Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
@ecowatchnz.bsky.social
Marine & environmental researcher and advocate. Based in Aotearoa-New Zealand
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
If one more general lane wont fix it, nor will wide general lanes!
Time to narrow those urban lanes and restore a human centric approach to our towns and cities!
Time to narrow those urban lanes and restore a human centric approach to our towns and cities!
November 12, 2025 at 7:44 PM
If one more general lane wont fix it, nor will wide general lanes!
Time to narrow those urban lanes and restore a human centric approach to our towns and cities!
Time to narrow those urban lanes and restore a human centric approach to our towns and cities!
Yes solar adds resilience to the electricity system and keeps the lights on. During cyclone Gabrielle it was places with solar and batteries that still had power in Coromandel peninsula.
15,000 homes that could be one solar and 🔋 to help keep the lights on
Solar up take in Australia approaches 40%
In NZ it is a pathetic 5%
Australia doing the Mahi again
And trust me, I love our solar and 🔋. Power Bill reduced and power when the grid fails.
Solar up take in Australia approaches 40%
In NZ it is a pathetic 5%
Australia doing the Mahi again
And trust me, I love our solar and 🔋. Power Bill reduced and power when the grid fails.
"The state of emergency in Southland and Clutha will remain in place into next week.
Nearly 15,000 homes are still without power after severe weather downed trees and powerlines and shut down over 100 cellphone towers last week."
#nzpol #kikorangi
Nearly 15,000 homes are still without power after severe weather downed trees and powerlines and shut down over 100 cellphone towers last week."
#nzpol #kikorangi
October 26, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Yes solar adds resilience to the electricity system and keeps the lights on. During cyclone Gabrielle it was places with solar and batteries that still had power in Coromandel peninsula.
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Major arterial roads require more than just paint for safety. When cars collide with the concrete barriers separating cyclists from general traffic, it indicates that these barriers are fulfilling their purpose. It also raises concerns about drivers who may not be fit to hold a license,
Enough.
Awesome to see this billboard up in Vancouver.
Was really incredible to work with the people at @visionzerovancouver.ca to bring this to life.
Awesome to see this billboard up in Vancouver.
Was really incredible to work with the people at @visionzerovancouver.ca to bring this to life.
October 16, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Major arterial roads require more than just paint for safety. When cars collide with the concrete barriers separating cyclists from general traffic, it indicates that these barriers are fulfilling their purpose. It also raises concerns about drivers who may not be fit to hold a license,
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Members at the #IUCNCongress have adopted Motion 032, calling for a transition away from destructive fishing practices on seamounts in international waters by the end of 2026 👏
October 14, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Members at the #IUCNCongress have adopted Motion 032, calling for a transition away from destructive fishing practices on seamounts in international waters by the end of 2026 👏
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
My analysis: The Government’s methane announcement is the policy equivalent of a steaming cowpat on cross-partisan climate consensus and international efforts to tackle the crisis.
The headline effect of a new, weaker climate target is a warmer, more dangerous world.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/13/f...
The headline effect of a new, weaker climate target is a warmer, more dangerous world.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/13/f...
Farmers off the hook on climate means rest of us pick up the slack
Comment: The Government's methane announcement is the policy equivalent of a steaming cowpat on cross-partisan climate consensus.
newsroom.co.nz
October 12, 2025 at 10:44 PM
My analysis: The Government’s methane announcement is the policy equivalent of a steaming cowpat on cross-partisan climate consensus and international efforts to tackle the crisis.
The headline effect of a new, weaker climate target is a warmer, more dangerous world.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/13/f...
The headline effect of a new, weaker climate target is a warmer, more dangerous world.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/13/f...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Two motions at #IUCNcongress could mark a turning point for deep-sea protection.
Motions 032 & 035 call for real action to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems & deliver on decades of global promises.
Read insights from Cymie Payne & Matthew Gianni: https://deep-sea-conservation.org/?p=4244
#IUCN2025
Motions 032 & 035 call for real action to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems & deliver on decades of global promises.
Read insights from Cymie Payne & Matthew Gianni: https://deep-sea-conservation.org/?p=4244
#IUCN2025
October 9, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Two motions at #IUCNcongress could mark a turning point for deep-sea protection.
Motions 032 & 035 call for real action to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems & deliver on decades of global promises.
Read insights from Cymie Payne & Matthew Gianni: https://deep-sea-conservation.org/?p=4244
#IUCN2025
Motions 032 & 035 call for real action to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems & deliver on decades of global promises.
