Category: environment
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New Zealand Electric Vehicle Imports Plummet by 50%
Imports of fully electric vehicles in New Zealand experienced a significant drop in value, falling over 50 percent in the 12 months to June 2025, according to Stats NZ data. The total value of passenger motor vehicle imports also decreased,…
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New Zealand Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rise 0.9% in March 2025 Quarter
New Zealand's seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas emissions increased 0.9 percent in the March 2025 quarter, according to Stats NZ. The rise was driven by a 1.0 percent increase in industry emissions, excluding households, while gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.8…
EnvironmentPolitics and GovernmentClimate ChangeEnergy Greenhouse Gas EmissionsStats NZTehseen IslamGDPMarch 2025Statistics NZ
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Red Warning Issued for Heavy Rain in Tasman District
The MetService has issued a Red Warning for Heavy Rain for the Tasman District, in consultation with the Tasman District Council. The warning, issued at 9:59 am today, is valid until 11 pm tonight and covers the Tasman District about…
WeatherAustralasiaDisastersTransportationEnvironment MetServiceRed WarningTasman District CouncilHeavy RainMmathapelo MakgabutlaneWeather WarningMetService New Zealand
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Media Monitor: RNZ reports on South Island crashes, carbon auctions, All Blacks
RNZ is reporting that two people died Friday night in separate crashes in the South Island. One crash occurred in Canterbury, and the other in Tasman, RNZ said. Further details were not immediately available. In other news, RNZ reports that…
Politics and GovernmentEnvironmentSportWeatherAustralasiaClimate ChangeGeneral Weather
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Wellington's Coastal Reserves Plan Released Alongside Bird Survey
Wellington City Council has released its draft Coastal Reserves Management Plan, Tātou ki Uta, for public feedback. This coincides with the release of the annual Coastal Bird survey, which contains a warning about the future. Recent articles also include information…
Politics and GovernmentEnvironmentAustralasiaState Governments
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Wellington City Council Adopts Annual Plan and Long-Term Plan Amendment
Wellington City Council has adopted its 2025-26 Annual Plan and an amendment to the 2024-34 Long-term Plan, setting the course for investment in the coming year. The council acknowledges that local elections may not be everyone’s priority but emphasizes their…
Politics and GovernmentWorldSocial IssuesEnvironmentState GovernmentsElectionsClimate ChangeTransportationEducationAustralasia
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Media Monitor: Pohutukawa Fate, Tornado Watch, and Biodiversity Credits
Radio New Zealand is reporting that a New Plymouth resident is claiming a moral victory after a lines company removed an overgrown pohutukawa tree that had grown through powerlines near their property. Separately, MetService is investigating a possible tornado in…
WorldWeatherScience & TechnologyEnvironmentMediaEducationAustralasiaGeneral Weather
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Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Northland and Auckland
MetService has issued severe thunderstorm watches for Northland and Auckland. An active front is expected to move across Northland during Friday morning, bringing heavy rain and possible thunderstorms. The watch is valid for 5 hours from 6:00am Fri 27 Jun…
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Media Monitor: 1News reports on death of Māori MP, drug smuggling arrests
1News is reporting that Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp has died at age 50 after battling kidney disease. The party called the news "heartbreaking." In other news, a second man has been charged after a fatal alleged hit-and-run…
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementWeatherGeneral PoliticsOther PartiesLegalTransportationEnvironmentPhotography Takutai Tarsh KempTe Pāti MāoriAuckland Airportdrug smugglingNATOMark RutteDonald TrumpOne News NZ
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Improved Groundwater Quality Indicator Released in New Zealand
Stats NZ has released an improved groundwater quality indicator featuring more comprehensive data, additional measures, and a refined methodology. The indicator aims to provide a clearer understanding of the state of groundwater in New Zealand. Groundwater is stored underground in…
Science & TechnologyEnvironment GroundwaterStats NZAquifersEnvironment statisticsTehseen IslamWater QualityStatistics New Zealand
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Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain and Gales Forecast for New Zealand
