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Sediment plumes at Okura/Long Bay after heavy rain. Photo / Geoff Reid

NEW ZEALAND

What lies beneath? Why builders are under fire for the state of the Hauraki Gulf

17 Jul, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

"Not only are we losing precious top soil, but it is destroying marine ecosystems."

A survey has found 70 per cent of Kiwis use emojis in everyday conversation. Photo / 123RF

LIFESTYLE

Grimace, frown, scowl: Why Kiwis can't stand emojis :(

17 Jul, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

But many of us like to use them to "clarify tone".

Tamaki Makaurau Tumahai after flooding at the Okahu Bay church and urupā in 2017. Coastal Māori communities will be hit hard by climate change impacts. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Iwi leader suing Government over climate change 'failure'

16 Jul, 2019 5:24pm
4 minutes to read

Māori have been identified as among the country's most vulnerable to climate change.

Fire and Emergency said it was called to the hall about 5.20pm on Friday. Photo / FENZ

NEW ZEALAND

Christchurch mansion fire treated as 'suspicious'

13 Jul, 2019 8:49am
2 minutes to read

Investigations are under way into the fire that has devastated the heritage building.

Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said the response to today's hui had been

NEW ZEALAND

'We are fed up': Māori-led Oranga Tamariki inquiry launches

13 Jul, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

"We are not trusting Māori families to look after their own."

Nazgul Zamami hired a builder in January to do some work to their house in Hillsborough and paid him $207,000 but he was deported before he finished the work. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Renovation hell: Family given six months to fix home after builder deported

12 Jul, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

The family say they cannot afford the repairs and will have to sell the house.

Friends and family of the Blacks Caps after their semifinal victory against India. Photo / Photosport

NEW ZEALAND

Pair win trip to Lord's for cricket final

12 Jul, 2019 8:33am
3 minutes to read

"It's amazing. I'm feeling on top of the world," says Kiwi on his way to cricket final.

Nazgul Zamami in her Hillsborough home with unfinished renovations that leaks, is cold and damp. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Family's $200k renovation hell: House deemed unsafe, builder deported

10 Jul, 2019 5:00am
7 minutes to read

"I just wish we could have back the beautiful home we had," says Auckland homeowner.

Fire and Emergency NZ has the best public perception in the country, according to a Colmar Brunton survey. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Public sector report card: The New Zealand agencies we trust the most

7 Jul, 2019 7:31pm
4 minutes to read

Who comes out top when it comes to trust and reputation in NZ?

A crane getting to work on the Victopia apartment building where a large panel was blown off in a storm. Photo / Alex Burton

NEW ZEALAND

Days of delays for central Auckland drivers

6 Jul, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Tenants told they are safe after 40kg panel blew off apartment building in storm.

Berm parking on Sunnybrae Rd in Hillcrest, Auckland. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Residents hit back over berm parking ban proposal

4 Jul, 2019 5:01pm
5 minutes to read

"The berm situation seems complex, with a need for multiple solutions across the city."

Paradise Indian restaurant on Sandringham Rd. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Paradise lost: Restaurant dumps sneaky handle-free plastic bag tactic

4 Jul, 2019 12:15pm
5 minutes to read

Takeaway stores say sauce spillage is an issue without plastic bags.

Skip bin on a Temple St berm in Meadowbank. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Bermageddon 2: Auckland Council wants berm parking ban

4 Jul, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

A motorists' watchdog has hit back, telling the city not to punish car owners.

The Hauraki Gulf looks good on the surface, but below is a story of declining fish stocks, and rising levels of pollution and sediment. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Government steps up Hauraki Gulf conservation process

2 Jul, 2019 5:52pm
4 minutes to read

It wants to revive a plan to rejuvenate fish stocks, slash sediment and reduce pollution.

NEW ZEALAND

Govt told to set up separate Māori health agency

1 Jul, 2019 12:20pm
5 minutes to read

The Crown has breached the Treaty by failing to improve Maori health, tribunal says.

An Auckland Council investigation found 13 taverns across the city were operating primarily as

NEW ZEALAND

Shut the doors: Crackdown on tavern 'gambling shops'

24 Jun, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

'If you own a venue with pokie machines, you cannot rely on them for income.'

Detective Constable David Whitecliffe-Davies said more victims had come forward and police were considering laying further charges. Photo / FIle

NEW ZEALAND

'Cancer healer': More alleged victims following Tokoroa arrest

21 Jun, 2019 10:21am
Quick Read

"We know there are other victims out there we just need them to come forward."

