Reseach lab built to be set on fire
technology 17 minutes ago
A new research lab in Porirua has been built to be set on fire. The Building Research Association said the $40 million facility can simulate the way fire spreads through multi-storey buildings, providing some of the most advanced fire testing capabilities in the Southern Hemisphere. Kate Green reports
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RNZ News
30 minutes ago
- RNZ News
The winter solstice in New Zealand is today. Here's how the shorter days of winter can affect your sleep patterns
By Georgie Hewson , ABC Photo: Unsplash+ Australia and New Zealand will have their "shortest day of the year" today as the Southern Hemisphere experiences the winter solstice. Where you are will determine just how much daylight you will get. The shortest day of the year can also impact your sleep. Here's what that means. Saturday, 21 June. According to , the exact moment the Southern Hemisphere is at its furthest tilt from the Sun will be at 2.42 pm (NZT). While the winter solstice is referred to as the shortest day and longest night of the year, it just means it is the day with the least amount of daylight hours. That's because it's when the Southern Hemisphere is at its furthest tilt away from the Sun, meaning we get less sunlight. At the same time, the Northern Hemisphere will be experiencing the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. This happens because the Earth tilts at about 23 degrees, meaning that when one side is closest to the Sun, the other side is furthest away. As the Earth does a lap around the Sun each year, different parts of the planet get more sunlight than others. The Earth's slight tilt is what gives us our seasons. Photo: Supplied / Bureau of Meteorology, Australia After Saturday, each day's total sunlight hours will get a fraction longer than the previous day until we reach the summer solstice on 22 December. According to the astronomical definition of the seasons, the winter solstice in some places marks the beginning of winter. But in Australia and New Zealand, where only meteorological seasons are observed, this is not the case. That's why the beginning of winter is 1 June here. In some cultures, the winter solstice is celebrated as a time of rebirth because the days get longer. Because it is getting dark so early and the days are shorter, some people may experience changes in their sleep schedule and quality. Elise McGlashan, from the University of Melbourne's John Trinder Sleep Laboratory, said shorter days and longer nights mean less sunlight, which can change circadian rhythms. The circadian rhythm is the internal body clock that regulates sleep. Photo: AFP/Alexander Farnsworth "Those changes in sleep can also be accompanied by changes in timings and function of our internal clock, and the function of our clock is mainly driven by environmental light exposure," she said. "In summer, we know the sun might be up until it's close to someone's bedtime, and part of the reason people are sleeping a little longer is they aren't getting those light cues when they're trying to wind down. "But during winter, there is less light and more time to wind down." When there is less light exposure, the body produces more melatonin - a hormone that makes people feel sleepy - and less serotonin, which can lower mood and energy, leading to feeling tired or sluggish. As the sun comes up later, it may be tempting to sleep longer, but oversleeping can also impact health. McGlashan recommends getting outside for some sunlight during the day and letting sunlight into your bedroom in the mornings if possible. "Our rhythms need bright days and dark nights," she said. "It can be hard to motivate ourselves to go outside in winter, particularly in a really chilly location, but even on those overcast days, the light outside is going to be brighter than indoor lighting. "It's still really helpful for your body clock and sleep to get outdoor lighting every day." - ABC

RNZ News
15 hours ago
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Stars, soil and whakapapa - 'We're just caretakers really'
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Scoop
a day ago
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Hushtec Delivers Advanced Noise Control Solutions For New Zealand Industry
Hushtec, a New Zealand-based manufacturer with over five decades of experience in noise mitigation, is providing advanced solutions for noise management across construction, mining, demolition, and infrastructure sectors. The company's range of construction site noise barriers and portable mining noise walls is designed to help organisations meet regulatory requirements and maintain safer, quieter environments. Hushtec's offering includes portable mining noise walls that are engineered for rapid deployment and high performance in demanding environments. These barriers are tested to achieve up to 35dB of noise reduction and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The modular design allows for quick installation and relocation, with panels available in standard or fully customisable sizes, colours, and branding options. The company's solutions are used in a range of applications including construction sites, demolition projects, industrial facilities, and transportation corridors. Hushtec's noise barriers are constructed to withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent handling, making them suitable for repeat use on multiple projects. The barriers also contribute to dust and debris control, supporting health and safety compliance on worksites. Hushtec's products are manufactured at its New Zealand facility, providing end-to-end service from design and development through to production. The company's experience allows it to offer both off-the-shelf and bespoke solutions for clients with specific project requirements. All products are supported by documentation to assist with noise impact assessments and regulatory compliance. Hushtec's noise control solutions are trusted by leading contractors, project managers, and acoustic consultants throughout New Zealand and internationally. The company continues to focus on innovation and reliability in the delivery of noise reduction systems for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.