Our Changing World

RNZ

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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#431
Monday · 27 min
Could we de-extinct the moa?
Our Changing World takes a deep dive into controversial plans by US company Colossal Biosciences, backed by filmmaker Peter Jackson, to de-extinct the Moa. In part one of a two-part series, Sharon Brettkelly looks at whether it CAN be done. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. LEARN MORE: Colossal Biosciences claims they have de-extincted the dire wolf, from CNN. More detail on Colossal Biosciences’ artificial egg. Listen to Kathryn Ryan speaking with ‘Mr Moa’ - paleozoologist Trevor Worthy about his long career. Auckland Museum research associate Daniel Thomas talks to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira about the discovery of million year old moa footprints. GUESTS: Dr Andrew Pask, Chief Biology Officer, Colossal Biosciences Associate Professor Nic Rawlence, Director of Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory, University of Otago. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Could we bring the moa back? (02:30) Sequencing the moa genome (06:00) DNA data (08:00) The artificial egg breakthrough (10:20) How a "moa" would actually be created (12:30) Critics challenge the science (17:20) The conservation implications (22:00) Māori consultation questions (23:51) Will we ever see moa roaming again? (26:08) Coming up in Part 2 Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#432
Monday · 31 min
Should we de-extinct the moa?
Our Changing World takes a deep dive into controversial plans by US company Colossal Biosciences, backed by filmmaker Peter Jackson, to de-extinct the Moa. In part two of a two-part series, Sharon Brettkelly looks at whether it SHOULD be done. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. LEARN MORE: Check out this explainer from Katie Kenny for the proposed Gene Technology changes. RNZ’s Monique Steel looks at who is backing the stalled Gene Technology Bill. Listen as Kathryn Ryan talks to Kennedy Warne about how de-extincting the moa might fit with conservation efforts. Ben Novak talks to RNZ’s Saturday Morning show about de-extincting the passenger pigeon. GUESTS: Professor Amanda Black, Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Lincoln University and Director of Bioprotection Aotearoa. Professor Phillip Wilcox, bioethicist and quantitative geneticist, University of Otago. Andrew Pask, Chief Biology Officer, Colossal Biosciences Associate Professor Nic Rawlence, Director of Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory, University of Otago. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Should we bring moa back? (01:36) Colossal’s plan to bring back moa (03:00) Who benefits from de-extinction (07:33) Māori perspectives, consent and data sovereignty (10:55) Could New Zealand stop the project? (14:43) Considering all the aspects of de-extinction (18:30) De-extinction vortex and the ethics of breeding and consultation… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#430
August 24 · 26 min
Cold water swimming: panacea or peril?
Cold plunges and cold water swimming are increasingly popular, with big benefit claims being made on social media. But is submerging yourself in frigid water actually good for you? Claire Concannon joins a team of researchers at the 2026 New Zealand and Oceania Ice Swimming Championships in Alexandra as they try to get some better data about both the risks and potential benefits. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction – the rise of cold water swimming. (01:06) The 2026 New Zealand and Oceania Ice Swimming Championships in Alexandra. (02:00) Competitor Susan Sherwen on why she ice swims. (05:10) How researchers track swimmers’ core temperature, stroke rate and perceptions of cold. (07:30) Prof Jim Cotter on cold shock, hypothermia and afterdrop. (12:00) The recovery room – Steven and Susan after their swim. (17:30) Potential benefits and what the research says. (20:30) Blood samples and looking for brain health proteins. (23:40) Potential mental health benefits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#426
August 17 · 30 min
A precious piece of sediment, and what it says about our future
After years of preparation and effort an international team have succeeded in recovering over 200 metres of sediment from below the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Claire Concannon visits the sediment core analysis team in Dunedin to find out how mud, rocks and microfossils can tell the story of ice growth and retreat across time. And as we look towards our warmer future, what will this mean for sea level rise? Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. In this episode: (00:00) Introduction to Antarctica, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and the SWAIS2C drilling project. (02:18) Recovering a sediment core from beneath 523 metres of ice at Crary Ice Rise. (04:00) Professor Richard Levy on the early steps of processing the core (07:50) Sedimentologist Georgia Grant explains how rocks reveal the advance and retreat of ancient ice sheets. (14:33) Dating the core using paleomagnetism and microscopic fossils such as diatoms. (22:45) Evidence for past periods of open water and warmer climates in West Antarctica. (25:40) The co-chief scientists on what the findings mean… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#429
