An arachnologist says the gossamer threads coating homes and reserves across the region are harmless — and a sign the season is changing.
Environment
6:00am
Nearly half of the reports were in South Auckland. So, what can be done?
The funding will go towards three Great Rides – the Hauraki Rail Trail, Waikato River Trail, and Tasman's Great Taste Trail – following significant storm damage.
Sun, Apr 26
Monitoring data on the QLDC website showed E. coli levels reached nearly eight times consented limits and almost four times higher than is safe for swimming.
The Fairy Falls track's viewpoint will reopen following fire damage last year, however access to the waterfalls and swimming hole will remain closed.
Thu, Apr 23
Last year, some 140,000 people participated in 140 swap events and took home more than 44,000 pre-owned items.
At first glance, it seems an act of compassion. But beneath the surface lies a more difficult truth, writes Karen Stockin.
Name of parkland – featuring one of NZ’s most beautiful and celebrated waterfalls – is changing in an act of recognition.
Wed, Apr 22
Cocaine and benzoylecgonine end up in waterways when the drug is ingested and broken down by humans and then released into wastewater through urine.
Tue, Apr 21
The "literally unbearable" smell was compared to rotting eggs, dissection of a dead bird and "a stinky diaper baking in the sun".
Thu, Apr 16
A Hawke’s Bay mayor claims the declaration of states of emergency for Cyclone Vaianu was "woke" decision-making, and says "there was a lot of panicking going on" over not too much.
Mon, Apr 13
Ten-year-old Kaea and his mother Neisha were checking out Tairua's Ocean Beach after Cyclone Vaianu when he came across the Jack Daniels bottle encrusted with shells.
Police said the rescuers' ability to safely locate and extract the climbers prevented "what could have been a far more serious outcome".
Fri, Apr 10
A 300-million-year-old tentacled sea creature has lost its crown as the world’s oldest octopus, after scientists found evidence that it’s not an octopus at all.
Complaint arose from dredging carried out by McCallum Brothers in the Pākiri temporary sand extraction area, north of Auckland.
Thu, Apr 9
Majority of the losses were put down to the varroa mite — an external parasite that can weaken or even destroy entire colonies.
Recent figures showed many rivers and groundwaters were affected by pathogens or nitrate levels that could pose risks to human health.
Astronauts have released breath-taking images from their historic lunar flyby as New Zealand steps up its role in the next phase of space exploration.
Wed, Apr 8
"We down in Central Hawke's Bay haven't even got bridges repaired from Cyclone Gabrielle and yet this government are prepared to pour another $18 million into this zombie project," one opponent said.
The 36-year-old swimmer told Breakfast it was "really tough" knowing he would be battling hypothermia, sharks and jellyfish every time he entered the water.
Tue, Apr 7
Last year, 85 trees fell in Tokyo parks, injuring three people, officials worry for the trees' faring during this year's tourist season.
Mon, Apr 6
From March to April stags begin roaring to attract hinds, signalling the start of many hunting competitions.
Sun, Apr 5
The Ashley Gorge Skyline Track is estimated to take four to five hours to complete and reaches an altitude of nearly 800m.
Sat, Apr 4
Ridler’s Swim4TheOcean campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the impacts of bottom trawling, has gathered more than 60,000 signatures.
The Multi-Council Controlled Organisation they settled on would be in charge of delivering water supply, wastewater and stormwater services.
Fri, Apr 3
