Stories by Rayssa Almeida
News
'Kids need new boots, not boot camps'
Youth advocates want the government to scrap a bill which would make boot camps permanent. Audio
Kelly Tarlton's welcomes three gentoo penguin chicks
The tiny, fluffy arrivals are being cared for by both their biological and foster parents, who stepped in "to give them the best start in life". Audio
Mental health patients find it harder to access GPs, study finds
The study highlighted that disparities were even more significant for Māori with mental health conditions.
'You just never know how people will react' - Behind the wheel with our bus drivers
A weeklong celebration highlights both the role drivers play in communities and the growing calls for improved security measures to protect them on the job.
Getting ready for the last Christmas at Smith & Caughey's
For 18 years, the department store has been putting on "mammoth" Christmas displays - but the writing is on the wall.
Council not backing down on land donated for pensioners
Auckland Council says it will allow Kāinga Ora to build on the property despite a legal challenge.
Nearly 80 fraud and scam cases a month reported to banking watchdog
The industry ombudsman says banks need to do more for their customers, as many report losses of thousands of dollars.
Residency for couple years after adviser forgot to apply for visa
Brazilians Newton Santos and Nubia Chiarelli had been fighting to get their case reviewed since 2021.
Neighbours terrified killer on loose after shooting
A neighbour of a man fatally shot in East Auckland on Tuesday is terrified the killer is still on the loose.
'It tasted like poison' - Mum says son tried meth 'lolly'
A former meth addict says it's lucky no children have been hurt after she unwittingly took home a contaminated food parcel. Audio
Visa fee increases could cement tourism decline - airline industry
The Board of Airline Representatives is upset they weren't consulted on the move they say will reduce New Zealand's competitiveness as a destination. Audio
'There are many who need support': Schools not able to handle rise in hardship
A teacher on Auckland's Waiheke Island says students are arriving barefoot and hungry while the waitlist for support from KidsCan is the longest its ever been.
Migrants forced to 'spill their guts' to the media - Green Party
Migrants wronged by the system shouldn't have to go through media campaigns to be heard, the party says.
Staff smuggling in contraband, play fighting with offenders at youth justice facility
A damning report has raised serious concerns about staff practices and leadership at a secure facility for young criminals.
Work on controversial social development paused, Kāinga Ora says
But it's still continuing with the resource consent process and site clearance.
'Administrative error': Electrical work watchdog chair signs disciplinary hearing for own employee
The electrician was found guilty of serious safety risks and falsely certifying work as safe at a Masterton property.
'They need support, they don't need to be yelled at' - LSV tutor on boot camps
The former LSV tutor says a lack of down time made things difficult for Defence Force staff running the programme.
Petition started to oppose 'flawed' ram raid bill
Community leaders and youth advocates are gathering signatures for a petition against the ram raid bill, saying it will cause more harm than good.
Woman loses use of legs after 'nangs' overdose
"I woke up the next day and couldn't walk," says 24-year-old Claudia, who is now calling for a law change. Audio
'We've lost everything': NZ-based Brazilians raise funds for flood victims
A169 people have been reported dead so far amid non-stop rain since April in Brazil. Audio
'They treat everyone like trash' - MSD receives almost 5000 complaints about staff in two years
People seeking support from Work and Income say MSD staff are lacking compassion.
'People are getting killed out there' - Youth emergency centre prepares to open
The first stage of an Auckland 24-hour youth emergency centre is opening its doors to the public next week.
Minister takes up couple's case after advisor forgets visa application
After multiple pleas and petition, an Auckland couple's residency case is being looked at by the Associate Minister of Immigration.
'Treated like an animal': Prisoners kept inside 24 hours some days
Lionel Rusia was one of 190 prisoners who were only allowed an hour outside every second day. Audio