Science Media Centre NZ

Our aim is to promote accurate, evidence-based reporting on science and technology by helping the media work more closely with the scientific community.

The Science Media Centre is New Zealand's only trusted, independent source of information for the media on all issues related to science. Thousands of news stories providing context from and quoting New Zealand researchers have been published as a direct result of our work.

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Website - www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Email - smc@sciencemediacentre.co.nz
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Science Media Centre NZ - Latest News [Page 1]

NZ’s Biodiversity Commitments To The World – Expert Reaction

Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 4:50 pm | Science Media Centre

The UN’s 17th biodiversity conference begins next week in Armenia. The SMC asked NZ experts about the scorecard and what they’re looking out for at the conference. More >>

The Chemistry Of Microplastic Harms – Expert Reaction

Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 4:28 pm | Science Media Centre

Experiments showed that where tiny pieces of plastic touch water, physical and chemical activity happens that could have biological effects. More >>

Heatwaves, Darkwaves, And Ocean Acidification: Caring For Our Seas Under Climate Change – Expert Reaction

Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 10:47 am | Science Media Centre

Ocean acidification and marine climate change are major threats for Aotearoa’s marine ecosystems. Ocean acidification makes it difficult for marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells and skeletons to grow. More >>

Big Beef Against Climate Science – Expert Reaction

Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 10:42 am | Science Media Centre

It might not be surprising to some that in the 1980s the US beef sector actively undermined the science showing agriculture was contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. More >>

Aotearoa’s Outsized Emissions – Expert Reaction

Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 10:36 am | Science Media Centre

Evidence is building for climate change’s effects on nature, health, the economy, and Māori relationships with the environment, the report says, and our choices around agriculture and energy – our biggest sources of emissions – can shape our future. More >>

NZ’s ‘Glamorous’ View Of Cocaine Worsens Drug Use – Expert Reaction

Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 10:28 am | Science Media Centre

Nearly a third of respondents report having used cocaine in the last 6 months, compared to just over a tenth in 2017/18. More >>

Beyond Screen Time: Why Digital Media Needs Regulation – Expert Reaction

Monday, 5 October 2026, 5:26 pm | Science Media Centre

Digital media should be treated as a public health issue, with researchers warning that Big Tech’s commercial designs can harm young people beyond what individual screen time limits can address. More >>

Could AI Tech One Day Live In Space? – Expert Reaction

Friday, 2 October 2026, 3:19 pm | Science Media Centre

The solar-powered satellite is about the size of a refrigerator and it will carry computer chips with enough power to answer simple AI queries from space. More >>

Tik Tock: Leap Seconds To Become History – Expert Reaction

Tuesday, 29 September 2026, 3:43 pm | Science Media Centre

Timekeepers around the world are abolishing the leap second, the extra second occasionally added to clocks to keep them in step with Earth’s rotation. The SMC asked experts to comment. More >>

New Hydrogen Rules To Encourage Exploration – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 24 September 2026, 1:19 pm | Science Media Centre

The Crown would manage access but not own the hydrogen – similar to geothermal resources – and could give operators exclusive rights. The SMC asked experts to comment. More >>

Fiji Declares National HIV Emergency – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 17 September 2026, 10:40 am | Science Media Centre

“Currently, the MOH have identified ‘Red Zones’ for areas that have a lot of cases. This labeling must be removed, as they added to the anxiety and fear of the unknown, about HIV and can be a barrier to health seeking behaviors,” said Akisi ... More >>

Air Pollution Linked To Suicide Risk – Expert Reaction

Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 1:56 pm | Science Media Centre

The researchers point out these pollutants have been linked to effects on the brain – but also that traffic more generally can increase stress levels by disrupting the body clock. More >>

Should We Put The Brakes On AI? – Expert Q&A

Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 10:27 am | Science Media Centre

“It is ultimately about responsibility. Who is making these systems? Who is deploying them? What do they know about the ways their products are being used? And what should the law require them to do about foreseeable harms?” said Dr Cassandra Mudgway More >>

2026 Election Q&A – Science

Monday, 14 September 2026, 2:46 pm | Science Media Centre

The National Party and Te Pāti Māori did not respond by our deadline. NZ First has noted that for a lot of areas, the party has yet to finalise its policies. ACT declined our invitation & says its policy manifesto will be published on their website. More >>