A recommendation that helium gas be classified as a hazardous substance after it was used in two suicides has been rejected by the environment minister.

Noise can be an act of vandalism as thoughtless and boorish as any.

Moves to rush through laws against fouling public areas may not be effective in urban zones.

We've told the Government, 'Guys, you need a bigger toolbox and you need to think about economic instruments'," says Alastair Bisley, chairman of the Land and Water Forum, talking about what is required to resolve the issue of water quality

Water is one thing NZ has plenty of. So why don't we manage it better - for the economy and the environment? Nick Smith* reports.