Auckland Council has approved a plan aimed at reducing transport emissions. The Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway sets out what is required to achieve a 64 per cent reduction in the city’s transport emissions by 2030. The key actions of the plan include: • Converting 30 per cent of the city’s vehicles to electric (especially commercial […]

As part of its goal to reach net zero emissions at its manufacturing sites by 2050, Fonterra is replacing a coal burner at its Waitoa factory with a wood biomass burner. Work will begin on the boiler installation later this year and it is expected to be fully operational by November of next year. Fonterra […]

Our planet recently recorded its fastest single rotation. The record was broken on 29 July – this day was 1.59 milliseconds (thousandths of a second) shorter than the usual 24 hours. Although it is normal for the Earth’s rotation to vary by milliseconds per day, this is the quickest rotation on record. University of Auckland […]

Coastal erosion and rising sea levels could force people from their homes in Hawke’s Bay. A recently released report says that over 100 coastal properties could be in danger over the next 20 years. The report, prepared for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, found that if nothing was done over the next 20 years, residents […]

A study has found that the oil of the kānuka tree, a New Zealand native, is an effective treatment for eczema. The clinical trial, led by the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, involved 80 participants across the country. Lead study author, Nick Shortt, said that cream containing 3 per cent kānuka oil was more […]

Thanks to conservation efforts, the population of kākāpō (a species of large, flightless parrots that are native to New Zealand) has reached its highest level since records began in the 1970s. Science adviser at the kākāpō recovery programme Dr Andrew Digby said that it had been the second biggest breeding season on record with 60 […]

Some of the country’s Great Walks are being rerouted and huts are being moved in preparation for more extreme weather due to climate change. Over the past few years, many of the walks have had to close for extended periods of time after storm damage. In February 2020, torrential rain caused slips that damaged huts, […]

New Zealand Post and Fonterra are adding new alternative fuel trucks to their fleets to help meet carbon emissions targets. The NZ Post truck is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and the Fonterra truck runs on batteries. NZ Post chief executive officer, David Walsh, said that the hydrogen fuel cell truck is an essential […]

A NASA airborne telescope is making its final visit to Christchurch. SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) is a 747 aeroplane that has been modified to fit a 2.7-metre telescope. It helps scientists collect data that would be missed by a telescope on the ground. Over the past 10 years, the plane has made seven […]

A project that aims to eradicate all major pests from Rakiura/Stewart Island will be the largest island-based predator eradication attempt in the world. The aim is to eliminate all possums, rats, feral cats and hedgehogs from the Island. The project is a partnership between Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research and Predator Free Rakiura. The two […]