Navigation for Sections
Science & Environment
Why do we put on accents?
Adopting an Australian twang when over the ditch, or making more rounded vowels when speaking to a Brit. Many of us do it without even noticing. Audio
Scientists keen to try again after Antarctic drilling mission falls short
Scientists involved in an ambitious attempt to drill deep into the rock and mud below the West Antarctic Ice Sheet say their efforts got "tantalisingly close".
Possible sighting of thought-to-be-extinct bird in Southland
A recent possible sighting has renewed hopes the bird is still alive - and it's been reported near previous suspected sightings. Audio
Mass poisoning of birds suspected after dozens found paralysed at reserve
Up to 100 pigeons, ducks, sparrows and pūkeko were found in varying stages of paralysis at Auckland's Sherwood Reserve last week. Audio
Tairāwhiti residents fear silt dust may make the place unliveable
Residents in parts of Tairāwhiti fear a future on their land is in jeopardy with silt dust making the place unliveable.
Operator vows swift response to any odour problems
The company behind the plant in Christchurch is assuring residents it will be designed to manage any unpleasant smells.
Groundbreaking caulerpa dredging results expected
The government and others impacted by the invasive seaweed are closely watching the outcomes.
Greymouth landfill investigation 'the most complex ever'
West Coast Regional Council is taking legal advice around consents it issued to enable a controversial private landfill.
Three Waters cash funds environmental scholarships for Māori
The scholarships flow from the Three Waters reforms 'better-off funding' which remains up for grabs despite the National-led government's axing of the water shakeup.
Our Changing World – Trapping pollen
Pollen is a big trigger for New Zealand’s high rates of hay fever and asthma. But for 35 years, we’ve had no current data on pollen levels – until now. Justin Gregory talks to a team who want to… Audio
NZ a step closer to banning 'forever chemicals'
The Environmental Protection Authority, or EPA, announced yesterday that from December 31st 2026 they will ban PFAS's/ Melanie Kah, associate professor at the University of Auckland speaks to Jesse.
…Kokako sightings sought in South Island
There's been some excitement for bird lovers recently, with a possible sighting of a Kokako in Southland. Inger Perkins is the manager of the South Island Kokako Charitable Trust. She speaks to Jesse.
…Tiny portion of NZ soil making twice the carbon dioxide previously totalled
Analysis - An updated estimate shows just 1 percent of New Zealand's soil is releasing between 5 and 7 percent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.
Few 'rotten apples' shouldn't prevent aid to thousands of innocent people - Peters
The Foreign Minister says the critical issue is the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Audio
Tiny portion of NZ soil making twice the carbon dioxide
Up to seven per cent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions come from just one per cent of New Zealand's soil, according to an updated estimate.
Drained peat bogs, rain-fed wetlands that were… Audio
Why is olive oil so expensive?
Matteo D'Elia says it's been tough for restaurants in the Italian town of Badalucco to keep up with the rising price of the region's most treasured delicacy. Audio
New species of gecko on Auckland's west coast named
A new species of gecko discovered on the west coast of Auckland at last has its own official name: The Korowai. Audio
The future of Cathedral Cove walking track
The saga of the famed Cathedral Cove walking track in the Coromandel continues, with DoC conceding this week it may never reopen. Mercury Bay Business Association spokesman Ray Van Beynen updates… Audio
Research shows huge tsunami hit Kāpiti
When most of us think of tsunamis walloping our country, a place like Kāpiti isn't what comes to mind.
That perception may need to be revisited in light of some dramatic new research into what might… Audio
The 26-year old breaking new ground on gut health
Peter Tremain is developing a probe-style device which can be sent into the gut through our mouths to measure electrical signals. Audio
