New research shows that children who live in greener neighbourhoods are less likely to develop asthma, and that the more diverse the plant life is, the more they are protected.
Scientists long assumed that the extinct moa played an important role as a disperser of large seeds. But a new study finds that New Zealand’s largest herbivore only dispersed the tiniest seeds.
The ecological health of New Zealand’s lowland rivers and lakes is in decline, but principles borrowed from drinking water safety could help reverse the degradation.
Inbreeding and male infertility could be impeding the recovery of one of New Zealand’s threatened birds - the stitchbird, or hihi. Hihi sperm might hold the answer, and help raise funds for conservation.
Despite the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it remains difficult to measure governments’ performance. A new data tool gives countries a scorecard on how well, or badly, they are doing.
New Zealand’s coalition government plans to transition to a low-emissions economy while also addressing major urban issues such as unaffordable housing, inequality and poverty.
Some of New Zealand’s most trusted brands are implementing strategies that are misleading domestic consumers and risking their long-term brand reputation.
It’s surprising that news publishers seem to hand more power to Google because now more than ever there’s an urgency to have clear barriers between news companies, social media platforms and search engines.
Bronwyn E Wood, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington and Nick Munn, University of Waikato
Lowering the voting age to 16 would bring the age of political responsibility more in line with the age of criminal responsibility and the age of informed consent for medical procedures.
Survival sex – the exchange of sexual favours for aid packets – happens in refugee camps everywhere. Victims are not protected by international human rights law.
Natural gas is touted as a “bridging fuel” to displace coal while moving to a low-carbon economy. In New Zealand, this is shortsighted and could lead to stranded assets and hold back renewables.
Alexandra Sims, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Blockchain technology is flourishing in an open-source environment, which raises the question of whether current intellectual property laws are the best tools to foster innovation.
Sophie Bond, University of Otago; Amanda Thomas, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington, and Gradon Diprose, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research
Researchers find that mainstream media in New Zealand tend to present fossil fuel development as positive for the economy, while framing opponents as irrational and extremist.
Graeme Austin, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington and Emily Hudson, King's College London
Australia’s plan to extend ISP ‘safe harbour’ copyright immunities to cultural institutions avoids more nuanced thinking about the nature and social value of culture, art and education.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University