Stories by Eleisha Foon
News
Residents fear for children's health over lead in Otago water
Residents of Waikouaiti and Karitane say they are afraid the health of their families after the highest level of lead found in water was almost 40 times the acceptable limit. Audio
Community group plans legal action against ECan over tyre pile
A community group is taking the Canterbury Regional Council to court over its inaction in removing a massive pile of tyres set on fire last week.
New Zealand women taking leap into entrepreneurship during Covid-19 era
Many women are starting their own small businesses after a wave of Covid-19-related redundancies, according to Chooice NZ founder Sarah Colcord.
Record demand for boats and water craft
In the last three months, sales of boats and other water craft like paddle boards have doubled compared to last year, according to the Marine Industry Association.
'We should have been safe here' - Christchurch Muslim leaders
Three key leaders of Christchurch mosques say the recommendations of the report in some ways does not go far enough, and they will demand further action from the government.
Protesters play dead as council hears opposition to Tarras airport
Plans for a proposed airport in a small South Island town have faced strong push back during a Christchurch City Council meeting today.
Timelapse: Christchurch Metro Sports facility taking shape
One of Christchurch's main anchor projects, the Metro Sports facility, is making steady progress but delays due to Covid means it's now two years away from operating.
Meet the Kiwis who've made Covid work for them
Covid-19 brought big-earning industries to a sudden standstill. RNZ spoke to three New Zealanders about how they found a silver lining in a pandemic pivot.
Calls for C1 Espresso owner to have award rescinded over 'toxic' culture
Sam Crofskey, owner of C1 Espresso in Christchurch, has been accused of bullying, manipulation, and denying adequate breaks and sick days.
Lockdown distressing for almost half of young people, study finds
A study undertaken during lockdown has provided a glimpse into New Zealand's mental health, concluding that it reduced the overall wellbeing of young adults.
Christchurch hospital unveils new children's ward after years of delays
Brand new child health services and facilities have been unveiled at Christchurch hospital today.
Plea for reform: 'Human rights create fair societies'
The Human Rights Commission is calling on the government to stand by its promises to make New Zealand fairer for all people.
Medication shortage woes continue to affect New Zealanders
Pharmacists and doctors in New Zealand are scrambling to find ways to manage global medication shortages because of Covid-19.
Bottle Lake Forest guardian fearful of more suspicious fires
A park ranger living on the doorstep of Christchurch's Bottle Lake Forest Park says a spate of fires in the area is the worst he's seen in three decades.
Nationwide shortage of hormone replacement therapy causing concern
An Auckland woman is desperately worried that she - and others who rely on hormone replacement therapy - will soon be without their usual supplies.
'We've had one of the driest winters on record'
South Canterbury and North Otago farmers are concerned they are on the precipice of a drought.
Young political geeks gear up for election parties
With just one day to go, political geeks across the country are gearing up to host election parties.
'Every vote counts': Prisoner voting rights returned
For the first time in a decade, prisoners serving less than three years can vote in the general election.
Experts reject Judith Collins' obesity comments
Obesity has emerged as a political football in the final week of the election campaign, and whether or not it is a matter of personal responsibility.
Grey District considers tighter freedom camping rules
The Grey District mayor is pushing for new rules on freedom camping and thinks the whole country should follow suit.
Arrests as Extinction Rebellion protesters block entrance to coal mine
Police have arrrested 10 Extinction Rebellion protesters who had blocked the entrance to Bathurst's coal mine at Coalgate, Canterbury.
Grieving family still feeling let down by hall of residence operator
The family of Mason Pendrous is deeply disappointed about the way it has been treated by the operator of the hall where he died.
New Zealand young people facing 'silent pandemic of psychological distress'
Mental health conditions amongst young people have doubled in the past decade with researchers describing it as "a silent pandemic of psychological distress".
Ski fields welcome visitor flurry after snowfall brings 'perfect' conditions
Thousands of South Island locals have packed southern ski fields, after this season's biggest snowfall.
Petition urges Pharmac to fund Crohn's and colitis medication
Thousands of people are backing a petition to improve the lives of hundreds of New Zealanders with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.