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.
![What scientists just discovered about NZ’s big-risk Hikurangi Subduction Zone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What scientists just discovered about NZ’s big-risk Hikurangi Subduction Zone
Study sheds fresh light on what makes mysterious 'slow' quakes at NZ's monster fault zone.
![Four storeys high: The biggest waves recorded around NZ this year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Four storeys high: The biggest waves recorded around NZ this year
A "one-in-3000 year" wave near Napier has been among the biggest recorded.
![There’s a major earthquake happening beneath NZ - but you can’t feel it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
There’s a major earthquake happening beneath NZ - but you can’t feel it
'Silent' events occurring below NZ unleash equivalent energy of 6.9 quake in four months.
![Explained: The science behind today’s big quakes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Explained: The science behind today’s big quakes
Today's big Hawke’s Bay jolts struck in an area well-known for seismic activity.
![Transformed: Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastation viewed from space](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Transformed: Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastation viewed from space
New satellite imagery shows landscapes and coastlines transformed by the historic storm.
![Silent enigma: The ‘7.0 earthquake’ that Kiwis never felt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Silent enigma: The ‘7.0 earthquake’ that Kiwis never felt
Slow-motion quakes unfolding beneath NZ just released the equivalent energy of a 7.0 jolt.
![NZ’s silent quakes: Scientists capture mysterious ‘slow-slip’ event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
NZ’s silent quakes: Scientists capture mysterious ‘slow-slip’ event
Scientists observe 'silent' quake powerful enough to raise part of Hawke's Bay's seafloor.
![Subduction zone secrets: Is this how NZ forecasts 'megaquakes'?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Subduction zone secrets: Is this how NZ forecasts 'megaquakes'?
Scientists may have new way to forecast mega-quakes in big-risk Hikurangi Subduction Zone.
![Covid 19: How many lives did NZ's pandemic response save?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Covid 19: How many lives did NZ's pandemic response save?
NZ remains one of only nine countries with negative excess mortality since pandemic began.
![3302 cases today as Covid becomes one of NZ's biggest killers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
3302 cases today as Covid becomes one of NZ's biggest killers
One in seven recent NZ deaths were from Covid-19. So why are we growing indifferent to it?
![Auckland families reinfected with Covid for third time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Auckland families reinfected with Covid for third time
Te Whanau o Waipareira Trust is seeing more families reporting Covid-19 reinfections.
![Hidden monster: What we're learning about NZ's big tsunami-maker](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Hidden monster: What we're learning about NZ's big tsunami-maker
NZ's Hikurangi Subduction Zone is a sleeping taniwha. But we're learning much about it.
![Three new cases since 1pm - one has link to border; AUT student among 10 cases - in lecture with 84 others](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Three new cases since 1pm - one has link to border; AUT student among 10 cases - in lecture with 84 others
Ten Covid cases confirmed - AUT student was in lecture with 84 other students.
![Earthquake swarm reveals NZ's hidden magma reservoir](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Earthquake swarm reveals NZ's hidden magma reservoir
Scientists think they've located the magma chamber within the supervolcano.
![A large earthquake is happening right now - but you can't feel it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
A large earthquake is happening right now - but you can't feel it
No one can feel it, but a large - and very slow - quake is unfolding off NZ's East Coast.
![Budget 2021: Govt puts $28m into war against kauri killer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Budget 2021: Govt puts $28m into war against kauri killer
Govt spending $28m at effort to stop as-yet incurable disease killing NZ's iconic kauri.
![Major 8.1 quake a rare and 'very notable event' - scientist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Major 8.1 quake a rare and 'very notable event' - scientist
Scientist says 8.1 'thrust' event can spark tsunami due to rare size and shallow depth.
![30C scorcher: NZ set to swelter in the sun; forecasters also on cyclone watch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
30C scorcher: NZ set to swelter in the sun; forecasters also on cyclone watch
Some spots could hit 30C this week, with warm, sunny weather in store for most regions.
![It's the first day of summer! What weather lies ahead?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
It's the first day of summer! What weather lies ahead?
December 1 is officially the first day of summer.
![NZ's mysterious 'silent quakes' may help forecast future tsunamis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
NZ's mysterious 'silent quakes' may help forecast future tsunamis
Hidden quakes may be key to forecasting threat from big-risk Hikurangi Subduction Zone.
![Anatomy of a deluge: What caused Napier's big downpour?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Anatomy of a deluge: What caused Napier's big downpour?
Napier deluge came with unfortunate atmospheric collision and a climate change tail-wind.
