Stories by Felix Walton
News
Resident feels lucky to be alive after car crashes through two homes
Police said a driver ran away after a car crashed through a fence into two houses in west Auckland.
Axe-throwing set to sharpen up Valentine's Day
From couples' axe-throwing to an R-rated zoo exhibition, Aucklanders are finding romance in some strange places this Valentine's Day. Audio
400,000 people ask for help in a month amid record benefit number
New Zealand is backsliding as food and housing become too expensive, a report has found. Audio
Two people injured by falling marble at industrial property
An industrial worker is in critical condition and two others are injured after being struck by several sheets of marble in South Auckland today.
Rock fishers lucky to be alive after 'touch and go' rescue
Surf Life Saving says a group of rock fishers are lucky to be alive after a risky rescue operation at Bethells Beach on Sunday.
Island's residents fear digital nomads will push them out
Some are worried visitors could invade their paradise under the government's new rules. Audio
More Māori nurses urgently needed - NSO kaiwhakahaere
Kerri Nuku also called for the embracing of tikanga to make Māori patients and nurses more comfortable.
New school lunches 'bland', look like 'prison food' - student
David Seymour is defending new school lunches that some students are comparing to prison food.
Hydrofoiling electric ferry takes maiden voyage over Hauraki Gulf
Soaring over the Hauraki Gulf, this Kiwi-built electric ferry is on its maiden voyage. Audio
Scars still linger two years on from devastating Auckland Anniversary storm
Damaged homes still dot the streets in one suburb, marked for demolition after being inundated in January 2023. Audio
'Life threatening' - Warning after mum dies after inhaling helium at child's birthday party
A coroner is calling for stronger warnings on helium after a mother died at her daughter's first birthday party.
More media cuts expected today: 'It's time the government woke up about this'
The government is being urged to protect the media industry, with fears of job cuts at NZME outlets New Zealand Herald, Businessdesk and Newstalk ZB.
Hundreds of visitors every day at Cathedral Cove since reopening
"We've had two days in particular where we've peaked at over 800 people."
'It's just asking for trouble' - proposal to limit dog walkers
Auckland dog walkers are split on a council proposal that would limit the number of dogs they can walk at once.
Excitement as 25,000 people expected at SailGP
The event is already drawing crowds, with some saying the harbour feels livelier than ever.
New research raises more doubts about BMI
"BMI was never really designed to diagnose an individual's health status," one researcher says.
Warning from doctor caught in deepfake deception
A professor who was impersonated to sell a bogus diabetes treatment is urging the public to look out for scams.
Fear extreme weather and climate change could ruin Aotearoa's star attraction
"Over half of all international visitors, and 80 percent of New Zealanders, come and visit our stunning landscapes and protected areas every year."
Party responsibly at New Year's - St John Ambulance
Emergency services at summer hot spots are preparing for an influx of rowdy visitors on New Year's Eve.
Vanuatu rescue team welcomed back to NZ
The team missed Christmas with their families to help, and showed "ultimate professionalism", leader says.
Thunderstorm warnings seen around Canterbury
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the Selwyn and Ashburton areas until 5pm.
'We were expecting it to be quite rammed' - Christmas shoppers fill Auckland malls
Auckland shoppers have been out in force today, as they hunt for their last-minute Christmas gifts.
Former Defence Minister calls Vanuatu flight woes 'embarrassing'
A Hercules plane carrying urban rescue staff to Vanuatu was stranded in New Caledonia after an engine fault.
Retirees cut back on shopping and medical appointments to cut costs - survey
Retirees are cutting down on shopping, avoiding social events and even skipping doctors' appointments to save money, according to new research.
Concern grows over Air NZ's potential price hikes, less flights next year
Tickets for some flights could be more expensive next year, with the airline running fewer flights on some domestic routes. Audio