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Nature & Environment
Officials warned against lower methane emissions target
The government chose to go ahead with its preferred option, despite advice that it could increase New Zealand's contribution to global warming.
Fire continues to burn at Tongariro National Park
A blaze in Tongariro National Park is raging on. While crews are still battling to contain it, the local hapu says they're a lot further ahead than last time. Bubs Smith from Ngati Hikairo ki… Audio
Report highlights climate change risks for Northland
A new report highlights the effects of climate change on Northland - and why our northernmost region is so vulnerable to its effects. Peter de Graaf reports. Audio
Breeding programme producing bigger giant weta than ever
A captive-breeding programme credited with helping bring the critically-endangered Mahoenui giant weta back from the brink is expecting a bumper breeding season in January - in more ways than one… Audio
Bringing the bounty back to Porirua Harbour
A renewed coordinated effort aims to restore the former kai moana bounty of Te Awarua o Porirua, or Porirua Harbour.
Northland hit harder than most by climate change - report
A study by the Climate Change Commission found that was partly due to the region's exposure to storms, droughts and cyclones, but it was also shaped by socio-economic factors.
Firefighters scrambling to contain fires in Tongariro National Park
Firefighters are scrambling to contain several fires burning in Tongariro National Park. More than a dozen fire vehicles plus five choppers are fighting the blaze, which is estimated to be 100… Audio
Jesse Goes Clubbing!
Monday is club day here at Afternoons because my team is determined that I go clubbing. So if you have a club you'd like me to join for the day please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you at… Audio
Increased Southern Ocean rainfall may have global consequences
The Southern Ocean may be "sweating" more in response to climate change - but what does that mean?
Regional Wrap: Ashburton botanical art exhibition
Dunedin-based Artist Jane Marshall Fitzgerald was born in Ashburton and she joins Culture 101. Audio
Southland's waters warming faster than most
While the warmer waters may mean more enjoyable swimming temperatures, continued increases will be detrimental to a wide range of coastal ecosystems, including valued fisheries.
Biosecurity mulls how to fund hornet hunt
It's estimated the war against the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland is costing about $1 million a month. Audio
A district 'swallowed' by pine trees: Fears over IKEA forests
The Swedish furniture giant is one of the biggest forestry owners in a region, and it's worrying residents.
Killer cat that decimated black-fronted tern colony finally caught
Tarapirohe are endangered, with an estimated declining population of less than 10,000 birds.
Finance and climate ministers from NZ and Australia meet
The summit comes after Finance Minister Nicola Willis cast doubt on whether New Zealand would pay for the carbon credits it needed to meet its 2030 emissions promise.
Are pōhutukawa flowering early this year? A botanist explains
Plenty are already in full bloom, but is it unusual? Audio
NZ rejecting emission targets risks international law breach
Analysis: The government rejected the Climate Change Commission's emissions target recommendations.
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 5 December 2025
Holidaymakers travelling with Air New Zealand in the lead-up to Christmas could find themselves caught out by cabin-crew strikes, despite Monday's planned industrial action being called off; An… Audio
Assessments start of damage from Tongariro National Park fire
The Tongariro fire earlier this month left nearly 3,000 hectares of the national park scorched. Audio
Mountain biker says they're no threat to nesting kārearea after track vandalism
Tracks on Matairangi/Mt Victoria in Wellington have been vandalised this week, with a local rider saying it appeared to be a misguided attempt to protect nesting kārearea. Audio
