Category: science_technology
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Media Monitor: Consumer NZ reports on tech prices, e-bikes, and crackers
Consumer NZ is reporting that consumers looking to purchase technology such as laptops, tablets, and phones should do so soon, as prices are expected to climb. The organization's technology writer advises that now is a good time to buy these…
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Media Monitor: RNZ reports on neurobiologist's views on Trump, softball recognition, and fairy tale adaptations
RNZ is reporting that neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky believes Donald Trump's "awful upbringing" may have contributed to his destructive behavior. Sapolsky, a world-leading neurobiologist, stated that science suggests it is not acceptable to hate Trump. RNZ also highlighted calls for greater…
Politics and GovernmentSportScience & TechnologyMediaEntertainmentWeather NeurobiologyDonald TrumpSoftballRhonda HiraHans Christian AndersenParalympic Winter GamesInvasive speciesRNZ News
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Media Monitor: Consumer NZ highlights common marketing myths and product advice
Consumer NZ is reporting that consumers should be skeptical of certain marketing claims, particularly those related to food and batteries. The organization advises ignoring claims such as "baked not fried," "98% cholesterol-free," and "natural" on food products, as they may…
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Nestlé Recalls Alfamino Infant Formula Over Toxin Fears
Nestlé has issued a recall for its Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) due to the possible presence of the cereulide toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. The recall affects specific batch numbers with use-by dates ranging from…
HealthBusinessScience & TechnologyMedical ScienceFood SafetyProduct Recall
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Multiple Product Recalls Announced: Tea Pots, Mugs, Glue Guns, and Priming Lotion
Several product recalls have been announced, affecting items sold at Dusk, PD Mart (Panda Mart), and Mecca Beauty. Dusk is recalling its "Pretty as a Bow Tea Pot 500ml" and "Pretty as a Bow Glass Mugs 2 Pack" due to…
BusinessHealthScience & TechnologyAustralasiaMedical ScienceLegal
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New Zealand Updates Civil Aviation Rules for Drones and Aviation
A package of modernised Civil Aviation Rules for drones and advanced aviation has taken effect in New Zealand. The changes aim to provide clearer expectations for operators and support safe technology development across the country. The updates include revisions to…
Science & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentTransportationAustralasiaFederal GovernmentLegal
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Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Strikes Balleny Islands Region
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the Balleny Islands region on December 21, 2025, at 13:12:48 UTC, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake's epicenter was located at 61.983S, 161.417E, with a depth of 10 km. The quake was approximately…
WeatherScience & TechnologyDisastersAustralasiaGeneral Weather EarthquakeBalleny IslandsUSGSSeismologyGeological SurveyNatural DisastersUSGS Earthquake Reports
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Media Monitor: RNZ Reports on Robot Caregivers, Language Trauma
RNZ is reporting that New Zealand faces a healthcare worker shortage, and a robot designer based in London, Rich Walker, is discussing the challenges of creating robot caregivers to help fill some of those gaps. It said a new report…
HealthScience & TechnologySocial IssuesBusinessWeatherRoboticsMedical ScienceEducationFoodEnvironmentComputers and InternetTransportationGeneral Weather RNZRobot CaregiversMāoriTe Reo TraumaAucklandDog AttacksLittle Blue PenguinsRNZ News
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Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Strikes Balleny Islands Region
A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the Balleny Islands region on December 20, 2025, at 10:25:04 UTC, according to a preliminary report by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake's epicenter was located at 63.692S, 172.383E, with a depth of 10 km.…
Science & TechnologyWorldDisasters EarthquakeBalleny IslandsUS Geological SurveySeismologyNatural DisasterPapatowaiUSGS Earthquake Reports
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Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Strikes Balleny Islands Region
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the Balleny Islands region on December 20, 2025, at 06:57:10 UTC, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 km, was centered at 63.894S, 172.707E. The epicenter was…
WeatherScience & TechnologyDisastersGeneral Weather EarthquakeBalleny IslandsUSGSSeismologyGeological SurveyNatural disasterUSGS Earthquake Reports
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New Zealand Civil Aviation Bill Passes Third Reading, Modernizing Aviation Regulations
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand has released an update on its recent activities, including the passage of the Civil Aviation Bill, responses to weather events, and updates to safety and security measures. Keith Manch, Director of Civil…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessScience & TechnologyWeatherTransportationAustralasiaFederal GovernmentEnvironmentClimate ChangeDigital and Print Publishing Civil Aviation AuthorityCivil Aviation BillAviation SafetyCyclone GabrielleADS-B Grant SchemeEmerging Technologies UnitCivil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
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Safety Alert: Seatbelt Adjusters and Glow Sand Art Recalled in New Zealand
Two recalls have been issued in New Zealand concerning seatbelt adjusters and a children's art product. Seatbelt adjusters sold via Kogan by 'Sensual Sale' are being recalled due to the risk of increasing injury in the event of a crash.…
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New Guide to Fertility Measures Released
A new guide outlining different fertility measures has been released by Stats NZ. The guide explains the strengths and limitations of these measures and identifies where published measures can be found. According to Stats NZ, measuring fertility and birth rates…
HealthScience & TechnologySocial IssuesMedical ScienceDemographics
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New Zealand to Enhance Census with Admin Data
Stats NZ is moving towards using administrative data, supplemented by surveys, to measure New Zealand’s population and dwellings. A recent report updates the technical feasibility of this approach, outlining Stats NZ’s readiness to shift towards an admin data-first approach for…
Politics and GovernmentScience & TechnologyAustralasiaFederal GovernmentSocial IssuesEducation
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Media Monitor: Consumer NZ Reviews Sunscreens, Electric Cars, and More
