Environment
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 31 July 2025
In today's episode, New Zealand remains under a tsunami advisory on Thursday morning, with strong and unusual currents possible, and people warned to stay away from coastlines; An earthquake expert… Audio
Councillors to vote on new joint management agreement with local iwi
Councillors will vote on a new joint management agreement of Lake Taupō and the Upper Waikato River with local iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa today. Audio
Greenpeace on govt ending oil and gas ban
The government is scrapping the oil and gas ban, and in a last-minute move, has handed cleanup cost decisions to ministers. Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Russel Norman spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Why a mass switch from petrol-powered to electric vehicles probably won't work
Transport and climate researchers say there are other ways to get both health and climate benefits than switching one type of car for another. Audio
Buses, not EVs, could be the real solution to climate change: Study
A study out of Otago University has found a mass switch from petrol-powered to electric vehicles will result in more road injuries. Climate change correspondent Eloise Gibson reports. Audio
Govt set to repeal oil and gas ban
The government is set to repeal the oil and gas ban later this week, after a significant last-minute amendment handing discretionary powers to two ministers. Political reporter Russell Palmer has… Audio
Trump proposes repealing finding greenhouse gases pose threat to public health
President Donald Trump's administration has proposed repealing the landmark 2009 finding that greenhouse gases pose a threat to the public. Correspondent Toni Waterman spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Rotorua district and regional councils at loggerheads over Ohau channel
The councils disagree over whether a hole in the channel's wall is a breach of consent, and who's to blame.
Marine reserve's 25-year review: 'When things aren't fished the place changes'
The jewel of the East Cape's coastline is under review for the first time in 25 years, with locals hoping the marine reserve will remain protected for many generations to come. Audio
Eden on two wheels: Book captures the beauty of NZ mountain biking
A new book, edited by Wanaka-based film-maker Nick Stevenson, showcases the best of what New Zealand has to offer mountain-bikers. Audio
Climate activists target Stockton again
Protesters have climbed into a coal bucket on the rope way at Stockton Mine again to protest Bathurst Resources Ltd's fast-track application to extend its mining operations.
Holes in lake wall meant to keep polluted water out alarm locals
The Ōhau channel diversion wall divides the water in Lake Rotorua from the cleaner waters of Lake Rotoiti, but large holes in the wall's side have locals sounding alarm bells.
Taranaki mayors push for govt hydrogen help
Local leaders say Taranaki is the ideal home for a future hydrogen industry, if central government comes to the table. Audio
Renewable energy could help get climate targets back on track
The Climate Change Commission says renewable energy and clean farming could also cut household bills and help businesses.
NZ at significant risk of missing 2050 climate target
New Zealand is at significant risk of missing its 2050 climate target, and the government's actions have increased the risk, according to independent monitoring. But the Climate Change Commission said… Audio
Critter of the Week: Ranger Dragonfly
Next Thursday is World Ranger Day, and to celebrate this important role and the people doing it, our critter of the week is the endemic ranger dragonfly. Just like human rangers, these ranger… Audio
Critter of the Week: Ranger Dragonfly
Next Thursday is World Ranger Day, and to celebrate this important role and the people doing it, our critter of the week is the endemic ranger dragonfly. Just like human rangers, these ranger… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 25th July 2025
In today's episode, deaths in house fires is at its highest level in ten years; New Zealand is at significant risk of missing its 2050 climate target; New Zealand was once ranked third in the world… Audio
ISA launches inquiry into deep sea mining firm
The International Seabed Authority Council has launched an inquiry into "non-compliance" by deep sea mining front-runner The Metals Company.
Two kororā rescued from buried nesting box
Two kororā whose nesting box was buried by a mud slip at Auckland's Muriwai have been rescued, cared for and relocated to a safer site.