Conservation
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 16 October 2025
The government has no plans to back down on its proposed card surcharge ban - despite pleas from businesses to pause the move; Parliament's Speaker is planning to bring some higher standards to the… Audio
Charity takes legal action over set net fishing ban
The Environmental Law Initiative has filed court proceedings against the oceans and fisheries minister, saying the ban fails to protect hoiho, or yellow eyed penguins, from the risk of extinction.
Operation Nest Egg brings rowi kiwi back from the brink
After falling to about 160 birds in the 1990s, the rowi population is now up to about 700 in the West Coast sanctuary. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 14 October 2025
The Government is celebrating new structured literacy results for new entrants; Chris Hipkins discusses teachers strikes and latest political polls; Whale watchers are abuzz after the apparent… Audio
Progress being made in making Westland predator free
West Coast tourism operators says they're seeing birds and plants they didn't know lived in the area since predators were cleared. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more. Audio
Whatever happened to the pūteketeke?
Comedian John Oliver's intervention propelled the grebe to fame. But for some, the 'bird of the century' is no fleeting infatuation.
Wildlife returns to West Coast as predators culled, tour operators say
Predator Free South Westland aims to eliminate every possum, rat and stoat from 100,000 hectares that covers from the Southern Alps to the sea.
Arctic seals face extinction, half world's birds in decline - report
The latest IUCN Red List finds Arctic seals and tropical birds under severe threat, but green sea turtles offer a rare success story.
Critter of the Week: Astelia Lacebug
The critter for this week is the Astelia Lacebug - Tanybyrsa cumberi. This pretty little critter is the only one of its family endemic to New Zealand. They have beautiful delicate wings which resemble… Audio
Capturing critters in their natural habitat
Here on Afternoons, we're big proponents of conservation efforts so we're thrilled to chat to our next guest. Cally Whitman is the author and photographer of a new book that is an historical… Audio
Dauntless detections dogs hold key to pest eradication
The trick is figuring out each dog's reward. Audio
Canadian theme park warns it may euthanise beluga whales
Marineland can no longer support the whales, but attempts to relocate them to China have been blocked by government.
Our Changing World: How researchers are using AI
From the public service sector to businesses to individuals, AI's uptake across New Zealand has been rapid. And it's not just large language models. Claire Concannon meets researchers who are… Audio
Forest and Birds Bianca Ranson discusses concerns over bill
While conservation advocates are celebrating the passing of a new Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill, there's deep concern over compromises being made. Forest and Bird's Bianca Ranson spoke to Corin… Audio
Tama Potaka responds to marine protection bill criticism
A new bill has passed, creating New Zealand's largest network of coastal marine reserves, but with some commercial fishing allowed. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Project aims to eliminate predators from South Westland
Predator Free South Westland project aims to eliminate every possum, rat and stoat - and their goal is in sight. Audio
Rescued little blue penguins heading to new West Coast Wildlife Centre
Four rescued little blue penguins can't be released back into the wild - but they're about to get a new life at an exciting new experience opening in Franz Josef later this month. Troy Matich reports.
…More than just ChatGPT: The surprising ways AI is being used in Aotearoa
From modelling measles outbreaks to keeping track of Wellington's exploding kākā population, researchers are calling on AI to assist them with a vast array of projects.
Native lizards protected as condition of road construction near Levin
A four-hectare section of forest and grassland will soon become home to a population of lizards.
Deed cements Waitākere Ranges partnership
The new agreement between Te Kawerau ā Maki, Auckland Council and the Crown cements co-management of the heritage area. Audio
