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.
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World-first LSD micro-dosing study recruiting late-stage NZ cancer patients
Could tiny amounts of LSD help patients as they approach the end of their cancer journeys?
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'Polar vortex' to influence NZ weather patterns as intense downpour forecast
People across the upper North Island are being told to brace for severe weather.
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Kids in deprived neighbourhoods exposed to dirtier air, NZ-first analysis shows
Children born in deprived neighbourhoods exposed to dirtier air, new analysis finds.
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Kiwi extroverts are likelier to earn more - but there’s a curious twist
NZ researchers investigate whether being more outgoing means bringing home more bread.
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Opinion: Dry July - what happens to your body when you go booze-free for a month?
OPINION: I don’t think I’ve gone more than a week between drinks in my adult life.
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Under pressure: Record-breaking high bringing blue skies, freezing nights
A giant high over NZ may be about to set new all-time record for atmospheric pressure.
![‘Under threat like never before’: Science sector's funding fears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Under threat like never before’: Science sector's funding fears
More than 350 jobs lost in cuts, says report calling for urgent Government investment.
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Climate changed: Why our scientists are having to redefine ‘normal’ in 2024
Global warming is forcing scientists to redefine what New Zealand’s 'normal' climate is.
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How are Covid-19 vaccines holding up against new variants?
How is our Covid vaccine faring against an ever-evolving Omicron? Jamie Morton explains.
![NZ patient in world-first for ground-breaking gene therapy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
NZ patient in world-first for ground-breaking gene therapy
A Kiwi is the first to be treated with the gene-silencing drug for a rare disorder.
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Severe weather warning as subantarctic blast to sweep over NZ
MetService has issued a raft of weather warnings as a wintry cold front hits NZ on Monday.
![Loss of Government cash puts expertise in food sector at risk, scientists say; Save Science Coalition launched](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Loss of Government cash puts expertise in food sector at risk, scientists say; Save Science Coalition launched
A wealth of expertise may be lost from NZ’s food sector if a funding lifeline isn't found.
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‘I thrive on stress’: Inside Juliet Gerrard’s chaotic six years as NZ’s top scientist
She was there for a deadly eruption and a pandemic. Now, Juliet Gerrard is clocking off.
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La Nina looms: More deluges on cards after NZ soaked by storms
After this week's soaking, a Niwa forecaster isn’t ruling out more winter downpours.
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'It's clear we have a problem': Kiwis wasting $3.2 billion in food annually
Ever wondered what happens to all that uneaten food you throw out each week?
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400 Wairoa homes impacted by flooding, highways closed across Hawke's Bay
The storm-hit East Coast begins to emerge from heavy rain, flooding and gale-force winds.
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Major study: New science on bird flu and NZ
Testing of nearly 20,000 wild birds has told us more about avian flu's risk to NZ.
![Tricky new Covid variant on the rise as NZ’s sixth wave approaches peak](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tricky new Covid variant on the rise as NZ’s sixth wave approaches peak
NZ's sixth Covid wave is likely close to peaking, but new variant KP.3 is gathering speed.
![Heating planet charging up NZ’s big rain-makers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Heating planet charging up NZ’s big rain-makers
Decades of rain data are giving scientists a wider picture of global warming's influence.
![What NZ could tell us about life on Mars](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What NZ could tell us about life on Mars
Aotearoa's world-famous hot springs could help answer one of science’s biggest questions.
![Alpine Fault: Four things to know about NZ's big quake-maker](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Alpine Fault: Four things to know about NZ's big quake-maker
Emergency planners begin a three-part exercise readying NZ for a major Alpine Fault quake.
![Ministry for the Environment to cut 303 jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ministry for the Environment to cut 303 jobs
The environment ministry's workforce is proposed to be slashed by one third.
![‘Significant lack of confidence’: Niwa staff frustrations over restructure aired in scathing open letter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Significant lack of confidence’: Niwa staff frustrations over restructure aired in scathing open letter
Frustrated Niwa staff hit out at management over restructure that could cut 90 jobs.
