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.

Contact Science Media Centre NZ

Website - www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Email - smc@sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Phone - +64 4 499 5476
Mobile - +64 21 859 365
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Postal Address - PO Box 598, Wellington 6140

Science Media Centre NZ - Latest News [Page 1]

Lead Pipes Banned For New Plumbing – Expert Reaction

Friday, 1 May 2026, 5:07 pm | Science Media Centre

The change is intended to improve the safety of drinking water in NZ, and marks the end of a transitionary period first signaled to the plumbing industry in 2022. More >>

"Formidable" El Niño Expected - Expert Reaction

Wednesday, 29 April 2026, 11:00 am | Science Media Centre

Earth Sciences New Zealand meteorologists say there is a greater than 60% probability that the event will be classified as ‘strong’ by spring, with the potential to intensify further later in the year. More >>

The Govt’s Plan To Improve Biodiversity – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 23 April 2026, 3:37 pm | Science Media Centre

The implementation strategy is much more focused on talk than on action, which is surprising for an implementation document, an expert said. More >>

2025 One Of The Hottest Years On Record - Expert Reaction

Monday, 23 March 2026, 6:56 pm | Science Media Centre

The report reinforces the urgency to build on our adaptation work, and highlights that adaptation is no longer optional or nice-to-have, says Drew Bingham. More >>

Trapped Air The Likely Cause Of Moa Point Failure - Expert Reaction

Monday, 23 March 2026, 1:05 pm | Science Media Centre

The bigger and perhaps less reported issue NZ needs to deal with are hundreds of systems that are still discharging into NZs waterways without any disinfection at all, says Professor Andy Shilton. More >>

How To Deal With Skyrocketing Fuel Prices – Expert Reaction

Monday, 23 March 2026, 12:59 pm | Science Media Centre

Given the current uncertainty, what the Government needs to do urgently is to run a national education campaign to inform drivers how they can save both fuel and money, says Emeritus Professor Ralph Sims. More >>

Obesity Linked To Severe Infection Risk – Expert Reaction

Tuesday, 10 February 2026, 1:40 pm | Science Media Centre

Based on global data, the paper estimates that roughly 10% of infection-related deaths worldwide could be linked with obesity, and that this increased to 15% during the COVID pandemic. More >>

Moa Point Wastewater Plant Shuts Down – Expert Reaction

Monday, 9 February 2026, 7:45 pm | Science Media Centre

It could be months before the plant is fully repaired, and before people can go swimming at south coast beaches. More >>

NZ’s Critical Minerals On The World Stage – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 5 February 2026, 5:07 pm | Science Media Centre

The NZ government released a new critical minerals list and strategy last year, which included a goal to double mineral exports by 2035. More >>

Transgender And Cisgender Women Have Similar Physical Fitness – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 5 February 2026, 5:00 pm | Science Media Centre

The systematic review and analysis by overseas scientists in British Journal of Sports Medicine looked at data on body composition – fat and muscle mass – and physical fitness of trans and cisgender people. More >>

Shifting Power Use To Off-Peak Hours Could Save NZ $3 Billion - Expert Reaction

Tuesday, 27 January 2026, 1:41 pm | Science Media Centre

“Strategies like ‘demand-side flexibility’, as proposed in this report, have been widely touted as ways to increase value for electricity retailers and industrial customers in Aotearoa New Zealand for a couple of decades now." More >>

Parts Of North Island Hit By Record-Breaking Rains – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 22 January 2026, 6:04 pm | Science Media Centre

Whitianga and Tauranga experienced their wettest days on record yesterday, with 247.6 mm and 274 mm of rain, respectively. More >>

Crayfish Catch Ban Floated To Protect Kelp Forests – Expert Reaction

Friday, 19 December 2025, 2:45 pm | Science Media Centre

Rock lobsters (better known as kōura and crayfish) are a natural predator of sea urchins, which can overgraze the kelp, leading to barren rocky reefs. More >>

Glyphosate Safety Paper Retracted After 25 Years – Expert Reaction

Friday, 12 December 2025, 11:51 am | Science Media Centre

A New Zealand-based scientist formally requested the retraction. The Science Media Centre asked him to comment, alongside pesticide experts who comment on the overall state of the evidence. More >>

Australia’s Teen Social Media Ban Takes Effect – Expert Reaction

Wednesday, 10 December 2025, 5:35 pm | Science Media Centre

The European Parliament passed a similar resolution last month, and in New Zealand a private members bill was put into the biscuit tin in May. The SMC asked NZ experts in law, youth mental health, and tech to comment. More >>

RMA Out: Fewer Plans, Fewer Consents – Expert Reaction

Wednesday, 10 December 2025, 5:30 pm | Science Media Centre

Individuals will have fewer opportunities for input on individual consents, while councils will have a lower threshold for compensating landowners facing “significant” impact from planning controls, like heritage sites or significant natural areas. More >>