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.
![Hidden wonders: What scientists just discovered beneath Lake Rotorua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Hidden wonders: What scientists just discovered beneath Lake Rotorua
Lakefloor survey reveals thousands of pockmarks, an ancient river and hydrothermal system.
![Hot El Nino summer causing more algal blooms in NZ's rivers, lakes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Hot El Nino summer causing more algal blooms in NZ's rivers, lakes
Swimmers are urged to be on the lookout for potentially toxic algal blooms this summer.
![‘Cooking with gas’: Forecasters surprised to find NZ in another marine heatwave](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
‘Cooking with gas’: Forecasters surprised to find NZ in another marine heatwave
On a day tipped to bring scorching temperatures, our seas are also running unusually warm.
![28m high: Scientists model NZ’s risk from tsunami-making quakes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
28m high: Scientists model NZ’s risk from tsunami-making quakes
New analysis points to rare but extreme potential for huge tsunamis hitting NZ's coasts.
![Scientists discover intriguing ‘mini eruptions’ at Mt Ruapehu](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Scientists discover intriguing ‘mini eruptions’ at Mt Ruapehu
A new data-crunching approach has turned up recent missed 'mini-eruptions' at Ruapehu.
![Ash buried in Antarctica puts date on Lake Taupō’s last big blow](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Ash buried in Antarctica puts date on Lake Taupō’s last big blow
Ash buried deep in Antarctic ice highlights the eruptive power of our famous supervolcano.
![Get set for the last ‘blue supermoon’ until 2032](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Get set for the last ‘blue supermoon’ until 2032
Thursday's rare 'blue supermoon' isn't due in NZ's night skies again for a decade.
![More than a 'mega-thrust': Hidden power of our largest fault revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
More than a 'mega-thrust': Hidden power of our largest fault revealed
New 3D images reveal how NZ's largest fault - the Hikurangi Subduction Zone - moves.
![Shaky Isles: Has this year really been ‘quakier’ than usual?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Shaky Isles: Has this year really been ‘quakier’ than usual?
NZ's been rocked by several 5.0-plus quakes in 2023, amid 11,000 others. Is that normal?
![Warning of slips, flooding as second big rain-maker set to soak north-east again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Warning of slips, flooding as second big rain-maker set to soak north-east again
NZ's north-east is in for yet another soaking later this week after heavy rain hits today.
![More chilly nights in store as temperatures plunge below zero around NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
More chilly nights in store as temperatures plunge below zero around NZ
High hovering over NZ expected to bring some of year's coldest temperatures this week.
![What woke up Taupō? Super-volcano’s year-long episode leaves burning questions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What woke up Taupō? Super-volcano’s year-long episode leaves burning questions
One of Taupō's biggest bouts in 150 years has left scientists more questions than answers.
![What scientists just discovered about Taupō's latest ‘super-eruption’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What scientists just discovered about Taupō's latest ‘super-eruption’
The gigantic Ōruanui event was big enough to form Lake Taupō and spread ash to Antarctica.
![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.
!['Nasty bug': Flu season begins early ahead of another bumper year, warning for daycares](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Nasty bug': Flu season begins early ahead of another bumper year, warning for daycares
Virologist says flu is already on the rise in NZ, as long-absent strains return.
![Can data-crunching AI warn us of imminent eruptions?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Can data-crunching AI warn us of imminent eruptions?
AI-powered model shows recent bouts of unrest at Whakaari had similar trigger mechanisms.
![Unrest at Taupō: Supervolcano rumbles on after recent 4.4 quake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Unrest at Taupō: Supervolcano rumbles on after recent 4.4 quake
Scientists keeping the official alert level of NZ's famous supervolcano slightly raised.
![See ya, La Niña: Autumn to bring different flavour for drenched northeast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
See ya, La Niña: Autumn to bring different flavour for drenched northeast
After three years of meddling with our weather, La Niña's finally shuffling off the stage.
![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.
![Stronger than Bola? New analysis shows how Cyclone Gabrielle compares](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Stronger than Bola? New analysis shows how Cyclone Gabrielle compares
Gabrielle appears to have been a stronger cyclone system than even 1988’s disastrous Bola.
![Explained: Our lousy 2023 summer - why we need to brace for more heavy rainfall on horizon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Explained: Our lousy 2023 summer - why we need to brace for more heavy rainfall on horizon
La Niña isn't done with NZ's drenched north, with another soaking possible in early March.
![Scientists recording 20 quakes each week at unsettled Taupō](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Scientists recording 20 quakes each week at unsettled Taupō
Activity at NZ's best-known supervolcano hasn't quietened enough to lower its alert level.
![After 700 quakes, what happens next at restless Taupō supervolcano?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
After 700 quakes, what happens next at restless Taupō supervolcano?
