Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plans scrapped – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Daniel Walker
2h ago
The government removed the long-contested Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill from Parliament’s order paper this morning. The news comes almost a decade after former Prime Minister John Key first announced plans for the 620,000km² sanctuary at the United Nations in 2015. The SMC asked experts to comment.  Professor Jonathan Gardner, Professor of Marine Biology (Adjunct), School of Biological Sciences, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, comments: “Today’s decision from the coalition government to not proceed with the proposed Kermadec Oce ..read more
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Climate change is putting mountain biodiversity at risk – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Daniel Walker
2h ago
As climate change pushes warmer temperatures higher up mountains around the world, alpine species will struggle to move fast enough to stay in their ideal climate conditions. A new international study reveals that bands of temperature are rising vertically by up to 12 metres per year in some mountain regions, putting local species at risk of extinction. The SMC asked local experts to comment on how these findings might apply to a New Zealand context. Professor Crid Fraser, Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, comments: “This research is important because it shows that temperatur ..read more
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New advisory groups for universities and science sector – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Daniel Walker
2h ago
The government has announced two new advisory groups, one for the science sector and the other for universities. It comes after the previous government’s plans to reform the science system were scrapped, and the National Science Challenges start to wind down. The Performance-Based Research Fund is being put on hold, and will reviewed by the University Advisory Group. The SMC asked experts to comment.  Professor Richard Easther, Department of Physics, University of Auckland, and President of the New Zealand Institute of Physics, comments:  “It is pos ..read more
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Cyclone Gabrielle review recommends Hawke’s Bay emergency response be more inclusive – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Katrin O'Donnell
2d ago
An independent review highlights the need to recognise marae as “vital providers of community intelligence and services,” and recommends formalising iwi/Māori involvement in Civil Defence Emergency Management structures.  The report also found that the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management group was not prepared for Cyclone Gabrielle, and the “worst case scenario” was not planned for. The full report and accompanying media release are available here.  The SMC asked independent experts to comment. Professor Christine Kenney PhD, Chair of Disaster Risk ..read more
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Epigenetic changes in smokers v. vapers – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Katrin O'Donnell
1w ago
E-cigarette users experience similar DNA changes to the cells lining their cheeks as smokers, according to new international research.  These ‘epigenetic’ changes are associated with future lung cancer development in smokers. However, the authors note that it’s not yet possible to determine whether they’re also associated with lung cancer development in people who vape. The SMC asked third-party experts to comment. Feel free to use these comments in your reporting or follow up with the contact details provided. Associate Professor George Laking, Director of the Centre for Cancer ..read more
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Govt signals pause on Significant Natural Areas – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Daniel Walker
2w ago
The government is signalling councils don’t need to comply with their legal obligations around Significant Natural Areas, i.e., mapping out areas with threatened native plants or wildlife for protection. While SNAs were first introduced in 1991, last year’s National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity meant that all councils had to identify land for protection by 2028, including on private land. The Environmental Defence Society claims the government’s press release is unlawful, as no laws have actually been changed yet around SNAs. The SMC asked independent experts to c ..read more
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Black box to be inspected after LATAM flight incident – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Daniel Walker
2w ago
Authorities are investigating the black box of a plane that plummeted from the skies before landing in Auckland on Monday. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a LATAM flight starting from Sydney, suddenly lost altitude over the Tasman Sea, injuring 50 passengers as they were thrown around the cabin. The SMC asked independent experts to comment. Emeritus Professor David O’Hare, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, comments: “The ‘black box’ recordings would provide detailed evidence of any control inputs made by the crew as well as flight parameters showing airspeed, altitude, control set ..read more
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Fast-track consenting regime for infrastructure and development – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Daniel Walker
3w ago
The government will soon introduce a standalone Act to allow major infrastructure projects to bypass lengthy resource consenting processes. The fast-track regime is the next step of the coalition government’s RMA reform agenda. A full replacement for the Resource Management Act is expected in 2026. The SMC asked experts to comment. Dr Troy Baisden, Principal Investigator, Te Pūnaha Matatini Centre of Research Excellence; Motu Affiliate; and Honorary Professor in the University of Auckland School of Environment, comments: “The introduction of fast-tracking legislation c ..read more
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Tracking the world’s methane emissions from space – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Claire Kaplan
1M ago
The MethaneSAT satellite is set to launch soon, with its mission control to be based in Aotearoa. The project is New Zealand’s first-ever government-funded space mission, however, it’s primarily funded by a US-based nonprofit. Scientists in New Zealand will use the satellite to study global methane emissions from agriculture, while the US-side of the project is focused on finding and measuring methane leaks from oil and gas production. The SMC asked experts to comment. Chris Jackson, Spacecraft Mission Operations Director, University of Auckland, comments: “MethaneSAT provides a great opportun ..read more
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Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 health issues – Expert Reaction
Science Media Centre
by Claire Kaplan
1M ago
A new research review reports links between greater consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of 32 damaging health outcomes, with the most convincing evidence pointing to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and common mental health disorders. The study published in The BMJ conducted a high-level evidence summary, or “umbrella review,” of 45 previously conducted meta-analyses from 14 review articles linking ultra-processed foods with adverse health outcomes. The review articles were all published in the past three years and involved almost 10 million parti ..read more
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