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Staff Writer

Former TechDay team member

Read the latest stories by Staff Writer across the TechDay network.

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Stories from Other Regions

Written by Staff

Climate change

You say potato I say tomato

Ancient hybridisation between tomato ancestors and Etuberosum likely gave rise to potatoes’ tuber-forming genes, scientists say.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Mon, 4th Aug 2025

Sustainability

Enhanced steel frame design for seismic resilience

Engineers in earthquake-prone New Zealand now have updated guidance aimed at reducing building damage and improving safety in major tremors.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Sat, 26th Jul 2025

Green Party

Push to restore regional rail amid airline demise

The Greens say restoring passenger rail could ease pressure on Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga as regional airlines cut routes and costs climb.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Thu, 24th Jul 2025

Green Party

Should rates be based solely on land value?

Rates on homes and developments could fall under a land-value system, as the idea wins backing from Greens and the Taxpayers’ Union.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Wed, 23rd Jul 2025

Supply Chain

Three steps forward and none back

Roofers and homeowners are seeing faster quotes and lower costs as the platform expands, but Logan says legislation still lags behind demand.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Wed, 23rd Jul 2025

Risk & Compliance

The Health & Safety Event Asia in Singapore

Singapore will host the Asia-Pacific debut of the UK health and safety exhibition this November, drawing 3,000 professionals.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Sat, 19th Jul 2025

Risk & Compliance

Safety-first culture in construction

Smaller builders could struggle to meet the costs of tougher risk management as WorkSafe shifts towards education and culture over prosecution.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Thu, 17th Jul 2025

Clean technologies

Understanding the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill

Investors face higher borrowing costs and weaker green incentives as the bill's tax cuts are offset by a larger deficit and fresh tariff pressure.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Wed, 16th Jul 2025

Volkswagen

There are five distinct types of electric vehicles:

EREVs are drawing fresh interest because they could help automakers lift EV sales by offering longer range and easier charging than PHEVs.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Wed, 16th Jul 2025

Data Analytics

Committed to a green future

New Zealand businesses are ramping up energy-transition spending, but many still lack net zero plans and public emissions reporting.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Fri, 11th Jul 2025

Sustainability

Quarry industry argues for naturally-sourced sand

New Zealand faces higher costs for homes and infrastructure unless councils protect natural sand supplies as manufactured material covers only a fraction of demand.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Tue, 8th Jul 2025

Immigration New Zealand

Green List update: ten skilled trades added to Work to Residence pathway

More trades workers will qualify for residence in New Zealand, with 10 occupations added to the Green List from 18 August 2025.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Thu, 3rd Jul 2025

University of Canterbury

Roundup may be put to the test again

A court ruling on whether New Zealand’s pesticide regulator must reassess glyphosate could force a costly new review of Roundup’s safety.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Wed, 2nd Jul 2025

Digital Transformation

RX Japan Opens Exhibitor Registration for JAPAN BUILD Tokyo 2025, Aiming to Surpass 2024 Success

Exhibitors can now book space for Japan’s biggest building trade fair, after last year drew more than 600 companies and 38,000 visitors.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Tue, 1st Jul 2025

Artificial Intelligence

A second brain to maximise your digital life

AI assistants can help tame information overload by turning scattered notes, meetings and ideas into an organised system for faster action.

By Staff Writer • 14 min read • Wed, 18th Jun 2025

NZTA

‘Missed opportunity’ for new $800m highway

Users of the Te Ahu a Turanga highway could have helped pay for upkeep and resilience, Infrastructure New Zealand says.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Mon, 9th Jun 2025

Artificial Intelligence

'Hey Siri, choose my medical expert.' How far would you trust AI to make important decisions?

People with stronger statistical literacy are more wary of AI in health and hiring, as a study finds trust falls when the stakes rise.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Thu, 5th Jun 2025

Agricultural Technology

Kicking the pesticide can down the road

A global review of 1,700 studies warns pesticides harm hundreds of non-target species and could deepen biodiversity loss, even at approved doses.

By Staff Writer • 8 min read • Thu, 5th Jun 2025

Clean technologies

Boost for advanced tech

New Zealand’s hi-tech exporters are set to gain from seven years of funding that aims to help firms commercialise advanced technologies and lift manufacturing.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Thu, 29th May 2025

Ministry for the Environment

Suite of changes proposed under RMA

Consultation has opened on RMA reforms aimed at speeding infrastructure and quarry consents while tightening planning for natural hazards.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Thu, 29th May 2025