El Nino (red) has replaced La Nina (blue), and it will be a strong one. Just as the political climate is changing in New Zealand, so is the meteorological climate. It poses challenges that politicians, planners and voters alike cannot afford to ignore. After years of being in varying degrees of La Nina, a strong … Continue reading New Zealand’s “super” El Nino weather phase
The environmental emergency facing New Zealand: Part 2
An unused (read no longer wanted) cellphone. Valuable rare-earth minerals exist in this (R. Glennie) In yesterday's part, I mentioned fresh water quality, climate change and the reform of the Resource Management Act. Today's part examines our lack of attention to waste minimisation, the need to see past the pro/anti-mining politics and deforestation. Waste minimisation … Continue reading The environmental emergency facing New Zealand: Part 2
The strong case for New Zealand having tidal power
Kaipara Heads, where a 200 turbine tidal power station was proposed (N.Z. Herald). Tidal power - imagine turbines in the sea, or a tidal zone with strong currents, hooked to a generator and creating electricity on the most reliable renewable energy source in the world? Tidal power is just that. Like clockwork each day the … Continue reading The strong case for New Zealand having tidal power
The case for protecting New Zealand’s environment
Twizel landfill - an example of waste infrastructure in rural N.Z. (R. Glennie) You have probably seen the adverts promoting 100% Pure New Zealand. Nice glossy adverts with somewhere like Milford Sound on a clear day with Mitre Peak reflecting nicely in the water. They look great and are certainly effective at drawing people in. … Continue reading The case for protecting New Zealand’s environment
A defence of the Resource Management Act
The Resource Management Act works. Politicians just don't want to know.