News
High Court backs challenge to crayfish catch
In February 2025, New Zealand’s High Court ruled on a challenge to the former Oceans and Fisheries Minister over his legal obligation to support marine sustainability. The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI), in coalition with local hapū Ngāti Hau and Ngāti Kaharau,...
Plastic pollution explained – problems and solutions
Visiting French academic to present talk on plastic pollution Come and listen to visiting academic, Professor Nathalie Gontard, Research Director, Institut National de la Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l‘Alimentation et l'Environnement, France. Professor Gontard will...
From infrastructure to e-waste and food, Ngā Ara Whetū event inspires lively discussions
Five affiliates presented at our networking event last week using the fast and fun PechaKucha style format, and this was followed by a lively gathering where new connections were made. The event was opened by our Co-directors Jacqueline Beggs and Maria Armoudian and...
Congratulations to the Institute of Marine Science on new aquariums
New aquariums at the University of Auckland’s Leigh operation, north of Auckland, are state-of-the-art and set to enhance marine research. The aquariums are part of a multi-million dollar-facility that was opened in January. “The facility represents a significant...
Auckland law expert on climate frontlines
An environmental law expert examines vital issues in the International Court of Justice’s landmark climate change hearing. As wildfires ravage Los Angeles, oceans warm and carbon dioxide levels hit record highs, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is working...
Ngā Ara Whetū’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a call for action by all countries, poor, rich and middle-income, to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They are the cornerstones of the global roadmap to tackling the causes of violent...
Opinion: NZ has a lot to lose from a polluted orbit
Article by Thomas Dowling in Newsroom "The number of satellites and other objects sent into Earth’s orbit is increasing like never before. Before space ends up awash with debris like the ocean, scientists are calling for global agreements to protect orbital space,"...
NZ businesses and Ngā Ara Whetū to host interns from Stanford University for sustainability projects
Seven New Zealand businesses have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by offering to provide internship opportunities for students from the prestigious Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. Professor Jacqueline Beggs, co-director of Ngā Ara Whetū, the...
Opinion: The triple whammy of the Government’s transportation plan
Government’s proposal to hike public transport fares will threaten a triple whammy – compromising our health, planet and economy, writes Associate Professor Maria Armoudian, Co-director of Ngā Ara Whetū and Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations. New...
Sustain Episode 12: What can we do about rising sea levels?
Across the world, rising sea levels have become a pressing issue for coastal communities. Driven by our changing climate, sea level rise is already having a range of impacts, from increased flooding to the salinization of freshwater resources. To discuss this growing...
Project for Media in the Public Interest
Want to understand the world better? Get some context around some of the big questions? Have a fresh light shed on global issues and political debate?
The Project for Media in the Public Interest (PMPI) is a website connecting audiences to informed dialogue about science, economics, arts and politics. Academics from across disciplines at the University of Auckland, across America, Europe, Australia and other universities discuss their research on important topics via videos, podcasts, interviews, symposia and opinion pieces.
“We are aiming to elevate critical thinking, raise the level of public debate, and counter the trend towards soft news,” says the project’s founding director, political scientist Dr Maria Armoudian.
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