Science Media Centre NZ
@smcnz.bsky.social
đ€ 1039
đ„ 228
đ 185
Independent, unbiased scientific information for the New Zealand media | sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Major earthquakes stop with a jolt, causing whiplash for buildings â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Major earthquakes stop with a jolt, causing whiplash for buildings - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
NZ-led research into large earthquakes shows they stop fast, with a sharp backwards movement. Scientists studied 12 major earthquakes that moved along the ground (rather than up and down), using shaking...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/24/major-earthquakes-stop-with-a-jolt-causing-whiplash-for-buildings-expert-reaction
4 days ago
0
2
1
The govtâs plan to improve biodiversity â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
The govt's plan to improve biodiversity - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Making more money off conservation land is one of the ways the government hopes to achieve the country's Biodiversity Strategy. Its just-released implementation plan also includes priorities like getting...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/23/the-govts-plan-to-improve-biodiversity-expert-reaction
5 days ago
0
0
0
NZ shows promise in âcleantechâ â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
NZ shows promise in 'cleantech' - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Nine Kiwi startups could offset carbon emissions at the scale of NZ forests, says a new report. The 'Cleantech Report' also features case-studies of startups working on climate-friendly concrete, electric...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/22/nz-shows-promise-in-cleantech-expert-reaction
6 days ago
0
0
0
A state of emergency has been declared in Wellington, as torrential localised downpours flood suburbs with little warning. We've gathered expert comments on landslides, sewage spills, cleaning up mould, and more.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/20/f...
loading . . .
Flash flooding in Wellington - Expert Reaction
A state of emergency has been declared in Wellington, as torrential localised downpours flood suburbs with little warning. Other areas across the North Island have also been affected, with more rainâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/20/flash-flooding-in-wellington-expert-reaction
8 days ago
0
9
11
Flash flooding in Wellington â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Flash flooding in Wellington - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Torrential localised downpours have flooded suburbs across Wellington with little warning. Other areas across the North Island have also been affected, with more rain expected until Tuesday night....
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/20/flash-flooding-in-wellington-expert-reaction
8 days ago
0
1
0
Diesel shortages squeeze primary industry â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Diesel shortages squeeze primary industry - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
As diesel supplies fall and prices soar, NZ's primary industries like farming and forestry will feel the strain, experts say. The SMC asked experts to comment on the impact of diesel shortages and how...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/17/diesel-shortages-squeeze-primary-industry-expert-reaction
11 days ago
0
1
0
Vape smoke is a cancer risk, but not as much as cigarettes â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Vape smoke is a cancer risk, but not as much as cigarettes - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
NZ researchers who looked at the key toxic chemicals in vape smoke say vaping increases cancer risk. Since there's not yet any long-term data to show whether vaping causes cancer, they combined past...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/17/vape-smoke-is-a-cancer-risk-but-not-as-much-as-cigarettes-expert-reaction
11 days ago
0
1
0
The human face of science funding cuts â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
The human face of science funding cuts - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Kiwi scientists share how funding cuts have impacted their research and careers, in a new report from the Save Science Coalition. Many of the profiled researchers have been made redundant or have moved...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/17/the-human-face-of-science-funding-cuts-expert-reaction
11 days ago
0
14
19
Will the Enhanced Games change doping in sport? â Expert Q&A
loading . . .
Will the Enhanced Games change doping in sport? - Expert Q&A - Science Media Centre
The controversial Enhanced Games will allow athletes using performance enhancing drugs to compete next month. With millions of dollars of prize money on the line, and the company behind the event selling...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/16/will-the-enhanced-games-change-doping-in-sport-expert-qa
12 days ago
0
1
1
Storms put seafood safety at risk â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Storms put seafood safety at risk - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Experts say that increasing heavy rainfall events in NZ are affecting the safety of our kaimoana. Following the weekend's heavy rain, the SMC asked experts to comment. Dr Joanne Hewitt, Science Leader:...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/15/storms-put-seafood-safety-at-risk-expert-reaction
13 days ago
0
1
1
Worsening groundwater pollution shows our long-term water problems â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Worsening groundwater pollution shows our long-term water problems - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Over a third of NZ's monitored groundwaters saw a rise in nitrate levels in the last two decades, likely because of human activities such as farming and wastewater. That's one of the findings from the...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/09/worsening-groundwater-pollution-shows-our-long-term-water-problems-expert-reaction
19 days ago
0
3
1
NZâs research priorities shift towards advanced tech â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
NZ's research priorities shift towards advanced tech - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
A new report to the Prime Minister recommends moving more of NZ's science funding into advanced technology. The recommendations, made by the PM's Science, Innovation & Technology Advisory Council, will...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/02/nzs-research-priorities-shift-towards-advanced-tech-expert-reaction
26 days ago
0
1
5
Should I get a COVID booster? â Expert Q&A
loading . . .
