Environment
Cyclone categories no longer fit for a heating planet - scientists
Increasingly strong cyclones may mean a new higher-wind-speed category needs to be created, researchers say, as global heating ups the forces at play.
Iceland volcano: How earthquakes signal mammoth magma flows
Researchers in Iceland are looking at the relationship between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Audio
Dallas King and the story of the Omanaia River.
This week on Mapuna we speak with Ngati Hau, Ngati Kaharau kaikorero Dallas King of Omanaia. She discusses the story of the Omanaia River, a story that she presented at the commemorations at Mangungu… Audio
Iceland volcano - research: magma's mammoth flow before eruptions
In November 2023, a magma dike began to rapidly build below the Sundhnúkur crater chain in southwest Iceland. Audio
Reversing the 'downward slide to extinction' for kiwi
A remote Fiordland kiwi population feared to be sliding towards extinction is turning the tide.
Critter of the Week: black cockroach hunter wasp
If you're a native New Zealand cockroach, the ngaro wiwi black cockroach hunter wasp is the stuff of your worst nightmares. Audio
Forestry company's certification suspended over storm damage
The Queen's Birthday storm caused masses of woody debris to flow down rivers and on to the beach, damaging homes, farms, roads and bridges and beaches.
'War on nature': Environmental groups say plans breach FTA
A coalition of environment groups says New Zealand is breaching its free trade deal with the United Kingdom by rolling back environmental laws.
Seabed mining company backing law change
The company behind a proposal to mine ironsands off the coast of Taranaki has welcomed the government's proposed bill. Video
Coming Soon: Voice of Tangaroa
Coming soon to RNZ Podcasts is the new series Voice of Tangaroa. The series explores the state of our oceans, and the extraordinary variety of life that calls it home. Audio
Shipping carbon price proposals to be discussed at IMO
Pacific and Caribbean states, the EU countries, China, and the shipping industry have submitted proposals for a global carbon levy, ranging from $100-$150/tonne of GHG emissions.
Kiwi Econet, a new way to wrap bales of hay
Southland farmer Grant Lightfoot has created a new type of bale wrap - a net which is made out of natural fibre that cattle can eat and digest. Grant speaks to Jesse. Audio
Unique to Aotearoa microbe discovered in our geothermal climate
Microorganisms can move through water, soils and ride air currents so finding one that is endemic and stranded in New Zealand would be a world first. University of Canterbury Scientist, Professor… Audio
Pacific and Caribbean states propose groundbreaking global shipping emissions levy
Eight small island developing states have submitted a groundbreaking proposal to the UN's shipping regulator proposing a US$150 per tonne greenhouse gas emissions levy for the shipping industry. Audio
Wildfire scientists determine how Port Hills blaze might spread
Wildfire scientists have taken samples of the soil, moisture and fuel sources near the fire in the Port Hills, to help predict how the blaze might spread.
The Crown research institute for forestry… Audio
New Zealand’s Antipodes Islands – remote, wild, and special
An ambitious project to rid the remote Antipodes Island of introduced mice proved successful in 2018. Claire Concannon visits the spectacular subantarctic island to meet the locals – from penguins to… Audio
New Zealand’s Antipodes Islands – remote, wild, and special
An ambitious project to rid the remote Antipodes Island of introduced mice proved successful in 2018. Claire Concannon visits the spectacular subantarctic island to meet the locals – from penguins to…
AudioRed admiral butterfly wins Bug of the Year
After nearly 17,000 votes, the kahukura beat out stiff competition from the giant wētā and black cockroach-hunter wasp. Audio
Our Changing World – The Antipodes Islands
The rugged and remote Antipodes Islands are home to a fantastical array of wildlife – from pipits to elephant seals. Claire Concannon joins an expedition to the islands where researchers are counting… Audio
Bluecliffs erosion: Local state of emergency extended for another week
The local state of emergency for Bluecliffs in Southland has been extended for another week due to concerns about rapid erosion from the sea and Waiau River on 18 properties.
