Environment
ECan considers declaring nitrate emergency
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is considering whether to declare a "nitrate emergency" at its final meeting Wednesday, as dozens of protesters gather outside the building demanding action. Audio
Minister tight-lipped as Te Waikoropupū Springs plan in doubt
The minister for RMA reform is keeping mum on the fate of Tasman District Council's plan to protect some of the clearest water in the world.
Kawerau wood pellet plant to cut coal use
Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui hopes the plant will boost the local economy. Audio
New wastewater plant will reduce sewage overflows, Watercare says
But one oyster farmer affected by rolling overflows says they're not out of the woods yet, with a full fix still some time away.
Springtime budget gardening with Tony Murrell
Many budgets are tight, so we want to hear about free cuttings, seed sowing, and gardening on a shoestring. Tony Murrell chats with Jim about smart ways to save money while getting your garden growing… Audio
Boat owners encouraged to book haulouts before summer
Haulouts help avoid marine pests, which spread by hull fouling and getting into ballast water.
Good news for critically endangered 'labradors of the sea'
Described as ferocious-looking yet placid, the number of grey nurse sharks along Australia's east coast is on the rise.
The state of New Zealand's oceans
While developing nations are making bold commitments to revitalise oceans, marine scientist Veronica Rotman claims New Zealand is falling behind. Audio
Critter of the Week: Debris Cloaking Bark Beetle
The critter for this week is rytinotus squamulosus, the debris cloaking bark beetle! Audio
Conservation minister defends centralising decision-making powers
Tama Potaka has defended proposals which would give him sole decision-making powers over the conservation estate. Audio
Young offroaders remove almost 400 tyres from riverbank
A Hawke's Bay offroading club sick of being blamed for rubbish on riverbanks has embarked on a different kind of adventure.
Forest guardians reject use of GMOs
The Forest Stewardship Council is holding firm on its stance against the use of genetic technologies in forests.
Council fencing off thousands of hectares to protect forest
The council plans to construct a predator fence that will stop such animals from getting into the area.
Decapitated dolphin found on beach north of Kaikōura
The Department of Conservation says it appears the dolphin had washed up naturally before someone illegally removed its head.
Auckland's air quality improving but inland water quality in decline
The council's latest State of the Environment Report has found that lakes, streams and rivers are worse off.
NZ's 'major but invisible' health risk
A public health expert says polluted air is costing the country about a billion dollars each year in healthcare costs and decreased productivity.
Going underground won't save you from massive volcanic eruptions
New research provides more detail on the scale of such eruptions and their impact in New Zealand.
Part of Miramar Peninsula gets reserve status 14 years after promise
The government says the prominent landmark has enormous historical and cultural significance.
Watch: Milford Sound avalanche set off by explosives
Specialist teams are working with NZTA to reduce risks of avalanches in the area. Video
Playing 'I-spy' with urban emissions
A new lab is cruising the streets of Wellington, homing in on our urban carbon emissions.
