Guest Author • Jun 15, 2021 •
Alexander Gillespie, University of Waikato The revived debate over whether COVID-19 could be the result of an accidental release from the Wuhan Institute of Virology may never be adequately resolved. Either way, we risk not seeing the wood for the trees. While the World Health Organization (WHO) reported in February such a leak was “extremely unlikely”, it … Read More
Rosemary Rangitauira • May 24, 2021 •
A primary goal for Thomas (Tame) Malcolm is to reinstate the mauri (life force) of the country’s forests by getting rid of pests, introduced to Aotearoa, that are destroying native flora and fauna. He hails from Ngāti Tarāwhai, Ngāti Pikiao, Tapuika, Ngāti Ngāraranui, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Ruanui. In te reo Māori, he tells us that each forest has a unique … Read More
Guest Author • Jul 13, 2018 •
Richard Laven, Massey University In May this year, the New Zealand government decided that it would attempt to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis, a bacterial disease that affects cattle. A phased eradication means that an additional 126,000 livestock will need to be culled, at an estimated cost of NZ$886 million. Here’s what we know, what we don’t know and … Read More
Michael Reddell • May 29, 2018 •
Despite announcing yesterday a plan that aims to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis from New Zealand, there was no sign of the pro-active release of any background papers or analysis. We don’t have copies of the relevant Cabinet papers, or the relevant advice from The Treasury or MPI. Not that long ago, the incoming government talked of its commitment to open government, … Read More
Sarah-Jane O'Connor • Jun 08, 2017 •
A new book from CSIRO about a range of animals helping their human companions to protect the environment will make a great gift for conservation-minded and animal-crazed kids. Animal Eco-Warriors: Humans and animals working together to protect our planet, written by Nic Gill, is a first-person account of some of Australia and New Zealand’s most active non-human conservationists. Read More
Erica Mather • Jun 17, 2016 •
There is an increased likelihood that invasive species arrive in New Zealand from countries with poor regulation and low political stability, according to research published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Research released this week from Victoria University of Wellington reveals that a country’s level of governance and development has a strong impact on their risk of exporting exotic … Read More
Laura Goodall • Feb 27, 2016 •
Tangata Whenua — People of the Land — is the name that Māori call themselves as indigenous New Zealanders, and likely signifies the deep roots they have to this green and blue place of jagged peaks and valleys. The land sustains us. It carries paths to the future as well as ties to the past: whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te … Read More
Guest Author • Jan 18, 2016 •
Emma Johnston, UNSW Australia and Jim Carlton, Williams College When the tsunami waters withdrew from the devastated coast of Japan in March 2011 they took with them a vast amount of debris consisting of potentially millions of objects, and sent it rafting across the Pacific Ocean. On this debris came a host of Japanese marine … Read More
Sarah-Jane O'Connor • Dec 11, 2015 •
A fungal pathogen with the potential to devastate salamander populations has yet to arrive in North America, but scientists are ready and waiting should it appear. New Zealand researchers are among a group calling for global action against the emerging disease before it spreads. Scientists in Europe discovered the fungal pathogen, Salamander chytrid disease – Batrachocytrium … Read More
Erica Mather • Aug 31, 2015 •
Insects and microbial pathogens pose an increasing threat to planted forests worldwide. Without urgent action, the long-term sustainability of all planted forests will be imperilled. Dr Eckehard Brockerhoff and colleagues, authors of a review published in Science, urgently call for a coordinated, global approach in order to protect these valuable resources. Wealthy countries have designed effective strategies to … Read More