Greenpeace New Zealand Weblog

Sake Barrel Smashing in Aomori

We recently opened a new Communications Centre in the northern fishing district of Aomori, Japan. As we mark 20 years of non-violent environmental campaigning in Japan this year, we’re bringing our message of healthy oceans, whale protection, and sustainable fisheries direct to the people of this port city. New Zealander, Mal Wren is there as the Project Coordinator and he writes this about his time in Aomori…

It’s certainly been a period of contrast since I arrived in Japan a couple of months ago. During the planning and development period for establishing the Aomori Communications Centre i was based in Shinjuku, Toyko, where our local train station has the best part of NZ’s population passing through – every day!

It’s far cry from home in Muriwai on the west coast of Auckland… Read more »

The worst bushfires in Australia's history have wreaked havoc and destroyed entire towns.

As the Australian bushfire crisis enters its fourth day, the fires continue to rage and the death toll continues to climb. Survivors are calling affected areas “hell on earth”. The destructive and tragedy is off the scale.

The fires have spread on the back of an unprecedented heat wave across southern Australia, with temperatures reaching up to 47 degrees Celsius and staying over 40 degrees for days on end. Conversely, in the north of the country, torrential rain continues to cause widespread flooding, isolating towns and hundreds of homes. Read more »

A few days ago a new version of Google Earth was launched including the two thirds of the planet that was previously unmapped – our oceans!

After renowned marine scientist Sylvia Earle noticed the serious lack of aquatic information in Google Earth she sarcastically asked one of the creators “why don’t you call it ‘Google Dirt’?”. Her comment actually inspired them to make “Google Ocean”. Thanks to their collaboration with over 100 organisations – you can now dive in and explore the big blue without even getting wet. You can even dive the Rainbow Warrior off the cost of NZ up at Matauri Bay.

The oceans geeks here at Greenpeace are excited because you can see all the marine protected areas across the globe. Sadly – only 1% of our oceans are actually protected and we need to protect 40% in order to ensure that they stay healthy. Read more »

New Zealand’s environment is bruised. Since National came to power, it has been dealt some nasty blows. Our clean green brand is reeling, black and blue from disrespect and shoddy treatment. And today it was blindsided with the announcement of a ‘reform’ of the Resource Management Act.

Essentially the changes will make it easier for developments to proceed, and harder for individuals and communities to object.
Read more »