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'This year's been diabolical': Oyster farmers still waiting for compensation package
More than a thousand cubic metres of sewage overflowed from a Watercare pump station in late October. Audio
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Councillors oppose plans for fast-tracked sand mining project
18 Dec 2025Whangārei district councillors voted unanimously against the proposal which would see 8 million cubic metres of sand removed over a 35-year period.
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How underwater turbines could help power New Zealand
18 Dec 2025A huge study has been underway to find prime locations for underwater turbines, which are powered by the tides - something known as Tidal Stream Energy. As it… Audio
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Obtaining permits for trapping feral cats might get easier
17 Dec 2025Currently the Department of Conservation gives out permission after a process that includes filling out paper forms and supplying maps with trapping areas… Audio
'This year's been diabolical': Oyster farmers still waiting for compensation package
More than a thousand cubic metres of sewage overflowed from a Watercare pump station in late October. Audio
Oyster farms still waiting for promised compensation from Watercare
Nearly two months on from a sewage spill that completely destroyed their crops, Mahurangi oyster farmers are still waiting to see a full compensation package. 1200 cubic metres of sewage overflowed… Audio
Councillors oppose plans for fast-tracked sand mining project
Whangārei district councillors voted unanimously against the proposal which would see 8 million cubic metres of sand removed over a 35-year period.
How underwater turbines could help power New Zealand
A huge study has been underway to find prime locations for underwater turbines, which are powered by the tides - something known as Tidal Stream Energy. As it turns out, the Cook Strait might be the… Audio
Renewable energy groups warn new gas hookups risk higher bills
Renewable energy advocates say it's madness thousands of new piped gas connections are being put into houses every year despite dwindling supply. Climate Change Correspondent, Kate Newton reports. Audio
Stories from Our Changing World
Our Changing World's Claire Concannon joins Jesse to share some exciting news about the Kakapo Files. Audio
Obtaining permits for trapping feral cats might get easier
Currently the Department of Conservation gives out permission after a process that includes filling out paper forms and supplying maps with trapping areas marked. In comparison, hunting permits can be… Audio
Crown returns more than 3,000 hectares of land to Maori
The Crown is returning more than 3,000 hectares of land to Maori in the top of the South Island - ending what's thought to be the country's longest running property dispute. Kerensa Johnston from Te… Audio
The rivers without any fish
Anglers are becoming an endangered species on some parts of the country. Audio
Steep drop in fish numbers in Canterbury rivers
Some Canterbury anglers are despairing over the state of the region's rivers which they say have seen a steep drop in fish numbers. Keiller MacDuff reports Audio
The farmers working to shrink the environmental footprint of their cows
Can the planting of special crops and experiments with new winter grazing systems make a real difference? Audio
Cantebury farmers planting special crops to limit nitrate leaching
Some Canterbury dairy farmers are striving to limit nitrate leaching and their cows' environmental footprint by planting special crops and experimenting with new winter grazing systems. Researchers… Audio
Professor Wigglebottom, Aoteaora's only hedgehog hunter
Professor Zachariah Q Wigglebottom is Aoteaoa's only certified hedgehog pest detection dog and its a busy time of year for him right now. They might look cute but DOC says hedgehogs hoover up the eggs… Audio
Could 2026 see the biggest boost in kākāpō numbers yet?
Hopes are high for a bumper kākāpō breeding season - and RNZ will be there to cover it.
Critter of the Week Merchandise Fund
The Critter of the Week merchandise that some of you lovely people have purchased has raised more than four thousand dollars for conservation charities. So we asked you to send us an email with why… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 16 December 2025
27 people remain in Sydney hospitals following Sunday's mass shooting at Bondi beach; Consumer NZ says shoppers should now be paying less for card payment surcharges; The government is creating a new… Audio
Plant theft increasing at Gisborne's botanical gardens
Thieves have been ripping up Gisborne's botanical gardens, pinching everything from roses and freshly planted grasses to established cherry trees. The council's liveable spaces manager, Tyler Kirk… Audio
New mega ministry to combine housing, transport and environment
The government is creating a new super-ministry to take on the work of housing, transport, and environment policy. Senior Minister Chris Bishop spoke to Lauren Crimp. Audio
Forest and Bird’s new plan to get people in touch with nature
Forest and Bird has come up with a new way to entice kids, and adults, to swap screen time for green time. Forest and Bird's Lily Duval spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
