One of the Coromandel Peninsula’s oldest and most treasured kauri trees has tested positive for Phytophthora agathidicida (PA), the microscopic pathogen responsible for kauri dieback disease, prompting renewed calls for the public to help protect the remaining ancient forests. Soil testing has confirmed the presence of the disease at the Long Bay Kauri Walk, near…

Two of Aotearoa’s most endangered native species—Hamilton’s frog (pepeketua) and the white-bellied skink—are set to receive a critical conservation boost as the Government invests in breeding programmes aimed at preventing their extinction. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced new funding to establish secure backup populations for both species, saying the work is essential to safeguarding unique…

The nib Blues will begin searching for a new head coach after confirming Willie Walker will leave the club following six transformative seasons to take up a coaching opportunity with Fiji Rugby. Walker departs as one of the most successful coaches in the history of New Zealand women’s rugby, leaving behind a legacy that helped…

The Electoral Commission says planned maintenance on government identity verification systems—not a failure of the enrolment system itself—was behind recent difficulties experienced by some voters attempting to change to the Māori roll online. The response follows an earlier Waatea News report highlighting Te Pāti Māori’s call for an inquiry after concerns were raised about barriers…