Averil Coxhead, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
A project to identify rugby’s technical terms aims to make the international game easier to play, ref and watch for everyone, regardless of their native tongue.
Fiona Hutton, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Medicinal cannabis products were made legal in New Zealand in 2020. But high costs and widespread reluctance from doctors means many sick people are still accessing cannabis illegally.
The recent goring of a tourist who approached within 10 feet of a bison in Yellowstone National Park is a reminder that wild animals can be dangerous and people should keep safe distances.
When the drinking age was lowered to 18 In 1999, critics warned it would cause an increase in alcohol-fuelled crime. But as changing the age limit is debated again, the evidence is mixed.
Jennifer Curtin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The success of independents at the Australian election is a sign the political culture has shifted in Canberra, with potential benefits for expat New Zealanders and trans-Tasman relations in general.
Matthew Hobbs, University of Canterbury; Alex Kazemi, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, and Lukas Marek, University of Canterbury
The last time New Zealanders even had a flu season was in 2019. The flu, along with COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, is expected to hit hard this winter.
Saeid Baroutian, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau and Terrell Thompson, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Rotting seaweed has plagued the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, US and West African coasts for a decade. So we’ve developed a new approach to turn what’s now rubbish into green electricity and fertiliser.
Mike Joy, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
A new study of dairying in Canterbury shows previous estimates vastly underestimate the impact of intensive farming. A 12-fold reduction in cow numbers could be needed to meet safe water standards.
DNA from ancient eastern moa bones is unlocking the secrets of their survival during the last ice age, and providing lessons for today’s threatened species.
The debate over new urban density rules is further dividing an already divided city. The challenge for Auckland is to stop social and spatial fragmentation being baked into its character forever.
Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
For years, New Zealand has tried to separate its economic dependency on China from its pro-Western strategic alliances. The new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework tests that balancing act even more.
The New Zealand government has set the goal of net zero by 2050 but to get there, New Zealanders will need to let go of our big cars and embrace smaller options.
Professor James J Bell, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington; Alice Rogers, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington; Francesca Strano, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington, and Valerio Micaroni, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
You may not have heard of ‘temperate mesophotic ecosystems’, but science is beginning to understand the vital role these ocean zones play – and the need to protect them.
Cross-border advertising and the metaverse are pushing governments to reassess how they manage the potential harm caused by alcohol advertising. Is New Zealand doing enough?
Jennifer Curtin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Komathi Kolandai, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Oluwakemi Igiebor, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, and Suzy Morrissey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Only by requiring state agencies to budget and plan for gender equity can genuine well-being be achieved for New Zealand’s women.
Ukraine is one of the world’s breadbaskets, but exports have been blockaded by Russia. Despite grave potential consequences in famine-prone countries, international law is largely silent.
Our experts weigh up the winners and losers in a budget that had to balance an immediate cost-of-living crisis with long-term ambitions for health and climate change.
The big climate and biodiversity assessment reports are too few and far between. The world needs much more regular reporting for action and adaptation to keep pace.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University