Daniel Walker

Auckland

Media Advisor at Science Media Centre

Matchmaker for science and media @smcnz

Articles

Prescription psilocybin and over-the-counter melatonin - Expert Reaction

1 week ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

The change means melatonin will be available for purchase at pharmacies with no prescription, and psilocybin can be prescribed by a highly experienced psychiatrist for patients with treatment-resistant depression. The SMC asked experts to comment.
Nationwide census scrapped - Expert Reaction

1 week ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

the new approach will use existing administrative records alongside a smaller annual survey and targeted studies. The Science Media Centre asked experts to comment. Dr Bill Kaye-Blake, Principal Economist, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, comments:“The decision to rely on administrative data rather than a full Census is a blow to vulnerable communities and rural Māori communities.
EPA's glyphosate decision challenged in court - Expert Reaction

1 week ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

The Environmental Law Initiative is arguing that there is enough new evidence around the human health and environmental effects of glyphosate, or Roundup, to warrant a reassessment from our chemicals regulator. The hearing has now finished and we are awaiting the judge’s decision. The SMC asked experts to comment. Professor of Toxicology Ian Shaw, School of Physical & Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, comments:“Glyphosate, the active compound in Roundup, was licensed in the mid-1970s.
Govt launches suicide prevention plan - Expert Reaction

1 week ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

The plan includes new strategies like peer support roles for mental health patients in emergency departments, and crisis recovery cafés so people don’t have to resort to a hospital and can receive care in the community. The SMC asked experts to comment. Anthony O’Brien, Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing, University of Waikato, comments: “It is encouraging to see this new action plan on suicide. There is some tension between the action areas of the plan, and other areas of policy.
Data misuse and menstrual tracking apps - Expert Reaction

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

The report warns of numerous risks from data exploitation, including targeted advertising around pregnancy, health insurance discrimination, policing of abortion access, and data misuse to undermine court testimony. The authors say users underestimate the risks that come with sharing highly intimate medical data with profit-driven companies. They recommend education about these risks, more period health research to reduce reliance on apps, and better regulation and transparency.
Budget 2025: Science system funding - Expert Reaction

1 month ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced that the Budget was reprioritising existing funding towards “new growth-promoting investments.”The SMC asked experts to comment. Professor Nicola Gaston, Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, comments:“My nana always used to say that if you don’t have anything positive to say, it is best to say nothing at all.
Should we ban social media for under-16s? - Expert Q&A

1 month ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

The draft bill is modelled on Australian laws and would force digital platforms to verify the age of users or face heavy fines. The SMC asked experts to comment. Dr Andre Mason, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of Waikato, comments:How might a social media ban for under 16s affect young people in Aotearoa? “Online communication via social media platforms has emerged as a primary means of communication for many young people throughout the world.
Global pandemic treaty set to be adopted by World Health Assembly- Expert Reaction

1 month ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

A global pandemic treaty is expected to be adopted by the World Health Assembly, which starts next week. Governments from across the globe agreed to the draft accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response last month, after three years of intense negotiations—though the US dropped out in January. Once adopted by the Assembly, member states will have 18 months to notify the WHO Director General on whether they intend to accept the agreement.
Measles exposure on Auckland ferries - Expert Reaction

1 month ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

Alerts have been issued after an Auckland ferry worker tested positive for measles last week. The worker was infectious while on board a number of Fullers360 sailings on 5 May, at a Kelston supermarket, and Downtown car park. Potential contacts have been asked to contact healthline. The SMC asked experts to comment. Please feel free to use these comments in your reporting or follow up with the contact details provided.
Report on sexual violence against children finds NZ rates among the highest - Expert Reaction

1 month ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

*** This media release contains information about family, domestic or sexual violence. If you need help immediately call emergency services on 111. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. ***New Zealand’s stats are above the global averages outlined in a new report published in The Lancet. The SMC asked experts to comment.