Read insights from Cymie Payne & Matthew Gianni: https://deep-sea-conservation.org/?p=4244
#IUCN2025
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
👇
$200m would give you ~18,000 rooftop solar installations with a peak of ~5kW each.
That would total ~90MW peak generation. All without ONGOING fuel cost!
It would save in hydro during the day - acting similar to pumped hydro.
This is uneconomical and a waste of tax money!
#nzpol
That would total ~90MW peak generation. All without ONGOING fuel cost!
It would save in hydro during the day - acting similar to pumped hydro.
This is uneconomical and a waste of tax money!
#nzpol
October 2, 2025 at 11:49 PM
👇
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
My cartoon in today’s The Post, The Press and Waikato Times www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Jane lived by her ideals. She was a tireless advocate for the natural world. Now the baton’s been passed onto us & the younger generation. Thank u for your continuous championing for those without a voice
Jane lived by her ideals. She was a tireless advocate for the natural world. Now the baton’s been passed onto us & the younger generation. Thank u for your continuous championing for those without a voice
October 3, 2025 at 6:12 PM
My cartoon in today’s The Post, The Press and Waikato Times www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Jane lived by her ideals. She was a tireless advocate for the natural world. Now the baton’s been passed onto us & the younger generation. Thank u for your continuous championing for those without a voice
Jane lived by her ideals. She was a tireless advocate for the natural world. Now the baton’s been passed onto us & the younger generation. Thank u for your continuous championing for those without a voice
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Big cuts to Chatham Rise orange roughy fisheries from 1 October are unlikely to be enough but the Minister has proposed looking at other issues including stopping bottom trawling on spawning areas.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/09/30/g...
newsroom.co.nz/2025/09/30/g...
Govt to restrict bottom trawling during orange roughy spawn
Allowable catch in the troubled East and South Chatham Rise fishery has been slashed by 88 percent.
newsroom.co.nz
September 30, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Big cuts to Chatham Rise orange roughy fisheries from 1 October are unlikely to be enough but the Minister has proposed looking at other issues including stopping bottom trawling on spawning areas.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/09/30/g...
newsroom.co.nz/2025/09/30/g...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Govt approach is the wrong track to fixing electricity system. What NZ needs is electricity reforms that leverages off declining prices for solar and batteries, and wind, and excludes expensive climate unfriendly fossil gas. www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
Government takes softly softly approach to energy reform
Analysis - The government's response to electricity sector reform has been talk of significant changes followed by gradual, piecemeal measures that disappoint many, Gyles Beckford writes.
www.rnz.co.nz
October 1, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Govt approach is the wrong track to fixing electricity system. What NZ needs is electricity reforms that leverages off declining prices for solar and batteries, and wind, and excludes expensive climate unfriendly fossil gas. www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Quarry company can avoid public scrutiny by using Fast Track law to acquire conservation land managed by Wellington Regional Council. Another case of why the Fast Track law is bad law, ignores alternatives, & why land swaps are never simple. #repealthefasttrack www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Quarry firm looks to acquire section of Belmont Regional Park in land swap
Winstone Aggregates is trying to acquire a 24 hectare block of regional park land adjacent to the quarry in exchange for three blocks of regenerated quarry land totalling 30 hectares.
www.rnz.co.nz
October 1, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Quarry company can avoid public scrutiny by using Fast Track law to acquire conservation land managed by Wellington Regional Council. Another case of why the Fast Track law is bad law, ignores alternatives, & why land swaps are never simple. #repealthefasttrack www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Sad to hear that Jane Goodall has died age 91. She supported environmental initiatives throughout the world including helping ECO and other environmental groups promote joint environmental action in NZ. A great loss for the environment and the planet.
October 2, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Sad to hear that Jane Goodall has died age 91. She supported environmental initiatives throughout the world including helping ECO and other environmental groups promote joint environmental action in NZ. A great loss for the environment and the planet.
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Stupidity in a nutshell. Spending $200m to subsidise the most expensive fuel for a power plant - diesel. And remember we as consumers pay for the most expensive power generated at the time it is produced.
$200m would have been better spent on residential solar and battery schemes...
$200m would have been better spent on residential solar and battery schemes...
Big new diesel power plant will help in energy crises, says Marsden Point chief
Once, govt looked to build a zero carbon green power plant at the Northland oil terminal; now things have changed. Jonathan Milne reports.
newsroom.co.nz
October 2, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Stupidity in a nutshell. Spending $200m to subsidise the most expensive fuel for a power plant - diesel. And remember we as consumers pay for the most expensive power generated at the time it is produced.
