Science Media Centre NZ
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Independent, unbiased scientific information for the New Zealand media | sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Manage My Health data breach â Expert Reaction
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Manage My Health data breach - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Hackers have reportedly threatened to release the health information of over 120,000 Kiwis unless a ransom is paid by 5 am tomorrow. Manage My Health, which holds health information on over 1.8 million...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2026/01/08/manage-my-health-data-breach-expert-reaction
about 11 hours ago
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Crayfish catch ban floated to protect kelp forests â Expert Reaction
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Crayfish catch ban floated to protect kelp forests - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Recreational and commercial kĆura fishing could be banned on Northland's east coast to help prevent kelp forests turning into sea urchin barrens. Rock lobsters (better known as kĆura and crayfish)Â are...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/18/proposed-rock-lobster-fishing-ban-to-protect-kelp-forests
22 days ago
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Top 10 Science Stories of 2025
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Top 10 Science Stories of 2025 - Science Media Centre
From toxic play sand to a company promising to bring back the moa, 2025 has been a year of big science stories. We watched as a national park went up in flames, gladiator sports made a comeback, and waves...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/15/top-10-science-stories-of-2025
25 days ago
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Glyphosate safety paper retracted after 25 years â Expert Reaction
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Glyphosate safety paper retracted after 25 years - Expert Reaction
A peer-reviewed article on the safety of herbicide glyphosate has been retracted, eight years after ghostwriting from Monsanto employees was revealed in court. A New Zealand-based scientist formally ...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/11/glyphosate-safety-paper-retracted-after-25-years-expert-reaction/
29 days ago
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RMA out: fewer plans, fewer consents â Expert Reaction
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RMA out: fewer plans, fewer consents - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Two Bills to replace the Resource Management Act are being introduced to Parliament today by the Government. The Planning Bill is to "enable development and regulate land use", while the Natural Environment...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/09/rma-out-fewer-plans-fewer-consents-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
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Australiaâs teen social media ban takes effect â Expert Reaction
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Australia's teen social media ban takes effect - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Under-16s across Australia will not be allowed on social media platforms, starting on Wednesday. The European Parliament passed a similar resolution last week, and in New Zealand a private members...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/08/australias-teen-social-media-ban-takes-effect-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
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Roadside drug testing starts in Wellington region this month â Expert Reaction
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Roadside drug testing starts in Wellington region this month - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
From mid-December, police will begin testing drivers for THC (cannabis), meth, MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine. Drivers who test positive will be banned from driving for 12 hours and will need to submit...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/05/roadside-drug-testing-starts-in-wellington-region-this-month-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
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WHO recommends Ozempic-style weight loss drugs for obesity â Expert Reaction
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WHO recommends Ozempic-style weight loss drugs for obesity - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
GLP-1 medications may be used to manage obesity, according to new guidelines released by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO also recommends behavioural therapies, like changes to diet and exercise,...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/02/who-recommends-ozempic-style-weight-loss-drugs-for-obesity-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
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Shipping and aviation emissions excluded from NZâs climate targets â Expert Reaction
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Shipping and aviation emissions excluded from NZ's climate targets - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The Government has decided to not include international shipping and aviation emissions in our 2050 target, going against the Climate Change Commission's recommendations. Today's announcement confirms...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/04/shipping-and-aviation-emissions-excluded-from-nzs-climate-targets-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
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Yellow-legged hornets in Auckland â Expert Q&A
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Yellow-legged hornets in Auckland - Expert Q&A - Science Media Centre
Efforts to track down the yellow-legged hornet have ramped up this week, with queen hornets and nests continuing to be detected in Auckland's North Shore. Yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) are a...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/12/03/yellow-legged-hornets-in-auckland-expert-qa
about 1 month ago
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Latest research on managing our wildlife â Expert Reaction
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Latest research on managing our wildlife - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
An upcoming wildlife conference in Queenstown will look at new challenges and solutions to managing pests and protecting native species. Talks at next week's Australiasian Wildlife Management Society...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/27/latest-research-on-managing-our-wildlife-expert-reaction
about 1 month ago
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We have two spots open in next week's media training workshop for researchers - apply now, or get in touch if you have any questions!
