Navigation for Sections
Nature & Environment
Warning over toxic algae in Otago river, dam
Swimmers and dog walkers are urged to be wary of toxic algae in Otago lakes and rivers.
Turning seaweed into plasterboard
A Canterbury University student has devised a biocomposite wall panel that uses algae - or seaweed - as a bio-filler. Andy Park talks to Jesse about his invention and its potential. Audio
Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne
Kennedy talks to Kathryn about his summer of islands and the places he's visited during voyages from the Hauraki Gulf to Whangaroa Harbour, and also the tsunami damage to Tutukaka marina. Audio
Kiwi scientists develop disinfection system for PPE
In the 2 years since the pandemic began more than 25-thousand tonnes of Covid-related plastic waste has polluted the oceans. But now a group of Kiwi scientists has developed a solution. It's a unit… Audio
90 years of backcountry exploring
2021 marked the 90th anniversary of FMC, or the Federated Mountain Clubs. As an organisation it predates the Great Walks, but they've made a lot of huge wanders themselves. To tell us more about the… Audio
Will Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai reefs recover post-eruption?
Ecologists are reviewing research on reefs around the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, to see how biodiversity may fare following the latest eruption.
The Wellington company pioneering carbon footprint-tracking technology
Many people around the world are now considering their personal carbon footprint on a daily basis. A Wellington-based sustainable data company is helping British bank customers spend in line with… Audio
What scientists know about Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai reefs
Ecologists are researching the reefs around the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano to see how the biodiversity might fare.
When the volcano erupted in late 2014, it temporarily changed water… Audio
Kākāpō breeding programme on track for a bumper season
The Kākāpō Recovery breeding programme is on track for a bumper season, offering hope for the critically endangered bird's future.
There are only 200 or so Kākāpō in the world.
The nocturnal… Audio
Beware 'summer ice' on wet roads says Waka Kotahi
Hazardous "summer ice" is hampering travel on South Island roads.
The phenomenon occurs after extended hot days, followed by rain, which causes ice-like surfaces as the water loosens road dust and… Audio
Drought could continue for parts of country
Parts of Aotearoa are heading towards a third consecutive year in drought.
The spring rain may keep some hopeful, but many farmers have had land dry out before their eyes in recent weeks.
RNZ… Audio
Summer Science: Voices - To spray or not to spray
Summer science continues with a play of a science related episode from RNZ's Voices podcast. In 'To spray or not to spray' we meet Tim Vandervoet as he investigates ways to reduce insecticide use in… Audio
Summer Science: Voices - To spray or not to spray
Summer science continues with a play of a science related episode from RNZ's Voices podcast. In 'To spray or not to spray' we meet Tim Vandervoet as he investigates ways to reduce insecticide use in…
AudioSurvey finds most SMEs concerned by climate change, but 40% without sustainable processes
More than 40 percent of small to medium sized enterprises do not have any systems or processes in place to minimise their carbon footprint.
Reintroduced bird species establishing populations in Nelson's Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
Almost 20 years after the idea for a pest-free sanctuary was first raised for the site of Nelson's former water works in the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, the first two species to be reintroduced are…
Wellington Council wins design contest for 3D climate model
A 3D simulation that shows how climate change will transform the lay of the land in Wellington has won big in a global city design contest.
The capital is one of 15 winning cities in the Bloomberg… Audio
Plastics in seas could outweigh global fish population by 2040 - report
Pollution from plastics is a global emergency in need of a robust UN treaty, according to a report from the Environmental Investigation Agency.
Climate: Sponges could be the main reef organisms in the future
Analysis - Sponges can survive low oxygen and warming waters. They could be the main reef organisms in the future.
Summer foraging with Olivia Sisson
Writer and foraging enthusiast Olivia Sisson has been out and about over the summer, collecting up a range of edible wild fungi. Olivia joins us to tell us about her foraging adventures, and how you… Audio
Toxic Algae could pose real risk to humans in future
Every summer dozens of local councils warn their residents about toxic algae creeping into waterways. Dog owners are warned to keep their pets away so they don't eat the algae and get sick. Anna… Audio