$200m would have been better spent on residential solar and battery schemes...
$200m would have been better spent on residential solar and battery schemes...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
"New firming generation" means "way of raising power prices".
make them install renewables instead.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/02/b...
make them install renewables instead.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/02/b...
Big new diesel power plant will help in energy crises, says Marsden Point chief
Once, govt looked to build a zero carbon green power plant at the Northland oil terminal; now things have changed. Jonathan Milne reports.
newsroom.co.nz
October 2, 2025 at 7:41 PM
"New firming generation" means "way of raising power prices".
make them install renewables instead.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/02/b...
make them install renewables instead.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/02/b...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Shocking but not surprising the way this government hands the dairy industry a licence to pollute👇
More than 3500 rivers, lakes and estuaries across Aotearoa are under pressure, with new data showing widespread faecal contamination and poor water quality — especially in areas of intensive land use.
More than 3500 rivers, lakes and estuaries across Aotearoa are under pressure, with new data showing widespread faecal contamination and poor water quality — especially in areas of intensive land use.
New data reveals widespread contamination in New Zealand's waterways
Two-thirds of monitored river sites and half of groundwater bores were affected by faecal contamination, while two-thirds of lakes were rated in poor or very poor condition.
www.1news.co.nz
September 28, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Shocking but not surprising the way this government hands the dairy industry a licence to pollute👇
More than 3500 rivers, lakes and estuaries across Aotearoa are under pressure, with new data showing widespread faecal contamination and poor water quality — especially in areas of intensive land use.
More than 3500 rivers, lakes and estuaries across Aotearoa are under pressure, with new data showing widespread faecal contamination and poor water quality — especially in areas of intensive land use.
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Hey Chris Luxon, maybe have a wee read of the Electoral Act 1993, s7 before trying to play the Big Business CEO, huh?
"The Electoral Commission must act independently in performing its statutory functions and duties, and exercising its statutory powers, under—
(a) this Act ..."
"The Electoral Commission must act independently in performing its statutory functions and duties, and exercising its statutory powers, under—
(a) this Act ..."
'Slowest folk on the planet': Luxon says he wants votes to be counted faster
The prime minister says he expects the Electoral Commission to speed up the official vote count after an election.
www.rnz.co.nz
September 26, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Hey Chris Luxon, maybe have a wee read of the Electoral Act 1993, s7 before trying to play the Big Business CEO, huh?
"The Electoral Commission must act independently in performing its statutory functions and duties, and exercising its statutory powers, under—
(a) this Act ..."
"The Electoral Commission must act independently in performing its statutory functions and duties, and exercising its statutory powers, under—
(a) this Act ..."
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
In other words, unless the government provides more funding to the Electoral Commission, the fact that its bill will restrict people from enrolling close to election day won’t deliver a quicker result.
Since no more money is promised, it’s just about excluding people from voting.
Since no more money is promised, it’s just about excluding people from voting.
'Slowest folk on the planet': Luxon says he wants votes to be counted faster
'Slowest folk on the planet': Luxon says he wants votes to be counted faster
The prime minister says he expects the Electoral Commission to speed up the official vote count after an election.
www.rnz.co.nz
September 26, 2025 at 2:00 AM
In other words, unless the government provides more funding to the Electoral Commission, the fact that its bill will restrict people from enrolling close to election day won’t deliver a quicker result.
Since no more money is promised, it’s just about excluding people from voting.
Since no more money is promised, it’s just about excluding people from voting.
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
In March 2024 officials told NZ Govt that reneging on NZ's climate commitments would give bigger countries an excuse to do less. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Officials warn of damage to diplomatic relations in secret climate change memo
The advice was mistakenly released by the Ministry for the Environment.
www.rnz.co.nz
September 26, 2025 at 2:24 AM
In March 2024 officials told NZ Govt that reneging on NZ's climate commitments would give bigger countries an excuse to do less. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Someone needs to ask Luxon whether it’s more important for people to vote - or get a faster result.
Australia also takes weeks for final count.
Australia also takes weeks for final count.
September 26, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Someone needs to ask Luxon whether it’s more important for people to vote - or get a faster result.
Australia also takes weeks for final count.
Australia also takes weeks for final count.
