Stories by Joanna MacKenzie
News
Site of Akl shooting club: 'The tapu associated with that is sacred'
The kaitiaki of a maunga north of Auckland say a controversial shooting club should never have been allowed to operate there because the land is wāhi tapu.
First rural gun buyback event to be held today
The first rural gun buyback event is happening later today in Waipu, a small town south of Whangarei.
Social media, music behind NZers' growing knowledge of Asia
An Asia New Zealand Foundation survey found the number who said they knew a 'fair amount' about Asia had risen to 48 percent in 2018.
'A low blow': Professional thieves target recycling charity
A charity in Auckand that repairs and recycles broken goods has had $20,000 worth of equipment stolen in a premeditated burglary.
From Pittsburgh to NZ: almost $1m raised for shooting victims
A Jewish organisation in the American city of Pittsburgh has raised almost $1 million for the victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings.
Matariki: 'People are really hungry, hungry for knowledge'
With just a few days to wait for the Matariki constellation to rise in our skies, the Māori New Year is almost here.
Sea Cleaners: 'You name it, we've found it, including a kitchen sink'
Plastic bottles, cigarette butts and polystyrene are still scooped out of the Hauraki Gulf in vast amounts, despite a charity's tireless 17-year efforts, and the coming America's Cup poses a threat.
Farmers staff protest at low wages and performance pay
Hundreds of staff at Farmers retail stores around the country have walked off the job in protest at low wages and the company's performance pay system.
Auckland film industry: 'probably the busiest we've ever been'
Filming permit applications are set to reach an all-time high and studio space is booked out for movies and shows for streaming services like Netflix and Hulu - as well as local programmes. Video
Shooting events continuing at banned Auckland club - locals
Lengthy and intense shooting at Auckland Shooting Club has continued despite a court banning it from operating, locals say.
Fungal disease worsens woes of feijoa growers
Feijoas are under attack on two fronts, from an established pest and a new strain of fungus.
Charity calls for urgent action to stop spread of pest
A charity in Auckland which redistributes unwanted food hasn't collected any feijoa this year because the fruit is so badly affected by the guava moth.
Avengers Endgame: NZ first to see Earth's mightiest heroes deal with Thanos
New Zealand fans of Marvel movies are the first in the world today to see the finale of an epic narrative that's been told over the past 11 years and through 22 films. Audio
Kauri dieback: 'Finding those who are breaking the rules'
People caught flouting track closure notices in the Waitākere ranges could face court action as Auckland Council ramps up its work to prevent further kauri dieback.
Gun club president resigns after closure order and residents' fears
A shooting club north of Auckland has shut it doors and its president has stepped down after it was ordered to stop operating from its site at 287 Tuhirangi Road.
Business group: Hauraki Gulf clean-up push needed ahead of America's Cup
A business group is warning that time is running out to halt the flow of pollution into the Hauraki Gulf before the 2021 America's Cup.
'Overwhelming' support for graffiti artist's new tribute to terror victims
An Auckland graffiti artist who painted a poignant mural of a victim of the mosque attacks has been invited to paint another tribute on a large wall in Christchurch. Video
Family serves victim's favourite food, hosts prayers for 100 guests
There were prayers, tears, smiles and laughter at a gathering to remember father and son, Naeem and Talha Rashid, who were killed in the mosque shootings.
Supporting families affected by attacks: 'It doesn't stop here'
In a quiet corner of Christchurch, a Victim Support hub has been set up to coordinate the operation to support families affected by the mosque terror attacks.
'Heat-stroke' fears at new Nelson air terminal
The head of Nelson Airport accepts that its new terminal building has struggled with overheating issues this summer, making working conditions difficult for staff.
Delays, confusion as Auckland ferry competes for space
Commuters using the Devonport ferry say the Auckland harbour service is chaotic and unable to cope with the number of cruise ships coming to the harbour.
Thousands flock to 10th annual Elvis in the Gardens Concert
Almost 42 years after he died, the King is still drawing the crowds.
Child, Youth and Family blind to Moko warning signs
Three-year-old Moko Rangitoheriri was subjected to a prolonged and painful death by the very people who were meant to care for him.
Mana and Māori Party relationship strong, but no merger yet
The Mana Movement and Māori Party say a merger of the two sides is a possibility, but not until after the election.
Feijoa pest spreads south to Waikato
A pest which can destroy entire crops of feijoas and other soft fruits has spread to Waikato and areas of the Coromandel.