Our Changing World

RNZ Originals

Dr Claire Concannon follows scientists into the bush, over rivers, back to their labs and many places in-between to cover the most fascinating research being done in Aotearoa New Zealand.

  1. 1 h lalu

    Building a nation-wide model of landslide risk

    Out of all of New Zealand’s natural hazards, landslides have resulted in the greatest loss of life since written records began. Pulling in data from decades of landslide research, a team at Earth Sciences New Zealand are now developing national models of landslide risk for both slow- and fast-moving landslides, to help New Zealand plan for, and respond to, major landslide events. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Other researchers at Earth Sciences New Zealand are also investigating underwater landslides, which have the potential to cause tsunami hazards.In January In-Depth reporter Kirsty Johnston investigated the gap between what New Zealand spends on disaster recovery and climate preparation.Jesse Mulligan revisited the Abbotsford disaster in 2019 with Sarah Johnston from Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.Landslides are one of the threats that are monitored 24/7 by the National Geohazard Monitoring Centre.Guests: Dr Chris Massey, Dr Saskia deVilder, Dr Sam McColl, Earth Sciences New Zealand. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    27 mnt

  2. 30 Jun

    Meet the Prime Minister's science prize winners

    A team that developed a brain cooling treatment for oxygen-deprived babies, a young scientist who created a helpful backseat driver app, a Māori kaiako encouraging her students to weave traditional design and contemporary materials, a paleobiologist communicating about the issues around de-extinction and a researcher investigating how much climate change contributes to extreme weather events: We meet the 2025 Prime Minister's Science Prize winners! Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    27 mnt

  3. 22 Jun

    Analysing ash, and Vanuatu's volcanoes

    New Zealand is a land formed by volcanoes, including some still active. Claire Concannon meets a researcher analysing ash deposits to determine if a future eruption might have dangerous levels of hazardous chemicals. Plus, she learns about a voyage to Vanuatu and the Solomen Islands to study the gases and ash of an active volcanic chain there. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Researchers continue to study New Zealand’s active volcanoes like Whakaari and Ruapehu to try to understand their patterns of eruptions.When Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha‘apai, just north of Tonga’s main island, erupted in 2022 it caused a worldwide tsunami. Ellen Rykers dug into the science behind the phenomenon.The work of the National Geohazard Monitoring Centre is to keep on eye on earthquake, volcano, landslide and tsunami hazards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Auckland is built on a network of volcanoes, and underground lava caves.Guests: Dr Jenni Hopkins, Victoria University of WellingtonDr Ian Schipper, Volcano Waka LabGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    27 mnt

  4. 15 Jun

    The challenges of making our capital city predator free

    Phase two of Predator Free Wellington’s groundbreaking project to rid our capital of rats is well underway. They’ve learned a lot from their work on the Miramar Peninsula, but with this new chapter comes new challenges – not just backyards, but a hospital, and even a zoo! Charlie Dreaver meets some of the team out fighting this battle on multiple interesting fronts. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: The target for Wellington to become New Zealand’s first predator-free city was announced by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka in March, as part of a Predator Free 2050 strategy update.In November last year the government added feral cats to the Predator Free 2050 list of targeted predators, likely in response to RNZ’s In-Depth team’s reporting about the destruction they cause, and a pre-election promise.Learn more about other large predator removal projects such as Predator Free Rakiura and Predator Free South Westland, and the plan to make Auckland Island predator free.Guests: Zara Koorey, Predator Free WellingtonJames Wilcocks, Predator Free WellingtonChirs Jerram, Te Nukuao Wellington ZooSally Bain, Predator Free WellingtonGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    23 mnt

