Science Express - 1984 'Best of'

In short it’s worth millions of dollars, but for the very reason it grows in the fiords, this huge resource is unlikely to provide a powerful source of overseas funds. The type of species and the conditions in Fiordland mean that the coral grows extremely slowly, and the scientists now believe that it can only be viewed as a non-renewable resource.

– The black coral report notches another win for the turtle

If you think you’re been lucky, think again. Chlamydia can lie dormant for up to 20 years before making its presence felt. So what can we do about it?

– From the report on the STD

The first few notes in the opening of the Christchurch Town Hall — from the fanfare that John Ritchie had written — were some of the most exciting and thrilling moments of my entire life.

– Concert hall acoustics pioneer Sir Harold Marshall

I visited every single research institute from Auckland to Dunedin ... the whole bit, and when I came back the producer asked if it [the idea for the show] was feasible, if there was enough material out there and I said, 'Oohhhhh!' I was absolutely overwhelmed. We had 800 stories. And for one year on air we need 80!

– Reporter Allanah James on the beginnings of the show, Listener, 21 April 1984