Biodiversity stories
New Zealand’s rivers and lakes could see stricter protection, with campaigners urging the next government to curb irrigation subsidies and cow numbers.
Broad agreement emerged in Wellington that cleaner waterways will require years of coordinated spending, science and shared responsibility across sectors.
Councils and environmentalists say the money will help, but warn it still falls short of the infrastructure needed for booming visitor numbers.
Rising dairy, transport and industry emissions are testing New Zealand’s green credentials, with the OECD warning that water pollution is worsening.
The government's freshwater proposals have prompted the conservation group to quit a nine-year collaboration, deepening a split over river standards.
Native copper skinks and pied stilts are being moved and monitored as work on the Waikato Expressway protects habitat east of Hamilton.
Auckland researchers say a translocation method could speed ecological recovery at mine sites and cut long-term restoration costs worldwide.
CEO Sir Howard Stringer says the firm will create a green model for others to follow while setting itself a zero environmental footprint target by 2050.
