Environment
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 16 September
On today's episode, the government has released a draft list of 35 minerals it considers essential to the economy, the Police Minister is hailing a 22 percent drop in serious assaults in the Auckland… Audio
Fee for Hamilton Gardens starts this week
From Wednesday, Hamilton Gardens will introduce a 20 dollar entry fee for its renowned themed gardens. The fee applies to anyone aged 16 or over who doesn't live in the city. Natalie Akoorie reports. Audio
Government modelling shows fewer EVs in a decade
Government modelling suggests New Zealand could have up to 58,000 fewer fully- or partially-electric cars on the road in a decade's time, as a result of moves to weaken carbon emissions standards… Audio
Government considers removing public sector carbon neutrality goal
Climate Change minister Simon Watts said he had requested advice on how the programme aligned with his government's climate strategy, but no decisions had yet been made.
How artificial intelligence may help NZ birds
A study to identify individual kākā using AI "for good" has received a funding boost of $1 million.
Last day to vote for Bird of the Year
Environmental charity Forest & Bird, which runs the contest, said nearly 40,000 verified votes had been cast so far.
Pair of taxidermied huia could fetch $128k at London auction
The birds, which date to the late 1800s, are "eye-catching" examples of an extinct species, auctioneers say.
Protests outside PM's office over dolphin deaths
At least 15 Hector's dolphins have been killed from fishing activity since Christopher Luxon became Prime Minister almost a year ago, a protest group says.
'Stop gambling with our water': Council asked to oppose controversial gold mine
A group of Golden Bay residents claim a possible gold mine at Sams Creek would endanger the area's water.
Critter of the Week: black-headed jumping spider
Looking for a spider to fall in love with? Well, this week's critter is a real head-turner. The endemic black-headed jumping spider, Trite planiceps, loves dancing, hunting and snuggling up in a cozy… Audio
Alpine guide turns weed-buster to clear Christchurch cliffs
John Entwisle, 79, can be found abseiling Barnett Park in a bid to help regenerating bush. Audio
79 year old spends months weeding to help regenerating bush
79 year old John Entwisle, who is a retired professional alpine guide has spent months weeding the bluffs in Redcliffs Barnett Park to help regenerating bush, he spoke to Lisa Owen. Audio
Environmental group challenges forestry claims
Gisborne forestry firms are claiming economic strain from tight regulations, but environmentalists say the forestry industry needs to look at its own failings.
Examining cycles of life, death and rebirth
Nick Golledge is professor of glaciology at Victoria University of Wellington and author of the book Feedback looking at the history of the earth through constant, incremental change. Audio
Potentially invasive seaweed discovered in Northland
It was first spotted at Tamaterau, in Whangārei Harbour.
Decision time on Auckland's shorelines
Auckland Council is developing Shoreline Adaption Plans covering 3,200 kilometres of coastline, as our shores are battered by wilder weather. Audio
Sewage doesn't put MP off swimming in Wellington Harbour
Asked if he would swim in the harbour if there was sewage, Greg O'Connor said: "Yeah, I do." But Chris Hipkins said he "probably" would not.
Creating a year-round garden at no cost
You may have heard of permaculture, how about hugelkultur? What actually are they and can they help you grow your own food without spending any money? Katy Gosset gets the answers at a community… Audio
Companies announce long list of solar projects
A long list of 147 solar, wind and geothermal projects have been announced by companies eager to find investment for a renewables boom. Climate Change Correspondent Eloise Gibson reports. Audio
The ozone hole will keep opening for decades. Here's why it matters
At this time of year, as the sun rises over Antarctica, a "hole" opens in Earth's ozone layer - with big impacts for NZ.