![Study reveals how NZ's biggest quake-maker stokes world-famous volcanic zone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Study reveals how NZ's biggest quake-maker stokes world-famous volcanic zone
What puts the fire in the belly of a local volcanic zone that's produced monster blows.
![Satellites revealing new view of lingering landslide risk after 2023′s extreme summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Satellites revealing new view of lingering landslide risk after 2023′s extreme summer
Scientists using satellites to probe landslide risk in spots hit hardest by 2023's storms.
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New survey asks parents of donor-conceived children: have you told them?
For parents of donor-conceived children, it’s the trickiest question: when to tell them?
![Three big winter weather trends: Was May’s chill a prelude to a freezing few months?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Three big winter weather trends: Was May’s chill a prelude to a freezing few months?
The first half of 2024 brought us drought and deluges. So what's to come in winter?
![Winter's cold snaps likely to be brief](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Winter's cold snaps likely to be brief
After a noticeably chilly May, Niwa picks milder temperatures for winter.
![Budget 2024: Govt slammed over opening up polluter-paid climate fund](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Budget 2024: Govt slammed over opening up polluter-paid climate fund
The Govt has come under fire for opening up a major fund earmarked for climate efforts.
![Bird flu Q&A: A virologist answers your big questions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Bird flu Q&A: A virologist answers your big questions
Bird flu is knocking on NZ's door. An expert tells us what we need to know about H5N1.
![Keep NZ Beautiful boss, stressed team resign over frustrations with Govt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Keep NZ Beautiful boss, stressed team resign over frustrations with Govt
The head of an iconic litter-fighting charity says she and her entire team have resigned.
![Five things you never knew these Kiwi food staples could do](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Five things you never knew these Kiwi food staples could do
Mussels for muscles and fat-fighting feijoas: Jamie Morton looks at five food discoveries.
![Another Covid-19 wave on horizon: How big will it be?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Another Covid-19 wave on horizon: How big will it be?
NZ likely on cusp of another Covid wave similar in size to our last two, modeller says.
![More than a headache: Half of NZ’s migraine sufferers struggle with access to care](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
More than a headache: Half of NZ’s migraine sufferers struggle with access to care
New findings shed light on big barrier for estimated 640,000 Kiwis living with migraine.
![Kaikōura 2016 earthquake linked to unrest at Taupō supervolcano - 500km away](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kaikōura 2016 earthquake linked to unrest at Taupō supervolcano - 500km away
It’s been a question on the minds of geoscientists - can big quakes trigger eruptions?
![Heavy downpours set for North Island this week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Heavy downpours set for North Island this week
Heavy rain watch issued for Hawke's Bay and Gisborne ahead of subtropical system.
![Hikurangi Subduction Zone: The burning question about NZ’s biggest quake-maker](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Hikurangi Subduction Zone: The burning question about NZ’s biggest quake-maker
Our biggest fault zone is thought to have a release valve in the form of 'silent' quakes.
![Roy Kerr turns 90: Inside the beautiful mind of a Kiwi genius](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Roy Kerr turns 90: Inside the beautiful mind of a Kiwi genius
Even at 90, mathematics titan Roy Kerr is still curious about the secrets of the cosmos.
!['When I'm not working I'm anxious' - Workaholism in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'When I'm not working I'm anxious' - Workaholism in NZ
A new study offers a troubling glimpse into the lives of NZ's workaholics.
![Depressed? Why anti-depressants aren't the best solution](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Depressed? Why anti-depressants aren't the best solution
Depression affects more Kiwis than we think: and it's not just about a chemical inbalance.
![Preparing for a 'solar tsunami'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Preparing for a 'solar tsunami'
Scientists are helping energy networks prepare for solar event far bigger than weekend's.
