Daniel Walker

Auckland

Media Advisor at Science Media Centre

Matchmaker for science and media @smcnz

Articles

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Southern Minnesota

1 week ago | timesng.com | Daniel Walker

Rochester, MN – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for most of southern Minnesota, including the Rochester area, effective until 10 p.m. CDT on Thursday evening. The watch, which was announced at 3:45 p.m., comes amid forecasts of significant thunderstorms expected to develop and possibly intensify throughout the evening.
Trust in media stabilising, report shows - Expert Reaction

2 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

Authors of the Trust in News in Aotearoa New Zealand report say it’s an early sign of stabilisation after five years of sharp decline. The report also found that approximately 60% of New Zealanders are ‘uncomfortable’ with news produced by AI. The Science Media Centre asked experts to comment.
Global Markets Plunge Amid Intensifying U.S.-China Trade War

2 weeks ago | timesng.com | Daniel Walker

NEW YORK, USA — The global financial markets are experiencing their worst crisis since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with steep declines following China’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs in an escalating trade conflict with the United States. The S&P 500 index plummeted 6% on Friday, April 7, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 2,100 points, marking one of the largest daily declines in recent history.
The risks of pine carbon farms - Expert Reaction

2 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

The new report, Alt-F Reset: Examining the drivers of forestry in New Zealand, says that Radiata pine is really the only economical tree for carbon farming. However, it could leave the Crown with future carbon liabilities if they’re damaged by pests, disease, fire or extreme weather events. The Science Media Centre asked experts to comment.
Harassment of NZ’s female MPs - Expert Reaction

2 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

Eleven MPs from across the political spectrum talked to researchers about their experiences of harassment, misogyny, racism and online trolling. They said responding to harassment took mental and administrative work, with some MPs experiencing flashbacks and suicidality afterwards. The participating politicians highlighted this could have an impact on who represents New Zealanders in Parliament. The Science Media Centre asked third-party experts to comment.
Fluoridated water for half a million more Kiwis - Expert Q&A

2 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

This follows local authorities in Rotorua and Whangarei complying with directions to fluoridate community drinking water. The SMC asked local and international experts about what this might mean for public health, and the science around fluoridation. Professor Philip Schluter, Professor of Population Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, comments:What long-term changes can we now expect in dental disease rates?
Billie Jean King Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

2 weeks ago | timesng.com | Daniel Walker

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Billie Jean King received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 7, 2025, becoming the first woman honored in the new sports entertainment category. The ceremony was attended by close friends, fellow athletes, and Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis. During the event, King stated, “The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one.” Her words resonated as she highlighted the importance of recognition for women in sports.
State of NZ's environment - Expert Reaction

2 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

Our environment 2025 is a three-yearly report highlighting the effects of our land use on the rest of New Zealand’s ecosystem. The Science Media Centre asked experts to comment. Dr Roger Young, Freshwater Ecosystems Group, Cawthron Institute, comments:“This report represents another large effort to summarise the state of our environment. It is useful to have an updated picture for all parts of our environment as they are intricately linked.
Women's health in focus - Expert Reaction

3 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

The US journal will publish a special issue covering topics such as designing better medical research, how menopause might impact Alzheimer’s risk, and perinatal mental health. The SMC invited third-party NZ experts to comment on upcoming articles from these special issues.
Magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Tonga - Expert Reaction

4 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

No damage has been reported and the tsunami warning was lifted. The earthquake was also felt on Niue. The SMC asked experts to comment. Dr Lauren Vinnell, Senior Lecturer of Emergency Management, Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University, comments:“Firstly, it is good to hear no reports of injury or damage in Tonga following their early morning earthquake.