Environment
What's going on at Auckland's Sanctuary Mahi Whenua Gardens?
An Auckland community is disputing the development of housing on the site of the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua Gardens. The gardens are based on the old Unitec campus site in Mount Albert and have existed for… Audio
Search for the yellow legged hornet widens
Biosecurity NZ has now doubled its surveillance zone for the insect on Auckland's North Shore Biosecurity teams will now monitor an 11 km radius across Glenfield and Birkdale as they work to limit the… Audio
Stories from Our Changing World
Time now for our regular catch up with Claire Concannon for Our Changing World. And this week, she's got a story from RNZ journalist Veronika Meduna, about restoration efforts in Porirua Harbour. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 10 December 2025
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel; The Government has released its long-awaited overhaul of planning controls, saying it will save New… Audio
Gisborne locals warned to keep eye out for invasive plants
The Gisborne District Council is asking residents to keep an eye out for an invasive plant as its seeding season begins. Biosecurity officer and Educator Glenn Brown spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Neighbours fume over plans to axe trees for solar farm
A council has thrown its support behind residents of a country lane distressed about Genesis Energy's plans.
Rat numbers could double by 2090, DOC warns
The Department of Conservation is urgently hunting an extra $150 million in revenue, warning it's at risk of going backwards.
Conservation groups concerned over RMA scrapping
Conservation groups are warning the scrapping of the Resource Management Act could put environmental protections at risk. Forest and Bird chief advisor Richard Capie spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Tongariro businesses hit as fire frightens off tourists
The fire burning in Tongariro National Park is now contained, but the after effects are still taking a toll on the tourist hotspot's economy. It's the second major fire in just a month -- the first of… Audio
DOC investigating after hikers dropped at Tongariro crossing
DOC is investigating after shuttle operators dropped hikers at the start of the Tongariro Alpine crossing despite a bad weather forecast, Meaning they shouldn't be on the track. Transport operators… Audio
Fire continues to burn at Tongariro National Park
A blaze in Tongariro National Park is raging on. While crews are still battling to contain it, the local hapu says they're a lot further ahead than last time. Bubs Smith from Ngati Hikairo ki… Audio
Report highlights climate change risks for Northland
A new report highlights the effects of climate change on Northland - and why our northernmost region is so vulnerable to its effects. Peter de Graaf reports. Audio
Breeding programme producing bigger giant weta than ever
A captive-breeding programme credited with helping bring the critically-endangered Mahoenui giant weta back from the brink is expecting a bumper breeding season in January - in more ways than one… Audio
Bringing the bounty back to Porirua Harbour
A renewed coordinated effort aims to restore the former kai moana bounty of Te Awarua o Porirua, or Porirua Harbour.
Firefighters scrambling to contain fires in Tongariro National Park
Firefighters are scrambling to contain several fires burning in Tongariro National Park. More than a dozen fire vehicles plus five choppers are fighting the blaze, which is estimated to be 100… Audio
Jesse Goes Clubbing!
Monday is club day here at Afternoons because my team is determined that I go clubbing. So if you have a club you'd like me to join for the day please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you at… Audio
Regional Wrap: Ashburton botanical art exhibition
Dunedin-based Artist Jane Marshall Fitzgerald was born in Ashburton and she joins Culture 101. Audio
Southland's waters warming faster than most
While the warmer waters may mean more enjoyable swimming temperatures, continued increases will be detrimental to a wide range of coastal ecosystems, including valued fisheries.
Biosecurity mulls how to fund hornet hunt
It's estimated the war against the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland is costing about $1 million a month. Audio
A district 'swallowed' by pine trees: Fears over IKEA forests
The Swedish furniture giant is one of the biggest forestry owners in a region, and it's worrying residents.
