was last seen running down Blighs Road toward Wairakei Road. Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has any information about the man involved.Executive Director of the New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores Dave Hooker has praised the attendants handling of the situation. He told Richard Green the attendant did everything right, they stood back, they didn't escalate the situation in any way and didn't try to get into an altercation with the offender. Whether that's down to good training or just common sense he wasn't sure but the attendant's act

Richard Green caught up with Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel for the weekly chat about issues facing Christchurch.

Tyler Adams and Mike Yardley discuss the week that was. Mike is a travel editor, syndicated columnist & correspondent on radio, in print and online. Plus he is a current affairs columnist and commentator.

Tyler Adams caught up with Labour MP Ruth Dyson and National MP Gerry Brownlee on the political issues of the week.

Canterbury appears to be in the midst of a mental health crisis with NZ Police Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price reporting there are 4000 attempted suicides in Canterbury alone each year.Emotional wellness coach therapist Alan McIntyre told Richard Green that he suspects the number to be even higher as many people attempt suicide without coming to any notice.Alan McIntyre says we need to teach people skills in how to deal with their emotions and how to overcome depression and anxiety and learn how to manage it.  

Former residential red zone owners are getting payment from the Government for their uninsured homes.Minister Megan Woods has announced 103 property owners will get 100 percent of the 2007/08 rateable value for their homes - at a cost of about 12 million dollars.The issue was taken to the Court of Appeal by the Quake Outcasts.Megan Woods told Richard Green this isn't an insurance issue - its about the fact a zoning decision was made by a government and they shouldn't have been differentiated on whether or not they are insured or uninsured.

Richard Green spoke to Mark Stockdale, AA Principal Advisor for Regulations, to find out why it is South Island fuel prices are higher than the North Island prices, and is it possible that the South Island could be paying for the Auckland fuel tax?