The Green Desk

This week for Green Desk, Mitchell talks to Environmental Scientist Sophia Olo Whaanga about coastal urupa which are being destroyed and submerged in the face of climate change. This fast growing issue is being felt by Iwi throughout the Country, as traditional papakainga and urupa were generally located at the lower levels by the sea. Sophia has been exploring various options on how to deal with the issue, working with her Iwi; te wai o hua to find solution for their urupa which is located on the floodplain on the banks of Oruarangi awa. Mitchell begins by asking Sophia about the importance of coastal areas to Maori.

This week for Green Desk, Mitchell chats with Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Rosie Gee.The conversation comes after the Auckland branch of the socio-political movement held a funeral procession prior to their meeting with the Environmental Committee. The meeting called on Auckland Council to declare a climate emergency and implement an immediate climate safety plan. Mitchell begins by asking Rosie about the beginnings of the newly formed socio-political movement which emerged in late 2018.

Last week, Mitchell spoke to Dr Mels Barton, the organiser of Seaweek under NZAEE. The week focuses on a range of events from fun competitions to educational lectures. Mitchell and Dr Barton discuss the biggest threats to our underwater ecosystems and how we can begin to start to make positive change.

This week on Green Desk Mitchell speaks to Auckland Council’s water manager Andrew Chin about the Auckland’s Lake Pupuke. There are concerns regarding a potential toxic algal bloom in Lake Pupuke which could have serious implications for the health of the lake, its users and its biodiversity.

The Auckland Council have recently applied for a resource consent to place flocculants in Lake Pupuke in case a toxic algal bloom does occur. Mitchell begins by asking Mr Chin about toxic algal blooms, what they are and how they form.