Should I get a COVID booster? - Expert Q&A - Science Media Centre
Health NZ's latest vaccination advice for health professionals says COVID boosters are no longer needed for most adults aged 30 to 64. However, those eligible for publicly funded healthcare can still...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/04/01/should-i-get-a-covid-booster-expert-qa
27 days ago
2
12
21
More protection for migrating animals after global meeting â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
More protection for migrating animals after global meeting - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Forty animals, including several types of seabirds and sharks, will gain protection under the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species. Participating countries at the meeting in Campo Grande,...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/31/more-protection-for-migrating-animals-after-global-meeting-expert-reaction
28 days ago
0
3
2
Olympics to require gene test for women athletes â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Olympics to require gene test for women athletes - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The Olympic Committee will require women athletes to take a gene test showing they're biologically female before they can compete. Athletes' gender will be determined by a genetic test, which looks for...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/27/olympics-to-require-gene-test-for-women-athletes-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
1
1
0
What NZ experts want from global meeting on migratory animals â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
What NZ experts want from global meeting on migratory animals - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Nearly a quarter of migratory species listed under a global convention are at risk of extinction, and the number is only rising. An interim update on the state of the world's migratory species found...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/27/what-nz-experts-want-from-global-meeting-on-migratory-animals-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
Over a monthâs rain in one day for upper North Island â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Over a month's rain in one day for upper North Island - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Northland and Auckland have been deluged in heavy rain, with some areas receiving more than a month's average rainfall in just 24 hours. Hundreds of people were evacuated last night due to extensive...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/27/over-a-months-rain-in-one-day-for-upper-north-island-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
0
4
4
Social media giants found liable for harming a child â Expert Reaction
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/26/s...
loading . . .
Social media giants found liable for harming a child - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
A first-of-its-kind lawsuit in the US has found Meta and YouTube responsible for mental health harm to a young woman. Her lawyers linked the design features of their platforms, such as 'infinite scroll',...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/26/social-media-giants-found-liable-for-harming-a-child-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
0
2
2
NZâs new National Diabetes Roadmap â Expert Reaction
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/26/n...
loading . . .
NZ's new National Diabetes Roadmap - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Health NZ's Diabetes Roadmap released today includes plans for a National Diabetes Register. It also suggests creating new pathways to for people to get weight-loss surgery, and increasing access to...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/26/nzs-new-national-diabetes-roadmap-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
New study links glyphosate to âsuperbugâ spread â Expert Reaction
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/25/n...
loading . . .
New study links glyphosate to 'superbug' spread - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
A key weedkiller ingredient could help hospital 'superbugs' to spread, overseas research proposes. Scientists tested the antibiotic and glyphosate resistance of bacteria strains from an Argentinian wetland...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/25/new-study-links-glyphosate-to-superbug-spread-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
0
6
9
New Predator Free 2050 strategy sees Wellington as NZâs first predator-free city â Expert Reaction
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/25/n...
loading . . .
New Predator Free 2050 strategy sees Wellington as NZ's first predator-free city - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Predator Free 2050 will increase its focus on eliminating predators alongside current suppression efforts, according to the new strategy released today. As part of this, the government is spending $5.5...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/25/new-predator-free-2050-strategy-sees-wellington-as-nzs-first-predator-free-city-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
0
1
1
2025 one of the hottest years on record â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
2025 one of the hottest years on record - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The World Meteorological Organisation has confirmed 2025 as the second or third hottest year on record, and 2015-2025 as the hottest 11 years. Their annual climate report also points out plummeting glacier...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/23/2025-one-of-the-hottest-years-on-record-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
Trapped air the likely cause of Moa Point failure â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Trapped air the likely cause of Moa Point failure - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Trapped air bubbles causing wastewater to back up, are suspected to be behind the catastrophic failure of Wellington's Moa Point treatment plant. The news comes from the hydraulic report into the Moa...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/23/trapped-air-the-likely-cause-of-moa-point-failure-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
1
2
4
How to deal with skyrocketing fuel prices â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
How to deal with skyrocketing fuel prices - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
As the price of petrol continues to rise, experts weigh in on fuel saving methods, how to know if the nation still has a 50-day supply, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels overall. Officials are...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/18/how-to-deal-with-skyrocketing-fuel-prices-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
0
0
3
It's the last day to nominate a piece of great science journalism for a Golden Tardigrade!
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/s...
loading . . .
Send us your top science stories
Nominations for the 3rd annual Science Journalism Awards are open until the end of this week. The awards celebrate excellent reporting on science-related topics across all forms of media by shining aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/send-us-your-top-science-journalism-stories/
about 1 month ago
0
2
0
When we created the NZ Science Journalism Awards, we wanted to celebrate work that shines a spotlight on evidence that people need to see. If that sounds like anything you've read in the past year, please nominate it by Sunday:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/s...
loading . . .
