Animals
Mahoenui giant wētā bred in captivity
For the first time in decades, the critically threatened Mahoenui giant wētā has been bred in captivity - at a new centre especially set up for the task. Libby Kirkby-McLeod has more. Audio
Climate change from a wild animal's point of view: Adam Welz
Promising a new kind of environmental journalism, Cape Town-based conservation writer Adam Welz's book The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown explores climate change from the… Audio
Feeding time at the zoo
Have you ever wondered where all the food for Wellington Zoo's 500 animals come from? The answer might surprise you... Gianina Schwanecke meets with the zoo's animal science manager to find out more… Video, Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 9 May
On today's episode, a school lunch provider in the Coromandel discusses changes to the Government's school lunch scheme, the cost of paying doctors overtime is skyrocketing, and costing taxpayers more… Audio
Stoat found on Miramar Peninsula for first time since 2023
A male stoat has been found on the Miramar Peninsula, the first to be spotted on the peninsula since the pest was eliminated from the area late last year. Predator Free Miramar leader Dan Henry spoke… Audio
Number of Tui spotted in Canterbury triples over past decade
While bird numbers have only slightly risen in other parts of the country, Canterbury had a significant surge in tui populations, soaring up to 210 percent. Senior researcher and survey co-ordinator… Audio
Endangered short-tailed bats recorded in Wellington
Critically endangered short-tailed bats have been recorded in the Wellington region for the first time in more than seven years. Auckland Council Senior Conservation Adviser, and bat advocate, Ben… Audio
Shower Thought: Do the spiders you put outside live or die?
There are three types of people in the world: those who kill spiders on the spot, those who let them live, and those who safely trap and release them outside. But once they're outside, do they… Audio
Humans need more education as kiwis become more curious
Kiwi birds have been getting some star treatment of late. Movie star Leonardo diCaprio used his social media platform of 62 million followers - to praise the work of conservationists Capital Kiwi, who… Audio
Officials work to keep bird flu out of NZ
Officials are working to keep bird flu out of New Zealand as cases spread through cattle in the United States. Ministry for Primary Industries chief veterinary officer Mary van Andel spoke to Corin… Audio
Action needed now to save Southern NZ Dotterel
The Southern NZ Dotterel is heading toward extinction - former Minister of Conservation Denis Marshall joined First Up to advocate on their behalf Audio
Alarm bells over avian flu virus
New Zealand has so far managed to dodge the H5N1 virus, but it's becoming increasingly concerning to scientists, and it's on our doorstep Audio
Rebuilding Ōtorohanga Kiwi House
A major redevelopment project is underway at the iconic Ōtorohanga Kiwi House in Waikato, but how do you rebuild a 50 year-old zoo? Audio
Auckland Council concerned over domestic dog attacks
Auckland Council is sounding the alarm about the risk of domestic dog attacks, with tamariki bearing the brunt of them. Maungakiekie-Tamaki Ward councillor Josephine Bartley spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Critter of the Week: The Great Giant Scale
This week's critter, the great giant scale, (Coelostomidia zealandica) is a native specie of scale bug. Females have pink wingless bodies and look like they have terrible dandruff, with a dusting of… Audio
Plan to eradicate wild deer from Northland's forests
An ambitious plan to eradicate every last wild deer from Northland's forests is underway. Peter de Graaf reports. Audio
Becky Umbers new show, Comedians Vs Animals
In a rare meeting of the animal kingdom and kiwi comedy, 'Comedians VS Animals' is a new comedy show starting next week in Auckland - part of the NZ Comedy Festival. Audio
Kiwi taps at Wellington man's back door
When Wellington resident Eugene Dementyev heard a tap at his back door, he thought it was a cat. He was shocked to see it was a kiwi, who had likely been roaming around his backyard for days… Audio
Recommendations on how to walk dogs safely
Amanda Easterbrook, the owner of Sticks and Bones, a popular dog walking business in Auckland talks with Nathan about safety around dog walking after a fatal maulling in a park recently. Audio
NZ researcher uncovering secrets of jumping spiders
Professor Ximena Nelson - an animal behaviour expert at the University of Canterbury - will join an international team in China uncovering the secrets of Portia Jumping Spiders. Professor Nelson spoke… Audio