It's possible unrest at Taupō supervolcano could rumble on through summer, scientists say.
![NZ's quiet supervolcano explained: What's going on beneath Taupō?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
NZ's quiet supervolcano explained: What's going on beneath Taupō?
For the first time, GeoNet has raised the volcanic alert level at Taupō. Should we worry?
![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?
!['Freight train of low pressure': New Zealand's 10 wettest spots this month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Freight train of low pressure': New Zealand's 10 wettest spots this month
A 'freight train of low pressure' has helped deliver NZ one of its soggiest months ever.
![More than 300 quakes under Lake Taupō since May](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
More than 300 quakes under Lake Taupō since May
Scientists observe spate of Taupō quakes but the supervolcano isn't any closer to blowing.
![Ground above hidden Taupō supervolcano rising, sinking - study](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Ground above hidden Taupō supervolcano rising, sinking - study
Decades of data reveals bed of NZ's largest lake has been constantly rising and falling.
![Giant rainmakers: Another 'atmospheric river' is heading our way - what is it?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Giant rainmakers: Another 'atmospheric river' is heading our way - what is it?
Scientists have learned surprising new insights about what are NZ's biggest rain-makers.
![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.
![How hidden seismic cues could tip off the next big blow](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
How hidden seismic cues could tip off the next big blow
Could hidden seismic signals be the key to predicting New Zealand's next big eruption?
![Experts: Why we're seeing more sharks this summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Experts: Why we're seeing more sharks this summer
Scorching seas have warmed up the surf at our beaches. Have they also lured more sharks?
![NZ scientists to model steam-driven eruptions like Whakaari tragedy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
NZ scientists to model steam-driven eruptions like Whakaari tragedy
New study could bring us closer to forecasting steam-driven blows like Whakaari tragedy.
![Live: Hospital baby tests positive; more Raglan household cases; PM hints at easing Auckland restrictions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Live: Hospital baby tests positive; more Raglan household cases; PM hints at easing Auckland restrictions
Experts warn Auckland can't move to level 2 given current cases and virus spread.
![Volcanoes, tsunamis, underwater landslides: Mapping NZ's 'near-shore' threats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Volcanoes, tsunamis, underwater landslides: Mapping NZ's 'near-shore' threats
Scientists are exploring NZ's risk from offshore volcanoes and tsunami-making landslides.
![The 90% Project: Why NZ's vax drive must shoot for the moon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
The 90% Project: Why NZ's vax drive must shoot for the moon
NZ needs sky-high vaccination rates to shield itself from Delta. But what's realistic?
![Covid-19: 10 maps that reveal NZ's vulnerability](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Covid-19: 10 maps that reveal NZ's vulnerability
Is your part of NZ more vulnerable to Covid? Experts share images that tell the story.
![Interactive: Predicting Delta's spread with NZ's 'super model'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Interactive: Predicting Delta's spread with NZ's 'super model'
NZ's smartest Covid-19 model - run on a supercomputer - predicts spread at suburb-level.
![Just how did Delta get into NZ?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Just how did Delta get into NZ?
NZ's Delta outbreak has swelled to 72 cases. How did it start? Here's what we know so far.
![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.
![Polar blast: The science behind NZ's deep freeze](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Polar blast: The science behind NZ's deep freeze
A polar blast has briefly chilled what's been NZ's warmest start to winter. What drove it?
![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.
![Photos: 'Once in a lifetime' - blood supermoon rises over NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Photos: 'Once in a lifetime' - blood supermoon rises over NZ
Kiwi stargazers were treated to a lunar spectacular overnight.
![Blood supermoon: Best places to see rare eclipse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Blood supermoon: Best places to see rare eclipse
Cloud might block the view for some, but other parts of New Zealand are in for a treat.
![Blood supermoon: How to capture tonight's rare spectacle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Blood supermoon: How to capture tonight's rare spectacle
Staying up to snap Wednesday's 'blood supermoon'? Don't bother with your phone camera.
![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.
![Fire and ice: The explosive past of Ruapehu and Tongariro](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Fire and ice: The explosive past of Ruapehu and Tongariro
They sit kilometres apart - but the stories of Ruapehu and Tongariro are quite different.
![Rongoā Māori: Plant chemical found in kōwhai helps smokers quit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Rongoā Māori: Plant chemical found in kōwhai helps smokers quit
A chemical found in the kōwhai may offer a cheaper medicine to help people quit smoking.
![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.
![Covid-19: New cases' missing match 'hugely significant'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Covid-19: New cases' missing match 'hugely significant'
Virologist says it's worrying that no genomic matches in MIQ have been found to new cases.
