Stories by Natalie Akoorie
News
Hospital asked to apologise after multiple doctors fail to diagnose cancer
The patient ended up going private, where a four centimetre tumour was found, and the cancer had spread to her lungs
Struggling schools cost taxpayer close to $1m in assistance
The Ministry of Education has paid almost $1 million to provide help for struggling schools in the past year.
More than 100 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish counted in Hamilton
Old mattresses, abandoned whiteware and decomposing nappies are among the mountain of regularly disposed of at illegal dumping sites in Hamilton.
Group fights to save Cambridge Water Tower
A group of residents hope to sway the council in favour of saving the 122-year-old tower.
Autistic man without specialist care before fatal stabbing - report
Staff at the home Bailey Ecclestone was placed in used denigratory language when discussing him and there was minimal focus on him as a person, the report says.
Tauranga's council's only woman elected to become deputy mayor
A councillor let the news slip just before mayor-elect Mahé Drysdale was able to officially announce it.
New Tauranga Council, mayor kicks off its term
The new Tauranga City Council will hold its inaugural meeting this afternoon with a swearing in ceremony where new mayor Mahé Drysdale will choose his deputy.
'This cannot happen ever again': Inexperienced workers removed too many nuts before pylon fell
A report into the massive Northland outage found there was insufficient supervision during the work.
Hospital's nurse shortage: 'Somebody's going to die'
Nurses have picketed outside Thames Hospital to voice frustration at what the union says is constant understaffing and increased workloads in the department.
Patient slept on mattress in windowless room before death
Joe Carter had been sleeping on a mattress on the floor of a windowless room and likely hadn't taken his medication for a month before he died.
Parole declined for teacher Lois Dear's killer, Whetu Te Hiko
The man who murdered the Tokoroa school teacher 18 years ago will remain behind bars for another two years.
Funding to reinstate walking access to Cathedral Cove announced
The Conservation Minister announced a $25 million boost for conservation projects, including $5m to plan, build and maintain a track at the favourite tourist attraction.
Councillor's expletive-laden rant prompts calls for rule change
Two Waikato mayors have asked the local government minister for the establishment of an independent arbiter to deal with council code of conduct complaints.
Father of Ross Bremner dies before inquest into 2016 stabbing
There is still no date set for a coronial inquest into the multiple stabbings in Ōtorohanga and Kawhia in 2016, in which Keith Bremner was stabbed by his son and left unconscious.
New principal for embattled school - despite current one set to return
The school has been marred by violent student brawls and a regular police presence since it opened at the beginning of the year.
Investigation launched into councillor who wrote expletive-laden rant
The independent investigation follows 24 complaints being laid over Andrew Bydder's comments - from members of two councils and the general public.
Hamilton mayor backs Local Government NZ after Christchurch, Auckland exit
Paula Southgate is defending her council's continued membership of the local body organisation, despite a 16.5 percent rate rise.
Sneak peek of new $166m bridge across Waikato River
It is hoped the four-lane bridge will open to traffic in August, when it will be officially named.
'Words matter': Minister rebukes councillor for use of 'derogatory terms'
Louise Upston says it's unacceptable for Andrew Bydder to use ableist slurs in an expletive-laden rant to a neighbouring council.
Councillor should apologise for 'offensive ableist slur' - advocate
Andrew Bydder needs to publicly apologise - and make a sizeable donation - a disability advocate says.
Hamilton city councillor writes expletive-laden rant to neighbouring council
Hamilton's mayor says Andrew Bydder's expletive-filled submission to a neighbouring council is "vulgar" and "abusive", and has made a formal complaint.
Waipā mayor responds to 'frankly appalling' rant by councillor
Waipā mayor Susan O'Regan says she will not put up with abusive behaviour.
Tom Phillips and children still elusive as reward runs out
The $80,000 reward was only available for a short time in an effort to put pressure on those with information on the family's whereabouts to come forward.
Waipā medium-density housing should not be 'like Auckland and Wellington' - mayor
Waipā District Council says it has been denied an extension to slow the introduction of medium-density housing to its three main towns.
Questions over suspected human remains found at house
Police are continuing a scene examination at the Hamilton house but believe the remains are human.