Auckland’s popular beaches, including Okahu Bay and Mission Bay, are polluted with microplastics at rates at least 50 times worse than reported elsewhere on New Zealand’s coasts, researchers have discovered. They used sophisticated imaging techniques to identify the microplastics, many of which were widely used in packaging, coatings, footwear and...
Today, the Environmental Defence Society published its briefings for incoming ministers in the coalition government, covering these portfolio areas: Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for the Environment Hon Chris Bishop, Minister for Resource Management Reform Hon Todd McClay, Minister of Hunting and Fishing Hon Tama Potaka, Minister of Conservation Hon Simon...
Image: Wikimedia Commons The article below was published in the NZ Herald on 9 December.
Five years ago, fossil fuel corporations were banned from from oil and gas exploration in New Zealand’s ocean. The coalition government wants to lift this ban. The Green Party has a petition opposing this move. You can read and sign the petition here. Image: Green Party
The following is adapted from the EDS News, December 2023 (Environmental Defence Society). The three-party coalition of the new government does not bode well for our environment. Many of the policy agreements in National’s deals with NZ First and ACT are regressive. In addition to rolling back the resource management...
Forest & Bird’s Bird of the Century is the pūteketeke Australasian crested grebe. (It’s not one of the five birds I voted for.) It is a little-known lake bird, numbering fewer than 1000 in New Zealand. More than 380,000 votes were cast from 195 countries – the biggest reach the...
The Board decided to hold the 2023 AGM on 19 November at Ferndale House, a Category II historic place in Mt Albert. 18 people attended, and our guest speaker was Anna Radford, spokesperson for Honour the Maunga, who outlined the heritage of Mt Albert / Ōwairaka, particularly its trees, and...
New Zealand’s earliest built monument to the First World War is now a Category 1 historic place. It can be found at the intersection of Lower Albert and Quay Streets. The monument was constructed by the Auckland Harbour Board to commemorate its employees who fought in this war, and was first...
Much work has been done to repair tracks around Auckland, though before you head out, check Akl Paths to see whether the track you want to walk is open. The Arataki Visitor Centre opens on 2 December and you can already walk the Arataki Nature Trail. Enter this 40-minute walk through...
Freshwater rules are changing in Tāmaki Makaurau and Aucklanders can have their say on how to improve the region’s rivers, lakes and streams. The details are included in a discussion document called Setting our Direction for improving freshwater in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. See AkHaveYourSay.NZ. This work is driven by the...