New Zealand is among many countries debating a ban on under-16s having social media accounts. But making digital media literacy education a priority would be a better first step.
The government plans to increase speed limits, despite research showing the benefits of going slow. With submissions on the proposals closing next week, several important factors should guide policy
NZ’s teachers say they want to help students but they can’t do it all. And many feel like they are being stretched to support their students’ mental and physical health well in the classroom.
For decades, New Zealand has struggled to substantially improve its productivity levels. But there are key ways the government can address this issue – improving the economic wellbeing of the country.
About a third of insects attracted to artificial lights die by morning, often from exhaustion. But we can help them, and the vital ecosystems they serve, by reducing light pollution.
Paula Lorgelly, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Cancer patients will benefit from the investment but so will people with other health conditions because the funding also covers medicines that Pharmac ranked as more important.
Young people should be protected from taking up vaping but policies must be proportionate and reduce the appeal and addictiveness of both tobacco and vaping products.
Mining has not been particularly lucrative for New Zealand. It makes little economic sense to focus on digging for minerals, despite claims the new mines will aid in the country’s green transition.
Chronic pain is often caused by a hyper-vigilant nervous system which exaggerates the pain signal even after damaged tissue has healed. Similar processes are at play in persistent fatigue.
Fiona Sing, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau and Antonia Lyons, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The government says the online safety framework infringed on free speech. But some of the world’s biggest tech companies have said they aren’t opposed to some form of regulation.
In overturning the convictions of Peter Ellis, the Supreme Court showed Māori tikanga has a place in New Zealand’s common law. The lower courts and the law schools now need to make it work.
We know some marine microbes produce enzymes that can break down certain types of plastics. But new research found areas of high plastic pollution don’t show high concentrations of these enzymes.
Resource laws and processes have tried to keep politics out of decision making. But this technocratic approach carries its own problems. The challenge is getting the balance right.
Edy Setyawan, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
While they can travel vast distances, our research revealed reef manta rays in Raja Ampat live mostly within a relatively small underwater ‘town’ – which urgently needs better protection.
With submissions on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill closing next month, now is the time to consider how the changes could affect New Zealand’s 1.7 million renters.
Feelings of embarrassment or shame can deter some people from seeking necessary healthcare, and their experiences are absent from conventional health surveys.
Requiring employers to be open about who gets paid what is just one tool for closing the gender pay gap. But the government is showing little sign of seriously tackling the issue.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University