Environment
Residents want forestry law changes after massive blaze
A huge forestry fire last week took days to extinguish, and was the main talking point during a timely visit from MPs.
Power surge blamed for sewage overflow into Mahurangi River
Oyster farmers are devastated after another sewage overflow into the Mahurangi River. Watercare believes a power surge tripped the pumps, and caused 12 hundred cubic metres of wastewater to overflow… Audio
Oyster farmers outraged by Mahurangi wastewater spill
Oyster farmers are outraged after what is believed to be the biggest Wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River, this year. Watercare has told Oyster farmers an overflow of 1200 cubic metres happened… Audio
Bee-killing predator hornets likely breeding in NZ, expert says
Experts say the species preys on honeybees and could severely impact the honey industry if a population takes hold. Audio
New Plymouth's Festival of Lights switches to 100% solar
The council has signed a new deal with the airport to take energy from its solar farm.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 29 October 2025
Farmers are frustrated that KiwiSaver changes promised on the campaign trail are not being fulfilled; Some residents in storm-hit lower South Island could still be without power heading into the… Audio
'Forever chemicals’ found in Greymouth dump leachate
The council says the discovery has reinforced its opposition to resource consents for a private dump company.
Bill Gates makes a stunning claim about climate change
His essay comes ahead of next month's COP30, a global summit focused on battling climate change.
Sandcastle world record broken during anti-mining protest
The cost of bringing Guinness World Records officials to New Zealand means it will likely go unrecognised internationally.
New study: rainforests contributing to carbon emissions
Researchers in Australia have discovered that its tropical rainforests have become a net source of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Audio
Sand sculpture world record attempt in Northland
The Guiness World Record attempt is a statement against a fast track proposal by McCallum Bros to mine sand from Bream Bay.
Battling Off-Roaders and Predators at Thornton Lagoon
Ben Banks is trying to protect the fragile dunes and surrounds of a coastal lagoon near Whakatane. Volunteering his time, he and his family trap for predators and pests but there's another threat to… Audio
'Could not have come at a worse time': Hornet discovery alarms industry
A queen yellow-legged hornet has those in the New Zealand honey industry concerned. Audio
Critter of the Week: Water Spider aka dolomedes aquaticus
The critter of the week is the water spider, Dolomedes aquaticus! This spider has a special affinity with water, spending most of their time near braided rivers. Dolomedes spiders are also called… Audio
Why Aucklanders need to be on the lookout for hornets
Now to news coming out of Auckland -Biosecurity NZ is urging people to be on the lookout for yellow legged hornets. Why you might ask? Well, for the first time, a yellow legged hornet queen has been… Audio
Possums as pets? Former Wellington mayor is dead against it
Celia Wade-Brown, who is the Green Party's associate conservation spokesperson, says possums are a serious threat to biodiversity, orchards and stock.
Rotorua biofactory for new fuels, proteins
A $60 million biofactory opening in Rotorua next year will give small businesses the opportunity to create and test new bioproducts using forestry slash. Audio
Hornets found building nest on Auckland's North Shore
It is the first time a yellow-legged hornet queen has been found in the country.
Millions flow into Canterbury flood protection push
Environment Canterbury is rolling out millions of dollars' worth of flood resilience projects across Mid and Selwyn districts.
Lawyers fail in bid for weedkiller reassessment
However, they remain concerned about the risks posed by glyphosate-based products, the most commonly used herbicide in Aotearoa.
