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Science & Environment
Some mineral extraction is worse than others says energy expert
An expert on energy transitions says mining can never be completely clean, but some minerals and methods of extraction are far worse than others. University of Canterbury senior lecturer in civil and… Audio
Resources Minister Shane Jones on plans to expand mining industry
The Government has unveiled how it plans to double the value of New Zealand's mining industry in little more than a decade. Resources Minister Shane Jones spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Grey District mayor welcomes calls to expand mining industry
The Government says a new draft strategy can double the value of the minerals sector to $2 billion by 2035. Grey District mayor Tania Gibson spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Kiwifruit spray deemed hazardous now safe to use
Hydrogen cyanamide has undergone reassessment from the Environment Protection Authority since 2019, and on Thursday it ruled growers can keep using the agri-chemical, under stricter rules. First Union… Audio
War in space: US Space Force looks to tie in allies, including NZ
Analysis - Space is going off, and we're involved.
Call a mathematician, we've got a Monty Hall problem
During the Nights quiz, when eliminating one of the three options, we encountered the classic Monty Hall problem. If given the opportunity, should you switch your choice? Audio
Is it legal to hoon past traffic on an electric scooter? What you need to know
Explainer - E-scooters are increasingly popular and increasingly speedy. What are the rules they need to follow, and do they need updating? RNZ explains.
Kororā found dead near Wellington cycleway construction site
Three little blue penguins have died near the construction of a major Wellington cycleway in recent weeks, with one killed by construction machinery.
Midday Report Essentials for 23 May 2024
On today's episode, a New Zealander stuck in New Caledonia says the lack of communication from the government about when she can be evacuated is making her anxious, a study has found a significant… Audio
'Kill web': US eyeing NZ for help if war in space breaks out
The United States has been assessing New Zealand's capability to help with rapid rocket and satellite launches if war breaks out in space.
How much of our extreme weather is due to climate change?
This week, Phil Vine dives into the science of climate attribution. How much is climate change affecting extreme weather events? And how can this new science prepare us for the future? Audio
Dredging of invasive caulerpa in Bay of Islands could be complete by August
Dredging of the highly invasive seaweed could be finished by August, but only with another $5-million-plus in government funding, a Northland council leader says.
Should international visitors pay to access national parks
Tourism operators think international visitors should pay to access our national parks to help cover costs. The Department of Conservation is facing major financial headwinds and says it can't afford… Audio
Who will pay the price of protecting the environment?
Someone will have to front the cost of land-use changes necessary to protect the environment, the government's top environmental advisor warns.
Our Changing World for 22 May 2024
This week, Phil Vine dives into the science of climate attribution. How much is climate change affecting extreme weather events? And how can this new science prepare us for the future? Audio
Huia feather sells for more than $46,000 at auction
The feather has broken the record for the most expensive ever sold at auction - and will remain in New Zealand. Audio
Native skinks cause cost blowout for town's sewage tank
Moving a native population of northern grass skinks has contributed to the doubling of the cost of a Porirua sewage tank.
NZ scientist helping to identify Vietnam war casualties
Newly graduated University of Auckland student Bethany Forsythe has gone straight from campus to a job overseas identifying war casualties. Audio
Rocket Lab to launch satellite to monitor Earth's polar regions
The mission, called PREFIRE, short for Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment, includes two shoebox-sized satellites or 'cubesats' to find out how much heat Earth's polar regions radiate… Audio
Badassium
Dr Krista Steenbergen takes a look at 'A New Element' as invented by Tony Stark and used in Ironman 2. Audio