![Travellers' tales: MIQ mingling, guests share footballs, frisbees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Travellers' tales: MIQ mingling, guests share footballs, frisbees
More travellers come forward about MIQ mixing, but Govt insists protocols are strict.
![Covid-19: Traveller's worries over mingling at isolation hotel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Covid-19: Traveller's worries over mingling at isolation hotel
Traveller alarmed at new arrivals and people soon to leave mixing in MIQ hotel car park.
![Live: 3.5-hour wait for Covid testing as officials urge patience](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Live: 3.5-hour wait for Covid testing as officials urge patience
Two more of the community case's close contacts are waiting for test results.
!['Warm years are piling up' - 2020 was NZ's seventh hottest on record](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Warm years are piling up' - 2020 was NZ's seventh hottest on record
Amid a pandemic NZ saw its seventh hottest year in 2020, carrying on a dire warming trend.
![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.
![What you need to know about NZ's Covid vaccine announcement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What you need to know about NZ's Covid vaccine announcement
NZ has its first Covid-19 vaccine purchase deal. Jamie Morton explains what that means.
![Scientists glimpse transformed seafloor around White Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Scientists glimpse transformed seafloor around White Island
Seafloor survey around White Island reveals a mass of ash discharged in deadly eruption.
![New alert system could have warned of Whakaari tragedy - scientists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
New alert system could have warned of Whakaari tragedy - scientists
NZ-designed system could've given 16 hours' warning of deadly eruption, scientists say.
![Hidden bangs: Scientists reveal hundreds of ancient NZ eruptions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Hidden bangs: Scientists reveal hundreds of ancient NZ eruptions
These smaller, more frequent eruptions have been overlooked in the past.
![The deadly 85m high tsunami that New Zealand can't ignore](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
The deadly 85m high tsunami that New Zealand can't ignore
Volcanic eruption caused a collapse into the sea, triggering a devastating tsunami.
![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.
![Six months on, White Island could erupt again with little warning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Six months on, White Island could erupt again with little warning
Six months after White Island's deadly blow, fresh magma has been found near its surface.
![What's the difference between level 1 and 2? And when will we get there?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What's the difference between level 1 and 2? And when will we get there?
After a weekend of relative freedom, are we ready for more?
![Kiwi scientists in race for Covid cure; vaccine could be made in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Kiwi scientists in race for Covid cure; vaccine could be made in NZ
Company spearheading NZ effort says successful vaccine could be manufactured domestically.
![New data reveals bullet NZ dodged by locking down when we did](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
New data reveals bullet NZ dodged by locking down when we did
Why scientists think 'worst-case scenario' is longer relevant if we continue containment.
![Worst-case virus disaster: NZ may have been spared in 'nick of time' - expert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Worst-case virus disaster: NZ may have been spared in 'nick of time' - expert
After a two-week lag, NZ will start seeing whether its unprecedented lockdown has worked.
![When will Taupo's next 'super-eruption' happen?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
When will Taupo's next 'super-eruption' happen?
Four of the 10 recorded 'super-eruptions' in past 2.8 million years have happened in NZ.
![Where are NZ's worst swimming spots?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Where are NZ's worst swimming spots?
Dozens of popular swimming spots have been designated as no-go zones as summer heats up.
![White Island eruption: New light shed on what caused deadly blow](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
White Island eruption: New light shed on what caused deadly blow
A week after White Island blew, scientists have some answers about what caused eruption.
![White Island eruption: What makes pyroclastic surges so deadly?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
White Island eruption: What makes pyroclastic surges so deadly?
Scientists making pyroclastic currents - like that at White Island - to better model risk.
![White Island eruption: How blow transformed face of volcano](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
White Island eruption: How blow transformed face of volcano
A widened crater and several new vents have emerged on White Island after deadly eruption.
!['Beautiful but deadly': NZ's ever-present volcanic risk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
'Beautiful but deadly': NZ's ever-present volcanic risk
Home to a dozen volcanoes under regular watch, NZ's risk of eruption is ever-present.
![Anatomy of an eruption: Why White Island blew without warning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Anatomy of an eruption: Why White Island blew without warning
Yesterday's blow would've given people on White Island as little as seconds of warning.
![NZ's angriest volcano: What lies beneath White Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
NZ's angriest volcano: What lies beneath White Island
Monday's eruption came after a decade of drama at White Island - NZ's angriest volcano.
![Scientist: White Island eruption was 'basically instantaneous'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Scientist: White Island eruption was 'basically instantaneous'
A volcanologist has described White Island's eruption as "basically instantaneous".
![Scientists keep close watch on White Island rumbles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Scientists keep close watch on White Island rumbles
Two indicators of unrest at our most active volcano are at their highest level since 2016.