Stephen Bannister
@iceseismic.bsky.social
Seismologist, gardener, dad, on Wellingtons south coast, New Zealand
Pinned
Using earthquake data we image seismic velocity 'anomalies' at 7-12 km depth beneath geothermal systems, north of Taupō, New Zealand. We interpret the anomalies as representing crystal-rich partial melt – the deep heat sources driving the geothermal systems.
doi.org/10.1016/j.jv...
#seismology
doi.org/10.1016/j.jv...
#seismology
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
When the Infrastructure Commission specifically calls out the Government's Wellington SH1 tunnels project as an "unwise investment", you know it's a bad idea. More from @JoelMacManus:
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-...
It's time to drop this $4 billion, high-emissions white elephant. #nzpol #climate
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-...
It's time to drop this $4 billion, high-emissions white elephant. #nzpol #climate
The government’s infrastructure plan points the blame at the government
The National Infrastructure Plan, released today, sets out a vision for a more efficient, affordable future. But is infrastructure minister Chris Bishop willing to accept that he is part of the proble...
thespinoff.co.nz
February 17, 2026 at 5:45 AM
When the Infrastructure Commission specifically calls out the Government's Wellington SH1 tunnels project as an "unwise investment", you know it's a bad idea. More from @JoelMacManus:
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-...
It's time to drop this $4 billion, high-emissions white elephant. #nzpol #climate
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/17-...
It's time to drop this $4 billion, high-emissions white elephant. #nzpol #climate
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
Government’s plan to import LNG for electricity generation would cost households and businesses up to $8.3bn
Same volume of electricity could be delivered through a $2.5b investment in rooftop solar panels and hot water heat pumps
evsandbeyond.co.nz/solar-heat-p...
Same volume of electricity could be delivered through a $2.5b investment in rooftop solar panels and hot water heat pumps
evsandbeyond.co.nz/solar-heat-p...
Solar, heat pumps ‘lower cost’ path than LNG for electrification, says NZGBC
A new report argues New Zealand can meet its looming energy shortfall by accelerating rooftop solar and electric hot water
evsandbeyond.co.nz
February 15, 2026 at 11:09 PM
Government’s plan to import LNG for electricity generation would cost households and businesses up to $8.3bn
Same volume of electricity could be delivered through a $2.5b investment in rooftop solar panels and hot water heat pumps
evsandbeyond.co.nz/solar-heat-p...
Same volume of electricity could be delivered through a $2.5b investment in rooftop solar panels and hot water heat pumps
evsandbeyond.co.nz/solar-heat-p...
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
There's been this hit job on the Green Party by ACT's NZCPR, claiming money was "stolen" from water infrastructure for cycleways.
In fact, their Council invested significantly, more than others over decades.
They put $2.7 billion to 3W in 2021 and 1.8% of that on cycleways #nzpol
In fact, their Council invested significantly, more than others over decades.
They put $2.7 billion to 3W in 2021 and 1.8% of that on cycleways #nzpol
February 14, 2026 at 5:36 AM
There's been this hit job on the Green Party by ACT's NZCPR, claiming money was "stolen" from water infrastructure for cycleways.
In fact, their Council invested significantly, more than others over decades.
They put $2.7 billion to 3W in 2021 and 1.8% of that on cycleways #nzpol
In fact, their Council invested significantly, more than others over decades.
They put $2.7 billion to 3W in 2021 and 1.8% of that on cycleways #nzpol
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
Friday ice update - #Arctic sea ice extent is currently the 5th lowest on record (JAXA data)...
• about 130,000 km² below the 2010s mean
• about 810,000 km² below the 2000s mean
• about 1,350,000 km² below the 1990s mean
• about 1,690,000 km² below the 1980s mean
More: zacklabe.com/arctic-sea-i...
• about 130,000 km² below the 2010s mean
• about 810,000 km² below the 2000s mean
• about 1,350,000 km² below the 1990s mean
• about 1,690,000 km² below the 1980s mean
More: zacklabe.com/arctic-sea-i...
February 13, 2026 at 10:47 PM
Friday ice update - #Arctic sea ice extent is currently the 5th lowest on record (JAXA data)...
• about 130,000 km² below the 2010s mean
• about 810,000 km² below the 2000s mean
• about 1,350,000 km² below the 1990s mean
• about 1,690,000 km² below the 1980s mean
More: zacklabe.com/arctic-sea-i...