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
The Government's controversial voting law will result in a 411% increase in the number of votes being thrown out, according to the Electoral Commission.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
An ‘election changing’ 55,000 votes could be barred under controversial new law
The Government’s changes to voting laws will see a 400% increase in “disallowed” votes, the Electoral Commission says.
www.thepost.co.nz
September 26, 2025 at 12:23 AM
The Government's controversial voting law will result in a 411% increase in the number of votes being thrown out, according to the Electoral Commission.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
This is Trumpian climate denial by the NZ government.
The Luxon govt has reopened applications for oil and gas exploration across the whole of New Zealand for the first time since the 2018 ban imposed by Jacinda Ardern, with a new faster route for awarding permits.
#nzpol
The Luxon govt has reopened applications for oil and gas exploration across the whole of New Zealand for the first time since the 2018 ban imposed by Jacinda Ardern, with a new faster route for awarding permits.
#nzpol
Government reopens oil and gas exploration nationwide, Greens decry 'climate fire'
Industry leaders hailed the move as vital for energy security, but the Green Party condemned it as a sign the coalition cares little for the climate crisis.
www.rnz.co.nz
September 25, 2025 at 5:13 AM
This is Trumpian climate denial by the NZ government.
The Luxon govt has reopened applications for oil and gas exploration across the whole of New Zealand for the first time since the 2018 ban imposed by Jacinda Ardern, with a new faster route for awarding permits.
#nzpol
The Luxon govt has reopened applications for oil and gas exploration across the whole of New Zealand for the first time since the 2018 ban imposed by Jacinda Ardern, with a new faster route for awarding permits.
#nzpol
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
I'd forgotten this piece by Fox Meyer. Shows the annual cost to the govt of treating acid mine leakage at a single coal mine is greater than the annual royalties paid by the entire coal industry. Coal is a climate disaster, it only survives on govt subsidy. newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/02/a...
All of Govt's 2024 coal earnings spent treating damages at a single mine
The Stockton mine is hoping for a fast-tracked 25-year extension, as historic damages are costing the Crown more than it earns from all coal mine royalties
newsroom.co.nz
September 20, 2025 at 10:52 PM
I'd forgotten this piece by Fox Meyer. Shows the annual cost to the govt of treating acid mine leakage at a single coal mine is greater than the annual royalties paid by the entire coal industry. Coal is a climate disaster, it only survives on govt subsidy. newsroom.co.nz/2024/12/02/a...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
The fast track bill removes public participation from consenting process for large projects. This assumes the orgs that propose these projects have the best solutions. In truth, many major projects have been dramatically improved by public input: architecturenow.co.nz/articles/fas...
Fast-track Approvals Act – a race to the bottom?
Richard Reid provides his observations and insights on the Fast-track Approvals Act, drawing from 25 years of assessing and designing nationally-important infrastructure and urban renewal projects.
architecturenow.co.nz
September 1, 2025 at 4:43 AM
The fast track bill removes public participation from consenting process for large projects. This assumes the orgs that propose these projects have the best solutions. In truth, many major projects have been dramatically improved by public input: architecturenow.co.nz/articles/fas...
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
Bottom trawling is a highly controversial fishing method, but a lesser-known problem with #bottomtrawling: its potential to unleash climate-warming gases by disturbing carbon stored in seafloor sediments. www.scientificamerican.com/article/bott... via @sciam.bsky.social
A Controversial Fishing Method May Dredge Up a Climate Time Bomb
Bottom trawling is a fishing practice that is notoriously destructive to seafloor ecosystems. Now there’s growing evidence that it might unleash planet-warming carbon
www.scientificamerican.com
August 29, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Bottom trawling is a highly controversial fishing method, but a lesser-known problem with #bottomtrawling: its potential to unleash climate-warming gases by disturbing carbon stored in seafloor sediments. www.scientificamerican.com/article/bott... via @sciam.bsky.social
Reposted by Baz.weeber.ecowatchnz
NZ's biggest climate emitters in agriculture are now not reporting what they emit. This is a case of a Govt decision hiding the polluters. To be carbon neutral then we must report all emissions. Transparency is key to future action. #reportallgreenhouseemissions www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Three of New Zealand's biggest emitters no longer have to reveal their climate impact
It comes after the government ended compulsory reporting for the farming sector.
www.rnz.co.nz
August 21, 2025 at 11:17 AM
NZ's biggest climate emitters in agriculture are now not reporting what they emit. This is a case of a Govt decision hiding the polluters. To be carbon neutral then we must report all emissions. Transparency is key to future action. #reportallgreenhouseemissions www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...