The rights-of-nature movement emerged as a response to economic pressures on ecosystems. But the success of projects depends on how well legal liability is defined.
Vernon Rive, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The recent climate case win in the European Court of Human Rights by a group of older Swiss women has real implications for a number of current cases before New Zealand courts.
The roots of today’s Israel-Palestine crisis can be traced back to colonial power dealings during World War I – of which the Gallipoli campaign and Anzac legend are an integral part.
Some 7,000 years ago, West Antarctica’s ice sheet retreated, most likely driven by warmer ocean currents slipping under the ice. This could happen again – unless we cut emissions fast.
Pollution on land inevitably ends up in the sea. Policy makers must stop working in silos and instead consider the indirect consequences human impacts on land have for marine environments.
The Rotorua woman wrongly identified by a supermarket facial recognition system says ethnicity was a ‘huge factor’. Her case shows why human-centered design is needed to avoid misuse, bias and harm.
Other labour migrants in New Zealand enjoy rights broadly in line with those experienced by citizens and permanent residents – ‘low-skilled’ workers should too.
Despite multimillion dollar price tags, rugby stadiums rarely cater to events outside of the sport. So why should communities cover the hefty bill when there is limited benefit to the wider community?
Tim Tenbensel, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The Māori Health Authority is gone, but a law remains that puts primary focus on reducing health inequities – meaning the government may struggle to bridge the gap between rhetoric and policy priority.
Key education policy decisions in the early 2000s have not produced the desired results. But broad bipartisan agreement is now needed to give children and teachers the greatest chance of success.
The common triplefin is helping marine scientists understand the negative effects of ‘skyglow’ on coastal fish, which are already more exposed to microplastics, chemicals and noise pollution.
With submissions about to close on the government’s proposed fast-track consenting legislation, its possible impact on New Zealand’s diminished and delicate ecosystems demands proper scrutiny.
Concern is rising that an in-principle decision has been made about New Zealand joining AUKUS pillar two, without public understanding or political mandate.
Dougal Sutherland, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Neurodivergent employees can have specific needs. Inclusion in the workplace means businesses and employers need to consider differences that may not be visible to outsiders.
If a new declaration based on customary concepts of tikanga and mana is recognised by the courts, it could potentially give interest groups the legal standing to sue on behalf of whales.
Tom Baker, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The former finance minister starts as vice-chancellor of Otago University in July. But such appointments call for more robust debate about the perceived independence of our tertiary institutions.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University