• about 130,000 km² below the 2010s mean
• about 810,000 km² below the 2000s mean
• about 1,350,000 km² below the 1990s mean
• about 1,690,000 km² below the 1980s mean
More: zacklabe.com/arctic-sea-i...
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
More reasons why the government's LPG plans are strategically stupid:
#nzpol
theconversation.com/importing-ga...
#nzpol
theconversation.com/importing-ga...
Importing gas locks NZ into fossil fuels for longer – just as clean energy surges
Even as the US steps back from Paris and New Zealand flirts with imported gas, the global energy transition is gathering speed.
theconversation.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:45 PM
More reasons why the government's LPG plans are strategically stupid:
#nzpol
theconversation.com/importing-ga...
#nzpol
theconversation.com/importing-ga...
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
The UK Govt has raised concerns over New Zealand's climate action rollbacks, following the weakening of our methane target last year.
This could have major implications for our trade agreements dependent on climate ambition. #nzpol #climate
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
This could have major implications for our trade agreements dependent on climate ambition. #nzpol #climate
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Explain your climate policies to us, UK ministers asked NZ counterparts
New Zealand’s trade minister initially downplayed global interest in New Zealand’s new climate policies.
www.stuff.co.nz
February 10, 2026 at 10:51 PM
The UK Govt has raised concerns over New Zealand's climate action rollbacks, following the weakening of our methane target last year.
This could have major implications for our trade agreements dependent on climate ambition. #nzpol #climate
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
This could have major implications for our trade agreements dependent on climate ambition. #nzpol #climate
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
The Luxon government's announcement it will build a LNG import terminal is a dirty, dumb and expensive decision that will leave New Zealanders subsidising more climate pollution through higher electricity bills.
#nzpol
#nzpol
LNG terminal decision: Dirty, dumb and expensive - Greenpeace
Greenpeace is slamming the Luxon government’s announcement it will build a liquid natural gas (LNG) import terminal, calling it a dirty, dumb and expensive decision that will leave New Zealanders…
greenpeace.nz
February 9, 2026 at 5:07 AM
The Luxon government's announcement it will build a LNG import terminal is a dirty, dumb and expensive decision that will leave New Zealanders subsidising more climate pollution through higher electricity bills.
#nzpol
#nzpol
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
By defeating seabed mining in Taranaki, the green movement has created the option of large scale, low carbon, reliable, cheap offshore wind, which will actually make a real difference to NZ’s energy system. Unlike an LNG import facility which is expensive, polluting and small.
February 9, 2026 at 5:01 AM
By defeating seabed mining in Taranaki, the green movement has created the option of large scale, low carbon, reliable, cheap offshore wind, which will actually make a real difference to NZ’s energy system. Unlike an LNG import facility which is expensive, polluting and small.
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
Wellington's serious water woes are just another day in NZ's rivers, but Chris Bishop just passed laws to weaken freshwater protections even more
Fresh and clean drinking water, anyone? Havelock North anyone?
#nzpol #Kiwi
Fresh and clean drinking water, anyone? Havelock North anyone?
#nzpol #Kiwi
Enviro group back-footed as freshwater pollution limits loosened
An ongoing battle over Canterbury nitrate discharge enters a new chapter after law changes influenced a High Court decision
newsroom.co.nz
February 7, 2026 at 4:20 AM
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
This is a travesty.
The Polluters Get Paid Plan: AKA Regulatory Relief / Regulatory Takings www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/sto... #nzpol
The Polluters Get Paid Plan: AKA Regulatory Relief / Regulatory Takings www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/sto... #nzpol
The Polluters Get Paid Plan: AKA Regulatory Relief / Regulatory Takings - Greenpeace Aotearoa
How the Government is pushing an extreme idea that would block environmental protection and reshape our democracy.
www.greenpeace.org
February 3, 2026 at 7:07 AM
This is a travesty.
The Polluters Get Paid Plan: AKA Regulatory Relief / Regulatory Takings www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/sto... #nzpol
The Polluters Get Paid Plan: AKA Regulatory Relief / Regulatory Takings www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/sto... #nzpol
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
Luxon Govt is rightly getting heat for its climate policies. For the record here's 16 of their policies to makes things worse. 1/ Attempted to restart offshore oil and gas exploration. 2/ Subsidised oil and gas exploration 3/ Pushed Fossil Gas www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/sto...
