Jamie Morton
Multimedia Journalist
Jamie Morton, a specialist in science and environmental reporting for New Zealand's Herald, has spent the last decade writing about everything from conservation and cosmology to climate change and COVID-19.
Jamie Morton, a specialist in science and environmental reporting for New Zealand's Herald, has spent the last decade writing about everything from conservation and cosmology to climate change and COVID-19. He pursued a career in journalism from a young age, first studying media, then training under renowned tutor and journalist Jim Tucker in New Plymouth in 2004. After spending a year as a freelance writer for various Wellington newspapers, he joined the company in 2005, reporting on community newspapers in Hawke’s Bay. Following two years at the Wairarapa Times-Age, he had a year-long stint at the Bay of Plenty Times, covering health and local news. Jamie arrived at the New Zealand Herald in 2011, first working as a Tauranga-based branch reporter who covered breaking news and major stories from Coromandel to Taupo. His introduction to science and environment reporting was covering the Rena disaster in 2011: hearing experts calmly communicate science to a public furiously demanding answers left a deep impression. He took over the science and environment round soon after: and has spent the last decade writing about everything from conservation and cosmology to climate change and Covid-19. Highlights have included covering two major volcanic eruptions (2012 and 2019); the Kaikoura Earthquake (2018); travelling to disaster zones in the US, China and Japan (2013); the UN climate conference in Paris (2015); the Square Kilometre Array telescope in Western Australia (2014); and reporting from Antarctica (2016 and 2019). He's also contributed to two books and a UN desk guide for reporting on climate change, and won several major awards for his reporting: including science reporter of the year in 2013, 2016, 2022 and 2023. Over the past few years, he's been heavily focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, while raising a young family in his native Taranaki. Jamie can be contacted at jamie.morton@nzherald.co.nz.
Check out Jamie’s latest content
Science body urges PM to reconsider cuts to research funding
Royal Society Te Apārangi weighs in on Govt-ordered cuts to humanities research grants.
Christmas Day weather: Here’s what forecasters can tell us so far
Long-range forecasts suggest murky weather for Xmas: but don't cancel BBQ plans just yet.
NZ study: How peoples’ emotional cues shape views of genetically modified food
Researchers delved into Kiwis' perception barriers around eating GM and irradiated food.
GNS job cuts: Emergency management bosses told of 'significant risks' for natural hazards watchdog
Cost-cutting GNS Science shake-up sparked worries within NZ's emergency management agency.
‘Nothing but rumour and doubt’: Scientists hit out at Govt secrecy over sector reforms
A scientists’ coalition has hit out at Govt silence regarding a long-planned sector reset.
‘Strong’ marine heatwave conditions around North Island fueling warmth, humidity
Abnormal ocean warmth around northern coasts may already be noticeable for beachgoers.
Covid for Christmas? Here's what the modellers are predicting
Epidemiologist: Catching Covid shouldn’t be framed as an immunity-boosting positive
Muggy days and nights ahead as humid weather system nears NZ
Much of the North Island is in for a sticky end to the week, while Hastings could hit 30C.
Supreme Court rules in new twist for 20-year foreshore and seabed Māori rights saga
The new ruling is the latest twist in the 20-year legal saga regarding customary rights.
Explained: What today’s Supreme Court foreshore and seabed ruling means
NZ's highest court has weighed in on customary rights to the foreshore and seabed.
Dementia danger: Where you live in NZ could be worsening your brain health
Where we live in NZ can raise our risk of cognitive decline – with poorer areas worse off.
Why NZ scientists are studying a prehistoric apocalypse in Antarctica
The event 183 million years ago may reveal more about tipping points under global warming.
Hikurangi Subduction Zone: What overseas quakes just revealed about NZ’s biggest natural hazard
A major study reveals more about the mysterious mechanics of NZ's largest disaster threat.
Driverless cars are here, so why is NZ stuck in first gear?
You jump in a robotaxi in San Francisco or LA. What's holding driverless cars back here?
Niwa’s summer forecast: Scorching days next week, but muggy months to follow
Kiwis are in for a weather roller-coaster ride to Christmas and muggy days lie beyond.
Explained: Everything you need to know about arsenic and drinking water
Drinking water testing has turned up slightly higher arsenic levels. Here's what to know.
Here comes the heat: Parts of NZ to hit 30C this week
Kiwis are in for an early dose of scorching summer days - and nights - later this week.
'Taste, texture, price': Why Kiwis have stopped buying fake meat
Will meatless meat ever appeal to the average Kiwi consumer? Researchers explain.
