Stories by Ella Stewart
News
Stranded traveller pleads for seniors to be allowed to isolate at home
A New Zealand woman stranded in Queensland due to the lack of MIQ spots says she should be able to self-isolate in her own home. Audio
Vaccine passports 'effective' for fans at events but gyms worried over staff abuse
The government plans to have technology for Covid-19 vaccine passports available in just over a month, which could be required for live events, venues and other services. Audio
Moving company flooded with clients after govt announcement
A New Zealand moving company say they have been inundated with calls since the prime minister announced that people in Auckland could now move to another city if they are relocating permanently. Audio
More companies commissioning branded face masks for staff
Custom-printed face mask sales have soared after the latest Delta Covid-19 outbreak which has seen face coverings become mandatory in most indoor spaces. Audio
Arts sector warns there will be nothing left unless government steps in with support funding
As the arts industry continues to experience crushing losses, they say they need urgent financial support from the government or there won't be an industry left. Audio
Auckland businesses question how 'essential' is defined in lockdown
The issue of which businesses are and aren't essential during Auckland's level 4 lockdown has some businesses frustrated and disheartened as their finances continue to dwindle. Audio
Students trapped in Auckland fear falling behind in studies
University students who are stuck in lockdown in Auckland say they are falling behind learning remotely while most of their peers are able to attend classes physically. Audio
Pandemic travel obstacles 'tricky on my mental health' - surfer Paige Hareb
Without being able to book MIQ spots if they travel overseas for competitions, some of New Zealand's top athletes are being forced to rethink their career paths. Audio
'The constant unknown' driving elite athletes to breaking point
Some high-performance athletes say their dreams and livelihoods are being destroyed as they are forced between withdrawing from international events or an uncertain amount of time away from family. Audio
Flower farmers forced to bin or mulch harvest due to restrictions
Under alert level 4 flower growers aren't able to sell or distribute their goods. This means months of work and beautiful flowers are going straight into the bin. Audio
Digital divide adding to resthome loneliness during restrictions - Age Concern
Rest homes and retirement villages around New Zealand are looking after their residents more than usual to ensure they stay connected to the community during lockdown Audio
Many Afghan refugees to arrive with only the clothes on their back
Aucklanders have rallied in lockdown answering a social media call for clothes and shoes for Afghan refugees. Audio
Lockdowns bite again for large events planned around the country
The organisers of Auckland's Home Show are asking the government for a level 2 exemption so the event can go ahead in November, while wedding planners prepare for upset couples and a revenue hit due… Audio
Walking during lockdown - should you pat dogs, cats?
If you're looking for lockdown fans, animals might be the only ones putting their paws up right now. Audio
New Zealand to trial new Covid-19 vaccine
New Zealand has been chosen to be part of a late-stage trial for a new European Covid-19 vaccine. Audio
Mass vaccination event: Communication with community an 'absolute failure'
A prominent South Auckland councillor says the low uptake of bookings in the country's first mass vaccination event is down to people in "ivory towers" planning for communities they know nothing… Audio
Kiwi hospo workers say career offers bad wages, little advancement
Hospitality workers say the job is not considered a good career path in New Zealand with low wages, long hours and few incentives.
Whanganui school Pfizer vaccine rollout 'relief' for students
Whanganui school students will be the first in the country to be vaccinated at school from the beginning of the next school term.
Hospitality worker questions labour shortage: 'They have to offer higher wages'
A hospitality worker says there is no skilled labour shortage, it's that worker pay is too low - but the industry says there aren't enough skilled New Zealanders to fill the jobs. Audio
Kiwi star to shine on The Lion King stage on home ground
After an 18-month-long hiatus due to Covid-19, the stage production of the Lion King has opened at Auckland's Spark Arena.
Wairarapa businesses struggle with Wellington region alert level 2 restrictions
Business owners in the wider region of Wellington are worried they will be forgotten as the latest alert level 2 restrictions see weekend getaways and restaurant bookings cancelled.
'Overwhelming': Shipwreck suspected to be behind plastic beads mystery
An investigation has been launched into whether mysterious plastic beads that have appeared scattered across Tairua Beach could be from the wreck of the Rena, which sank almost 10 years ago. Audio
Veteran Māori broadcaster stunned by pilot's perfect announcements in te reo
A pilot's perfect use of te reo impressed a passenger so much that he asked to meet him and was blown away to discover the pilot wasn't Māori, but simply endeavouring to learn and use te reo as much… Audio
Good things take time: 86-year-old fulfils dream of opening knitwear store
South African born Margaret Richardson, who is 86, has finally achieved her big dream opening a hand-dyed knitwear store in New Zealand.
Budget 2021: 'Looking to leave the country in order to live'
Finance Minister Grant Robertson presented the government's so-called recovery and well-being Budget yesterday, but some are describing it as anything but.