Fifteen ways Luxon is increasing climate pollution (and the one way he says he is making it better but is not) - Greenpeace Aotearoa
After the deadly storms, made worse by climate change, the Luxon Govt has tried to claim that it takes climate change seriously. But here are 15 pollution policies that speak louder than words.
www.greenpeace.org
February 1, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Luxon Govt is rightly getting heat for its climate policies. For the record here's 16 of their policies to makes things worse. 1/ Attempted to restart offshore oil and gas exploration. 2/ Subsidised oil and gas exploration 3/ Pushed Fossil Gas www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/sto...
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
After all the climate-amplified deadly weather, the Luxon Govt claimed it is taking action on climate change. But is it action to make it worse by increasing emissions? Here is the evidence: www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/sto...
Fifteen ways Luxon is increasing climate pollution (and the one way he says he is making it better but is not) - Greenpeace Aotearoa
After the deadly storms, made worse by climate change, the Luxon Govt has tried to claim that it takes climate change seriously. But here are 15 pollution policies that speak louder than words.
www.greenpeace.org
January 31, 2026 at 10:55 PM
After all the climate-amplified deadly weather, the Luxon Govt claimed it is taking action on climate change. But is it action to make it worse by increasing emissions? Here is the evidence: www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/sto...
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
National squandered $6B for climate resilience projects, using it to top up tax cuts for their mates, and now local councils are footing the bill instead 👇🏼
Government rejecting solid business cases for climate resilience, loading costs onto local councils.
New emergency response system will cost local govt $82m
Local and central government hope to save money by investing in resilience, and will split the cost of implementing a new response system
newsroom.co.nz
January 30, 2026 at 4:32 AM
National squandered $6B for climate resilience projects, using it to top up tax cuts for their mates, and now local councils are footing the bill instead 👇🏼
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
💯
The govt made a deliberate choice to fund tax cuts for landlords, corporates and the wealthy instead of health, climate and public services.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
"A long list of climate programmes have been scrapped or reduced to help fund the government's tax cuts."
#NZPol
The govt made a deliberate choice to fund tax cuts for landlords, corporates and the wealthy instead of health, climate and public services.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
"A long list of climate programmes have been scrapped or reduced to help fund the government's tax cuts."
#NZPol
January 29, 2026 at 6:42 AM
💯
The govt made a deliberate choice to fund tax cuts for landlords, corporates and the wealthy instead of health, climate and public services.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
"A long list of climate programmes have been scrapped or reduced to help fund the government's tax cuts."
#NZPol
The govt made a deliberate choice to fund tax cuts for landlords, corporates and the wealthy instead of health, climate and public services.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
"A long list of climate programmes have been scrapped or reduced to help fund the government's tax cuts."
#NZPol
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
MBIE has announced the board members of Research Funding New Zealand, the new org that will make funding decisions for NZ's "major public investments in science, innovation and technology"
My initial response: 😬🤔🙄WTF
Why are three of them Aus-based? Why such a strong Agri lean? ⚛️🧪👩🔬
My initial response: 😬🤔🙄WTF
Why are three of them Aus-based? Why such a strong Agri lean? ⚛️🧪👩🔬
Biographical Information RFNZ Board members | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Biographies for the Research Funding New Zealand Board.
www.mbie.govt.nz
January 28, 2026 at 7:25 AM
MBIE has announced the board members of Research Funding New Zealand, the new org that will make funding decisions for NZ's "major public investments in science, innovation and technology"
My initial response: 😬🤔🙄WTF
Why are three of them Aus-based? Why such a strong Agri lean? ⚛️🧪👩🔬
My initial response: 😬🤔🙄WTF
Why are three of them Aus-based? Why such a strong Agri lean? ⚛️🧪👩🔬
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
And here is the corresponding global upper ocean heat content (0 to 700 m depth) for 2025 and set a new record too... 🔥
Data (shown as anomalies on the graph) and methods from: www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/globa...
Data (shown as anomalies on the graph) and methods from: www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/globa...
January 21, 2026 at 12:27 AM
And here is the corresponding global upper ocean heat content (0 to 700 m depth) for 2025 and set a new record too... 🔥
Data (shown as anomalies on the graph) and methods from: www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/globa...
