Stories by Eric Frykberg
News
Wgtn: $31m power quake plan gets nod
A $31 million scheme to protect Wellington's power supply after an earthquake has won provisional approval.
Solid Energy payments to creditors increasing
New information shows payments inching up for creditors of the failed former state coal miner Solid Energy.
Heat may have caused sagging train wires - KiwiRail
KiwiRail says high temperatures may have caused overhead wires in Wellington to sag, causing a rail stoppage for most of the region on Tuesday.
Rail proposal could put commuters back on track
A proposal to pay almost $200 million could help bring an end to transport woes for Wellington's beleaguered rail commuters.
Wellington's rail stoppage linked to snagged wires
Preliminary investigations suggest Tuesday's rail stoppage in Wellington happened when a train became tangled in the overhead wires that provide it with electricity.
Hot weather attracts jellyfish swarms
The sweltering hot weather has brought swarms of jellyfish and similar creatures into New Zealand waters. Audio
Landlords bail on rental market: 'It is just not worth it'
Many private landlords are bailing out of the rental market because they are worried about the new government's housing policies, say property experts.
Removing Te Mata Peak track 'not a cheap thing to do'
Removing a controversial walking track on Te Mata Peak near Havelock North is technically possible but would be very difficult, according to the man who designed and built it.
Mayor seeks legal advice on Te Mata Peak track
Removing a controversial walking track on Te Mata Peak near Havelock North would require legal advice, the mayor of Hastings says.
Iwi frustrated as locals take to Te Mata Peak track
The Hawke's Bay tribe that sought to have a track on Te Mata Peak removed is disappointed the path is proving popular with locals.
Kiwis glued to screens on Christmas Day
Figures from Vodafone show many New Zealanders were stuck on their devices on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Ex-prisoner loses appeal over more compensation
A former prisoner held in jail for an extra month has lost his appeal for more compensation.
Public sector has 'little understanding of productivity'
Parts of the public service have been slammed for inefficiency in a new Productivity Commission report.
Wellington road plan would not withstand earthquake
Earthquake hazards have forced the Transport Agency to go back to the drawing board over a long standing roading project in Wellington.
Peters aims to tackle diplomatic 'inexperience'
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade needs more grunt and will get it on his watch.
Chatham Rock loses court case over costs
The company that sought to mine phosphate from the ocean floor has lost a court case over costs it said were exhorbitant.
Decision on Manawatu Gorge road replacement delayed
The Transport Agency has delayed its final decision on a replacement for the landslide-prone Manawatu Gorge road.
Hot weather bad omen for winter power supply - scientist
A climate expert is warning a downside to the brilliant early-summer weather is the effect it could have next year on electricity supply.
EQC cupboard is bare, government told
The government will have to write a cheque for the next big earthquake as the EQC is cash-strapped after a string of expensive disasters.
Govt backs fuel price probe: Are motorists paying too much?
The government wants a detailed probe of fuel industry pricing, saying companies have overcharged by hundreds of millions of dollars.
Post shop talks begin
Negotiations have begun over the fate of three post shops in Wellington, according to the E tū union.
Forest & Bird to appeal coal mine resource consent
Forest & Bird has decided to appeal against resource consent granted to a proposed open cast coal mine, near Westport.
New govt a factor in firming carbon prices - trader
The price of carbon credits has risen by $1 a tonne since Labour's coalition government came to power and is forecast to rise by another dollar to $20 by Christmas.
Time for action on climate change - business group
A business group says it's time to take the politics out of handling climate change and get broad-based agreement on future action.
Anadarko abandons NZ oil search
US oil explorer Anadarko is pulling out of New Zealand, but one of its partners is understood to be looking at picking up the slack.