Avian Flu Alert: New Zealand has confirmed its first H5N1 bird flu case after a brown skua was found on Petone Beach in Wellington and tested positive. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the risk to people is low, with no evidence of mass wildlife deaths or spread to other wild birds, and no detection in poultry; MPI is monitoring the area and urges the public not to touch sick or dead birds. Climate Adaptation Push: The Government has introduced Climate Change Response Amendment Bill changes that, for the first time, require councils to make 30-year adaptation plans for high-risk communities, aiming to cut duplication and reduce long-term costs. River Restoration in Taranaki: Ngāti Maru and Taranaki Regional Council have signed joint management and planning agreements to restore the Waitara River (Te Awaroa), including shared rules under the Resource Management Act. Microplastics & Heart Health: A new study reports higher micro- and nanoplastics in the blood of people after serious heart attacks, with links also seen to smoking and air pollution. PFAS Fallout Exposed: A new report details how PFAS “forever chemicals” from Base Ōhakea firefighting foam spread through groundwater onto Māori land and water, raising cancer concerns. Farm Sustainability Funding: a2 Milk says it has backed 27 farmer-led sustainability projects, including nitrogen-reduction trials and efficiency upgrades aimed at cutting emissions and costs. Local Biosecurity Planning: Auckland Council is preparing for possible H5N1 arrival, working with agencies and iwi on early detection and impact reduction.