Stories by Ben Strang
News
Oversight office urged after moves to expand counter-terrorism laws
The government is being asked to consider appointing an independent person to review how counter-terrorism laws are operated in New Zealand.
Cancer Society wants fewer shops selling tobacco
Between 3000 and 4000 shops sell tobacco in New Zealand, but the Cancer Society would like that to drop as low as 200.
'Dangers out there' - Some frontline police refusing high-risk callouts
National is claiming that officers are facing a greater threat from armed gang members and the police association is calling for more training to deal with dangerous situations.
Covid-19: Defence Force MIQ workers confused by double standard
Defence Force staff working in managed isolation are facing double standards on their expectations for life outside of quarantine facilities.
Rise in gun crime despite government clampdown after terror attack
The government's clampdown on firearms and seizures of high-powered semi-automatic weapons has had no impact on a rise in gun crime and violence in New Zealand. Audio
IPCA report finds significant elements of bullying within police workforce
The year-long review identified abuse and intimidatory conduct, and sexist and racist behaviour underlying experiences of bullying within police.
Ministry of Health increases stock of PPE
The Ministry of Health says it has more than nine months worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) in stock at current usage rates, or over a month's worth at "high pandemic" use rates.
Govt grants vaccine suppliers indemnity against claims
The government has granted the Covid-19 vaccine suppliers Pfizer and BioNTech indemnity from any claims that may arise from use of the vaccine.
Survey reveals higher risk of sexual violence for gay, lesbian or bisexual people
Gay, lesbian or bisexual people are more than twice as likely to suffer from sexual violence or family harm than their heterosexual counterparts. Audio
NZ's most profitable speed camera
A mobile speed camera parked between Davies Road and School Road, a 50km/h zone, has issued 18,294 tickets since January 2018, worth $1.135 million.
No legislative changes planned for hate crime in New Zealand
The government is not considering the introduction of specific hate crime laws, a move that's been called for by the Police Association and justice advocates.
Hate crimes: Almost half complaints to police wrongly downgraded
Almost half the hate crimes reported to the police are being wrongly downgraded from a criminal offence, to either "incidents" in which no crime was committed, or to lower level crimes. Audio
America's Cup proposes funding for new police patrol boats
America's Cup organisers have offered police four new boats to help them patrol the races on Waitematā harbour.
Extent of managed isolation breaches earlier this year revealed
Half of the breaches between April and June were people who failed to return or were late to return after being granted an exemption to attend a funeral or tangi.
More than 100 doctors back legalising recreational cannabis use
More than 100 doctors have come forward to put their names behind cannabis legalisation, in response to the New Zealand Medical Association's backtracking from opposing the bill to neutrality.
Cannabis age limit won't reduce harm in young people, campaigners say
Anti-cannabis campaigners say the minimum age of 20 to use and purchase weed wouldn't stop young people from feeling the harm of legalisation.
Cannabis referendum: Medical Association now neutral
The Medical Association has backtracked on its stance opposing the cannabis referendum, and apologised to doctors who feel they were misrepresented.
Grey Power accused of undemocratic stance on cannabis debate
Some Grey Power members are unhappy with the organisation's stance in opposing cannabis legalisation, but the its president says yes voters within the association's ranks are a tiny minority.
Cannabis referendum: Medical Association admits not consulting members on issue
The Medical Association says it did not consult with members before taking its stance opposing cannabis legalisation.
Doctors speak out against Medical Association's stance on cannabis referendum
One doctor has quit her membership and others are speaking out because of the New Zealand Medical Association's stance on the cannabis referendum.
Police set out plan to address bullying
Police have outlined plans to address bullying and harassment concerns after a review by consultant Debbie Francis earlier this year.
Debate over proposed cannabis limit - is it too much?
Opponents to cannabis legalisation say the proposed 14 gram limit would make it easy for addicts to keep up their habit, but supporters say users won't consume it all at once.
Police considered charging Black Lives Matter march organisers
Police thought about charging organisers of the Black Lives Matter marches in June because Covid-19 restrictions weren't followed.
Roadside drug testing needed before any cannabis legalisation, say AA and expert
Legalising cannabis would not necessarily put more drugged drivers on the road, but roadside drug testing should be in place first, one government adviser says.
AA calls for roadside alcohol testing to ramp up to previous levels
About a third of all fatal crashes in New Zealand involve someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but roadside testing has dropped off significantly in recent years.