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 month ago
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Climate deal reached at COP30 â Expert Reaction
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Climate deal reached at COP30 - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Wealthy countries have tripled their financial support to help vulnerable nations adapt to the impacts of climate change, but the final COP30 climate deal leaves out any mention of the fossil fuels that...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/23/climate-deal-reached-at-cop30-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
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Government halts new puberty blocker prescriptions â Expert Reaction
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Government halts new puberty blocker prescriptions - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The government is halting new puberty blocker prescriptions for youth with gender dysphoria. From 19 December, new regulations under the Medicines Act will prevent new prescriptions for this purpose,...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/21/government-halts-new-puberty-blocker-prescriptions-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
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40-year water fluoridation study finds no negative effect on brain development â Expert Reaction
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40-year water fluoridation study finds no negative effect on brain development - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
A long-term US study shows water fluoridation at recommended levels doesn't reduce cognitive ability, with kids who drank such water doing slightly better in school tests. Whereas earlier studies looked...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/20/40-year-water-fluoridation-study-finds-no-negative-effect-on-brain-development-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
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Ultra-processed foods are taking over our diets â Expert Reaction
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Ultra-processed foods are taking over our diets - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Ultra-processed foods are becoming dominant in our diets, causing a surge in diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and depression, say a group of researchers, including one from NZ. The scientists publishing...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/19/ultra-processed-foods-are-taking-over-our-diets-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
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Asbestos-contaminated kidsâ play sand recalled â Expert Reaction
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Asbestos-contaminated kids' play sand recalled - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Six children's coloured sand products are being recalled after they were found to be contaminated with asbestos. The government is urging anyone who has bought the sand products to stop using them immediately...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/17/asbestos-contaminated-kids-play-sand-recalled-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
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Wellington researchers - your best chance at getting into a SAVVY workshop is here! We still have places available in our media skills workshop on 4-5 December. Apply **ASAP**
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-medi...
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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 aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-media-savvy/#apply
about 2 months ago
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We still have places available in our media skills workshop in Wellington on 4-5 December. Apply **ASAP** for your best chance at what many describe as one of the most valuable professional development courses out there:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-medi...
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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 aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-media-savvy/#apply
about 2 months ago
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Tongariroâs unique ecosystem up in flames â Expert Reaction
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Tongariro's unique ecosystem up in flames - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Native creatures and habitats across Tongariro National Park have been disrupted by a massive 3,000 hectare blaze. The Department of Conservation says its staff will assess the site when safe to do so,...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/13/tongariros-unique-ecosystem-up-in-flames-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
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Speaking more than one language could protect against aging â Expert Reaction
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Speaking more than one language could protect against aging - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
People are more likely to age faster if they only speak one language, a new study shows. Researchers looked at data from over 86,000 older adults in 27 European countries, assessing the gaps between expected...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/12/speaking-more-than-one-language-could-protect-against-aging-expert-reaction
about 2 months ago
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NZâs climate law to change â Expert Reaction
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NZ's climate law to change - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Among several changes announced last night, the Government says the Climate Change Commission won't be required to advise on emissions reduction plans. The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will also be...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/05/nzs-climate-law-to-change-expert-reaction
2 months ago
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Nelson researchers: Find out why experts come away from our media training with more confidence, clarity, and contacts. We're bringing SAVVY to the Top of the South for the first time, this February. More info and apply here:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-medi...
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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 aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-media-savvy
2 months ago
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Nelson! We're excited to be bringing our SAVVY media training workshop to your city for the first time. 19-20 February, sign up here:
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-medi...
