Category: environment
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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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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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Media Monitor: RNZ reports freshwater fish at risk, Omaha Beach death
Radio New Zealand is reporting that a new freshwater fish report has found 28 percent of species are facing extinction and 32 percent are at risk of becoming threatened. It said the report highlights the declining state of waterways. Separately,…
Science & TechnologyHealthWeatherEnvironmentMedical ScienceAgricultureGeneral Weather Radio New Zealandfreshwater fishextinctionOmaha BeachdrowningHawke's BayEmployment Relations AuthorityRNZ News
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Wellington Prepares for a Dry Summer with Water Saving Tips
Wellington City Council has issued water conservation tips in anticipation of a dry summer. Wellingtonians are encouraged to take steps to save water while enjoying longer evenings, barbeques, and time in the garden. The capital's event calendar is also heating…
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Exhibition Recalls Lost Flora of Te Whanganui-a-Tara
An exhibition by artist Gabby O’Connor and curator Susan Ballard, titled 'Assembly', is now showing in the Courtenay Place Light Boxes. The display addresses the dramatic changes to the coastline of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) over the past 150 years. Once…
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Media Monitor: RNZ Reports on New Parking Fees, Cat Control, and More
RNZ is reporting that new parking fees will be implemented at three popular New Zealand tourist destinations starting next month. It said these fees will apply to both locals and tourists. In other news, RNZ said there is a debate…
Politics and GovernmentEntertainmentScience & TechnologySportWeatherAustralasiaNational PartyEnvironmentMusicFilm and TVGeneral Weather
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Aotearoa New Zealand's Indigenous Land Cover Declines as Urban Areas Expand
New data from Stats NZ reveals a continued decline in indigenous land cover in Aotearoa New Zealand between 1996 and 2023, alongside the expansion of urban areas. The figures come from the latest version of the New Zealand Land Cover…
EnvironmentPolitics and GovernmentAustralasiaClimate ChangeState Governments
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Severe Weather Outlook: Heavy Rain Warnings in Force for North Island
A severe weather outlook issued by MetService at 12:09pm on Monday, November 17, 2025, indicates a broad trough over the North Island moving slowly east on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Severe Weather Warnings and Watches for Heavy Rain are in…
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Kmart Sand Toy Recall Due to Asbestos Contamination
Kmart has issued a recall for its 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set and Blue, Green, and Pink Magic Sand after samples tested positive for tremolite asbestos. Although respirable asbestos was not detected in tested samples, the presence of asbestos poses…
HealthScience & TechnologyAustralasiaSocial IssuesMedical ScienceEnvironmentLegal
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FMA Releases Annual Audit Quality Monitoring Report
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has released its latest Audit Quality Monitoring Report, offering a snapshot of its oversight of audit firms. The 2024/25 report aims to help directors and auditors improve audit quality, pointing out both strengths and areas…
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEnvironmentAustralasiaFinancial MarketsEconomyClimate ChangeLegal
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Whakapapa Village Evacuated Due to Tongariro Fire
Evacuation of Whakapapa Village - Tongariro Fire update #8 Whakapapa Village is being evacuated as a precaution due to the fire in the Tongariro National Park. Thirty six people who live in the village were warned earlier today that they…
WorldDisastersEnvironmentAustralasia fireevacuationTongariro National ParkWhakapapa Villageemergency
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Media Monitor: Consumer NZ Reports Z Energy Apology
Consumer NZ is reporting that Z Energy has apologized for any confusion caused by parts of its campaign. It said the apology was also directed to any customers who thought Z was going to stop selling petrol any time soon.…
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Zero-Emission Aircraft Approved for Demonstration Flights in New Zealand
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved a zero-emission experimental aircraft for demonstration flights in New Zealand, ahead of the commercial aircraft’s planned arrival in 2027. Developed in the USA by BETA Technologies and operated with Air New Zealand, the…
Science & TechnologyTransportationEnvironmentAustralasiaClimate Change
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Hawke’s Bay District Enters Restricted Fire Season
Restricted Fire Season for most of the Hawke’s Bay District Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand -- Much of the Hawke’s Bay District will move into a restricted fire season from midday 4 November until further notice. A restricted fire…
WeatherDisastersEnvironmentAustralasia Fire and Emergency New Zealandrestricted fire seasonHawke’s Bayfire permitvegetation firesNigel Hall
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Media Monitor: RNZ Reports Z Energy Apology, Online Scams Surge
RNZ is reporting that Z Energy has apologized for its 2022 ad campaign following legal action. Consumer groups and environmental organizations claimed the campaign was misleading and constituted greenwashing. RNZ also reports that New Zealanders are losing more money to…
BusinessScience & TechnologyEntertainmentSportWeatherEconomyEnvironmentMusicMedical ScienceAgricultureGeneral Weather Z EnergyOnline ScamsNetsafeBeneficiariesPensionersFood InsecurityRNZ News
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Wellington's New Water Organisation Established
The new water organisation for the metropolitan Wellington area has been legally established and named Tiaki Wai Metro Water Ltd. A four-person Board of Directors is now in place to lead the organisation. In other news, an immersive digital art…