Send us your top science stories
Nominations for the 3rd annual Science Journalism Awards are open until the end of this week. The awards celebrate excellent reporting on science-related topics across all forms of media by shining aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/send-us-your-top-science-journalism-stories/
about 2 months ago
0
2
1
Journalists: your last chance to win a 2026 Golden Tardigrade is fast approaching! Nominate yourself or your colleagues by Sunday:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/s...
loading . . .
Send us your top science stories
Nominations for the 3rd annual Science Journalism Awards are open until the end of this week. The awards celebrate excellent reporting on science-related topics across all forms of media by shining aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/send-us-your-top-science-journalism-stories/
about 2 months ago
0
2
1
Powerful new data centre approved in Southland â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Powerful new data centre approved in Southland - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
A data centre being described by the company behind it as an "AI factory" is set to become NZ's second-biggest electricity user. Resource consent was approved for Datagrid's Data Park in Southland,...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/13/powerful-new-data-centre-approved-in-southland-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
2
0
0
Researchers - has your work been covered well in the news? Nominate the journalist for a Golden Tardigrade! Entries close on Sunday:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/s...
loading . . .
Send us your top science stories
Nominations for the 3rd annual Science Journalism Awards are open until the end of this week. The awards celebrate excellent reporting on science-related topics across all forms of media by shining aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/send-us-your-top-science-journalism-stories/
about 2 months ago
0
1
2
Not sure if your news story is nerdy enough for a Science Journalism Award? No need to worry! Last yearâs finalists did stories on dental dams, cold-water swimming, the psychology of music, and river management. Get your entries in by Sunday:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/s...
loading . . .
Send us your top science stories
Nominations for the 3rd annual Science Journalism Awards are open until the end of this week. The awards celebrate excellent reporting on science-related topics across all forms of media by shining aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/send-us-your-top-science-journalism-stories/
about 2 months ago
0
0
1
Read, heard, or watched a great piece of NZ science journalism this year? Nominate it for an award! Entries close on Sunday:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/s...
loading . . .
Send us your top science stories
Nominations for the 3rd annual Science Journalism Awards are open until the end of this week. The awards celebrate excellent reporting on science-related topics across all forms of media by shining aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/send-us-your-top-science-journalism-stories/
about 2 months ago
0
6
6
Covid inquiry phase two â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Covid inquiry phase two - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The Royal Commission on COVID-19 has outlined more lessons on "making the best decisions in the worst of circumstances". The report makes 24 formal recommendations, including: framing the elimination...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/10/covid-inquiry-phase-two-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
0
9
8
Send us your top science journalism stories
loading . . .
Send us your top science journalism stories - Science Media Centre
Nominations for the 3rd annual Science Journalism Awards are open until the end of this week. The awards celebrate excellent reporting on science-related topics across all forms of media by shining a...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/09/send-us-your-top-science-journalism-stories
about 2 months ago
0
1
0
Coastal sea levels may be higher than previously thought â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Coastal sea levels may be higher than previously thought - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
We could be underestimating the global population who'll be affected by sea level rise by almost 70%, a new Dutch study finds. Researchers found that hundreds of past studies on coastal hazards - like...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/03/05/coastal-sea-levels-may-be-higher-than-previously-thought-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
0
0
0
Police given powers to order homeless to âmove-onâ â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Police given powers to order homeless to 'move-on' - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
New powers will enable police to require people to leave a public area for up to 24 hours. In an amendment to the Summary Offences Act, the 'move-on' orders can be applied to anyone over the age of...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/24/police-given-powers-to-order-homeless-to-move-on-expert-reaction
2 months ago
1
2
5
Dog attacks spark calls for change â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Dog attacks spark calls for change - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The Dog Control Act is under scrutiny following three serious dog attacks last week. Organisations such as Auckland Council and the SPCA separately called for a review of the Act after a woman was...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/23/dog-attacks-spark-calls-for-change-expert-reaction
2 months ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Science Media Centre NZ
AUT news
2 months ago
A dengue death in the Cook Islands is a reminder that community cooperation is the most vital tool in transmission reduction, AUT's Dr Hammed Fatoyinbo tells the Science Media centre
@smcnz.bsky.social
1
5
2
Which Aotearoa bug is best? â In the News
loading . . .
Which Aotearoa bug is best? - In the News - Science Media Centre
Voting closes at midnight on Monday for the Entomological Society's Bug of the Year 2026. Here are some of the 21 bugs vying for your vote. Otago alpine cockroach Professor of Evolutionary Biology Mary...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/16/which-aotearoa-bug-is-best-in-the-news
2 months ago
0
2
5
Dengue control underway in Cook Islands â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Dengue control underway in Cook Islands - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
A mosquito fumigation operation is being carried out in Rarotonga, after the first reported death from a dengue outbreak. Travellers to Rarotonga will experience temperature checks and bug-spraying...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/13/dengue-control-underway-in-cook-islands-expert-reaction
2 months ago
0
0
1
How do we stop lithium batteries from burning up in the bin? â Expert Q&A
loading . . .
