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Warmer winters may feel easier day to day, but they can also have wider effects on New Zealand’s landscapes, ecosystems, and primary industries.

This article looks at how milder winter conditions could affect native species, insect pests, fruit quality, alpine environments, and carbon storage.

It’s a useful reminder that climate change is not only about hotter summers. Subtle seasonal changes can also have long-term impacts.

Warming winters are changing NZ’s landscapes, bringing insect pests, smaller fruit and carbon loss Warmer winters mean insect pests like wasps will likely spread further, while weedy plants and rats invade alpine zones, shrinking the refuge for endangered birds.