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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 aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-media-savvy/
2 months ago
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What you should know ahead of Measles Immunisation Week â Expert Reaction
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What you should know ahead of Measles Immunisation Week - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
With measles spreading in the community and vaccination coverage too low to stop it, a national immunisation week starting on Monday aims to raise vaccination rates. Immunisation coverage of 95% is...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/30/what-you-should-know-ahead-of-measles-immunisation-week-expert-reaction
2 months ago
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COP30 to focus on limiting warming, climate finance â Expert Reaction
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COP30 to focus on limiting warming, climate finance - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The 30th UN climate conference will run from 10-21 November local time in Belém, Brazil. Key issues for COP30 include limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, climate finance commitments, and the...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/29/cop30-to-focus-on-limiting-warming-climate-finance-expert-reaction
2 months ago
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New science curriculum
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New science curriculum - Science Media Centre
The new national science curriculum up to Year 10 has been released for consultation. It divides teaching into two 'strands': Physical Science, which focuses on matter, energy, Earth & space; and...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/29/new-science-curriculum
2 months ago
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Surgeons highlight dangers online marketplaces pose to kids
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Surgeons highlight dangers online marketplaces pose to kids - Science Media Centre
A 13-year-old in New Zealand has undergone major surgery after swallowing 80â100 small neodymium magnets purchased on Temu. That's despite the high-powered magnets being banned for sale for personal...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/24/surgeons-highlight-dangers-online-marketplaces-pose-to-kids
3 months ago
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Biggest beech mast in seven years â Expert Reaction
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Biggest beech mast in seven years - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Beech forests flowering this spring are expected to drop trillions of seeds later in the autumn â producing a feast both for Aotearoa's native species and for the predators that eat them. The Department...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/24/biggest-beech-mast-in-seven-years-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Wildfires amid extreme winds â Expert Reaction
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Wildfires amid extreme winds - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Fire crews are racing to put out vegetation fires in KaikĆura before this week's extreme winds pick up again. Eleven crews, including heavy machinery and dangerous tree fellers, are across KaikĆura...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/22/wildfires-amid-extreme-winds-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Potential community spread of measles in NZ â Expert Reaction
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Potential community spread of measles in NZ - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
There is now a strong likelihood that measles is spreading through communities, according to Health New Zealand. Unlike other measles cases reported recently, two new cases in Manawatƫ and one in...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/22/potential-community-spread-of-measles-in-nz-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Rising HIV cases in Fiji â Expert Reaction
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Rising HIV cases in Fiji - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
A panel of representatives from the Asia-Pacific region will discuss how to scale up solutions to an alarming surge in HIV cases, during a WHO session this week. New HIV diagnoses in Fiji have grown...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/21/rising-hiv-cases-in-fiji-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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First-ever research conference led by AI â Expert Reaction
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First-ever research conference led by AI - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
How does AI perform at a scholarly conference? Researchers will find out this week, when an online conference will host papers where AI authorship is not only allowedâbut required. Organised by a group...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/20/first-ever-research-conference-led-by-ai-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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NZâs first Climate Adaptation Framework â Expert Reaction
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NZ's first Climate Adaptation Framework - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The Government has laid out its long-term approach to prepare New Zealand for the changing climate ahead. The just-released National Adaptation Framework aims to ensure people know what climate change-related...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/16/nzs-first-climate-adaptation-framework-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Committee recommendations on the Gene Tech Bill â Expert Reaction
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Committee recommendations on the Gene Tech Bill - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The Gene Technology Bill continues to make its way through Parliament following feedback from the Health Select Committee. The long-awaited report, published last Friday, makes several recommendations....
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/16/committee-recommendations-on-the-gene-tech-bill-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Updated with new expert comments overnight:
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3 months ago
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Big shakeup for NZâs research funding â Expert Reaction
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Big shakeup for NZ's research funding - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The Government will consolidate decision-making for New Zealand's science research funding as part of its new science system strategy. Research Funding New Zealand will be a new independent board that...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/14/big-shakeup-for-nzs-research-funding-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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reposted by
Science Media Centre NZ
Cate Macinnis-Ng
3 months ago
The
@marsdenfund.bsky.social
has been essential for funding blue skies research in New Zealand for 30 years. Such a pity to see news it will be swallowed by the new Research Funding New Zealand. I hope the best aspects of the Marsden Fund will be retained.
www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-...
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A new strategy for the science system | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
The Government is changing how science, innovation and technology are funded and supported in New Zealand. The goal is a simpler and more strategic system that helps researchers turn ideas into solutions that benefit New Zealand.
