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.
!['It's clear we have a problem': Kiwis wasting $3.2 billion in food annually](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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?
![Major study: New science on bird flu and NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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.
!['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.
![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.
![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.
!['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.
![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.
![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'.
![Why this month’s heat hasn’t been ‘just summer’.](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why this month’s heat hasn’t been ‘just summer’.
If it's felt uncomfortably, unusually hot - even for January - there's data to show why.
![Locals worried as more super-spreading seaweed discovered off Gt Barrier Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Locals worried as more super-spreading seaweed discovered off Gt Barrier Island
Discovery comes amid concern some boaties are flouting rules to control exotic caulerpa.
![Hot El Nino summer causing more algal blooms in NZ's rivers, lakes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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.
![Summer scorcher: Where temperatures could hit mid-30s this week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Summer scorcher: Where temperatures could hit mid-30s this week
Temperatures could reach mid-30s in parts of NZ later this week, with humidity in the mix.
![Year in Review: Tractor driver’s moa discovery gets even more impressive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Year in Review: Tractor driver’s moa discovery gets even more impressive
Year in review: Moa footprints revealed to be second-oldest ever recorded.
![Climate change: Parts of NZ could be getting hotter and drier more quickly than we think](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Climate change: Parts of NZ could be getting hotter and drier more quickly than we think
Scientists think a heating, drying feedback loop seen elsewhere could be happening in NZ.
![Govt's freshwater reform sparks backlash from 50 experts, leaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Govt's freshwater reform sparks backlash from 50 experts, leaders
Fifty experts and leaders have urged Govt against reforms of national freshwater rules.
![More EVs, renewable energy 'critical' to hitting NZ’s climate goals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
More EVs, renewable energy 'critical' to hitting NZ’s climate goals
Commission warns country isn’t on track to meet its climate change targets by 2030.
![What an ‘atypical’ El Niño means for your summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What an ‘atypical’ El Niño means for your summer
An 'atypical' El Niño means there'll be variability amid driver's usual summer flavours.
![Report reveals huge task of cleaning up polluted NZ waterways](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Report reveals huge task of cleaning up polluted NZ waterways
Substantial reductions are needed in almost every region to meet water-quality standards.
![Climate change: Where NZ risks getting adaptation badly wrong](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Climate change: Where NZ risks getting adaptation badly wrong
NZ needs urgent rethink on how to involve communities in climate adaptation, report finds.
!['Disaster': Calls for Great Barrier to be off limits for boaties this summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Disaster': Calls for Great Barrier to be off limits for boaties this summer
Experts warn we're on the brink of an environmental disaster for New Zealand.
![Rising sea levels increase flooding risk for NZ dairy farms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Rising sea levels increase flooding risk for NZ dairy farms
Scientists model the impact of rising seas on our dairy farms - with sobering results.
![Why a South Island tractor driver’s chance moa discovery just got more incredible](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why a South Island tractor driver’s chance moa discovery just got more incredible
Moa footprints discovered in Otago riverbed found to be second-oldest ever documented.
![Marine heatwaves, La Nina and climate change drive warmest 12 months yet](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Marine heatwaves, La Nina and climate change drive warmest 12 months yet
Analysis shows record-warm run since last October as 2023 set to be planet's hottest year.
![Explained: Why this El Niño is behaving differently - and what it means for NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Explained: Why this El Niño is behaving differently - and what it means for NZ
Niwa forecaster says El Niño could peak unusually late - and may linger to next winter.
![Interactive map: Is your community better or worse off than others across NZ?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Interactive map: Is your community better or worse off than others across NZ?
What does where we live tell us about our wellbeing? This map gives a first-ever glimpse.
![Worsening marine heatwaves threat to popular shellfish](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Worsening marine heatwaves threat to popular shellfish
Lab glitch unexpectedly delivers insights into how mussels will cope with climate change.
![Scientists have a clever new playbook to control - and conserve - the possum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Scientists have a clever new playbook to control - and conserve - the possum
Scientists have just reconstructed the entire genetic jigsaw of the brushtail possum.
![What is NZ’s risk of tropical cyclones this season?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What is NZ’s risk of tropical cyclones this season?
Last cyclone season brought NZ's costliest storm. What does the next one hold for us?
![2023 among NZ's warmest years as new climate change stocktake lays out impacts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
2023 among NZ's warmest years as new climate change stocktake lays out impacts
This year so far has been the country's warmest in our land and seas combined.
![Winter or summer? Why there’s more than spring behind NZ’s wild temperature swings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Winter or summer? Why there’s more than spring behind NZ’s wild temperature swings
What's going on with our weather? Expert says these swings aren't just typical NZ spring.
