Kat Bolstad, Auckland University of Technology e Heather Braid, Auckland University of Technology
New squid research north of New Zealand nearly doubles the known cephalopod diversity in the Kermadec region, where a proposal to create one of the world’s largest marine reserves has stalled.
Fijian prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s intervention has led to the quick release of three New Zealand journalists.
AAP/Darren England
The prompt release of New Zealand journalists, arrested while investigating environmental degradation caused by a Chinese development project in Fiji, highlights PM Bainimarama’s diplomatic dilemma.
An analysis of population statistics shows that most New Zealanders, from any groups, don’t report experiencing intolerance or discrimination.
AAP
Simon Chapple, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Many New Zealanders responded to the Christchurch terror attack with displays of unity and openness, and research into attitudes shows that tolerance is a widely held value.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced a ban on military-style weapons within days of the Christchurch terror attacks.
AAP/Martin Hunter
New Zealand’s gun lobby presents licensed gun owners as sensible and responsible, but the response to gun law changes reveals an aggressive online culture.
As New Zealand law currently stands, murder is the most serious charge, even for a terror attack or hate crime.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
Under New Zealand law, murder is the most serious charge available to prosecutors. The Christchurch terror attack raises the issue of how murder should be defined to reflect hate crimes.
Maisie Williams plays Arya Stark in Game of Thrones and is one of the actors whose face is part of a new test of face recognition skills.
AAP
Christel Devue, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington e Gina Grimshaw, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Facial recognition is a crucial skill, but difficult to test accurately. Researchers are taking advantage of the popularity of Game of Thrones to test the limits of our ability to identify a familiar face.
The Crusaders rugby club has announced an end to its pre-match entertainment of sword-wielding horsemen, as seen here ahead of last year’s Super Rugby final in Christchurch.
AAP/SNPA/Ross Setford
Geoff Troughton, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
The Crusaders rugby club has been embroiled in debate about its branding as the imagery, once widely used in New Zealand, has become embarrassing, even repugnant, following the Christchurch attack.
Mountain bikers are reclaiming some of the tracks that were destroyed during the Christchurch earthquakes.
from www.shutterstock.com
In the weeks and months following mass trauma, such as the shootings in Christchurch, participating in physical activity can help individuals and communities deal with stress, anxiety and grief.
Sleeping on the side is better for the baby.
from www.shutterstock.com
Lesley McCowan, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau e Robin Cronin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
A major study that analysed data from hundreds of pregnancies found that sleeping on the back during the final trimester increased the risk of stillbirth 2.6 times.
China is the world’s second largest economy.
EPA/Aleksandar Plavevski
Hongzhi Gao, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington; Ivy Guo, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington e Tarek Soliman, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research
As the trade spat between China and the US continues, it is likely to spill over to other countries. For Australia and New Zealand, this could bring both risks and opportunities.
Mosques like the one in Lakemba, Sydney, were among the few places of belonging where Muslims could feel safe from Islamophobia.
Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Muslims need places where they feel safe from Islamophobia. And being made to feel unwelcome has lasting impacts – Muslims still avoid Cronulla beach, the scene of anti-Muslim riots in 2005.
In the digital age, it can be a challenge to agree on what is, and what is not, acceptable online behaviour.
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As countries are calling for laws to control extremism online, it is becoming clear that defining the line between hate speech and free speech is a complex challenge.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has warned that afforestation is a risky approach to combatting climate change.
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A new report suggests New Zealand should rethink climate policy and use forests to offset only agricultural emissions, which make up half of the country’s total emissions, and not carbon dioxide.
People across the world paid their respects to those who lost their lives during the terror attack in Christchurch.
Andy Rain/EPA
A groundbreaking NZ$2 billion pay equity settlement has lifted the income for many care workers in aged care and community support, but it had some unintended consequences.
Members of the public contemplate a makeshift floral memorial near the Linwood Mosque, where seven people were killed, in Christchurch.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Christchurch is now inextricably associated with the mass shootings at two mosques in which 50 people died. So what can a city do when its name become synonymous with such an event?
Moving into aged care can affect a person’s ability to remain connected to their local community, but most aged care facilities don’t provide access to digital devices.
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Older generations are increasingly more connected, but those living in aged care continue to experience a digital divide.
A makeshift memorial at the Botanical Gardens in Christchurch after a gunman killed 50 worshippers at the Al Noor Masjid and Linwood Masjid.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The arguments of far right commentators who conflate Islam with extremism are flawed. In the rich and complex tradition of Islam, extremists are a small minority who often target other Muslims.
New Zealand Muslims have come from several parts of the world, including Pacific Islands, Asian countries, the Middle East and Africa.
AAP/Martin Hunter
Eva Nisa, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington e Faried F. Saenong, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Some of the earliest Muslims to settle in Christchurch during the 19th century have helped in the construction of Christchurch Cathedral and are part of the city’s history of Christianity.
Victims are responding to the Christchurch mosque shooting with bravery and compassion, not anger and hate.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
At a time when we could expect anger, vengeance and resentment to take hold in a community so demolished by violence, Professor Mohamad Abdalla visited victims and found compassion and forgiveness.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University