Mana whenua applied rongoa to Titirangi kauri Awhiawhi in 2015 after a ringbarking attempt to kill the ancient tree. Photo / Jos Wheeler

NEW ZEALAND

Lack of protection for ancient kauri 'ridiculous'

20 Jun, 2019 3:57pm
5 minutes to read

It would take 32 new kauri 100 years to make up for the amount of C02 it stored if felled.

Vector Lights for Matariki Festival on Auckland Harbour Bridge, starting 27 June, tells stories of Waikato-Tainui. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland's Matariki Festival tells the stories of Waikato-Tainui

20 Jun, 2019 3:15pm
4 minutes to read

A spectacular light display on the Harbour Bridge tells the story of those first arrivals.

Oranga Tamariki's uplift policy, which disproportionately affects Māori, has come under intense scrutiny. Photo / Getty

NEW ZEALAND

Uplifted babies: Public outcry at state taking Māori infants

20 Jun, 2019 8:01am
14 minutes to read

Changes to legislation at Oranga Tamariki in July will see greater partnership with Māori.

Broadcaster Stacey Morrison says something has to change at Oranga Tamariki over the uplifting of newborn babies. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

'Keep your pēpi close': Stacey Morrison's shock after baby in ward 'uplifted'

17 Jun, 2019 3:52pm
5 minutes to read

'Was that mother given a proper chance? Or was she just judged?'

A woman's child was uplifted three weeks after an Oranga Tamariki worker had joked to her about bonuses for uplifting children. Photo / supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Oranga Tamariki social worker 'jokes' about bonus for uplifting children

17 Jun, 2019 11:45am
4 minutes to read

Social worker joked about 'bonuses'. Three weeks later, her daughter was uplifted.

The charred remains of Sophie and her partner's stolen van, found near Taupō. A woman had been spotted on CCTV - wearing ski jacket. Photos / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

'Polite burglar' does dishes before ransacking home

12 Jun, 2019 4:11pm
3 minutes to read

The victims believe macaroni cheese and steak were on the menu.

A conference this Friday in Auckland seeks to continue the dialogue around challenging discrimination and racism following the Christchurch terror attacks. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Conference seeks to promote racial harmony in New Zealand

12 Jun, 2019 12:42pm
4 minutes to read

Despite increased dialogue following the Christchurch attacks, hate crimes have continued.

Nearly 3000 requests for service have been logged with the Auckland Council in the 18 months since the bin-tag scheme started. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

That's rubbish! Aucklanders kick up stink over bin tag woes

11 Jun, 2019 3:05pm
4 minutes to read

Many residents are so fed up with the council they've switched to a private contractor.

Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl, Te Rataka a Tetahi Kohine, was translated by Te Haumihiata Mason. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Anne Frank diary to be launched in te reo Māori

11 Jun, 2019 1:55pm
4 minutes to read

A discussion at Parihaka inspired a Dutchman-turned-Kiwi to tell the story in te reo.

NEW ZEALAND

Kelmarna cows saved from slaughter, sent to sanctuary

11 Jun, 2019 11:53am
2 minutes to read

Many people had offered to purchase the cows and give them a new home.

Supporters have been fighting to save Titirangi kauri AwhiAwhi since 2015. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Titirangi kauri Awhiawhi back on the chopping block

11 Jun, 2019 11:30am
3 minutes to read

Supporters are calling for Auckland Council to "step up" and save the ancient tree.

The second school strike for the climate on May 24 saw thousands of students take to Auckland's Queen St to demand climate action. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland Council could declare climate emergency today

11 Jun, 2019 7:49am
4 minutes to read

It would "underscore the urgency and importance of taking action on climate change".

SPORT

Swift backlash to Crusaders' decision to stick with name

8 Jun, 2019 5:18pm
4 minutes to read

"This is shameful cowardice hiding behind empty corporate jargon."

Geoffrey Burridge (right), 59, was killed by a suspected drunk driver in central Auckland while cycling. Pictured with his brother Paul, and Paul's wife Della. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Cyclist killed by suspected drunk driver a 'kind man'

8 Jun, 2019 3:27pm
3 minutes to read

"He never did anyone any harm."

