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Nature & Environment
Restrictions stymie re-use of industrial-purpose plastic bags
A big user of industrial-size plastic bags has found a way to re-use them, helping stem the dumping of thousands of bags each year into landfills.
Hunt on for vandals who wrecked skink habitat
The Department of Conservation is appealing for information after four-wheel drivers put rare West Coast skinks at risk by driving over their habitat.
Flexi-tank user finds way to reuse them
A big user of industrial-size plastic bags has found a way to re-use them, helping stem the dumping of thousands of bags each year into landfills.
Bureaucracy at the wharf is standing in the way of… Audio
AK's water restrictions eased from 14 December
Auckland's water restrictions will be eased in a few weeks after the region's lingering drought. The city has been under restrictions since May, when water levels across all reservoirs fell to just… Audio
The baggage our tourists bring
The tourism industry has some big decisions to make, and it's had an enforced break to think about them. But with vaccines on the horizon we'd better hurry on policies that decide what type of… Audio
Ozone holes & UV radiation
NIWA's Richard Querel talks about the ozone hole, including this year's large one, and Ben Liley explains why NZ has such high UV levels. Video, Audio
Our Changing World for 26 November 2020
NIWA experts explain the science behind this year's large ozone hole and New Zealand's high UV levels. Audio
More than half of New Zealand lakes surveyed 'poor' or 'very poor'
Lawa's national summary reveals the poor condition of many lowland lakes, but also the "spectacular quality" of some upland water bodies.
Flood clean-up: 'Windows at the back of the shop blew out'
A number of businesses in Te Awamutu have been in clean-up mode after being flooded following a torrential downpour in the Waikato town yesterday.
Mops out in Te Awamutu after sudden flooding
Mops were on hand in the Waikato town Te Awamutu today - as businesses cleaned up after being flooded during a torrential downpour yesterday.
Heavy rain and hail struck in the afternoon causing… Audio
Auckland Council eases water limits in controversial decision
In an early Christmas gift to Aucklanders, the Council has decided to ease residential water restrictions this summer.
The city has been under restrictions since May, when storage across all… Audio
Auckland Council eases water restrictions for summer
Auckland Council has agreed to ease water restrictions for summer. Our reporter Katie Doyle has more details. Audio
Concerns about mass die-off of little blue penguins raised
The Bird Rescue Charitable Trust has been getting reports of dead penguins on beaches in Northland and north Auckland, and it could be connected to the current La Nina weather pattern.
Rescue group fear mass die-off of penguins
A bird rescue group is worried there could be a mass die-off of Little Blue Penguins this summer.
The Bird Rescue Charitable Trust says it's getting reports of dead penguins on beaches around… Audio
Principal says quarry's potential health risk 'of huge concern'
A Featherston principal has told the council giving the quarry resource consent would create a health risk, affect sports and would lessen attraction of school and town. A Featherston principal...
The DNA in Water
A few months back we spoke with Professor Michael Bunce, Chief Scientist with the Environmental Protection Authority. He tols us of a Citizen Science project called Wai Tūwhera o te Taiao - Open… Audio
New Plymouth residents warned as rain overwhelms sewerage
New Plymouth residents are being warned told to steer clear of contaminated beaches, rivers and streams after heavy rain caused several sewerage pump stations to overflow.
Big wet contaminates New Plymouth beaches
More than 100mm of rain has fallen on parts of Taranaki over the last 24 hours, causing slips, surface flooding and overwhelming sewerage systems.
The emergency response team was mobilised in New… Video, Audio
Wellington water report suggests meters needed
Eugene Doyle, water activist and member of Wellington's Mayoral Taskforce on the Three Waters, gives his view. Audio
Christchurch residents say council not doing enough to stop compost plant stench
Residents who live near a stinky organic composting plant in Christchurch are growing frustrated at the lack of action by the council.