Politics and GovernmentScience & TechnologyEntertainmentAustralasiaState GovernmentsEnvironmentDigital and Print Publishing
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Survey Reveals Shocking Cost of Consents for Farmers
A new survey shows the cost and complexity of resource consents have reached breaking point, highlighting the need for urgent Government intervention. Federated Farmers’ Survey on Resource Consents <https://fedfarm.org.nz/Web/Policy/Policy-Paper/2025/October/Survey-on-Resource-Consents> found four out of five farmers are worried about gaining or…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEnvironmentState GovernmentsEconomyAgriculture resource consentsfarmerssurveyFederated Farmerscostsgovernment interventionenvironmental regulationsfarming
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FMA Grants 'No Action' Relief on Climate Reporting
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko will provide interim relief to entities affected by recently announced climate reporting changes. These entities will no longer be expected to lodge climate statements ahead of legislative changes. The FMA…
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEnvironmentFinancial MarketsClimate ChangeFederal GovernmentLegal Financial Markets AuthorityFMAClimate Reporting EntitiesCREsLiam MasonLegislationNZ Financial Markets Authority
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Fire and Emergency New Zealand: Weather and Fire Update - 1 PM
Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire and weather update - 1pm Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand -- Weather callouts Between 7.40am and 1pm on Thursday, Fire and Emergency responded to 264 weather-related callouts. The calls were predominantly for roofs…
WeatherDisastersEnvironmentTransportationGeneral WeatherClimate Change FireEmergencyVegetation FireHanmer SpringsKaikouraHawke’s BayFire Ban
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Red Wind Warning Issued for Southern and Central New Zealand
A severe weather warning has been issued for southern and central New Zealand, with damaging gales and significant heavy rain expected to impact the regions on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The MetService updated its warning at midday to upgrade coastal…
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New Zealand's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Drop 1.5% in June 2025 Quarter
Greenhouse gas emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand decreased by 1.5 percent in the June 2025 quarter, according to Stats NZ. The seasonally adjusted figures show a reduction of 287 kilotonnes. Tehseen Islam, environment statistics spokesperson, stated that the "fall in…
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Fire and Emergency Warns of Increased Fire Risk Due to Strong Winds
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to delay any outdoor fires they have planned from this week through until the end of Labour Day. MetService issued strong wind warnings for much of the country on Tuesday, with further…
WeatherDisastersEnvironment Fire and Emergency New Zealandoutdoor firesstrong wind warningsfire dangerLabour Day weekendvegetation firewildfiresHawke’s BayWairarapaMarlboroughCanterburySouthland
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Wellington's Predator-Free Mission Gains Momentum
Predator Free Wellington is at the forefront of conservation efforts with its citywide initiative focused on eliminating invasive predators while simultaneously strengthening community bonds. The project signifies a major step towards creating a safer environment for native species and enhancing…
Politics and GovernmentEnvironmentAustralasiaState GovernmentsClimate Change
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Severe Weather Expected to Hit New Zealand Over Next Four Days
New Zealand's MetService has issued a severe weather outlook, predicting a series of active fronts bringing heavy rainfall and severe gales across the country over the next four days. The outlook, released at 10:21 am on Saturday, October 18, 2025,…
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Wellington City Council Adopts Annual Report, Highlights $488.6 Million Infrastructure Investment
Wellington City Council adopted its audited Annual Report and financial statements for the 2024/25 year at its final meeting of the 2022-25 triennium. The report, to be published on the Council’s website, highlights a $488.6 million investment in the city’s…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEnvironmentState GovernmentsEconomyFinancial Markets Wellington City CouncilAnnual Reportinfrastructure investmentfinancial resiliencevolunteer servicesnative plantsDistrict Plan
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Media Monitor: RNZ Reports on Cyclone Gabrielle Inquest, Asbestos Discovery
RNZ is reporting that an inquest is underway into the deaths of 13 people in relation to the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle. Separately, the union's vice president says the discovery of asbestos at a central Auckland fire station raises serious questions…
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Our Marine Environment 2025 Report Highlights Rising Coastal Risks
A new report, Our Marine Environment 2025, released by the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ, highlights the growing impact of climate change and human activities on New Zealand's coasts and oceans. The report indicates these pressures are affecting…
EnvironmentScience & TechnologyWeatherAustralasiaClimate Change
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Wellington's Begonia House Set for Improvements
Wellington City Council has committed funding to improve the Begonia House in the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, with work scheduled to commence next month as part of a refurbishment project. Following a successful first showing on Manners Street, 'Pops of…
Politics and GovernmentWorldEuropeAustralasiaLocal PoliticsEnvironmentArt
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Severe Weather Outlook: Heavy Rain and Gale Winds Forecast for New Zealand
A severe weather outlook issued by MetService forecasts a week of heavy rain and strong winds for New Zealand, starting Thursday, October 9, 2025. A moist northwest flow is expected to strengthen ahead of a front moving onto the far…
WeatherDisastersEnvironment MetServiceSevere Weather OutlookWestlandCanterburyWellingtonMetService - Severe Weather Outlook