Kelmarna's three Hereford steers. Photo / Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

Holy Cow: Outrage from townies over plans to kill city cows

8 Jun, 2019 11:34am
4 minutes to read

Outrage after inner city farm announced it would slaughter three cows.

Ron Hedley's timber yard is just out of Ruatoria, on the banks of the Waiapu River. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Victim of burglary by meth addicts offers a job

7 Jun, 2019 2:24pm
4 minutes to read

"He never had anything against me, just wanted what I had so he could buy some more P."

In May 2018 areas of the Waitākere Ranges and 10 higher-risk tracks in the Hunua Ranges were closed to protect trees from kauri dieback disease. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

More tracks to be reopened in Waitākere Ranges

6 Jun, 2019 6:05pm
3 minutes to read

Plans are for 43 tracks to be reopened over the next five years.

A 1932 Austin Swallow car, one of only 30 in the world, was stolen in Onehunga on Thursday. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Nearly $100,000 worth of antique vehicles stolen

5 Jun, 2019 5:51pm
2 minutes to read

A $5000 reward has been offered for the safe return of the items.

Researchers are calling for a kaupapa Māori approach to tackle youth disparities. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'By Māori, for Māori': Call for kaupapa approach to tackle disparities

5 Jun, 2019 3:04pm
5 minutes to read

Researchers are calling for a change in approach at Oranga Tamariki.

The Kiwi sailors shortly after their rescue in the Pacific Ocean, 3000km off the Mexican coast. Photo / Supplied

SPORT

$450k Kiwi yacht abandoned in Pacific

4 Jun, 2019 6:59pm
3 minutes to read

A racing yacht valued at $450,000 has been abandoned by its Kiwi crew.

Laurence Wu's family have posted a $200,000 reward for information leading to his discovery. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Family's heartache: 'We even hired a helicopter to find him'

4 Jun, 2019 5:12pm
4 minutes to read

Family this week posted a reward of $200,000 for information.

Auckland's E-graded eateries showed a range of poor hygiene and pest control issues. Photo / Auckland Council

NEW ZEALAND

Cockroaches, pests, other filthy finds at Auckland eateries

3 Jun, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Some were found to be a 'critical risk' and had to close until the issues were addressed.

Vicki Letele was released early from prison due to cancer. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Family of ex-inmate who died of cancer call for changes

31 May, 2019 3:23pm
5 minutes to read

'No human being should be treated with a lack of dignity' - Vicki Letele's family.

A High Court showdown is looming over a company's plans to increase the amount of dredging spoils it dumps off the coast of Aotea/Great Barrier Island. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Court dates set for Great Barrier dredging appeals

31 May, 2019 10:15am
4 minutes to read

The consent increases sediment dumping from 50,000 to 250,000 cubic metres annually.

Dr Bob Creese swims with a school of Blue Maomao at the Leigh marine reserve. The Sea Change Plan to turn around the

NEW ZEALAND

Hauraki Gulf: How to save our big blue backyard

28 May, 2019 5:00am
9 minutes to read

"When we stop putting ourselves above the environment, we will get change."

Aerial view of Rotoroa Island. Overfishing and destruction of the seabed have seen some fish species plummet more than 80 per cent on historical numbers in Hauraki Gulf. Photo / Natalie Slade

NEW ZEALAND

Hauraki Gulf's snapper, crayfish stocks 'in peril'

27 May, 2019 5:00am
10 minutes to read

Some fish species have plummeted more than 80 per cent on historical numbers.

A fisherman casts off on the Okahu Bay wharf. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

No fishing: Swathes of Hauraki Gulf could be closed or made marine reserve

22 May, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Just 0.3 per cent of the Gulf is currently protected as "no-take" marine reserves.

Hundreds of people, including plenty of children, at Omanu Beach protest water bottlers' use of plastic in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Photo / George Novak

NEW ZEALAND

Plastic bags into fence posts as recycling scheme resumes

20 May, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The plastics will be recycled in New Zealand and made into items such as fence posts.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand needs to confront its 'bloody history'

18 May, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

'We need to be honest and upfront about our history' - Vincent O'Malley.

NEW ZEALAND

'Disgusted': Retired tenant's fight to fix mouldy, rotten kitchen

15 May, 2019 7:00pm
5 minutes to read

'When you are old and retired you don't want to rock the boat in case you are kicked out.'

