Stories by Bill Hickman
News
Advice for charging e-scooters comes after explosion causes critical injuries
Fire and Emergency is urging owners of e-scooters and e-Bikes powered by lithium ion batteries to take care when charging the devices.
Hollywood strike last ditch effort to rein in AI use on screen
The rise of artificial intelligence in the film industry has some fearing a future where films are created without cameras and actors. Audio
Sinéad O'Connor remembered as brave but vulnerable voice of a generation
Musicians and members of Aotearoa's Irish community say Sinéad O'Connor's music will be playing all over the world today. Video
Starship Children's Hospital to get $20k thanks to a girl and a chip with a heart
A 10-year-old from Auckland's North Shore has raised $20,000 for Starship Children's Hospital by auctioning a uniquely shaped potato chip on Trade Me.
Wellington teenager competing in UCI Mountain Bike World Cup
Erice van Leuven first came to international attention at 10 years old after a clip of her going hammer and tongs on her tiny, bright pink, kids bike went viral. Video, Audio
'Won't be living this one down' - relative of missing motorcyclist
A relative of one of two motorcyclists who went missing overnight in the Akatarawa Forest had a few words to say about the incident. The pair were found safe after a cold night in the bush.
Out for a duck: Visitor saved from uncertain fate at Basin Reserve
A Wellington woman says she could never have predicted she would make a sprawling catch to rein in one of the most famous names in New Zealand cricket this week.
Parents, principal outraged over vape shop near school
Parents and teachers in a Wellington suburb are outraged a vape retailer is set to open near a bus hub that gets their children to and from school each day. Audio
Dairy owners want parents held to account for young offenders' crimes
The government is being urged to take a tougher stance on parents of children too young to face prosecution over retail crime.
Firearms Registry to launch this week, nearly four years after it was proposed
The New Zealand Firearms Registry is set to go live on 24 June, nearly four years after it was proposed in the wake of the Christchurch Mosque terror attacks.
'I think we are all responsible - not just the owners of Loafers Lodge'
Hundreds of people gathered in Wellington's Cathedral of St Paul in a service of remembrance for the victims of the fire.
Dementia patient assaulted another resident as he lay unconscious and dying - report
The Aged Care Commissioner has criticised a Tauranga care home after a dementia patient assaulted another resident as he lay unconscious and dying.
Doctor suspended over hormone used to increase muscle mass in cows
A doctor has been suspended for six months for importing and prescribing unregistered drugs such as steroids as well as prescribing a sex hormone not approved for human use in New Zealand.
Woman defends train driver blamed for crash that claimed 21 lives
An Otago-born author who researched the train crash which shattered her family 80 years ago says she believes the driver was made a scapegoat for the tragedy.
Review shows 25 more buildings like Loafers Lodge operating in Wellington
Wellington's mayor says lives depended on bringing buildings without a current Building Warrant of Fitness up to standard quickly.
'Someone's trying to burn the place down' - Convicted arsonist tells of rush to warn residents
Raymond Lauder says he had an uneasy feeling when he came across a couch fire on Monday night, ahead of the fatal blaze.
Wellington rallies to help displaced survivors of fatal hostel blaze
Local agencies are assisting dozens of people made homeless by the fire at Loafers Lodge in Newtown.
Keeping business alive 'may not be possible' as ram raids hike up insurance
Retailers are warning insurance hikes in the wake of ram raids and other crime could force many out of business. Audio
IPCA report on Parliament occupation debunks online narratives
The report into police actions during the Parliament occupation details serious allegations of violence against protesters, but also refutes a number of narratives which swept the internet.
Firearms advocates question police figures over licensing fees
Police say firearms owners need to shoulder the burden of a licensing system that costs the tax payer hundreds of millions of dollars. But firearms advocates say the figures are being pulled from thin…