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/refocusing-the-science-innovation-and-technology-system/a-new-strategy-for-the-science-system
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NZâs new targets to manage its methane emissions â Expert Reaction
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NZ's new targets to manage its methane emissions - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The government will shrink its 2050 methane emissions targets to a lower range of reduction than what's currently legislated, and it will not pursue a tax on agricultural methane emissions. New Zealand's...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/13/nzs-new-targets-to-manage-its-methane-emissions-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Pacific climate adaptation research in focus â Expert Q&A
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Pacific climate adaptation research in focus - Expert Q&A - Science Media Centre
Climate researchers from across the Pacific will be gathering in Ćtautahi Christchurch next week to discuss the impact of our warming world and what we can do about it. This is the first time the international Adaptation...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/10/pacific-climate-adaptation-research-in-focus-expert-qa
3 months ago
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New report says drug laws are a âfailureâ â Expert Reaction
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New report says drug laws are a 'failure' - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
The Drug Foundation says our current laws are worsening drug addiction, overdose, deaths and criminalisation. Their report released today, Safer drug laws for Aotearoa New Zealand, concludes that decriminalisation...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/09/new-report-says-drug-laws-are-a-failure-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Scientists strive to stop wilding pines â Expert Q&A
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Scientists strive to stop wilding pines - Expert Q&A - Science Media Centre
Wilding pines are increasingly smothering the scenic landscapes and farms of Aotearoa, shading out native species, and creating fuel for wildfires. Speakers at the Wilding Pines Conference in Twizel...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/09/scientists-strive-to-stop-wilding-pines-expert-qa
3 months ago
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Adapting to NZâs extreme climate futures â Media Briefing
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Adapting to NZ's extreme climate futures - Media Briefing - Science Media Centre
Top scientists and officials from around the world are gathering in Christchurch, urging action to adapt to cascading risks from climate-fuelled storms, heatwaves, and sea-level rise. The SMC hosted...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/08/adapting-to-nzs-extreme-climate-futures-media-briefing
3 months ago
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Climate change is hammering NZâs oceans â Expert Reaction
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Climate change is hammering NZ's oceans - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Ocean life, coastal homes, and kaimoana around our island nation are being impacted by the changing climate, a new report shows. Our Marine Environment 2025, produced by The Ministry for the Environment...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/08/climate-change-is-hammering-nzs-oceans-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Hauraki Gulf Bill set to pass â Expert Q&A
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Hauraki Gulf Bill set to pass - Expert Q&A - Science Media Centre
The Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill is due for its third reading in Parliament this week. The Bill extends protections of current marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park,...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/10/07/hauraki-gulf-bill-set-to-pass-expert-qa
3 months ago
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High nitrate levels found in rural NZ drinking water â Expert Reaction
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High nitrate levels found in rural NZ drinking water - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Tens of thousands of rural New Zealanders could be drinking water with harmful nitrate levels, researchers say. The first-ever national rural drinking water survey found 5% of the private bore samples...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/30/high-nitrate-levels-found-in-rural-nz-drinking-water-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Quake-prone buildings redefined â Expert Reaction
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Quake-prone buildings redefined - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Government changes to the earthquake-prone building system will remove nearly 3000 buildings from the classification. Following the Seismic Risk Management Review, Building and Construction Minister Chris...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/29/quake-prone-buildings-redefined-expert-reaction
3 months ago
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Last chance to apply for media training in Auckland this year! Applications close Sunday September 28th.
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-medi...
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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 aâŠ
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-media-savvy/#apply
3 months ago
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Will the world overshoot its climate targets? â Expert Q&A
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Will the world overshoot its climate targets? - Expert Q&A - Science Media Centre
We're edging closer to exceeding 1.5°C of warming globally, and scientists will soon gather to understand the implications of missing our climate change targets. The first-ever Overshoot Conference in...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/25/will-the-world-overshoot-its-climate-targets-expert-qa
4 months ago
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Trumpâs autism and paracetamol comments disputed â Expert Reaction
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Trump's autism and paracetamol comments disputed - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
US doctors will soon be advised not to prescribe the pain reliever paracetamol to pregnant women, US President Donald Trump said today, citing a unproven link to autism. During the same announcment,...
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/09/23/trumps-autism-and-paracetamol-comments-disputed-expert-reaction
4 months ago
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