![Winter jump in deaths expected: what’s most likely to kill this year?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Winter jump in deaths expected: what’s most likely to kill this year?
Death rates over winter are nearly a quarter higher than other times of the year. Why?
!['Extinction threat': How scared should we be of bird flu reaching NZ?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Extinction threat': How scared should we be of bird flu reaching NZ?
The global spread of bird flu has scientists concerned. Here's what you should know.
![The surprising things researchers just learned about gambling addiction in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The surprising things researchers just learned about gambling addiction in NZ
Around two-thirds of Kiwis gamble each year - but when and how does it turn risky?
![NZ study reveals concerning diet trends among disadvantaged kids](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
NZ study reveals concerning diet trends among disadvantaged kids
A groundbreaking study has shed important new light on the diets of our under-5s.
![First suspected case of cow-to-human bird flu transfer means NZ must be prepared](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
First suspected case of cow-to-human bird flu transfer means NZ must be prepared
The risk to humans is still low, but NZ needs plan for 'range of scenarios', expert says.
![More chilly mornings to come after Auckland’s coldest weekend of the year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
More chilly mornings to come after Auckland’s coldest weekend of the year
Auckland just had its coldest night in six months, with more chilly weather on the way.
![Weather: El Nino to deliver NZ parting shot with colder-than-average May](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Weather: El Nino to deliver NZ parting shot with colder-than-average May
Forecasters are picking a dry and cold May for NZ – but not before a patch of wet weather.
![Goodbye El Nino, hello La Nina? What to expect for the NZ winter and beyond](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Goodbye El Nino, hello La Nina? What to expect for the NZ winter and beyond
The El Nino of 2023-24 is officially over. What's in store for the rest of the year?
![NZ virologist says spread of bird flu across globe is ‘definitely cause for concern’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
NZ virologist says spread of bird flu across globe is ‘definitely cause for concern’
NZ needs to be prepared for H5N1 bird flu, which is evolving surprisingly quickly.
!['We found it!': Meet the Kiwi DNA detectives helping sick kids around the world](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We found it!': Meet the Kiwi DNA detectives helping sick kids around the world
For families, rare disorders can be misery. For Stephen Robertson, they're a mission.
![Plight at the Museum: New Zealand's natural heritage at risk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Plight at the Museum: New Zealand's natural heritage at risk
Museum collections help save species from extinction - but now they're at risk themselves.
![NZ is being soaked by another atmospheric river - what are they?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
NZ is being soaked by another atmospheric river - what are they?
They’ve powered some of our biggest deluges in recent years: what are atmospheric rivers?
!['Atmospheric river' may bring more than a month's rain in three days](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Atmospheric river' may bring more than a month's rain in three days
MetService issues a raft of new weather watches and warnings ahead of a big rain-maker.
![Intense weather ahead: Rain-maker to douse NZ, flooding threat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Intense weather ahead: Rain-maker to douse NZ, flooding threat
A moisture-packed system is set to saturate much of NZ, with warnings likely to be issued.
![Scientists, staff call on minister to intervene in Callaghan Innovation restructure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Scientists, staff call on minister to intervene in Callaghan Innovation restructure
Staff fear 'reset' to be announced Monday will mean big job cuts at Callaghan Innovation.
![Weather: March was NZ’s coldest in 12 years: What can we expect from winter?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Weather: March was NZ’s coldest in 12 years: What can we expect from winter?
If autumn’s felt a lot chillier than usual so far, you’re not imagining it.
![Waikato measles false alarm: How did authorities get it so wrong?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Waikato measles false alarm: How did authorities get it so wrong?
Te Whatu Ora explains reason for 'false positive' test result in Waikato measles scare.
![‘Triple burden’ of respiratory diseases driving early surge into NZ hospitals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Triple burden’ of respiratory diseases driving early surge into NZ hospitals
A trio of respiratory nasties is driving spikes in hospital cases ahead of sick season.
