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Nature & Environment
Festive Wellington Rata bloom in unison
Wellington has been treated to an unusual sight and it's just in time for Christmas Rata across the capital are blooming in unison this year.
The distinctive red flowering trees are the region's… Audio
Water restrictions in place for Levin and Ōhau
Water flow in the Ōhau River has dropped below 2500 litres per second, while the demand for water is rising above 10,000 cubic metres per day.
Crashing petrels moving south as lights dimmed in Punakaiki
The mystery of why native Westland petrel fledglings keep crash-landing on the West Coast continues, after new LED street lights through Punakaiki were switched off to try to help them during their…
Rhythm and Vines aims for zero waste
A tent-booking system and getting rid of single-use plastics are part of a drive to avoid another 21 elephants' worth of waste this year, the festival's director says. Audio
RnV plans to tackle festival waste
Another 58 tonnes of barely used tents and festival waste could be headed for Gisborne's local tip, if Rhythm and Vines punters don't tame their wasteful ways. A graveyard of tents and single use… Audio
Court rejects bid to stop cutting down exotic trees
A legal bid to stop the cutting down of exotic trees on Auckland's Owairaka has been rejected by the High Court. Tupuna Maunga Authority wants to remove 345 exotic trees to make way for the planting… Audio
Vandals target Kauri forest upgrades
The fight against Kauri dieback in Auckland has been hit by vandals - further endangering the native trees and costing ratepayers more than 100 thousand dollars. But there is good news - with upgrades… Audio
Court dismisses bid to stop removal of trees on Ōwairaka
The High Court found the Tūpuna Maunga Authority acted lawfully in deciding to remove the trees and that Auckland Council acted lawfully granting the consent on a non-notified basis.
Auckland water restrictions to continue as levels lower than usual
Aucklanders are being warned again about curtailing water use as the needle moves from green to red. Audio
Council seeks to change minds on unpopular water meters
New Plymouth has signalled it wants to begin installing residential water meters next year and start charging households for water usage within four years.
Summer outdoor adventures risk disease spread, expert says
Covid-19 has made people more aware of the need for biosecurity - a plus this summer with New Zealanders expected to venture into the outdoors in greater numbers than ever before. Audio
Rescuer 'almost cried' when baby elephant revived
An elephant calf struck by a motorbike while crossing a road in Thailand survived after it was revived by an off-duty rescue worker.
Gisborne in restricted fire season
Anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire in the Gisborne / Tairāwhiti area will now need to apply for a permit.
Warning issued for algae in Lake Clearwater
Lake Clearwater isn't living up to its name, this week health officials have issued a warning for "Te Puna a Taka" in the Ashburton Lakes Basin on Monday, after the discovery of toxic blue-green… Audio
Kiwi summer travellers warned to be careful with biosecurity
With the borders closed and without the usual flock of international tourists, New Zealanders are expected to venture into the outdoors greater numbers than ever before.
But one biosecurity expert is… Audio
Trying to reduce the number of drownings this summer
Drowning Prevention Auckland is reminding people to keep an eye on their whānau, particularly if there's drinking involved with any water activity. Emile speaks to the organisation's chief executive… Audio
Covid cases: Foreign fishing crews meant to isolate onboard ships
The foreign fishing crews allowed into the country in October were originally going to skip being placed in isolation at a hotel and were instead going to be sent straight to their boats.
Mount Ruapehu: Climber William Pike on volcanic alert level change
Scientists are raising the alarm at Mount Ruapehu over rising levels of toxic gases, a warming crater lake, and multiple small tremors in recent weeks.
GNS has placed the volcano at Alert Level 2 and… Audio
Mount Ruapehu alert level adds to year of woes for tourism operator
The heightened volcanic alert level on Mt Ruapehu has been described as a "kick in the guts" for one tourism business. Audio
Coromandel holiday-makers warned to be careful with water
Thames Coromandel district mayor Sandra Goudie wants the usual swarm of summer holiday-makers in the area to enjoy themselves - but she has a clear message: take it easy with the water.
Water usage… Audio
