Recent reporting from the Cook Islands highlights a developing approach to deep sea mining that differs from many other resource debates. A long-term review of scientific data points to the potential for significant and lasting impacts on deep ocean ecosystems. … Continue reading
Recent proposals to reclassify areas of Department of Conservation stewardship land have been presented as a technical adjustment within the wider management of the conservation estate. Stewardship land has long been recognised as a category that sits outside fully protected … Continue reading
Recent proposals to disestablish the Ministry for the Environment and incorporate its functions into a larger multi-purpose ministry have been presented as an administrative change rather than a substantive shift. The argument is that environmental responsibilities will remain, simply delivered … Continue reading
When Cyclone Gabrielle struck Tairāwhiti in 2023, the impacts were immediate and visible. Rivers carried vast quantities of forestry slash downstream, damaging infrastructure, burying land, and affecting communities. The scale of the event prompted a ministerial inquiry and a set … Continue reading
Sir David Attenborough is celebrating his 100th Birthday, and our congratulations on reaching the century. Yet over his lifetime, there has been a noticeable shift in the way nature documentaries are produced and presented. Earlier programmes, including many narrated by … Continue reading
Recent reporting on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch highlights a development that extends beyond the familiar image of floating debris. New research suggests that as plastics break down into smaller particles, they can become airborne and interact with sunlight in … Continue reading
Recent reporting indicates the Minister of Fisheries has advanced proposals to impose significant penalties for the release of on-board fishing camera footage, despite official advice that the level of fines may be excessive. The same proposals include limiting access to … Continue reading
Recent reporting on Taranaki rivers highlights a familiar pattern. Water testing shows that many popular swimming spots are frequently unsafe due to contamination, yet people continue to enter the water. Councils respond with signage, advising against swimming under certain conditions … Continue reading
Recent commentary suggests that fewer people believe hard work leads to a better life. The discussion often centres on income and cost pressures, but another aspect is less visible. Time, energy, and the ability to step away from work are … Continue reading
Warnings that wilding pines could significantly alter landscapes around Queenstown within a decade have renewed attention on their spread. The focus is often placed on funding, with calls for increased resources to control expansion. That may be necessary, but it … 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
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
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
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
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