Consumer NZ is reporting on a variety of product tests and consumer advice. It said its database compares over 160 sunscreens from more than 40 brands, filtering by SPF, water resistance, and testing year. The organization has also tested over…
BusinessScience & TechnologyAustralasiaEconomyComputers and InternetSocial Issues
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Galt Sand Stickers and Zummi Strollers Recalled in New Zealand
Two recalls have been announced in New Zealand. Modern Brands is recalling Galt-branded Mini Makes Sand Stickers after testing revealed the presence of naturally occurring Chrysotile asbestos in some samples. Although no respirable asbestos was detected, and the risk of…
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Wellington City Council Reconsiders Demolition of City to Sea Bridge
Wellington City Council’s Te Hoe Matua | City Strategy and Delivery Committee has reversed its prior decision to demolish the City to Sea bridge, choosing to review further options in February 2026. Councillor Nureddin Abdurahman, Committee Chair, stated that recent…
Politics and GovernmentScience & TechnologyAustralasiaState GovernmentsLegalTransportationEnvironment
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CAA Releases Trial Advisory Circular for Drone Operators
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released a Trial Advisory Circular (AC101-1) to support operators preparing for upcoming changes to the Civil Aviation Rules for unmanned aircraft (Parts 101 and 102), which take effect on 22 December 2025. The Trial…
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Stats NZ Examines Geographic Data Quality in Experimental Census
Stats NZ published a report on December 11, 2025, assessing the quality of geographic information within the experimental administrative population census (APC). The study compares population counts at territorial authorities, Auckland local board areas, and statistical area 2 (SA2) levels.…
Politics and GovernmentScience & TechnologyAustralasiaFederal GovernmentSocial IssuesEducation
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Recall Issued for Earrings and Glass Meal Prep Sets
Two recalls have been issued for separate products. Handmade Gummy Worm and Salted Pretzel earrings sold at Joy's Handmade Boutique are being recalled due to potential asbestos contamination. The craft sand used on the earrings has been independently recalled by…
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New Zealand Geographic Boundaries Updated for 2026
Stats NZ has announced the release of its updated geographic boundaries, effective as of January 1, 2026. These boundaries are available in both spatial formats and as non-spatial classifications. Users can access the geographic boundaries for 2026 through the New…
Science & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentAustralasiaComputers and InternetFederal Government
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Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Strikes South of Kermadec Islands
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck south of the Kermadec Islands on December 9, 2025, at 03:08:57 UTC, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was centered at 32.625S, 177.559W, with a depth of 10 km. Its location was approximately…
Science & TechnologyWorldAustralasiaDisasters EarthquakeKermadec IslandsUSGSSeismologyNatural DisasterHicks BayUSGS Earthquake Reports
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New Zealand's Carbon Footprint Rises in 2023
New Zealand's consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions increased 1.6 percent in the year ended December 2023, reaching 58,301 kilotonnes. These statistics, often referred to as a nation’s carbon footprint, link emissions from production to the final consumer, encompassing the entire supply…
EnvironmentPolitics and GovernmentScience & TechnologyAustralasiaClimate ChangeGeneral PoliticsFederal Government
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Media Monitor: Consumer NZ on Retirement Village Changes
Consumer NZ is reporting that changes to retirement village rules will give more certainty to future residents but not to those who fought for them. It said the changes are a blow to current residents. Consumer NZ also provided a…
BusinessHealthScience & TechnologyWeatherSocial IssuesReal EstateMedical ScienceComputers and InternetEnvironmentGeneral Weather
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New Zealand Updates Aviation Rules to Boost Innovation
New Zealand will update its drone and advanced aviation rules on December 22, 2025, introducing a new Part 107 to support research and development flight testing, and providing greater clarity for drone operators. These changes follow the Government’s announcement of…
Politics and GovernmentScience & TechnologyTransportationAustralasiaFederal GovernmentTransportationTechnologyInnovation
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Kmart Sand Castle Set Recall: Asbestos Contamination
Kmart has issued a recall for its 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set, originally published on November 15, 2025, due to the detection of tremolite asbestos in samples. This is an update to a previous recall, with some products removed from…
HealthBusinessScience & TechnologySocial IssuesAustralasiaMedical ScienceLegal
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Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Strikes Pacific-Antarctic Ridge
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge on December 4, 2025, at 03:14:36 UTC, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was centered at 54.898S, 129.313W, with a depth of 10 km. The epicenter was located approximately 3478.3…
WeatherScience & TechnologyWorldDisastersEnvironment EarthquakePacific-Antarctic RidgeHanga RoaChileUSGSSeismologyUSGS Earthquake Reports
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Heatwave Returns to Eastern Regions of New Zealand
Most regions of New Zealand will experience sunny conditions this weekend, particularly the North Island, as high pressure builds, bringing settled weather. However, the South Island will have a more varied forecast. MetService has issued a Strong Wind Watch for…
WeatherAustralasiaDisastersScience & Technology MetServiceHeatwaveGisborneOamaruKepler ChallengeMetService New Zealand
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Mecca Heated Towel Rails Recalled Due to Burn Hazard
Nero Tapware NZ has issued a recall for Mecca 240V Single Vertical Heated Towel Rails (NRV902H) due to a potential burn hazard. Testing revealed that when installed vertically, the upper section of the rail can reach excessively high temperatures, up…
HealthBusinessScience & TechnologyAustralasiaMedical ScienceProduct Recall
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Media Monitor: Consumer NZ Warns of Misleading Black Friday Deals
Consumer NZ is reporting that retailers may be misleading consumers about prices during Black Friday sales. It said deals may not be as good as they appear. Consumer NZ also highlighted deals on recommended products, including TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and…
BusinessScience & TechnologyEconomyTradeComputers and Internet