Several batches of palm kernel product imported for dairy farms contained certain chemicals above a safe limit – and there’s an ethical quandary in supporting an industry linked with deforestation.
Immigration might be making it easier for doctors to enter New Zealand, but if the licensing process doesn’t change we still risk losing much-needed skills to other countries.
New Zealand’s acute mental health facilities are not fit for purpose. Although many inpatients are grateful for medication, they lament the lack of access to psychologists and therapeutic activities.
As the year ends, how has New Zealand fared on global and domestic measurements, from social and economic freedoms to tackling poverty and homelessness?
Research based on the longitudinal Dunedin Study suggests a history of childhood fractures could predict adult risk. The knowledge could lead to better awareness and prevention strategies.
New Zealand’s MIQ system has been found ‘unreasonable’ yet still broadly justified. And just like the decisions that drove the COVID response, any apology will be more about politics than the law.
Alan Brent, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington and Gregory Guyot, Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)
If the proposed pumped hydro scheme at Onslow goes ahead and is managed well, it could be a major asset to diversify a low-carbon, self-resilient economy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Peter Thompson, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
A mandatory news media bargaining code will force the digital giants to compensate NZ news media for content they host and share. But will it close off better options for supporting local journalism?
Global biodiversity summits have so far lacked a clear target, but this could change if COP15 agrees on the 30x30 initiative to protect 30% of land and sea by the end of this decade.
Many digital services currently hosted on social media platforms are critical to democracy. Governments must build alternative infrastructures that allow citizens to control their own data.
New Zealand may see more sponge bleaching as the northern coastlines are already experiencing almost continuous marine heatwave conditions, expected to extend into the coming summer.
Plant breeders must now engage with kaitiaki if special relationships with a plant have been asserted. But Māori have no say on the introduction of exotic plants that could become invasive.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University