Rashmi Raorane, right, and her partner Aditya Panikkar say they were turned down for a Pakuranga rental because they are from India. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

'Indians are dirty': Tenants say rental denied due to race

14 May, 2019 3:44pm
5 minutes to read

The family claim they were told "the owner doesn't want Indian tenants".

Within five years of the Treaty of Waitangi being signed, war had broken out among Ngāpuhi hapū, and against the Crown. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Ngāpuhi: A multimillion-dollar settlement delayed by division

10 May, 2019 3:00pm
12 minutes to read

A settlement could transform the struggling region, but how to get there is the question.

Tokomaru Bay displays the natural beauty Tairāwhiti (East Coast) is well-known for. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Ngāti Porou: A loyal iwi seeking to transform its community

9 May, 2019 7:00pm
11 minutes to read

Ngāti Porou retained much of its land, but suffered through social neglect.

Mayoral candidate John Tamihere said Phil Goff was turning Auckland into the

NEW ZEALAND

Tamihere will 'sack AT board' if mayor

9 May, 2019 9:10am
3 minutes to read

He called the current board "ideological bullies".

Mohua numbers in the Landsborough Valley in South Westland have increased 30 fold in 21 years.

NEW ZEALAND

Birdsong returning in South Island valley

9 May, 2019 6:14am
2 minutes to read

Mohua numbers have increased 30 fold in 21 years.

Tā Tipene O'Regan and his daugher Hana, who continues the legacy as general manager of oranga (health) at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Photo / Michael Neilson

NEW ZEALAND

'Grave injustices': From landless to $2b powerhouse

8 May, 2019 7:00pm
10 minutes to read

"We became refugees in our own land."

West Auckland Airport in Parakai has applied to the Ministry of Transport for airport authority status. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Local concern over West Auckland airport plans

8 May, 2019 5:02pm
4 minutes to read

Airport says application is to clarify zoning issues.

Chair of Waikato-Tainui executive council Te Arataura Rukumoana Schaafhausen said the iwi's bank balance meant nothing if they were not lifting up their people. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Economic juggernaut: The $1.4 billion iwi

7 May, 2019 6:51pm
9 minutes to read

"We see money as the enabler to advance social, culture and environmental wellbeing."

Tuimaleali'ifano said she found the concept of whanaungatanga, or creating connections and building communities, was vital to her wellbeing. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Māori youth say better cultural awareness needed in schools

7 May, 2019 6:02pm
3 minutes to read

Lack of cultural acknowledgement seen as holding back Māori tamariki.

Sharon Hawke of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei said the settlement process was never going to be able to fully address breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi. Photo / Diego Opatowski

NEW ZEALAND

'Virtual refugees': The hapū that refused to die

7 May, 2019 1:00pm
9 minutes to read

"We were landless, almost language-less and had all but lost our culture."

Thousands gathered on the grounds of Parliament after a hīkoi to protest proposed Seabed and Foreshore Legislation.

NEW ZEALAND

Iwi power: $2.4b from 30 years of Treaty settlements

6 May, 2019 9:47pm
11 minutes to read

"There are stories that, when you read them, you cannot be anything other than upset."

The Titirangi community has banded together to save Ahiwawhi, a 400-year-old kauri. Photo / Jos Wheeler

NEW ZEALAND

Kauri given temporary protection, group pleads for permanency

26 Apr, 2019 7:20am
3 minutes to read

Save Our Kauri Trust want Auckland Council to reinstate protections for the ancient kauri.

Southern Lakes Helicopters pilot and CEO Sir Richard Hayes on Enderby Island with others involved in the Auckland Islands rescue. Photo / Southern Lakes Helicopters

NEW ZEALAND

'We were expecting the worst': Helicopter boss

24 Apr, 2019 7:06am
3 minutes to read

"It is just great to have them back home" - Sir Richard "Hannibal" Hayes

Helicopter crash survivors Andrew Hefford (pilot) and John Lambeth (paramedic).

NEW ZEALAND

'10 Xmases at once': Helicopter boss rescues crash survivors

23 Apr, 2019 3:30pm
4 minutes to read

Aircraft went down in poor weather over the Auckland Islands.

A major search operation is under way after a private helicopter went missing in the Auckland Islands, south of New Zealand. Photo / File

Three people found alive after helicopter crashed near the Auckland Islands

23 Apr, 2019 11:58am
3 minutes to read

Three people have been found alive after their helicopter crashed near Auckland Islands.