News
NZ committed to climate target despite Australian opposition dumping net-zero
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said New Zealand's government would not follow Australia's coalition.
Beyond 1.5: Why the global climate target still matters
The world is about to blow past 1.5°C of warming, a limit we collectively hoped to avoid. What does that mean - and what comes next?
'Embarrassing': International climate expert scorns NZ's methane target
A veteran climate scientist says it's "unbelievable" that New Zealand has gone to the annual climate summit with a weaker target as global temperatures continue to rise.
Climate change minister defends weakened methane target
Simon Watts says he is prepared for questions about New Zealand's lowered target when he heads to the annual UN global climate summit in Brazil.
COP30: Get your skates on, experts urge NZ over climate targets
Ahead of this year's COP climate summit, experts say New Zealand risks has no credible plan to honour its Paris Agreement promises. Audio
Decision to end some climate policy consultation 'worrying'
Planned law changes will end public consultation on what New Zealand's emissions limits should be.
New flood map reveals the areas most at risk - now and in future
A third of the population in some regions is already exposed to a major danger, along with $235 billion of property. Audio
The low-tech solution that could save lives at sea
It's foldable, floats, and can be detected by satellites - and it's being developed by local researchers who started with origami prototypes.
What makes Ruapehu tick - and boom?
How to predict when Ruapehu might next erupt is an important, but difficult, question. A group of researchers thought: why not recreate the volcano in a lab?
Whatever happened to the pūteketeke?
Comedian John Oliver's intervention propelled the grebe to fame. But for some, the 'bird of the century' is no fleeting infatuation.
Easier surgeries siphoned to private sector, data shows
Outsourcing risks creating a two-tier health system and may compromise training, senior doctors have warned. Audio
RNZ-Reid Research poll: All the results
Just looking for the numbers? Check out RNZ's interactive charts.
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
Outcry over 'morally bankrupt' call to end government flood buyouts
Phasing out government assistance for storms and floods would be leaving homeowners 'on their own', an expert says. Audio
No more buyouts for storm-hit homes, government told
Owners should be responsible for knowing the flood and storm risks to their homes, an expert group has recommended.
The Census has been switched off: What happens now?
In the midst of 'a population storm', the most powerful tool available to respond has been switched off. What happens now? Audio
Goodbye, Census: five-yearly count to be scrapped
The traditional Census will be replaced with a combination of government data and smaller annual surveys.
Budget 2025: None of year's child poverty targets met
The number of children living in poor households will barely shift in the coming years, new Treasury forecasts show.
Budget 2025: The Budget in charts
The 'Growth Budget' has shifted billions of dollars in funding towards health, education and defence. Kate Newton breaks down the big numbers.
Burrowing into the mystery of Great Barrier Island's black petrels
A research team monitoring a dwindling population of tākoketai hopes to head to Ecuador to gather clues about why so many birds never make it back to Aotearoa.
Bird charity asks Auckland landmarks to dim the lights
Light pollution, including bright LED displays like the Sky Tower and Auckland's Harbour Bridge, are contributing to seabirds being grounded.
Falling insurance cover could hurt whole economy, leaders warn
As insurers move towards individual risk ratings for properties, industry leaders have warned a growing number of homes could be left without insurance.
Is violent crime really dropping?
Government ministers are claiming it as a win, but what does new official data tell us?
