Stories by Ella Stewart
News
'It does definitely feel like it's everywhere': Covid-19 hits start of university year
University students living in halls of residence say almost everyone they know has Covid-19 as first semester kicks off for 2022. Audio
'Difficult trying to adapt': High schoolers shoulder burden of pandemic changes
As high schools around New Zealand prepare for a third year of interrupted learning due to Covid-19, some educators are concerned about the lasting impacts of the pandemic on young people. Audio
'We are sort of falling through the cracks': Arts charity desperate for support
An Auckland-based theatre company says the performing arts industry is on the brink without access to a wage subsidy or resurgence payments.
Weather: High humidity has Aucklanders hot and bothered
If you're finding yourself clammy, sweaty and breathing heavily into your face mask when you're out and about at the moment, you're not alone. Audio
'Sharing water, sharing vapes': Covid-19-positive teen fears virus spread at festival
A teenager who tested positive for Covid-19 after attending the SoundSplash festival says with all the physical contact revellers had at the three-day festival, it seems inevitable that the virus…
School uniforms 'increasingly unaffordable for most families' - charity
Variety - the Children's Charity says it has seen a 50 percent increase in the number of claims for school uniforms from 2020 to 2021. Audio
NZ scientists develop system to disinfect PPE
A group of Kiwi scientists have developed a potential solution to the more than 25,000 tonnes of Covid-19-related plastic waste that has polluted the oceans in the past two years.
Warm weather sees rise in cases of ocean-borne bites and rashes
Warmer sea temperatures and a changing climate could be what is causing more ocean-borne bites, stings and rashes, a marine scientist says.
Omicron part of everyday life, New Zealanders overseas say
More than 307 million Covid-19 cases have been confirmed since the pandemic began, with countries now breaking records for daily case numbers as leaders struggle to keep the new variant at bay.
'I had to lock the door' - Newmarket shop owners fearful of further protests
A Newmarket retailer says she will be closing her doors on Saturdays from now on after anti-vaccine mandate protesters caused havoc over the weekend. Audio
Hospitality sector 'devastated' after being excluded from Auckland stimulus package
As hospitality businesses around Auckland prepare to open to customers tomorrow for the first time in 108 days, the Restaurant Association say they are devastated. Audio
Proposed RMA change sees online bidding on houses drive prices further - auctioneer
Auckland's housing market continues to soar despite the city spending more than 100 days in lockdown whilst bidders buy houses online. Audio
Experts offer Zoom classes to help teachers needing extra support
Numerous experts on Twitter have been offering to fill potential gaps due to the vaccine mandate by hosting online Zoom classes to school students.
Principal faces 'awful vindictive' abuse for supporting vaccine mandate
A Northland high school principal says she has been accused of being "complicit in mass genocide" by people opposed to getting vaccinated.
Late vaccination sees elderly woman catch Covid-19 in resthome
An elderly dementia patient who tested positive for Covid-19 at an Auckland rest home had only received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine last month at her daughter's request. Audio
Auckland farmers' markets wait for traffic light system before reopening
Two of Auckland's most popular farmers' markets will not be reopening next week, though they would be allowed to under level 3 step2.
'I'm feeling really worried about my peers at school, my community in South Auckland'
While Manurewa High School student Selina Silila Helg was initially excited to return to class, she says opening schools back up to senior students poses a risk for Māori and Pasifika. Audio
Bills mounting for barbers and hairdressers with no reprieve in sight
Auckland hairdressers and barbers say they need more targeted financial support if they are going to make it out of lockdown intact. Audio
Businesses ask for support in form of a voucher system
Businesses are calling for dining and entertainment vouchers to support the industries hard hit by Covid-19 lockdowns. Audio
Vaccinated NZers overseas demand access to home isolation
With home isolation on the cards for low-risk positive Covid-19 cases, vaccinated and tested New Zealanders stuck overseas are questioning the lack of MIQ spaces. Audio
Aged-care residents struggling with isolation
Aged-care facilities say their Auckland residents are isolated and lonely as they head into their ninth week in lockdown. Audio
Teens missing out on school: It's 'detrimental to anybody's health'
Auckland parents are divided over whether in-person learning at schools should resume, with some worried their children will fall behind in their education. Audio
Physios question why retail can open in step 2, but they still can't work
Patients are unnecessarily suffering because some health professionals are unable to deliver face-to-face care under level 3 restrictions, Allied Health practitioners say. Audio
Commissioner joins call for pension extension for seniors stuck overseas
The Retirement Commissioner says seniors stuck overseas due to the lack of MIQ spots should get an added six months before their pensions are stopped and they're fined. Audio
'Enjoy nature, but be respectful': Plea to residents as restrictions relaxed
Auckland Council says residents need to be cautious when meeting loved ones in local parks as restrictions ease today. Audio