![How do we tackle climate change? National, Labour, Act, Greens, Te Pāti Māori and NZ First policies compared](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
How do we tackle climate change? National, Labour, Act, Greens, Te Pāti Māori and NZ First policies compared
Our extreme summer made climate change a top-five issue to Kiwis. Where do parties stand?
![100km/h gusts possible for upper north on Saturday, amid ‘rough and ragged’ front](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
100km/h gusts possible for upper north on Saturday, amid ‘rough and ragged’ front
'This could be a significant event,' forecaster says of front to sweep up NZ this week.
![‘It’s looking bad’: The four big trends to watch this El Niño summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘It’s looking bad’: The four big trends to watch this El Niño summer
One of the strongest El Niños in 80 years has experts looking ahead to an extreme summer.
![Plastic in paradise: What scientists discovered in ‘pristine’ NZ marine reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Plastic in paradise: What scientists discovered in ‘pristine’ NZ marine reserve
Scientists dismayed to find microplastics building up deep in pristine NZ marine reserve.
![140,000 landslides: What scientists are learning from Gabrielle’s record damage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
140,000 landslides: What scientists are learning from Gabrielle’s record damage
More than 140,000 landslides mapped in Gabrielle's wake to help build new forecast models.
![Unswimmable: Two-thirds of monitored NZ river sites grade poorly for E.coli](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Unswimmable: Two-thirds of monitored NZ river sites grade poorly for E.coli
A just-released snapshot paints another worrying picture for NZ's lakes and rivers.
![Here come the windy westerlies: How El Niño is adding to spring’s bluster](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Here come the windy westerlies: How El Niño is adding to spring’s bluster
NZ is in for a windy time over coming days and weeks - and it's not just spring to blame.
![El Niño incoming: NZ’s climate to take ‘rapid turn’ within weeks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
El Niño incoming: NZ’s climate to take ‘rapid turn’ within weeks
We're about to get a taste of the drier summer much of NZ will experience under El Niño.
![Scientists sound warning for NZ’s ‘environmentally critical’ kelp forests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Scientists sound warning for NZ’s ‘environmentally critical’ kelp forests
Warming waters are placing our kelp forests in peril, with myriad knock-on impacts.
![One-in-a-billion risk of mad cow disease spreading through NZ blood donation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
One-in-a-billion risk of mad cow disease spreading through NZ blood donation
Experts say thousands of people barred from giving blood over 'extraordinarily low' risk.
![This AI-powered pest-buster can pick kea from stoat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
This AI-powered pest-buster can pick kea from stoat
Clever traps that can pick pests from native species set to join NZ's war on predators.
![Major milestone: EPA approves first methane inhibitor in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Major milestone: EPA approves first methane inhibitor in NZ
Ongoing efforts to tackle one of NZ's biggest emissions headaches reaches major milestone.
![Feijoa power: Can this Kiwi favourite reverse pre-diabetes?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Feijoa power: Can this Kiwi favourite reverse pre-diabetes?
The humble feijoa might offer a tangy new tool to prevent Type 2 diabetes.
![Niwa outlook: El Nino brings welcome change to wet winter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Niwa outlook: El Nino brings welcome change to wet winter
After a wet start to 2023, NZ's north can expect a welcome shift to drier conditions.
![Government agrees to nudge up ETS auction reserve price, lower unit cap](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Government agrees to nudge up ETS auction reserve price, lower unit cap
Govt outlines reset of ETS settings after legal challenge and commission advice.
![Climate change: Just two in 10 NZ forest owners taking ‘direct measures’ to adapt, study finds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Climate change: Just two in 10 NZ forest owners taking ‘direct measures’ to adapt, study finds
Major study finds most NZ foresters are aware of climate risks but fewer are adapting.
![Here comes El Niño: How the next three months will feel different](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Here comes El Niño: How the next three months will feel different
Niwa's latest long-range outlook picks a cooler, drier flavour for much of NZ.
![Why we can't see the flood for the trees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why we can't see the flood for the trees
New data shows forest soaked up nearly 60% of rain during two deluges.
![What new study reveals about Kiwis’ meat-eating habits](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What new study reveals about Kiwis’ meat-eating habits
Kiwis are 'overwhelmingly omnivorous', study reveals, with nine in 10 still eating meat.
![Grave fears for NZ’s largest pohutukawa after myrtle rust detected](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Grave fears for NZ’s largest pohutukawa after myrtle rust detected
A tree on the North Island’s East Coast has been infected with the fungus, locals report.
![Has the destructive varroa been building ‘home-grown’ pesticide resistance in NZ?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Has the destructive varroa been building ‘home-grown’ pesticide resistance in NZ?
Flumethrin has long been a key tool for controlling the varroa mite.
![‘Rude awakening’: Taranaki woman describes moment tornado hit her home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Rude awakening’: Taranaki woman describes moment tornado hit her home
A Taranaki couple had 'a bit of a rude awakening' early this morning when a tornado hit.
