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Nature & Environment
Some mineral extraction is worse than others says energy expert
An expert on energy transitions says mining can never be completely clean, but some minerals and methods of extraction are far worse than others. University of Canterbury senior lecturer in civil and… Audio
Resources Minister Shane Jones on plans to expand mining industry
The Government has unveiled how it plans to double the value of New Zealand's mining industry in little more than a decade. Resources Minister Shane Jones spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Grey District mayor welcomes calls to expand mining industry
The Government says a new draft strategy can double the value of the minerals sector to $2 billion by 2035. Grey District mayor Tania Gibson spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Kiwifruit spray deemed hazardous now safe to use
Hydrogen cyanamide has undergone reassessment from the Environment Protection Authority since 2019, and on Thursday it ruled growers can keep using the agri-chemical, under stricter rules. First Union… Audio
Is it legal to hoon past traffic on an electric scooter? What you need to know
Explainer - E-scooters are increasingly popular and increasingly speedy. What are the rules they need to follow, and do they need updating? RNZ explains.
Kororā found dead near Wellington cycleway construction site
Three little blue penguins have died near the construction of a major Wellington cycleway in recent weeks, with one killed by construction machinery.
Midday Report Essentials for 23 May 2024
On today's episode, a New Zealander stuck in New Caledonia says the lack of communication from the government about when she can be evacuated is making her anxious, a study has found a significant… Audio
How much of our extreme weather is due to climate change?
This week, Phil Vine dives into the science of climate attribution. How much is climate change affecting extreme weather events? And how can this new science prepare us for the future? Audio
Dredging of invasive caulerpa in Bay of Islands could be complete by August
Dredging of the highly invasive seaweed could be finished by August, but only with another $5-million-plus in government funding, a Northland council leader says.
Should international visitors pay to access national parks
Tourism operators think international visitors should pay to access our national parks to help cover costs. The Department of Conservation is facing major financial headwinds and says it can't afford… Audio
Who will pay the price of protecting the environment?
Someone will have to front the cost of land-use changes necessary to protect the environment, the government's top environmental advisor warns.
Our Changing World for 22 May 2024
This week, Phil Vine dives into the science of climate attribution. How much is climate change affecting extreme weather events? And how can this new science prepare us for the future? Audio
Huia feather sells for more than $46,000 at auction
The feather has broken the record for the most expensive ever sold at auction - and will remain in New Zealand. Audio
Native skinks cause cost blowout for town's sewage tank
Moving a native population of northern grass skinks has contributed to the doubling of the cost of a Porirua sewage tank.
Jobs for nature yields impressive outcomes for Ruapehu region
Emile Donovan speaks to chief executive of Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Helen Leahy about the impact the project has had, with its long-term future uncertain. Audio
'Stupid behaviour': Orca body slammer slapped with penalty
A video shows the 50-year-old man jump from a boat towards two orca. DOC says it is "extremely irresponsible".
Lake Rotoiti advocates warn council holes in diversion wall is causing frequent algal blooms
"It is an absolute disgrace we have infrastructure that has failed," one local says.
Tapping into our noisy oceans
The myth of the 'silent world' beneath the waves is something Professor Craig Radford is trying to correct by recording the noises fish and marine mammals make. Audio
Made in NZ: EmGuard
For Made in NZ today we're looking to Nelson where an award-winning product called EmGuard is manufactured. Audio
How Tesla's falling share price has hit KiwiSavers
One KiwiSaver manager is both topping the table, with an annual return of 150.4 percent in one fund, and a huge loss in another. What's going on?