Environment
Accusations of 'green washing' after former Dow chemicals plant given clean bill of health
Soil tests done as part of a remediation project at the controversial former plant in Paritūtū, New Plymouth have found "no evidence of contamination".
Brazil pushes negotiators for early climate deal at COP30 summit
The host country is hoping to buck the trend that has seen recent climate summits run well past their deadline on seeking an agreement.
The year of the kakapo
Kakapo numbers are recovering at such a rate that we are running out of pest-free islands to put them on. Audio
Survey finds 60% of coral at Australia's Ningaloo Reef has turned to stone
Of the 1600 corals counted in March, only 600 were still alive come late October.
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 19 November
Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel; Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says recent changes to the Zero Carbon Act and emissions… Audio
New Zealand slumps again in climate change league table
"Backsliding" on climate policies means New Zealand is now ranked as "low-performing" in a major international index. Audio
Feral cats yet to be added to predator list, despite promise
In 2023, Christopher Luxon promised his government would add feral cats to the list of species included in Predator Free 2050. More than two years on, it still hasn't happened. In Depth reporter Farah… Audio
Far North District Council to take over Kaeo water supply
Relief in Kaeo as water watchdog steps in following ten year boil water notice. Nick James reports. Audio
Green Party calls out government over climate change policies
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says recent changes to the Zero Carbon Act and emissions reductions plans don't add up and will leave New Zealanders paying billions to meet international climate… Audio
Sewer-blocking plastic wet wipes face ban in England
A water industry research group found wet wipes contribute to 94 percent of sewer blockages in the United Kingdom.
Is it possible to turn bread back into usable flour?
Students and a food upcycling company have turned old loaves of bread back into flour and then back into homestyle baking Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 18 November 2025
Air New Zealand cabin crew have voted to strike, but it's not clear when or for how long; Parents who have the potentially contaminated asbestos sand in their homes want more guidelines as to how to… Audio
Gold clam threat prompts warning to Whanganui River boaties
Authorities are ramping up prevention and detection efforts in the Whanganui River after the invasive freshwater gold clam - already established in Waikato - was confirmed in Taranaki.
NZ could become 'dumping ground' for high emission vehicles
The transport minister is dismissing warnings from EV advocates as the government slashes the Clean Car Standard. Audio
New venture to save thousands of tonnes of bread from landfill
Thousands of tonnes of bread end up in New Zealand dumps every year, but an enterprising venture is recycling old loaves and getting them back into pantries as flour. Environmental and chemical… Audio
Government slashes clean vehicle standard by 80 percent
The Government is slashing the Clean Vehicle Standard by more than 80 percent, saying it could make buying a car more affordable. Transport Minister, Chris Bishop spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Government changes clean car standard rules
The government is being warned New Zealand will become a dumping ground for high-emission vehicles, after it slashed the Clean Car Standard. Anneke Smith reports from parliament. Audio
The Panel with Jennie Moreton and Rajorshi Chakraborti, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jennie Moreton and Rajorshi Chakraborti. First up, schools are shut and inspectors are carrying out urgent assessments across the motu… Audio
Iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing reopens following fire
The iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing reopens today after a fire tore through the national park, burning about three thousand hectares of scrub. DOC's Director of Heritage and Visitors, Catherine… Audio
Dipping into Lake Pūkaki: Locals, experts conflicted over Meridian proposal
The gentailer wants permission to draw the country's largest hydro lake down to lower levels than usual without needing special approval from Transpower. Audio
