Editor’s Comment:-Here are extracts from an environmental address July 1972, by the late John B Henderson, conservationist and outdoor sportsman, to a Victoria University lecture series on “Man and His Environment.” John Henderson was national president of the NZ Deerstalkers’ … Continue reading
tSubtitle:-Influencing Policy/Proposals at Conception by Infiltration An opinion by Tony Orman – intended to promote discussion and political action Editor’s Note:- It is election year and it’s crucial that people vote. This opinion article was published four … Continue reading
Book Review “What Makes a Bird?” Subtitled “An Illustrated Guide to the Bird World” by Nadeem Perera, illustrated by Montse Galbany. RRP $32.99. Reviewed by Tony Orman This is an impressively illustrated introduction to the world of birds ideally suitable for … Continue reading
Opinion by Laurie Collins Editor’s note: this article was sent to “The Press” as an opinion piece following two heavily biassed opinion pieces by Forest and Bird. Apparently the Christchurch based ”Press” declined to publish it, raising questions again of the … Continue reading
A recent report highlights a sharp spike in E. coli levels in the Shotover River downstream of Queenstown. Monitoring showed a reading well above both consented limits and safe swimming thresholds, while treated wastewater leaving the plant remained low. The … Continue reading
Special report Kahawai, a popular recreational fish are becoming increasingly scarce says Recreational Fishers Marlborough Association spokesman Tony Orman. The kahawai has been labelled “the family fish” as it provides recreational fishing for young and old and provides a home … Continue reading
Guest Post by Dave Rhodes Activities during Conservation Week, including talks at Brooklands Zoo reported by Radio New Zealand, encourage people to make small changes in their gardens to support native species. Suggestions include planting for pollinators, reducing pesticide use, … Continue reading
by CORANZ researchers This is the abstract summary from a 2015 scientific paper entitled “Consider the Possum: Foes, Anti-Animals, and Colonists in Paradise” by Nicholas Holm The brushtail possum is not treated like other animals in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Publicly decried, officially poisoned, … Continue reading
New Zealand is currently experiencing periods of heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and thunderstorms across several regions. Warnings and updates are widely available, and public advice typically emphasises staying informed and avoiding unnecessary travel. That is sound guidance, but it … Continue reading
Guest Post by Dave Rhodes As a child I remember Julie Andrews staring as Mary Poppins singling “Feed the birds tuppence a bag” a most endearing song that I remember well. I can still hear it echoing through my memories … Continue reading
Research from Radio New Zealand has explored the use of recorded rodent sounds to attract rats toward traps. Speakers placed in forest areas broadcast calls continuously, encouraging movement toward specific locations rather than relying on chance encounters. The approach is … Continue reading
Reviewed by Tony Orman Southland born journalist Barry Soper is no doubt well known to many. His gravelly voice, tinged with humour sometimes erupting into a gleeful (or is it cynical ?) – laugh, is well known to listeners of … Continue reading
Recent reporting highlights growing concern for coastal communities facing repeated flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage. The discussion is often framed around increasing environmental pressures and the possibility of managed retreat. That may be part of the picture, but it does … Continue reading
A recent analysis reported by Radio New Zealand highlights growing concern about microplastics accumulating in New Zealand’s coastal environments, including areas often considered pristine. The focus has been on their impact on small seabed organisms such as worms, and the … Continue reading
by Tony Orman The country’s largest orange roughy fishery is again on the verge of collapse. A new stock assessment in 2025 has confirmed that the fishery’s stock is close to collapse (8-18% biomass) with one of four models showing it may … Continue reading
The distinction between lobbying and bribery is clearly defined in law. Lobbying is a legitimate part of democratic process, allowing individuals and organisations to advocate for their interests. Bribery, by contrast, is a criminal offence under the Crimes Act 1961. … Continue reading
Closing the Hauraki Gulf fishery does not remove pressure - it moves it. Guest Post by Dave Rhodes Concerns raised by residents of Aotea/Great Barrier Island, point to a sharp decline in kōura and increasing pressure on local fisheries. Recent … Continue reading
A proposal to develop the Waitaha hydro scheme on the West Coast has received draft approval through the fast-track process, prompting concern from recreation and environmental groups. The project would divert water from a remote river gorge to generate 23 … Continue reading
Opinion by Laurie Collins I was more than gob-smacked by recent utterances by Forest and Bird (e.g. Forest and Bird’s regional conservation manager for Canterbury and the West Coast Nicky Snoyink’s column “Press” March 23) in which she scaremongered over … Continue reading
Central South Island Fish and Game has now completed two of the five annual live fish counts for sea-run salmon in the Rakitata/Rangitata River spring-fed spawning streams. The first count, conducted on 1 April, recorded 78 salmon across Deep Creek … Continue reading