![DNA analysis: Havelock North gastro outbreak could have hit more than 8000](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
DNA analysis: Havelock North gastro outbreak could have hit more than 8000
Thousands more than thought may have been affected by 2016 gastro outbreak, study finds.
![Five ugly figures that highlight NZ's plastic problem](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Five ugly figures that highlight NZ's plastic problem
Each of us consumes around 31kg of plastic each year - and the problem's getting worse.
![7.4 quake: NZ 'lucky to avoid tsunami', says scientist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
7.4 quake: NZ 'lucky to avoid tsunami', says scientist
Early morning quake's side-to-side motion stopped it from causing a tsunami, expert says.
!['This trend is not our friend' - 2019 NZ's fourth hottest year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'This trend is not our friend' - 2019 NZ's fourth hottest year
Last year was NZ's fourth hottest on record - continuing a trend 'that is not our friend'.
![Move over, mega parrot: Giant NZ penguin discovery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Move over, mega parrot: Giant NZ penguin discovery
Scientists reveal another monster NZ bird - this time, an ancient 1.6m-high penguin.
![How much ash would a Taupō eruption spread?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
How much ash would a Taupō eruption spread?
Layers of ash centimetres thick could fall on Auckland in a major Taupo eruption.
![Hunting season shaping up to be quacker](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Hunting season shaping up to be quacker
Going shooting this weekend? Here's everything you need to know ahead of opening morning.
![Study shows past rumbles on NZ's big quake danger zone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Study shows past rumbles on NZ's big quake danger zone
Scientists pull together most comprehensive picture yet of NZ's largest geological threat.
![Swarm of quakes triggered by major 'slow slip' NZ event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Swarm of quakes triggered by major 'slow slip' NZ event
Silent, slow-burning earthquakes can displace faults over days and months.
![Report card on NZ's vanishing nature: Must try harder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Report card on NZ's vanishing nature: Must try harder
More work urgently needed to arrest decline of NZ's vanishing nature, report finds.
![Coming months to be warmer - with potential downpours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Coming months to be warmer - with potential downpours
Niwa is picking a warm few months ahead - but with the chance of big downpours.
![Students march over climate change: 'We need adults to listen - this is our future'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Students march over climate change: 'We need adults to listen - this is our future'
Student says although she can't participate in elections, being at protest "was her vote".
![5.0 quake hits East Coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
5.0 quake hits East Coast
A magnitude 5 earthquake has struck off the North Island's East Coast this morning.
!['Peak' heatwave today, with temps up to 37C](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Peak' heatwave today, with temps up to 37C
Will this heatwave officially be a heatwave? Jamie Morton explains.
![Rising seas threat to council infrastructure - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Rising seas threat to council infrastructure - report
As much as $14 billion worth of council infrastructure is threatened by rising seas.
![New centre to keep 24/7 watch on quakes, tsunami](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
New centre to keep 24/7 watch on quakes, tsunami
A state-of-the-art centre will keep a constant watch on NZ's biggest geological threats.
![Typical or tropical? NZ's forecast for summer is in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Typical or tropical? NZ's forecast for summer is in
There's a 50/50 chance of a typical NZ summer – or one even balmier than normal.
![EVs travelling further than fuel vehicles - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
EVs travelling further than fuel vehicles - report
EVs averaging 14,100km each year, survey shows.
![Three of four NZ freshwater fish 'staring extinction in the face'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Three of four NZ freshwater fish 'staring extinction in the face'
A new study looking at plight of native fish and land use change paints a grim picture.
![Niwa forecast: NZ likely to get another El Niño](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Niwa forecast: NZ likely to get another El Niño
It's now likely New Zealand will see another El Niño climate system soon.
![EV owners: Cash carrots needed to wean drivers off petrol](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
EV owners: Cash carrots needed to wean drivers off petrol
More cash incentives are needed to wean NZ motorists off petrol, EV owners' poll finds.
![More weather-related EQC claims closer to the coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
More weather-related EQC claims closer to the coast
Study finds clear trends among $300m of weather-related claims paid out by EQC since 2000.
![NZ's climate faces wilder, wetter, warmer, future](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
NZ's climate faces wilder, wetter, warmer, future
A top panel has laid out starting points for NZ to prepare for a warmer, wilder future.
![Greenest Budget ever, says Greens leader Shaw](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Greenest Budget ever, says Greens leader Shaw
What's touted as the "the greenest Budget ever" puts over $600m toward environment areas.
![What to expect this winter: The balmy weather continues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What to expect this winter: The balmy weather continues
New Zealand is in for a warmer winter, as one of the hottest years on record rolls on.