Omicron variant XEC ‘rising steadily’ in NZ as scientists watch for early signs of Christmas wave
Recently arrived XEC now accounts for about a quarter of Covid-19 cases around NZ.
Heatwave behind NZ’s hottest summer could become ‘almost annual’ by 2040s
Regional NZ heatwaves once considered one-in-300-year events now concerningly more common.
Troubling new analysis: Why NZ needs tougher laws for serial speedsters
Study investigating speeding in NZ reveals a worrying link between tickets and crashes.
Weather outlook: More rain on the way after settled start to the week
More balmy weather is forecast to kick off the working week – but it won't last for long.
Junk food fail: Just how unhealthy are NZ’s school tuck shops?
Our intermediate and secondary schools have received a fail grade for healthy menus.
Scientists probe Pacific volcanoes’ risk to NZ’s internet
Scientists say huge undersea Pacific eruptions pose threat to cables linking NZ to world.
Analysis: How will NZ efforts stack up at this year’s big climate change summit?
NZ is among nearly 200 nations discussing climate change in Baku. How do we compare?
‘One to two hours’ notice’: The NZ region at risk of 12m-high tsunamis
Tsunami surges as high as four-storey buildings could strike in an unexpected part of NZ.
Premiums under pressure: Is this the biggest question climate change poses for insurance?
Climate impacts are beginning to put pressure on many Kiwis' insurance. What should NZ do?
'Must-try-harder': New report card reveals gaps in NZ's climate change policy
Findings released days ahead of UN climate summit.
One region pushing 30C: Widespread warm temperatures forecast this week
The whole of New Zealand is in for some abnormal spring warmth toward the end of the week.
Long, dry spells loom beyond another messy week of spring weather
A front is forecast to move up the country – but there's also late-week warmth in store.
The large previously hidden chunk of NZ’s population at risk from coastal flooding
First-of-its-kind study reveals large but hidden chunk of population facing flood risk.
World-first NZ study: Are baby food pouches really unhealthy for kids?
NZ researchers test claims baby food pouches are unhealthy – with surprising results.
How gigantic eruption's rare 'booms' are informing NZ's disaster planning
Kiwis' reports of 'booms' in the 2022 eruption offer scientists useful insights.
Jamie Morton: How much US election doomscrolling is too much?
OPINION: Overwhelmed by an election you can't even vote in? Here's what the experts say.
Why this new rat-busting toxin could be one of conservation’s biggest wins in ‘decades’
NZ scientists have developed a toxin that wipes out rats without harming other species.
Weather outlook: Saturday the soggiest in a rain-spoiled Labour Weekend
Labour weekend forecast holds little for Kiwis who'd hoped for some mid-spring sunshine.
Covid-19: Modellers watch for early signs of uptick toward fourth summer wave
There are early signs of an uptick in Covid-19 cases as new variant slowly gains foothold.
Uncertainty looms over future of NZ’s influential chief scientist role
Questions mount over why PM Christopher Luxon still hasn’t named his next chief scientist.
ChatGPT-like AI models can correctly forecast hospital flu surges
AI models similar to popular ChatGPT may help stretched hospitals manage bumper flu years.
Long-range weather outlook: Is NZ in for a rain-soaked Labour weekend?
A subtropical pulse may deliver NZ a damp end to October. Does La Nina still loom beyond?
Psychedelic Nation: Fresh research about NZ’s hallucinogenic drug users
Psychedelic drug use is on the rise in NZ. A group of young researchers is learning why.
Is NZ ready for the ‘inevitable’ next pandemic?
More work is needed to ready NZ for the next "inevitable" pandemic, two top experts write
Reversing biodiversity crisis could save $270b over next 50 years - analysis
A first-of-its-kind analysis finds protecting our species could save NZ tens of billions.
Auckland, Otago drop in world university rankings
NZ's top universities fall in new world rankings as sector group says there's work to do.
School holiday weather: Polar air set to send Kiwis back to winter
MetService issues advisories for snowfall, wind and rain ahead of mid-week cold front.
Scientists reveal first results of bird flu sampling; health plan shows how NZ would respond to human outbreak
Sampling shows no sign of big-risk bird flu - but its NZ arrival is 'just matter of time'.
Kiwi consumers being left in the dark over harmful fats in supermarket foods
Most food products sold in supermarkets don't disclose if they contain harmful trans-fats.
Stress, smoking, deprivation in pregnancy linked to depression in pre-teens - first-time NZ findings
NZ study links smoking, stress and deprivation around pregnancy to depression in children.
