Environment
Rotorua finally shrugs off polluted air status
For the first time in 20 years, residents can wake up and officially breathe in clean air.
Critter of the Week
It's often said New Zealand has no native snakes, but that's not quite true. The venomous, ocean-dwelling yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus) occasionally drifts into our waters. Around 6 to… Audio
Weekend Stuff: Taking care of Pansies
Gardening guru Lynda Hallinan talked to Jesse about how to grow and take care of Pansies. Audio
Botanic gardens protecting biodiversity
We've probably all had the chance to take a wander through botanic gardens, but how much thought do we give to just how important they are. This week is Botanic Gardens Week and this year the message… Audio
The fight goes on to save PNG's vital tropical forests
New Guinea Island is home to one of the world's most important remaing stands of tropical rainforest. Audio
Expedition heads to the Pacific to measure volcanic gases
One third of the world's volcanic gases come from the volcanoes of Melanesia, however, most of these gases have never been measured. Audio
Climate change backsliding in the Budget 'defies belief', say advocates
The government has allocated $200m to investing in fossil fuel development at gasfields.
Wastewater spill into Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown Lakes District Council is investigating what it calls a regrettable wastewater spill into Lake Wakatipu.
Behind the scenes of the spade-toothed whale dissection
It made international headlines last year. What does a scientific dissection of the world's rarest whale involve?
Legal moves to swim, fish and drink safely
A precedent-setting High Court case could be the key to a better attitude towards cleaning up our waterways
The injustice of a freshwater crisis
A precedent-setting High Court case could be the key to a better attitude towards cleaning up our waterways Audio
Concern over risk of more pollutants in Lake Taupō
The Water Services Authority says proposed national standards will save money and introduce consistency, but they're not as strict as some of those now in place for Lake Taupō.
Our Changing World: The spade-toothed whale
Last year, a rare and mysterious spade-toothed whale washed up south of Ōtepoti Dunedin, sparking massive interest and news headlines around the world.
We join Claire Concannon at the week-long… Audio
Warning ratepayers could face hefty bill to save Waitangi's waterfront
Part of it is disappearing into the sea - a problem that could have been avoided with a few hours' work, a resident says.
The world's ice sheets just got a dire prognosis
And coastlines are going to pay the price, according to new research.
Waikato Regional Council calls for nationwide wastewater standards
Waikato regional council says proposed nationwide wastewater standards could result in more pollutants going into Lake Taupo. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 20 May 2025
In today's episode, it's a big week at Parliament this week, with the house poised to debate the Privileges Committee punishment of Te Pāti Māori and, of course, the annual Budget announcement timed… Audio
Warkworth oyster farmers concerned over pollution
Oyster farmers in the Warkworth area, north of Auckland say rampant development is causing pollution and killing their livelihoods. Jade River Oyster Farms owner Dave Morgan spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Warkworth oyster farmers concerned over pollution
Oyster farmers in the Warkworth area, north of Auckland say rampant development is causing pollution and killing their livelihoods. Jade River Oyster Farms owner Dave Morgan spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Government may face big hole in climate plan
A huge chunk of the nation's next emissions budget rests on a single project, which the owner now says probably won't happen.