![She was given a year to live - then this Kiwi-made cancer therapy saved her life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
She was given a year to live - then this Kiwi-made cancer therapy saved her life
A groundbreaking, home-grown cancer therapy just passed another major milestone.
![Latest science: Is your ex really a narcissist?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Latest science: Is your ex really a narcissist?
They’re arrogant, jealous, entitled - and make up about 5 per cent of Kiwis.
![Grim discovery in NZ's mountain air](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Grim discovery in NZ's mountain air
They're tiny, toxic and now, scientists have discovered, blowing in our mountain air.
![Varied Easter weather ahead for New Zealand - it's going to be cold and wet in bottom of south](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Varied Easter weather ahead for New Zealand - it's going to be cold and wet in bottom of south
NZ is in for a bumpy week of weather – and there’s no guarantee Easter will be better.
!['I've run out of sick days': Researchers reveal NZ’s migraine misery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I've run out of sick days': Researchers reveal NZ’s migraine misery
They're excruciating and debilitating - and some 640,000 Kiwis regularly suffer them.
![Wastewater testing: Our biggest boozing regions revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Wastewater testing: Our biggest boozing regions revealed
A first-of-its-kind study lifts the lid on Kiwi drinking - with some surprising results.
![What scientists know about the Kiwi psychopaths living among us](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What scientists know about the Kiwi psychopaths living among us
Researchers have been building a picture of psychopathy in NZ. Here's what they've found.
![Coldest weekend of year so far? Antarctic air mass to hit NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Coldest weekend of year so far? Antarctic air mass to hit NZ
March is about to feel more like May, as a polar surge brings chilly weekend temperatures.
![Explained: Are boot camps for unruly youths really worth re-booting?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Explained: Are boot camps for unruly youths really worth re-booting?
NZ experience and international evidence say boot camps don’t work. So why are they back?
![Windy, wet weather blowing in for parts of South Island, settled conditions for north](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Windy, wet weather blowing in for parts of South Island, settled conditions for north
MetService has issued heavy rain and wind warnings as a front rolls up southern NZ.
![The new Covid vaccine is out today - here's all you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The new Covid vaccine is out today - here's all you need to know
Kiwis over 30 will be able to access the latest Covid shot from today. How does it work?
![Coming ‘La Nina-like’ pulse could prove big rainmaker for NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Coming ‘La Nina-like’ pulse could prove big rainmaker for NZ
Forecaster says subtropical event could bring much-needed rain - and shift out of El Nino.
![Science of sleep: 10 things we’re learning about sleep in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Science of sleep: 10 things we’re learning about sleep in NZ
We all spend around one third of our lives asleep - yet a third of us don't get enough.
![What the gases from Auckland's next volcanic eruption could do to our health](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What the gases from Auckland's next volcanic eruption could do to our health
For the first time, scientists have studied how gas could travel in an Auckland eruption.
![First-of-its-kind study: What drives vaccine hesitancy among Kiwis?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
First-of-its-kind study: What drives vaccine hesitancy among Kiwis?
Researchers have delved into the reasons some Kiwis remain hesitant about vaccines.
![Weather: Heavy rain brings flooding risk in north after unusually dry February](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Weather: Heavy rain brings flooding risk in north after unusually dry February
Forecasters issue heavy rainfall warning for Auckland, BOP, after abnormally dry February.
![Is this what an early earthquake warning system would look like in NZ?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Is this what an early earthquake warning system would look like in NZ?
Scientists have been testing tech taking NZ closer to an early quake warning system.
![Scientists welcome regulator’s call sorting ‘null segregants’ from GMOs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Scientists welcome regulator’s call sorting ‘null segregants’ from GMOs
Scientists have welcomed the EPA's new clarification of GMO-derived 'null segregants'.
![Explained: Is this warm, windy weather summer in late bloom?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Explained: Is this warm, windy weather summer in late bloom?
El Nino might have already peaked - but NZ is seeing its full flavours on display now.