Science Media Centre

The Science Media Centre is the sole reliable and independent resource for journalists in New Zealand, focusing on all things science-related. Our efforts have led to the publication of thousands of news articles that feature insights from New Zealand researchers, providing valuable context and information.

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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.
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?
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.
Mental health screening "critical" for chronic pain treatment - Expert Reaction

1 month ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Claire Kaplan

The research team looked at 376 studies comprising almost 350,000 people with chronic pain around the world. Those most likely to have depression and anxiety are women, younger people, and people with a certain kind of chronic pain where there is no tissue damage, such as fibromyalgia. The team says systematically screening for these mental health conditions is critical when someone is seeking treatment for chronic pain, as is equitable access to care and innovative treatments.
Manawanui fuel removal operation completed - Expert Reaction

1 month ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Claire Kaplan

Over 320,000 litres of diesel fuel mixed with seawater have been removed and from this, just over 300,000 litres of usable diesel fuel have been extracted. Another 45,000 litres of liquid including waste oils and diesel fuel/seawater have also been removed and will be returned to New Zealand and processed for safe disposal. Final amounts can be confirmed once assessments are complete. The SMC asked experts to comment.
City fires likely to increase with climate change - Expert Reaction

1 month ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Claire Kaplan

Researchers studied fires and monthly maximum air temperatures from over 2800 cities in 20 countries, covering over 20% of the world’s population. With unmitigated warming of over 4°C, the researchers estimate this would lead to a third of a million more fire deaths globally and over a million more injuries from 2020 to 2100—but if warming is kept below 1.5°C, those deaths could be halved. The SMC asked third-party New Zealand-based experts to comment.