How do we stop lithium batteries from burning up in the bin? - Expert Q&A - Science Media Centre
A Waikato landfill fire is the latest in a series of blazes suspected to have been caused by wrongly disposed lithium-ion batteries. The fire has re-opened discussion on how we can best deal with the...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/13/how-do-we-stop-lithium-batteries-from-burning-up-in-the-bin-expert-qa
2 months ago
0
3
3
NZ space launch limit to increase tenfold â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
NZ space launch limit to increase tenfold - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The number of space launches allowed from NZ is set to increase from 100 to 1000. The government says the current limit was expected to be reached this year, while the new limit would not be reached...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/12/nz-space-launch-limit-to-increase-tenfold-expert-reaction
3 months ago
0
2
2
It's the final day to apply to work with the SMC! Get your CV in by 5pm (12 Feb).
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/01/27/w...
loading . . .
We're hiring: Kaimanaaki PÄpÄho | Media Advisor role
The Science Media Centre (SMC) is looking for a media advisor to join our dedicated team working to improve the reach, relevance and accuracy of news media reporting on science and related topics inâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/01/27/were-hiring-kaimanaaki-papaho-media-advisor-role/
3 months ago
0
2
2
New spots have opened up in next week's media training in Whakatƫ Nelson - a rare opportunity for researchers in the region to attend a local SAVVY workshop. 19-20 February, needs-based funding available. Apply now!
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-medi...
loading . . .
Science Media SAVVY
Our flagship media training increases confidence and skills to help researchers to engage more effectively with the wider public through broadcast, print and social media. Apply below. We create a uni...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-media-savvy/
3 months ago
0
2
2
Want to work with a dynamic team helping connect scientists with the media? Applications close at 5pm tomorrow (12 Feb).
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/01/27/w...
loading . . .
We're hiring: Kaimanaaki PÄpÄho | Media Advisor role
The Science Media Centre (SMC) is looking for a media advisor to join our dedicated team working to improve the reach, relevance and accuracy of news media reporting on science and related topics inâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/01/27/were-hiring-kaimanaaki-papaho-media-advisor-role/
3 months ago
0
8
8
Wellingtonâs sewage spill prompts health warnings â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Wellington's sewage spill prompts health warnings - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Health officials are warning people to stay off Wellington's south coast beaches, due to the infection risks from the Moa Point wastewater plant failure. With untreated wastewater still being pumped into...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/10/wellingtons-sewage-spill-prompts-health-warnings-expert-reaction
3 months ago
0
0
2
Time is running out to apply to to work with the SMC! Get your CV in by this Thursday (12 Feb).
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/01/27/w...
loading . . .
We're hiring: Kaimanaaki PÄpÄho | Media Advisor role
The Science Media Centre (SMC) is looking for a media advisor to join our dedicated team working to improve the reach, relevance and accuracy of news media reporting on science and related topics inâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/01/27/were-hiring-kaimanaaki-papaho-media-advisor-role/
3 months ago
0
3
5
Obesity linked to severe infection risk â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Obesity linked to severe infection risk - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
People with obesity are 1.7 times more likely to be hospitalised or die from infection, a new overseas study finds, while those with severe obesity face 3 times the risk. The paper in The Lancet looked...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/10/obesity-linked-to-severe-infection-risk-expert-reaction
3 months ago
0
0
1
How Wellingtonâs wastewater failure could impact sea life â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
How Wellington's wastewater failure could impact sea life - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
It could take months before the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant is repaired, with raw sewage continuing to flow into the Cook Strait. Wellington Water is advising that people stay away from local...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/09/how-wellingtons-wastewater-failure-could-impact-sea-life-expert-reaction
3 months ago
0
3
5
Moa Point wastewater plant shuts down â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
Moa Point wastewater plant shuts down - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
An equipment failure at the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant last Wednesday sent raw sewage into the sea directly off Wellington's south coast. Since Thursday night, the untreated wastewater has...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/09/moa-point-wastewater-plant-shuts-down-expert-reaction
3 months ago
0
0
6
NZâs critical minerals on the world stage â Expert Reaction
loading . . .
NZ's critical minerals on the world stage - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
New Zealand is attending international talks in the US this week about a strategic alliance on critical minerals. Earlier in the week, the US announced a stockpile of rare earth elements, and plans...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/02/05/nzs-critical-minerals-on-the-world-stage-expert-reaction
3 months ago
0
0
1
Load more
feeds!
log in
