Professor Cate Macinnis-Ng from the University of Auckland warns that unseasonably warm winters, similar to Europe's heatwaves, cause significant direct and indirect ecological and economic damage. In Aotearoa, warm winters result in less snow for alpine regions and allow invasive species like rats and wasps to thrive, creating a "thermal squeeze" that threatens native birds such as kiwi and whio. While warmer temperatures may extend tree growing seasons, increased respiration can negate carbon sequestration benefits. Furthermore, the horticulture industry faces risks as crops like kiwifruit and apples require cold periods for proper flowering and quality. As invasive pests expand their ranges and traditional agricultural patterns shift, Macinnis-Ng emphasizes that urgent scientific research funding is required to understand these hidden impacts and develop solutions to protect New Zealand's ecosystems and economy.