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.
Groundbreaking NZ-led study prompts rethink about devastating disorder
NZ-led study may prove a turning point in battle against neurodegenerative disorder MSA.
‘Disrespect for science’: Docs reveal how Govt pushed controversial changes to prestigious Marsden Fund
Documents reveal how Govt made changes to Marsden Fund that outraged academic community.
A cook in his own kitchen: Shane Reti talks science’s big reset and gene tech bill
The new Science, Innovation and Technology Minister has some giant decisions to make.
How Antarctica’s melting ice sheet could change NZ’s climate
Study suggests Antarctic meltwater may directly influence NZ's air and ocean temperatures.
Forecast deluges won’t ease North Island’s ‘unusual’ big summer dry
Downpours forecast this week unlikely to put dent in North Island's expanding dryness.
Lab-made tissue: ‘Lego-like’ local invention could revolutionise knee problems
A team of Kiwi scientists is pushing the boundaries of regenerative medicine.
Suspect you’re a narcissist? Here are the questions to ask yourself
What's the difference between healthy self-esteem and being a full-blown narcissist?
Environment watchdog flags worries over Govt science sector shake-up
Commissioner takes issue with Govt plans to merge NZ's seven Crown Research Institutes.
Science sector cuts: 63 more jobs to go at Callaghan Innovation, union says
Union says Callaghan Innovation staff forced into redundancy with 'nowhere in NZ to go'.
Happy Feat: Chilean officials stunned as NZ penguin turns up 7500km from home
A native NZ penguin has made an 'extremely unusual' visit to a seaside city in Chile.
‘Unheard of’: Family astonished at landing 100kg marlin near Kāpiti Island
A family fishing trip off the Kapiti Coast landed something a little heftier than snapper.
Risk of flooding, slips amid potential severe thunderstorms over North Island
People across the Central North Island are being warned of more thunderstorm action today.
‘Incredibly distressing’: Doctor worries old disease is making NZ comeback
Painful bone growth disorder appears to making a mysterious resurgence among NZ children.
NZ’s starving students: Hungry kids trailing peers by up to four years in maths, science
A major new analysis uncovers a 'barn-door problem' of food poverty in Kiwi schools.
‘Critical tipping point’: When did things turn bad for the Hauraki Gulf’s snapper?
What's driven the decline of the oft-caught species? Scientists shed new light.
NZ scientists create world-first ‘clock’ that could lead to ageing breakthroughs
DNA-based 'clock' could lead to new medical treatments and insights into how we age.
Youth vaping: NZ study reveals worrying misconceptions among teens
Health researchers say vaping urgently needs to be 'denormalised' among NZ's teens.
The 122km/h gust: Why last night’s extreme weather hit Mangawhai so hard
A forecaster explains what made the storm so powerful, as the weather action shifts south.
Cancer frontiers: Five ways Kiwi scientists are taking on our number one killer
Jamie Morton meets the Kiwi scientists leading five cutting-edge new cancer studies.
Strong support among reformed smokers for measures Govt dropped, study reveals
Study finds overwhelming backing for ‘smokefree generation’ and non-addictive cigarettes.
Mixed reactions: Govt's science revamp aims to drive economic growth
New Zealand's seven Crown Research Institutes to be grouped into three new organisations.
What scientists are learning about potential lava flows in Auckland
A recent eruption in Spain's Canary Islands yields important new insights for Auckland.
Iwi discovers native plant with cannabis-like properties
Discoveries about the plant have exciting potential for new homegrown health products.
Obesity breakthrough: Kiwi scientist in pivotal gene discovery
A Kiwi scientist has helped make a breakthrough that could lead to new obesity treatments.
Space spectacle: ‘Once in a lifetime’ comet to be visible in NZ skies
Kiwis likely to get glimpse at passing comet that’s been making for stunning images.
Nine in 10 Kiwi kids endure trauma by age 8 - new research
But parents can cut the risk of lasting harm, new study finds.
‘Widespread destruction': Kiwi dancer Parris Goebel evacuates home as devastating LA fires spread
NZ's top choreographer joins more than 150,000 LA residents forced to evacuate amid fires.
Eclipses and supermoons: Five things for Kiwi stargazers to look for in 2025, starting this week
From solar eclipses to meteors, there's plenty of action in 2025's astronomical calendar.
Climate change: How worsening heatwaves could hurt your heart
NZ scientists are exploring how crucial cells in our hearts will cope on extra-hot days.
Long-range outlook: What weather’s in store for NZ for the rest of summer?
Niwa’s outlook for rest of summer picks above-average warmth for the North Island.
Revealed: Just how warm was 2024 in New Zealand?
New Zealand again saw one of its hottest years on the books in 2024.
Summer bummer: Just how colder has 2025 been where you live?
We all know it's been colder around NZ over 2025. But how cold? Here are the numbers.
Weather: Parts of Northland approach drought as Wellington freezes
Meteorologists are closely watching fast-drying conditions across the upper North Island.
What NZ scientists are discovering about how our bodies fight infection
Ever wondered if catching one viral nasty spares you from being hit hard by another?
Growing pains: Scientists paint troubling picture for NZ’s crucial farm pastures
Productivity gains in New Zealand’s plentiful pastures have now stalled, or even declined.
Scientists building richest picture yet of NZ’s biggest quake-maker
Scientists are set to untangle the complex mechanics of NZ's monster natural hazard.
Rip currents pose risk at popular NZ beaches, experts warn
What are rip currents – and at what NZ beaches are they most dangerous? Experts explain.
Summer disrupted: Why forecasters are picking a ‘cool lean’ for first half of January
Temperatures forecast to reach 'laughable' 14C in capital tomorrow amid southerly pattern.
Explained: Is your favourite swimming hole safe for a dip?
Kiwis love to visit local swimming spots in the summer. But when is it best to skip a dip?
'They're not dumb': New research on why some of us believe conspiracy theories
What turns Kiwis toward conspiracy theorising? A new study reveals surprising insights.
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.
World-first NZ study: Are baby food pouches really unhealthy for kids?
NZ researchers test claims baby food pouches are unhealthy – with surprising results.
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.
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.
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?