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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 →

Reports from Radio New Zealand describe a confronting scene at Pukepuke Lagoon in Manawatū, where thousands of eels and other aquatic life were found dead or dying on an exposed lakebed. The lagoon has been known to recede during dry … Continue reading →

A recent media report summarising the Our Freshwater 2026 findings presents a familiar picture. Some indicators are improving, others are worsening, and overall trends remain mixed. The immediate reaction has been predictable, with terms such as “sobering” and “bleak” used … Continue reading →

Most people notice it first in simple ways. Fewer butterflies in the garden. Fewer insects striking the windscreen after a long drive. These are not measured observations, but they are widely shared. They point to something changing, even if the … Continue reading →

Participation in community life has not simply declined in isolated areas; it has shifted across a wide range of everyday behaviours. Lower voter turnout, reduced volunteering, and declining involvement in clubs sit alongside less formal signs: young people disengaging from … Continue reading →