Environment
Controversial waste-to-energy plant consent process now in hands of central govt
Two councils asked Environment Minister David Parker to "call in" the project because of how unique it was - and he's directed the Environmental Protection Authority to take over consenting.
Our Changing World – Feathers will fly: Bird-off part 1
Two islands, a world apart. Ireland vs. New Zealand – which nation has the better birds? Feathers will fly as two bird nerds argue for their treasured birdlife in the inaugural bird-off, judged by… Audio
How Amelia the bluefin tuna is helping to save her species
Journalist Karen Pinchin looks at the science and politics of ocean-travelling tuna and the humans trying to save the species from extinction in her new book, Kings of Their Own Ocean: Tuna… Audio
Parliament's top environment advisor lays down challenge for next PM
Whoever is the next prime minister should follow Jacinda Ardern's lead and take charge of the plan for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, Simon Upton says.
Pilot program using flies to make high-protein animal feed
A multinational company has partnered with the Ministry of Primary Industries and researchers from Massey University to pilot a program that uses flies to convert waste from breweries, orchards and… Audio
Kelp forests in danger due to warming seawaters
Warming seawaters are putting Aotearoa's kelp forests and ecosystems in danger of collapse.
That's according to a new study by Victoria University of Wellington. Seaweed ecosystems, like kelp… Audio
Iwi-led scheme removes trees that could topple in future storms
When Cyclone Gabrielle swept across Northland in February, thousands of trees came crashing down onto roads and powerlines, leaving much of the region without power and cut off from the outside world.
…Pest patrol: Dogs enlisted for pest-free Banks Peninsula success
Dog versus hedgehog. In a suburban garden, victory would go to the one with the prickled armour.
Invasive species cost global economy more than $400 billion per year, study finds
The impact invasive species have on biodiversity is costing the world around $423 billion every year, with costs quadrupling every decade since the 1970s, a new report says. Audio
Invasive species cost $423 billion internationally according to report
The impact invasive species have on biodiversity is costing the world around $423 billion, with costs quadrupling every decade since the 1970s.
That comes from a new report out today on the drivers… Audio
Whitebaiting season opens
The first day of spring on Friday signalled the start of the whitebaiting season. The season runs from September 1 to October 30, with Government regulations seeing all of New Zealand's whitebait… Audio
Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne
Kennedy joins Kathryn from Iceland, where the government has lifted a summer suspension on whaling. Just one company still hunts fin and minke whales, and the season is due to end in a few weeks… Audio
Water cremation facility poised to open in Christchurch
A Christchurch-based group is poising itself to bring a new, sustainable method of cremations to New Zealand. Alkaline Hydrolysis - or 'water cremation' - is where a body is put into a tube containing… Audio
Company admits it caused wastewater spill into North Canterbury waterway
The company responsible for a wastewater spill into a waterway says it is intent on finding out the causes of the incident.
Catch limit for pāua in central and lower North Island halved
The daily pāua catch limit will halve for the central and lower North Island from Monday after concerns were raised about low stocks.
Fossil found by father and 10yo son suggests species originated in Zealandia
A recently-discovered fossil suggests a group of sea birds originated in the waters around Zealandia, rather than in the Northern Hemisphere as previously thought.
Critter of the Week: Beauveria bassiana
The icing sugar fungus, Beauveria bassiana, is a stealthy member of the fungi kingdom. When it comes into contact with an insect or another invertebrate, it invades the critter and starts growing… Audio
One application accepted so far under new OIO farm-to-forest rules
The first decisions under new rules for farm-to-forest conversions have been released, with two of the three applications being declined.
Wet weather reignites wetland talk for suburban park
Considering Western Park for wetland had been consulted on and turned down, but now with a bit of water under the bridge, it could be back on the table. Audio
Plans for 200-hectare solar farm in North Canterbury
A North Canterbury farmer says installing 200 hectares of solar panels on his farm would be a win-win situation.
