New Zealand’s largest public research university, based in Auckland, established in 1883; concentrates on research and broad undergraduate and graduate programs.
New Zealand has confirmed its first mainland detection of H5 bird flu after a brown skua found on Petone beach has tested positive. Authorities have said there is no evidence of mass mortality or poultry infection, but surveillance and a targeted vaccination programme for endangered captive birds have been activated as officials monitor wild populations.
AP and Independent report that bottom and pelagic trawling in Alaska’s Bering Sea raises bycatch concerns, threatens seafloor habitats, and has become a flashpoint in politics as salmon runs fall. Pollock fisheries argue bycatch is minimized and monitoring is strict, but critics say impacts persist and enforcement varies.