Mt Ruapehu's crater lake at record cool temps – but sudden eruption unlikely
Ruapehu's crater lake is unusually cool, while Whakaari's eruptive episode may be ending.
Manawanui sinking poses serious risks for ‘pristine’ tropical reef - expert
Ecological fallout may be reduced if Manawanui can be removed from reef, ecologist says.
Can we warn Kiwis seconds before a big earthquake hits?
NZ doesn't yet have an earthquake early warning system, but scientists are paving the way.
Rising heat putting NZ kids at risk of life-long health problems
Temperatures rising under climate change are posing an increasing risk for kids under 5.
Auroras in Auckland incoming? Unusually intense solar flare blasted from the Sun
Astro-photographers could soon be in for another treat: Nasa records a major solar flare.
Downpours to hit tomorrow as heavy rain expected throughout October
A weather system is set to douse New Zealand tomorrow, with more expected in October.
Am I autistic? NZ researchers say DNA testing may offer Kiwis firmer answers
Study offers new way to get a firmer answer to an increasingly asked question among Kiwis.
Health experts air Covid-19 concerns as free RAT tests end next week
The days of pharmacists dispensing free Covid-19 tests are about to come to an end.
‘Huge blow’: GNS Science confirms move to cut 10% of its workforce
Hazard-focused roles among dozens of jobs to be cut in confirmed GNS Science restructure.
New species of ghost shark discovered in NZ waters
Scientists find new ghost shark that lives exclusively in NZ and Australian waters.
Wind, rain and snow: More messy spring weather to hit NZ this week
Rainy fronts are set to sweep over NZ this week, with gale-strength winds possible.
Hikurangi Subduction Zone: Undersea landslides off Hawke’s Bay point to past mega-quakes
Scientists reveal new evidence showing how sudden, huge quakes can strike off Hawke's Bay.
How scientists aim to model volcanic ashfall from the next major NZ eruption
Scientists are developing a smart new model to forecast damage from ashfall in real time.
Why researchers say it’s time to rethink health star ratings
There are fresh calls to overhaul star ratings shoppers use to help hunt out healthy food.
Explained: The new Covid variant XEC – and why a summer wave is likely
A Covid modeller says a fourth summer wave is likely as a new variant emerges overseas.
The next Gabrielle: What would a direct hit on Auckland look like?
See how the city's floods affected your suburb - and what scientists expect in future.
'Covid didn't come from a lab': Scientists narrow down pandemic's origins
New evidence could help answer what started the spread of Covid-19.
Mt Ruapehu’s crater lake cools to record level; what that means for eruption chances
Volcano's crater lake registers coldest temperature in seven decades of monitoring.
New projections: How is the climate likely to change where you live?
New projections out to 2090 indicate NZ could grow warmer and drier than earlier forecast.
Aucklanders brace for gales, hail, cold temperatures, possible blackouts; snow falls in Chch
A major highway in the South Island has been closed to due snow and ice.
New research: How screentime can damage our kids
We often use screens as 'electronic babysitters' but it comes with a range of risks.
Cost cutting could ‘devastate’ research on NZ’s biggest tsunami threat - 85 experts
Dozens of the world's top geoscientists have urged GNS to rethink axing 46 research jobs.
Lost giant: What scientists just learned about the moa’s demise
Scientists have reconstructed the moa's demise to find valuable conservation lessons.
Did material from lake-making Taupō ‘super-eruption’ reach Australia?
Discovery in Australia has scientists pointing to prehistoric super-eruption at Taupō.
Severe winds, thunderstorms and hail possible for parts of NZ tomorrow
A typical messy start to spring, with more blustery westerlies in store for the week.
Season for sneezin’: Why hay fever sufferers are in for another ‘bad’ NZ spring
Ah-choo! Spring has sprung, and with it, the annual onslaught of sinus-invading pollens.
Measles: New analysis highlights urgent case to boost NZ’s vaccine coverage
Most who caught and spread measles in 2019's major outbreak hadn't been vaccinated.
New data: How effective is the Covid vaccine?
Data from five million Kiwis shows Covid shot's effectiveness against infection and worse.
Backdown after Auckland University course shake-up sparks academic revolt
Auckland University's vice-chancellor signals a course change over a controversial move.
Forecasters eye mid-month rain-maker amid switch in weather patterns
Relief for north Canterbury farmers battling an ongoing dry spell on its way.
Fishy claims: Supermarket seafood brands accused of greenwashing
Researchers find green claims on many products can't be backed up.
New research: Why you shouldn't take your phone to bed
Study challenges notions over disrupted sleep after body cams monitor kids' screen time.