Data (shown as anomalies on the graph) and methods from: www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/globa...
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
There's more happening to weather extremes now than can be explained by thermodynamics, i.e. everything getting warmer, evaporation increasing, the atmosphere holding more energy and water.
Also changing: jet stream, polar vortex, planetary waves & Atlantic ocean circulation.
buff.ly/3QBapCG
Also changing: jet stream, polar vortex, planetary waves & Atlantic ocean circulation.
buff.ly/3QBapCG
October 30, 2023 at 12:22 PM
There's more happening to weather extremes now than can be explained by thermodynamics, i.e. everything getting warmer, evaporation increasing, the atmosphere holding more energy and water.
Also changing: jet stream, polar vortex, planetary waves & Atlantic ocean circulation.
buff.ly/3QBapCG
Also changing: jet stream, polar vortex, planetary waves & Atlantic ocean circulation.
buff.ly/3QBapCG
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
Since it’s an election year I hope we can talk about how this government is responsible for deliberate withholding of healthcare to make some numbers on a piece of paper look good for their donors
January 25, 2026 at 3:14 AM
Since it’s an election year I hope we can talk about how this government is responsible for deliberate withholding of healthcare to make some numbers on a piece of paper look good for their donors
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
A climate emergency fund would be useful right about now.
Oh, that's right, Luxon canned it so he could funnel more money to landlords.
Oh, that's right, Luxon canned it so he could funnel more money to landlords.
January 24, 2026 at 6:41 AM
A climate emergency fund would be useful right about now.
Oh, that's right, Luxon canned it so he could funnel more money to landlords.
Oh, that's right, Luxon canned it so he could funnel more money to landlords.
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
#nzpol I hope you didn't just assume the local tap water was safe while touring Aotearoa New Zealand this summer. Nitrate levels are dangerously high. Vote for a government that will actually lower them. #TooManyCows #TooMuchFertiliser #WastewaterControlNow
www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/pre...
www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/pre...
Nitrate levels in Glenavy dangerously close to Blue Baby risk level - Greenpeace Aotearoa
Almost exactly one year after the Glenavy water supply exceeded the legal health limits for nitrate, the town’s water supply nitrate levels are rising – and fast.
www.greenpeace.org
January 23, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
Electricity prices rose 12.2%, gas prices rose 16.2%. Food prices rose 4.3%, with meat prices up 8.2% and dairy and egg prices up 9.8%. Telecom services prices grew 7%. Overall inflation is helped by falling prices of audio-visual equipment (-18.5%) and games, toys and hobbies (-5.8%).
January 22, 2026 at 10:19 PM
Electricity prices rose 12.2%, gas prices rose 16.2%. Food prices rose 4.3%, with meat prices up 8.2% and dairy and egg prices up 9.8%. Telecom services prices grew 7%. Overall inflation is helped by falling prices of audio-visual equipment (-18.5%) and games, toys and hobbies (-5.8%).
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
New Zealanders expect better from their decision-makers, and the push for economic growth "at any cost" wasn't something New Zealanders voted for.
"I don't think New Zealanders campaigned for a government that was going to declare a war on nature."
#nzpol
"I don't think New Zealanders campaigned for a government that was going to declare a war on nature."
#nzpol
'War on nature': Forest and Bird says govt changes put wildlife at risk
Forest and Bird has criticised the removal of a criteria to show mining projects deliver a national or public benefit.
www.rnz.co.nz
January 20, 2026 at 3:32 AM
New Zealanders expect better from their decision-makers, and the push for economic growth "at any cost" wasn't something New Zealanders voted for.
"I don't think New Zealanders campaigned for a government that was going to declare a war on nature."
#nzpol
"I don't think New Zealanders campaigned for a government that was going to declare a war on nature."
#nzpol
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
This is huge: For the first time since the early 1970s, coal power generation has fallen in both China & India.
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Coal power generation falls in China and India for first time since 1970s
‘Historic’ moment in biggest coal-consuming countries could bring decline in global emissions, analysis says
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:34 AM
This is huge: For the first time since the early 1970s, coal power generation has fallen in both China & India.
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Stephen Bannister
Not a single day in 2025 was cooler than the 1991-2020 average, on a global scale. @copernicusecmwf.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Not a single day in 2025 was cooler than the 1991-2020 average, on a global scale. @copernicusecmwf.bsky.social