![Mission impossible? The big roadblocks to NZ’s bid to be rodent-free](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mission impossible? The big roadblocks to NZ’s bid to be rodent-free
Wiping out millions of rodents infesting our wilderness 'impossible' with today's tools.
![Aerial imagery shows Gabrielle’s impacts in Hawke’s Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Aerial imagery shows Gabrielle’s impacts in Hawke’s Bay
Extraordinary new imagery shows Gabrielle's devastation in Hawke's Bay, before and after.
![Cyclone Gabrielle: How did climate change worsen our century’s worst weather disaster?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Cyclone Gabrielle: How did climate change worsen our century’s worst weather disaster?
Big deluges now up to four times more likely, with up to 30% more rain, in East Coast.
![See ya, La Niña: Autumn to bring different flavour for drenched northeast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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.
![What fresh deluge will mean for cyclone victims' silt headache](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What fresh deluge will mean for cyclone victims' silt headache
More heavy rainfall likely to “remobilise” big volumes of waste left by Gabrielle floods.
![Concerning levels of nitrate in 60% of NZ freshwater sources](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Concerning levels of nitrate in 60% of NZ freshwater sources
GNS study reveals widespread cases of nitrate levels above key threshold for health risk.
![Weather: What we know about tomorrow’s ‘atmospheric river’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Weather: What we know about tomorrow’s ‘atmospheric river’
Many of the key weather elements behind Friday’s freak deluge may align again tomorrow.
![Half of NZ’s rivers blocked to struggling native fish](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Half of NZ’s rivers blocked to struggling native fish
NZ's extinction-threatened freshwater fish face some of planet's most blocked waterways.
![Parts of dry South Island may be in drought by summer’s end - Niwa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Parts of dry South Island may be in drought by summer’s end - Niwa
Areas of Otago and Southland may soon be in drought, amid contrasting La Nina effects.
![Scientists reveal mystery cause behind yellow-eyed penguin deaths](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Scientists reveal mystery cause behind yellow-eyed penguin deaths
Same tech that first detected coronavirus has revealed cause of recent hoiho chick deaths.
![What El Niño's return means for the planet - and you](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What El Niño's return means for the planet - and you
After three years of warm, wet and wild La Niña, what will El Niño bring NZ?
![Extreme heat alerts: MetService-led summer trial to cover 44 centres](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Extreme heat alerts: MetService-led summer trial to cover 44 centres
NZ moves closer to national warning system for extreme heat with major pilot this summer.
![Gene-altering tech could help save NZ's pest-threatened species](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Gene-altering tech could help save NZ's pest-threatened species
DoC report says gene tech may offer 'breakthrough opportunities' - but with tricky issues.
![Explained: How Govt will replace NZ's tired, failing RMA](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Explained: How Govt will replace NZ's tired, failing RMA
Our notoriously unwieldy Resource Management Act will soon be gone. What's replacing it?
![Midweek deluge: 'Huge' amount of rain forecast for parts of New Zealand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Midweek deluge: 'Huge' amount of rain forecast for parts of New Zealand
MetService warns parts of West Coast ranges could see more than 300mm in mid-week deluge.
![Will another marine heatwave drive snapper south?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Will another marine heatwave drive snapper south?
Scientists will be closely watching NZ's fisheries amid another summer marine heatwave.
![Here comes the humidity: Forecasters pick sticky weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Here comes the humidity: Forecasters pick sticky weekend
A mass of humid air is set to make for uncomfortably sticky days and nights this weekend.
![Extreme weather: Insurers' damage claims leap by third](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Extreme weather: Insurers' damage claims leap by third
Weather claims up 34 per cent amid slew of events in warmest, wettest winter.
![From cancer-killing cells to fake burgers - is NZ ready for genetic modification?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
From cancer-killing cells to fake burgers - is NZ ready for genetic modification?
After 20 years of debate, scientists say it's time for meaningful reform of our GM laws.
![Severe marine heatwave looming: The alarming trends for NZ's marine life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Severe marine heatwave looming: The alarming trends for NZ's marine life
A major new stocktake reveals more alarming trends for NZ's under-pressure marine estate.
![Explained: How the Govt wants to price farm emissions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Explained: How the Govt wants to price farm emissions
After decades of debate, farmers will be priced for emissions from 2025. How will it work?
![Pest Purge: Is this how we finally rid NZ of pesky predators?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Pest Purge: Is this how we finally rid NZ of pesky predators?
Scientists have used AI to map out how NZ's predator-free dream can be realised by 2050.
!['Freight train of low pressure': New Zealand's 10 wettest spots this month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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.
![Red Weather: Spate of extreme events surprise forecasters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Red Weather: Spate of extreme events surprise forecasters
Six of MetService's seven 'red warnings' issued in past year a taste of climate change.