The Wire with Caeden

The government has announced significant amendments to environmental protection legislation within the Resource Management Act (RMA). The affected policies include the National Policy for Indigenous Biodiversity 2023, Freshwater Management and Regulation 2020, Highly Productive Land 2022 and The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010. These amendments seek to facilitate mining and quarrying in areas that were previously restricted due to existing environmental pressures or wildlife preservation concerns. The government seeks to ‘cut red tape’ to enable resource consents in these areas and stimulate economic growth. 

Flo spoke to Forest and Bird Chief Advisor, Richard Capie, about the detrimental effects of the legislation on the environment, the short-term economic gains compared to long-term economic regression and his hopes for the upcoming general election.

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats with us about a new study about a ‘bombshell’ discovery around microplastics in the body, a meta-analysis study on pain killer use during pregnancy, and new evidence that horses can smell your fear.

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

New research led by Western Australia’s Curtin University sheds light on the burning of plastic in countries in the Global South, for the use of cooking and heating.

The survey provides world-first substantial evidence of how unaffordable clean fuel supply can generate severe risks for health and climate in these communities.

Co-author Professor Hari Vuthaluru from Curtin's Western Australian School of Mines said toxic emissions, health issues and food contamination were among the consequences of this practice.

Wire Host Sara spoke to Vuthaluru further about the study in light of the environmental consequences.

More than 200 scientists, researchers and water professionals were involved in the development of a Water Research Roadmap, offering the government 20 priorities for development in the water sector.

Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Minister for Agriculture Todd McClay reported on their updated National Direction for Natural Hazards across New Zealand last week, as the government seeks public feedback on their resource management plan through the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill.

This all comes as the United Nations shared a bleak report on “the era of global water bankruptcy” in which they say that many water systems are being chronically and unsustainably overused — to the threat of global water security. 

Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with water sector priorities in Aotearoa.