August 10 · 26 min
Solar on the go and feeding the world in a catastrophe
There’s a lot of chat about solar panels for our rooftops, but where else might it make sense to put them? Claire Concannon visits the University of Canterbury’s Electric Power Engineering Centre to learn about their involvement in a big European project exploring the use of solar panels on vehicles and in car parks. Plus, she speaks to one researcher who is focused on planning for global catastrophes. 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
#428
August 3 · 25 min
High powered magnets, and making steel with hydrogen
At the Robinson Research Institute in Wellington, researchers are developing powerful superconducting magnets for space, fusion and MRI applications. Claire Concannon visits the labs to learn about a small magnet’s trip to the International Space Station, and how much bigger magnets are powering nuclear fusion research. She also meets the team working on a hydrogen-based way to make iron from New Zealand iron sand, removing carbon dioxide emissions from the first step of steelmaking. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Listen back to Our Changing World’s 2023 episode on plasma rockets in space, featuring the Paihau – Robinson Research Institute team’s work on superconducting magnets for plasma thrusters. Read Our Changing World’s story on OpenStar Technologies and its New Zealand approach to nuclear fusion. Learn more about CullBeck’s demonstration site plans for the hydrogen-based ironmaking technology. The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology now has a website. Guests: Professor Nick Long, Director of the Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Dr Nick Strickland, Principal Scientist, Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Professor Chris Bumby, Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Ben Rumsey, Senior Research Engineer / Specialist, Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. In this episode: (00:00) Professor Nick Long on watching the Hēki magnet arrive at the International Space Station (04:20) Dr Nick Strickland on making superconducting magnets robust and useful (08:38) Fusion magnets and future research questions for Open Star Technologies… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#427
July 27 · 25 min
Electric motors for future flight
To get electric passenger planes in the skies requires powerful electric motors, but they must also be small and light. Some kiwi scientists think they could have a solution. Claire Concannon heads to a warehouse in Petone to learn about the promise of high temperature superconducting magnets to make electric motors for airplanes. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. In this episode: 00:00 - Where are our electric planes? 01:00 - The challenge of aviation electrification. 02:48 - The history of the Robinson Research Institute and useful properties of superconductors. 07:00 - The establishment of the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology 08:30 - The advantage of superconducting motors for aviation. 11:15 - Airbus’ plans for a future electric plane 12:05 - Warehouse tour and levitation bearings for future motors 14:04 - Basic motor design and characterising AC losses in superconductors. 21:26 - Testing a superconducting generator with Air New Zealand… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#424
July 20 · 26 min
An Antarctic adventure, and a book return
Join a group of young explorers as they journey to Antarctica to return a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo to Discovery Hut. Along the way they visit other historic huts to learn about triumphs and tragedies of the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration'. This is an edit of the Antarctic Heritage Trust's '77 Degrees South' podcast. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: The full Antarctic Heritage Trust 77 Degrees South podcast can be found on their website. The AHT also previously made a podcast about restoring Scott's Terra Nova Hut, and an edit of that was also aired on Our Changing World. Guests: Producer: Maia Ingoe Narrator: Jake Bailey Sound design and music: Calum Turner Inspiring explorers: Kitiona Pelasio, Louise Piggin, Lucy Hayes-Stevenson, Ngaiwai Clendon, Daniel Bornstein Guest contributor: Al Fastier Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#425
July 13 · 25 min
New tech aimed at improving heart health at home