  5. 8 Jun

    Building New Zealand's RNA capabilities

    Scientists had long been exploring RNA technology as a way to make vaccines before it had it’s breakout appearance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, interest in the potential uses of RNA to make vaccines and disease treatments has bloomed. In late 2023 a government-funded platform began work to enhance New Zealand’s capacity to design and make RNA. Three years in, how is the platform going? Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: RNA interference (RNAi) technology is being investigated to help honey bees fight off the varroa mite.US based Dyne Therapeutics conducted a clinical trial study of their RNA-based therapeutic for myotonic dystrophy in New Zealand.Our Changing World covered how the new RNA vaccine tech works in 2021.Dr Lisa Connor spoke to RNZ’s health reporter Ruth Hill last August after the US made funding cuts to their RNA vaccine research.Guests: Dr Lisa Connor, Malaghan Institute of Medical ResearchDr Rebecca McKenzie, Malaghan Institute of Medical ResearchGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    26 mnt

  6. 1 Jun

    Working towards a pest free Purerua-Mataroa peninsula

    One peninsula to the north of the Bay of Islands is home to an estimated three thousand Northland brown kiwi. The Pest Free Purerua-Mataroa project aims to reduce predators numbers on the peninsula and defend its narrow neck from re-invasion. Working across a patchwork of landuse and landowners, the team are using AI traps and technology to help catch the remaining pests. But one feral cat continues to elude them, and the ongoing threat to kiwi from pet dogs is proving tricky to solve. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Northland kiwi are a genetically distinct subspecies of the North Island brown kiwi, whose numbers are doing pretty good in recent years, due in large part to Operation Nest Egg facilities like the National Kiwi Hatchery.Predator Free South Westland is also working across different land types and usages in their bid to remove pests from a huge area.Wellington is set to be New Zealand’s first predator-free city, with an ambitious target of ten years.RNZ’s Northland reporter Peter de Graaf has been following the situation of dog attacks on kiwi on the Purerua peninsula and kiwi deaths due to cars.Guests: Andy Mentor, Pest Free PureruaZane Wright, Pest Free PureruaMariao Hohaia, Ngāti Rēhia, Tapuaetahi IncorporationGrace Walsh, Onekura road trappersTiwai Rawiri, Ngāti Torehina, Pēwhairangi WhānuiGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    28 mnt

  7. 25 Mei

    Hydrogen detectives

    Could the answer to the current fuel crisis be right under our noses? On Our Changing World this week, Sharon Brettkelly talks to some of the scientists analysing ultramafic rocks in places like Lake Pupuke on Auckland’s North Shore and gases from various hotspots around the country, in the hopes that one day hydrogen could power local communities. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: New Zealand already has hydrogen trucks on our roads and active hydrogen refueling stations. However, some critics say battery technology is a better way to decarbonise. After delays from an international supplier, diesel trucks are being converted to hydrogen in New Zealand. Professor Allan Blackman looks at how the Hindenburg disaster has haunted the development of hydrogen technology and why that might be changing. And Jesse talks with Dr. Linda Wright from the New Zealand Hydrogen Council about if hydrogen could displace diesel.Guests: Kevin Faure, Senior minerals geologist and Team lead National Isotope Centre, Earth Sciences New ZealandPaul Viskovic, Geomodeller, Earth Sciences New ZealandThijs van Soest, Isotope Hydrogeologist, Earth Sciences New ZealandGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    27 mnt

  8. 18 Mei

    How can Aotearoa eliminate cervical cancer?

    The World Health Organisation has set an ambitious goal to eliminate cervical cancer. New Zealand health experts are optimistic we can do it, but suggest there are challenges to achieving that aim. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Listen to The Panel Plus with Wallace Chapman, discussing the release of the Cancer Society's election manifesto and treatment options for cancer.Read about the Matariki Fund's plans to eliminate cervical cancer across the Pacific.RNZ's Māori issues reporter Pokere Paewai wrote this article on the need to extend free cervical screening.The efficacy of the HPV vaccine was discussed on Morning Report, following a study which showed a 60% reduction in cervical cancer. Guests: Professor Bev Lawton (Ngāti Porou), is founder/director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine (the National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa) at Victoria University of WellingtonNicola Coom, Chief Executive of the Cancer SocietyAlice Hyatt, cancer survivorGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    25 mnt
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Dr Claire Concannon follows scientists into the bush, over rivers, back to their labs and many places in-between to cover the most fascinating research being done in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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