![Major Govt water review: Sector asks for new regulator](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Major Govt water review: Sector asks for new regulator
Call follows revelations that three quarters of a million Kiwis are drinking unsafe water.
![Major report: What we've done to NZ's landscape](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Major report: What we've done to NZ's landscape
NZ now losing nearly 200m tonnes of soil each year, with consequences for our environment.
![Our storm explained: A wild beast with a sting in the tail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Our storm explained: A wild beast with a sting in the tail
Yesterday's storm was a strange stew packing a dying marine heatwave and side-swipe low.
![What you need to know about NZ's tornadoes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What you need to know about NZ's tornadoes
On the rare occasion they hit New Zealand towns, tornadoes are dramatic events.
![Record heat: 2018 our warmest start to a year, ever](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Record heat: 2018 our warmest start to a year, ever
It's been the hottest first three months of a calendar year on record, Niwa says.
![The lake that lost its breath](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
The lake that lost its breath
Three years after his wedding at placid Lake Tutira, Jamie Morton asks if it can be saved.
![Next three months: warmth lingers on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Next three months: warmth lingers on
After our La Nina-fired summer, there's a chance spring could bring a meddling El Nino.
![Our sleeping taniwha: Hikurangi's tsunami threat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Our sleeping taniwha: Hikurangi's tsunami threat
It could kill thousands, but there's much about our main geological threat we don't know.
![Scientists to probe NZ's tsunami danger zone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Scientists to probe NZ's tsunami danger zone
Scientists set to install listening posts deep in the high-risk Hikurangi Subduction Zone.
![Waka voyage opens eyes to plastic scourge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Waka voyage opens eyes to plastic scourge
An East Coast waka voyage has encountered a surprising amount of ocean plastic pollution.
![Our hottest summer: what caused it?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Our hottest summer: what caused it?
A "trifecta" of big drivers combined to make this summer what will be NZ's hottest ever.
![Gita 'revved up' by record summer's warm oceans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Gita 'revved up' by record summer's warm oceans
What could be a record summer has come with warmer water that "revved up" Cyclone Gita.
![Q&A: The science of... mugginess](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Q&A: The science of... mugginess
Sick of the stickiness? Here's where it comes from and why it makes us uncomfortable.
![Record marine heatwave to 'energise' coming storm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Record marine heatwave to 'energise' coming storm
Record "marine heatwave" could fuel a low-pressure system forecast to hit NZ next week.
![NZ's 'bad' lakes: Where you should avoid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
NZ's 'bad' lakes: Where you should avoid
Scientists have begun a sprawling health check of hundreds of New Zealand lakes.
![Come take a dip, dairy industry tells Sir Tim Smit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Come take a dip, dairy industry tells Sir Tim Smit
Dairy NZ invites the UK's Sir Tim Smit over for a dip in response to dirty river remarks.
![Most Kiwis back charging for water use - survey](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Most Kiwis back charging for water use - survey
Most Kiwis across town and country think water use should come with a cost, survey finds.
![Passions high over natural assets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Passions high over natural assets
What policies are parties proposing to manage and protect our natural resources?
![A bone-chiller: Year's coldest morning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
A bone-chiller: Year's coldest morning
A spectacular clear night has led to sub-zero temperatures across New Zealand.
![Cook vs Debbie: The science of the storms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Cook vs Debbie: The science of the storms
How does Cyclone Cook compare with last week's big storm? Experts explain.
![Are councils prepared enough for oil spills?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Are councils prepared enough for oil spills?
Fewer than half of councils have enough staff trained to respond to marine oil spills.
![Gastro outbreak hot topic at water summit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Gastro outbreak hot topic at water summit
The Havelock North gastro outbreak - and whether the same catastrophe could unfold in other places - is the hot topic at a major water conference underway this week.
![Rocket Lab nearly clear for NZ space launch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Rocket Lab nearly clear for NZ space launch
The country's first rocket company is now almost clear to launch, after the Government signed off on the contract.
![Small step for Mahia, giant leap for NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Small step for Mahia, giant leap for NZ
Sheep, hills, remoteness and rockets. New Zealand is about to blast off from distant Mahia and into the world's $350 billion space economy.
![Police praise wharf-fall rescuers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Police praise wharf-fall rescuers
Heidi Warren has patrolled Hawkes Bay's Waimarama Beach for four years but only saved her first life outside a Napier pub at 3 o'clock yesterday morning.
![Kiwi's 'once in a lifetime' meteor shot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Kiwi's 'once in a lifetime' meteor shot
Wellington photographer says image of stunning 'shooting star' streaking across New Zealand night sky was happy coincidence.