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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Twitter - @smcnz
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Postal Address - PO Box 598, Wellington 6140

Science Media Centre NZ - Latest News [Page 1]

Study Links Paracetamol In Pregnancy To Smaller Ovaries And Wombs In Babies – Expert Reaction

Wednesday, 9 September 2026, 11:24 am | Science Media Centre

A small study suggests taking paracetamol in the first 4 months of pregnancy could be linked to smaller ovaries and wombs in three-month-old babies. More >>

Global And Local Action Needed To Protect Pacific Coral Reefs – Expert Reaction

Wednesday, 9 September 2026, 10:29 am | Science Media Centre

Pacific reefs lost nearly a fifth of their living coral in the last four decades, mostly from warmer oceans causing ‘coral bleaching’. More >>

Why Do Smokers Have A Lower Risk Of Parkinson’s Disease? – Expert Reaction

Wednesday, 9 September 2026, 10:05 am | Science Media Centre

Exposure to carbon monoxide could help explain the known link between cigarette smoking and lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, shows a new study. More >>

Nepal-Tibet Flash Flooding – Expert Reaction

Monday, 31 August 2026, 5:18 pm | Science Media Centre

An ‘ice avalanche’ from a glacier is thought to have triggered flash flooding at the Nepal-Tibet border. The SMC asked landslide, river, and glacier experts to comment. More >>

How Should NZ Manage Its Plastic Problem? – Expert Reaction

Monday, 31 August 2026, 5:13 pm | Science Media Centre

While NZ has banned some single-use plastics, a long-delayed ban on hard-to-recycle food and drink packaging is reportedly being shelved. More >>

Using DNA Clues To Trace Invasive Hornets – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 27 August 2026, 11:34 am | Science Media Centre

The hornets haven’t been detected since this April, but any queens that have mated could soon come out of winter hibernation. More >>

Bill To Ban NZ Kids From Social Media – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 27 August 2026, 10:56 am | Science Media Centre

The Bill covers ‘age-restricted platforms’ like TikTok and Facebook, as well as AI ‘social companions’ – and excludes gaming and messaging services like Roblox or Discord. More >>

Mt Maunganui Landslide Review Finds System Failure – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 20 August 2026, 9:14 am | Science Media Centre

The review says the failure was not the fault of one person, but of a system that allowed an identified risk to life to remain unmanaged. More >>

Climate Liability Bill Passes Final Reading – Expert Reaction

Wednesday, 19 August 2026, 1:36 pm | Science Media Centre

“For years to come, New Zealand’s record for investment stability and rule of law will be affected by this direct interference in proceedings before the courts.” More >>

Science & Social Sciences Curriculum Updated – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 13 August 2026, 12:57 pm | Science Media Centre NZ

“Compared to the draft version of the curriculum, the final version has clearer emphasis on conceptual knowledge and some reduction in content," says Christopher Burns, School of Education, Faculty of Culture & Society, AUT. More >>

Pets’ Flea Meds Poison Freshwater Critters – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 6 August 2026, 10:43 am | Science Media Centre

Given the meds’ toxicity, especially in water environments, and lack of information on how they affect humans, it recommends restrictions until their impact is measured. More >>

What NZ’s Electrical Grid Might Look Like In 2050 – Expert Reaction

Monday, 3 August 2026, 1:07 pm | Science Media Centre NZ

Batteries and smart appliances could help save NZ’s energy users billions of dollars in energy demand, allowing sectors like road transport to more fully electrify, according to a new report. More >>

NZ’s Climate Goals Off-Track – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 23 July 2026, 4:31 pm | Science Media Centre

Farming, electricity, and transport are the biggest risks to emissions budgets, the Climate Change Commission’s report says. More >>

Te Anau Quakes And Tsunami Alert – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 23 July 2026, 4:22 pm | Science Media Centre

The tsunami warning, issued for Milford Sound to Puysegur Point, was downgraded then cancelled after an early estimate of the earthquake magnitude was revised down. More >>

Native Bird Tests Positive For Bird Flu – Expert Reaction

Friday, 17 July 2026, 5:26 pm | Science Media Centre

The kāhu (swamp harrier hawk) – found in the Wairarapa – is the second case of bird flu in NZ and the first in a native bird. More >>

Should NZ Copy Australia’s ‘Office Of AI’? – Expert Reaction

Thursday, 16 July 2026, 2:07 pm | Science Media Centre

“The Australian government’s announcement of a new, central Office of AI, to sit in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, is a welcome move that will provide clarity and guidance for businesses and communities," says Professor Lisa ... More >>