RNZ: Sunday Morning

For decades experts have studied the effects of crime, conflict and catastrophe on victims - and also on soldiers, paramedics and police officers. But not on so for those also often on the scene at disturbing events - journalists. Mediawatch reports from the first ever gathering devoted to the impact of trauma on New Zealand's journalists.

Pamela Stephenson - comedian, wife of Billy Connolly, writer and psychologist has put herself in the therapist's chair to write the story of her life. She talks to Chris Laidlaw about a difficult childhood, working among the men on 'Not The Nine O'Clock News', life with Billy, a striking career change, and growing old in a sequined mini-skirt.

Andrew McRae explores whether enough is being done to protect NZ from biosecurity incursions.

This week in his Counterpoint, Wayne Brittenden looks at Orwell's legacy.

A surprise plan to close a number of Christchurch schools has left that already traumatised community reeling from a different sort of aftershock.

Warratahs' frontman Barry Saunders joins Chris Laidlaw in the studio.

This week Ideas looks at what the future holds for railways.

Broadcasters blurring the boundary between advertising and journalism; how our universities and polytechnics are engaging the media today - and could contribute more in the future.

Phil Arkow is the Co-ordinator of the US National Link Coalition, which promotes awareness of the connection between animal abuse and violence against humans. He will be speaking at the 23rd New Zealand Companion Animal Conference in Wellington next week.

Tina Rosenberg is a contributing writer for The New York Times magazine.

Education correspondent John Gerritsen explores why poverty is so closely linked in NZ to poor grades

Wayne Brittenden counterpoints the notion of heroism. Some of our best known and most celebrated heroes also displayed some most unappealing attributes seldom associated with heroism. Hamish Keith and Dr Alex Lickerman join Chris Laidlaw to discuss.

What a mess the whole Kim Dotcom spying affair is. Who knew what when and who knew nothing? Who told what to whom and when? Why weren't key people told? It's a can of worms.

The winds of political change had swept across the Pacific from Samoa and the people of the New Hebrides were politely beginning to assert their own self-determination.

Ideas this week explores food production, food waste and inevitably hunger.