A severe weather warning has been issued by MetService at 9:46am on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, indicating heavy rain and northwest gales for central and southern New Zealand. An active front, preceded by strong north to northwest gales, is expected…
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South Island Braces for Heavy Rain and Gales
A severe weather watch has been issued for parts of the South Island, with heavy rain and strong northwest gales expected from Wednesday through Friday. The MetService issued the watch at 10:36am on Monday, June 23, 2025, noting that an…
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Media Monitor: Consumer NZ Names Top Electric and Hybrid Cars for 2025
Consumer NZ is reporting its experts have compiled a buying guide and test results to compare the best electric and hybrid cars of 2025. It said the guide makes it easy to find vehicles that are affordable to run and…
BusinessScience & TechnologyAustralasiaEconomyEnvironmentTransportation
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Federated Farmers Demand Rates Overhaul to Alleviate Rural Burden
Federated Farmers is calling for significant changes to council funding and spending to address the concerns of rural ratepayers who feel they are unfairly burdened. Local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says councils need to cut wasteful spending and distribute the…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEnvironmentState GovernmentsEconomyAgriculture Federated FarmersSandra FaulknerLocal GovernmentRatesRuralElectionsClimate Policy
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Wellington Kiwi Chick Hits Milestone; Matariki Puanga Celebrations
A kiwi chick named Maui has reached a crucial milestone in Wellington, achieving "fight weight" and is now roaming free in the western hills. Having grown large enough to defend against stoats, Maui had its monitoring transmitter removed. Separately, Wellingtonians…
WorldEnvironmentSocial IssuesAustralasiaClimate ChangeTransportation
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Wellington Bike Projects Cut Emissions
Wellington City Council is reducing carbon emissions through two bike projects aimed at broadening access to cycling. These initiatives target children, low-income households, businesses, and individuals with disabilities. The council emphasizes its commitment to environmental sustainability by enabling more residents…
Politics and GovernmentEnvironmentTransportationAustralasiaState GovernmentsClimate ChangeSocial Issues
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Media Monitor: RNZ Reports Embassy Closure, Investigation
Radio New Zealand is reporting that the Embassy of Israel in Wellington is closing amid international conflict. RNZ said the closure is part of a worldwide shuttering of the country's diplomatic missions. In other news, a scheduled test of Christchurch…
WeatherSportPolitics and GovernmentBusinessWorldScience & TechnologyMiddle EastDisastersFinancial MarketsLaw EnforcementEducationGeneral WeatherEconomySocial IssuesEnvironment Embassy of IsraelWellingtonChristchurchLachlan JonesGorePolice investigationDiplomacyRNZ News
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ACT Stands with Farmers Against 'Left's' Climate Focus
ACT is campaigning against what it describes as the Left's attacks on farmers, council waste on climate initiatives, and farm-to-forestry conversions. The party is advocating for practical solutions such as strengthening biosecurity and supporting farmers. ACT Local candidates will work…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEnvironmentAgricultureLocal Government ACT PartyFarmersClimate ChangeBiosecurityForestryAndrew HoggardACT Party NZ
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Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Hits Pacific-Antarctic Ridge
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge on June 12, 2025, at 04:58:27 UTC, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, at a depth of 10 km, was centered at 63.203S, 163.693W. Its location was approximately 2295.5 km…
Science & TechnologyWorldDisastersAustralasiaEnvironment EarthquakePacific-Antarctic RidgeUSGSSeismologyGeological SurveyWaitangiUSGS Earthquake Reports
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New Zealand Farmers Welcome Restrictions on Carbon Forestry
Federated Farmers' ‘Save our Sheep’ campaign has seen progress with the Government introducing legislation to curb carbon forestry on productive farmland. Federated Farmers meat & wool chair Toby Williams said the legislation is a positive step but "long overdue." He…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEnvironmentAgriculture Federated Farmerscarbon forestryToby WilliamsEmissions Trading SchemeSave our SheepLegislation
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Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for North Island Regions
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, and Taranaki, effective from 4:00pm Tuesday, June 10, until 12:00am Wednesday, June 11. MetService warns that an active front is expected to move…
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Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Hits Pacific-Antarctic Ridge
