If a trans-Tasman travel bubble were to be established, passengers would likely need to use ‘vaccine passports’ to prove their vaccination status. But any tech-based system comes with security risks.
New research finds Australians and New Zealanders show high levels of trust in political leaders and in science. This in part explains the strong compliance with successful pandemic measures.
Commentators across the political spectrum spread anti-Islamic rhetoric, insisting that Islam is intrinsically violent and that Muslims are terrorists. But studies show these claims are unfounded.
The benefits of road-user charging are now well established. And including electric vehicles doesn’t have to be a deterrent to their uptake, as New Zealand and other nations have shown.
Liz Minchin, The Conversation and Molly Glassey, The Conversation
Watch two of Australia and New Zealand’s top vaccine and virus experts answering questions about COVID-19. This was filmed at a Conversation reader event with Avid Reader bookshop.
Paleontologists have discovered fossil remains belonging to an enormous ‘toothed’ bird that lived for a period of about 60 million years after dinosaurs.
I have criticised this government’s climate policy in the past for being big on promise but short on concrete policies. But this financial disclosure policy has some real teeth.
Stroke is New Zealand’s third highest cause of death, but few people recognise its symptoms and risk factors, particularly in Pasifika and Māori communities where stroke affects more people.
We have to balance the risk of transmission with the mental health challenges of lockdowns. A bubble system could alleviate loneliness while minimising infection risk.
Children need the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered by experts in ways they can understand. A briefing may reduce children’s anxiety and increase their understanding of the pandemic.
It’s hard to see how there will be any appeal for the Australian mass gunman who was jailed for life without parole since he was so accepting of his fate.
David Welch, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Genetic analysis of virus samples from New Zealand’s latest COVID-19 cases is now much swifter. It’s providing key information, but hasn’t yet answered the question of where this second wave started.
Dougal Sutherland, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
During uncertain times, feelings of anxiety and even anger are normal responses. If left unchecked, these emotions can affect how we behave, but acknowledging them can ease their intensity.
Worried about being accused of virtue signalling or getting funny looks for wearing a mask? Here’s how to test your ethics and come to the right decision.
David Welch, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Genomic sequencing of positive COVID-19 samples could help New Zealand pinpoint the source of its new community outbreak. But it only works if all samples are sequenced – and right now, they’re not.
We believe New Zealand can eliminate COVID-19 again. But it could do more to speed up that process with mandatory masks and tighter controls on high-risk venues, including bars, gyms and churches.
Michael Plank, University of Canterbury; Alex James, University of Canterbury; Audrey Lustig, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research; Nicholas Steyn, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Rachelle Binny, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, and Shaun Hendy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Our new modelling shows the risk of an infectious person slipping through New Zealand’s border undetected is very low — likely to happen only once over the next 18 months.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University
Faculty Member, Asian Studies Program, Georgetown University; Visiting Fellow, Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University., Georgetown University