Stories by Edward O'Driscoll
News
Horowhenua sets up new committee over internal tensions
They sit next to each other at council meetings, but Horowhenua's mayor says he can only talk to his CEO about work within a new committee.
New group aims to voice New Zealanders' privacy concerns
Privacy issues aren't limited to the government and big businesses, and the community needs to have a voice too, a new advocacy group says.
Homework: Useless or useful?
An Australian primary school's decision to do away with homework is sparking debate on this side of the Tasman. Audio
Driverless cars just around the bend ... overseas
Driverless cars could be used as early as 2020 - but not in New Zealand - a car futurist says.
'Error of judgement' blamed for woman's petrol soaking
A failure by Z Energy staff to shut off a broken pump led to a woman being soaked with petrol in February, an investigation has found.
Rental homes in poorer condition than owner-occupied
Rental properties are more likely to be damp, musty and mouldy compared to owner-occupied ones, a new survey shows.
Defence Force accused of intimidating striking staff
The Defence Force denies it tried to stop civilian staff taking part in a strike for better pay, but the workers' union says it acted unlawfully.
Better access to home ownership 'could save NZ millions'
The government could save $11 million over 15 years if it moves 1000 people from social housing into their own homes, new research suggests. Video
Consumer NZ warning after kitset customers left out of pocket
Consumer NZ says it will file a complaint to the Commerce Commission over GET Design and Sales, which it says has left customers out of pocket.
Miramar tyre-slasher jailed
Self-confessed vigilante David Johns slashed the tyres of more than 100 cars parked in residential streets near Wellington's airport.
Silver Fern Farms' plant restructure unlawful - ERA
Silver Fern Farms has been found to have acted unlawfully during a staff restructure at its Fairton Meatworks plant near Ashburton.
'Choke points' cause Kapiti Expressway commuter pain
The new $630m Kapiti Expressway was built to cut down travel time into the capital, but commuters say it is having the opposite effect.
Private hospital 'woefully' failed dying man - report
A 74-year-old dying of cancer was not given enough pain relief while at a private hospital, an investigation has found.
Quake-risen seabed an 'eyesore'
A Kaikōura resident says the seabed, which rose up to eight metres, is "horrible, smelly and covered with mosquitoes". Video
Govt on shaky ground over data-for-funding contracts, lawyers say
The government is breaching privacy laws by making sexual violence and counselling services hand over client's personal details before they get funding, law experts say. Audio
Deadline to fix quake-prone buildings unlikely to be met - owners
Building owners say they may not be able to afford to fix their quake-prone buildings, and are unlikely to meet the 12-month deadline, even if they could afford it.
Book translates Treaty of Waitangi into 30 different languages
A new book translating the Treaty of Waitangi into 30 different languages has been welcomed by the Governor-General.
Lake Taupō closed after another sewage spill
Swimming is banned in part of Lake Taupō after the second wastewater spillage in three days.
NZers giving directly to causes, less to charities
Belt tightening and a rise in ad-hoc donations through sites like Givealittle is being blamed for a fall in New Zealanders' donations to non-government organisations and charities.
Teen offenders' Anzac ties on display
Teenage criminals doing a community rehabilitation programme in Wellington are discovering personal ties to Anazc day through art.