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge on June 8, 2025, at 14:55:46 UTC, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, with a depth of 10 km, was centered at 59.752S, 150.460W. Its location was approximately 2483.7 km…
Science & TechnologyDisastersAustralasiaEnvironment EarthquakePacific-Antarctic RidgeUS Geological SurveySeismologyNational Earthquake Information CenterUSGS Earthquake Reports
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New Zealand Amends Wildlife Act to Clarify Incidental Harm Authorizations
The New Zealand Parliament has passed the Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Bill, clarifying the government’s authority to permit incidental harm to wildlife from lawful activities. Signed into law on May 12, the bill amends the Wildlife Act 1953, the primary legislation…
Politics and GovernmentLawEnvironmentAustralasiaGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsLegal Wildlife Act 1953Environmental Law InitiativeTama PotakalegislationHigh Court decisionDepartment of ConservationU.S. Library of Congress
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Federated Farmers Cautiously Optimistic About Fish & Game Reforms
Federated Farmers have expressed cautious optimism regarding the proposed changes to Fish & Game, while also voicing concerns about the organization's involvement in political advocacy. Richard McIntyre, Federated Farmers hunting spokesperson, stated that farmers have clearly communicated their concerns and…
Politics and GovernmentEnvironmentAgricultureAustralasiaState Governments Federated FarmersFish & GameJames MeagerRichard McIntyreJason HerrickHuntingFishing
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Behind the Blooms at Wellington's Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
The Botanic Garden ki Paekākā team designs displays for the Begonia House, similar to curating an art exhibition. The team creatively showcases interesting plants, aiming to engage people with plant conservation and science globally. The displays reveal the plant world's…
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Waikato Farmers Voice Concerns Over New PC1 Interim Decision
Waikato farmers are expressing concerns after the Environment Court released its interim decision on Plan Change 1 (PC1), a plan 12 years in the making. Waikato Federated Farmers president Phil Sherwood said the new rules would significantly impact farmers in…
Politics and GovernmentEnvironmentAgricultureLegalAustralasiaState Governments WaikatoPlan Change 1Federated FarmersEnvironment CourtPhil SherwoodFarmingResource Consent
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New Zealand Weather Review: May's Fluctuations and June's Chilling Forecast
New Zealand experienced fluctuating temperatures and near-to-above average rainfall in May, with high pressure dominating, according to MetService. A state of emergency was declared in Selwyn District due to a deep low east of the country, and Wellington region was…
WeatherAgricultureDisastersEnvironmentClimate ChangeGeneral Weather MetServiceRainfallTemperaturesJune 2025Selwyn DistrictMetService New Zealand
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Scientists Warn Against New Zealand's Methane Target Review
A group of international scientists has cautioned New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon against adopting a biogenic methane target based on "no additional warming." In an open letter, the scientists argue that this approach could undermine the country's commitments under…
Politics and GovernmentScience & TechnologyEnvironmentClimate Change methaneParis AgreementClimate Change CommissionGlobal Methane Pledgebiogenic methaneChristopher Luxon
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Media Monitor: The Guardian on US energy department cuts, Ardern, cannabis
The Guardian is reporting that employees of the U.S. Energy Department are raising concerns that cuts and deregulation undermine the department’s ability to function and will cause cost hikes. It said one employee stated the Trump administration is “going to…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessWorldEntertainmentHealthScience & TechnologySportMediaMiddle EastAsiaEuropeAustralasiaGeneral PoliticsWhite HouseFederal GovernmentEconomyEmployment and LaborArtificial IntelligenceEnvironmentClimate ChangeMilitarySocial IssuesEnergyFilm and TVDigital and Print PublishingMedical ScienceLaw Enforcement Energy DepartmentJacinda ArderncannabisTrump administrationderegulationprice hikesThe Guardian
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NZ Greenhouse Gas Emissions Drop Slightly in 2023
New Zealand's gross greenhouse gas emissions from industries and households saw a slight decrease of 0.8 percent in the year ended December 2023, according to Stats NZ. Emissions totaled 78,778 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, a reduction of 612 kt…
EnvironmentPolitics and GovernmentClimate Change greenhouse gas emissionsStats NZcarbon dioxideSEEAtransport emissionsStatistics New Zealand