Stories by Phil Pennington
News
NZTA defends oversight of powerful highway speed camera system
The reach of 'smart' road cameras is growing in scale and power.
Police trial data extraction tech aimed at wearable devices
Police are trialling a new high-tech tool designed to extract data from people's wearable devices, such as smartwatches.
Fire and Emergency urgently restarting work on plan to replace big-ladder trucks
One truck broke down in Auckland last week, stranding firefighters above scorching flames. Audio
Police warned over shifting sensitive info to cloud services
There could be "severe detrimental impacts" if someone was accidentally given access to the data. Audio
Officials warn submarine cables are 'attractive espionage targets'
The leading risk of damage is from accidents or natural disasters, but nothing in official online guidance allows for deliberate sabotage.
Defence Ministry releases plan to counter cyber attacks
Its new Defence Capability Plan envisages spending between $100 million and $300 million on cyber upgrades in the next four years.
Infrastructure failures: Govt makes little headway on fixing weaknesses
Two widespread communications failures in the Northland storm and Otago within two days last week have again exposed the vulnerability of the country's critical infrastructure. Audio
Medical testing company loses millions amid 'funding gap', staff to strike over pay
The result is the third straight year with no dividend payment to shareholders.
Health NZ report admits poor management of hospital facilities
A Health NZ report says it "cannot effectively plan for asset renewals, replacements or optimise maintenance strategies". Audio
How New Zealand is boosting the US space race with China
New Zealand is becoming increasingly involved, even as the defence force denies its tentative steps into space have anything to do with military operations. Audio
Defence Force to embark on drone shopping spree
Experts are warning against buying anything that has not been tested in Ukraine.
National aerospace centre in talks to build launch pad
Any launchpad would be for small test rockets initially, and take several years to scale up to the real thing. Audio
Access to space systems 'critical on the modern battlefield'
The Defence Minister has outlined an unprecedented half a billion dollars for space operations, as part of a new high-tech military push. Audio
'Have we bitten off too much?' National ticketing project delays cause concern
The system would allow commuters to easily tag onto public transport anywhere in the country - but there are concerns it just won't work.
No 111 funding included in $2b emergency comms upgrade
Accident investigators have asked a government agency to review 111 after risks and delays in a fatal boat capsize that claimed five lives.
'There should always be a human in charge': Minister on killer drones
Judith Collins has given the NZ military permission to acquire the drones but with conditions attached.
Congestion from RiverLink project will push commuters to public transport, Metlink says
Wellington's public transport operator is preparing public transport in the Hutt Valley for changes ahead of September's RiverLink programme works.
Review of emergency call systems remains inconclusive three years on
Shortcomings in the current 111 and secondary systems were highlighted by a 2022 Kaikōura boating accident.
Locals need more say on congestion charging plans - Auckland councillors
The transport committee is pushing for changes to a parliamentary bill
Hospital's faulty pipe upgrade marked as complete, when it wasn't
Health New Zealand has admitted it marked an upgrade to faulty pipes at Auckland City Hospital as complete when in fact it was not.
Fatal boat capsizing highlights failings of outdated emergency call system
A watchdog has found the 111 system caused 'unnecessary delays' while people were trapped under the hull. Audio
Forty percent of most urgent hospital repairs aren't being worked on
Some projects marked as 'completed' by Health NZ still need more fixes.
Health NZ's scrapped digital projects revealed
The agency has stopped or delayed 136 initiatives, including a much-lauded patient information system. Audio
US allies like NZ a 'critical component of deterrence' in space warfare - generals
Top American generals have raised the threat of China's race for nuclear and space weapons superiority, while praising a network of New Zealand and other allies designed to counter it. Audio
Defence Force can't service Poseidon planes, sends them to Australia
The agency knew when it spent $2.3 billion on the four Poseidons that servicing their high-tech complexity was beyond it.