Environment
'None of this is fine' - Central Otago mayor calls for rethink of sewage disposal methods
With freak flooding events increasing in frequency, Central Otago's mayor is pushing for a rethink on wastewater disposal and questioning whether it should be discharged into waterways.
Tawaki penguins heading into forest to nest
If you happen to be on the West Coast in the next month or two, keep a close eye out for the world's third rarest penguins - Tawaki.
Also known as the Fiordland Crested Penguin, there are only about… Audio
Changing landscapes: Paddocks with grazing cattle and solar panels
Many rural landscapes will change - from acres of grazing cattle and crops - to paddocks of solar panels.
75 percent of fish in southern NZ contain microplastics - study
Three-quarters of wild fish in southern New Zealand are filled with microplastics, according to a new Otago University study.
It's the first such study in those waters, which researchers say… Audio
Whales stranded in Tasmania, two years on from similar event
The mass stranding of about 230 whales has occurred at Macquarie Harbour near Strahan on Tasmania's west coast.
NIWA uses satellite images to track health of New Zealand's coastal waters
For the first time, NIWA has used satellite images to monitor the health of coastal waters around Aotearoa by tracking levels of suspended sediment in those waters.
Iwi-led Southland charity opens another nursery on first anniversary
An iwi-led Southland environmental charity is helping rangatahi into new careers and turning its attention to large-scale restoration projects.
Climate change: Forum weighs need for action alongside business opportunities
A sold out climate and business conference in Auckland has heard fears for the future expressed alongside optimism for business opportunities.
Researchers calculate there are 2.5 million ants for every human
The world's human population is forecast to surpass 8 billion in the coming months. Compared to ants, that is a mediocre milestone.
Lake Taupō volcano rumbles
GeoNet has increased the alert level for the volcano below Lake Taupō for the first time, after a swarm of quakes around the lake this year. The super-volcano has been rattled by 40 tremors a week… Audio
Solar farm approved for Waikato to power 30,000 homes
A UK based energy company has been granted approval to develop a solar farm in Waikato which will generate electricity to power 30,000 homes. The Environmental Protection Authority has approved… Audio
Shelly Bay construction halted after kororā re-enter site through tampered fence
All works at a development at Shelly Bay in Wellington have been halted after kororā re-entered the site through tampered fencing.
Taranaki family's lucky escape as car caught in huge slip
A Taranaki family making a last-minute dash to see a dying relative are lucky to be alive after their car was caught in a massive slip near Urenui on State Highway 3.
Rex Wade was driving family… Audio
Masterton District Council approves climate change plan
A 76-point plan to tackle climate change has been given the tick by Masterton District Council. But it did not receive unanimous support from elected members.
Minister open to another look at climate change rules
Even if legal challenges seeking stricter rules aimed at preventing climate change are not successful, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw says he could take another look at the laws.
Scientists keep watch on Whakaari after ash and gas detected
Scientists are keeping an eye on Whakaari / White Island after volcanic ash and strong gas was detected in the crater yesterday.
Fencing around Shelly Bay development raised after kororā seen on road
Part of the fencing installed to keep kororā out has of the Shelly Bay development been tampered with after the developers blocked the area.
New Plymouth mayor fears site may harbour a 'cocktail of chemicals'
There needs to be independent oversight of multi-national agrichemical company Corteva's promised testing of its controversial Paritutu site in New Plymouth, mayor Neil Holdom says.
Kina removed in Marlborough Sounds to help rejuvenate reefs
Four sections of kina have been removed in the Marlborough Sounds as part of a research project to rejuvenate seaweed and kelp on reefs.
Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne
Kennedy takes us off the beaten track to Bruny Island, off the coast of Hobart, and returns to Uluru, where climbing of the sacred rock ceased in 2019, but tourism is bigger than ever. Audio