Every 90 minutes a New Zealander dies from heart disease. Liz Garton meets the team at the Institute of Biomedical Technologies is developing new products to help monitor heart health in the home to try to change those terrible statistics. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: The Detail recently looked into the deadly heart disease that creeps up on you. In March, Guyon Espiner spoke with Dr Philip Shirely about how an annual flu vaccine can reduce the risk of heart issues. Kate Green’s investigation into health insurance in May, showed heart disease is one of the biggest drivers of claims. Dr Claire Concannon visited the CoRE Pūtahi Manawa to find out what they’re doing to address heart health inequities, in 2022. Guests: Professor Andrew Lowe, Dr Tet Chuan Lee, Matin Khalili, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Auckland University of Technology. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#423
July 6 · 26 min
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
#422
June 30 · 27 min
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
#421
June 22 · 27 min
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 Wellington Dr Ian Schipper, Volcano Waka Lab Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#420
June 15 · 22 min
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 Wellington James Wilcocks, Predator Free Wellington Chirs Jerram, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo Sally Bain, Predator Free Wellington Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#417
June 8 · 26 min
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 Research Dr Rebecca McKenzie, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#419
June 1 · 27 min
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 Purerua Zane Wright, Pest Free Purerua Mariao Hohaia, Ngāti Rēhia, Tapuaetahi Incorporation Grace Walsh, Onekura road trappers Tiwai Rawiri, Ngāti Torehina, Pēwhairangi Whānui Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#418
May 25 · 26 min
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 Zealand Paul Viskovic, Geomodeller, Earth Sciences New Zealand Thijs van Soest, Isotope Hydrogeologist, Earth Sciences New Zealand Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#416
May 18 · 25 min
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 Wellington Nicola Coom, Chief Executive of the Cancer Society Alice Hyatt, cancer survivor Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#415
May 11 · 28 min
Looking to a wild future for kākāpō
Today kākāpō breed on three remote islands, each bird wears a transmitter and they are carefully monitored and minded. But the ultimate goal of the kākāpō recovery programme is to restore the mauri of the kākāpō – to have them back in our forests as wild, nameless birds. What are the steps to get there, and how can science help keep kākāpō safe through this transition? Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Kākāpō need new habitat, could fenced ecosanctuaries be an option? That’s why kākāpō were released into Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in July 2023, to start a trial of how they would do in this new, mainland, North Island habitat. A year later, there had already been a lot of lessons learned. One of the possible future habitats mentioned by Deirdre Vercoe is South Westland, where a massive effort is underway to clear stoats, possums and rats from a huge area. For all the details about this record-breaking breeding season, listen to the Kākāpō Files podcast. Guests: Deirdre Vercoe, Kākāpō and Takahē recovery programme operations manager, Department of Conservation Dr Andrew Digby, Kākāpō and Takahē recovery programme science and technical advisor, Department of Conservation Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#414
May 4 · 27 min
A time of change for kākāpō
So far, 2026 has been the biggest kākāpō breeding season of all time, with more chicks hatched than ever before. The current challenge is to keep them all healthy as they grow into juveniles, and get added to the adult population. But what comes after that? Claire Concannon reports on the future of kākāpō from one of the breeding islands. 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
#413
April 27 · 28 min
A taste for science
The food you see on the supermarket shelves doesn't end up there by accident. It's often been rigorously tested for likeability. This week on Our Changing World, Liz Garton finds out about the science behind those decisions, given that individual taste can be very varied. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Export markets are a key consumer group. Look at who’s eating our food with this story from RNZ’s Farah Hancock. Our Changing World looked at how science can help pair foods with the School of Chemical Science at the University of Auckland Finding a Psa-V-tolerant golden kiwifruit was one of the success stories from the Consumer and Health sciences team. Claire Concannon looked at the ongoing efforts to prevent the disease from getting to the South Island. Guests: Christina Roigard, Science Team Leader – Sensory & Consumer Health, New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited David Jin, Scientist, Health and Consumer Science Team - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited Dr Roger Harker, Principal scientist - Health and Consumer Science Team - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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