Stories by Finn Blackwell
News
Teen dies in stabbing at bus station, police patrol hubs as violence spikes
A teen has been fatally stabbed at a Dunedin bus hub amid been rising fears about safety at stations.
'Uncomfortable, unsafe, intimidated, upset' - Stats NZ ditches Auckland CBD office
A government agency is moving out of Auckland City because its staff members do not feel safe there.
Rate hikes on the way as Auckland Council approves Long-term Plan
It sets out rates increases for the average Auckland household of 6.8 percent in 2025, 5.8 in 2026, and 7.9 percent the 2027 financial year.
What's in Auckland 10-year plan?
Auckland Council will go over the final proposal for the city's 10-year-budget two days after it was revised by the mayor.
Community approach needed to end public disturbances in Auckland suburb - security
"We're all pushing the vision of safe community," head of security for the town centre says.
Watch: Elderly woman knocked to the ground in unprovoked attack
A 43-year-old man has been arrested in Auckland after an elderly woman was viciously knocked to the ground in an unprovoked attack in broad daylight on Sunday.
'There's got to be more help' - Auckland mayor shocked at Ponsonby shooting
As police continue to search for a gunman after Sunday's fatal shooting in Ponsonby, mayor Wayne Brown has expressed his shock.
Video shows school students fleeing man with machete
Students were seen fleeing from a street brawl involving a person armed with a machete in Auckland.
100m bridge is broken, so walkers will get free boat rides instead
An Auckland bridge permanently stuck in the up position is hitting businesses in the pocket. The solution: A boat for 60 people every half hour.
More Aucklanders than ever make submissions for Long Term Plan
The final plan will be adopted in June.
Bus drivers worried they won't come home from work
An unprovoked attack on an Auckland bus driver is cruel and has highlighted the danger they face, FIRST Union says.
Youth armed with knife among arrests after teens attacked on bus
One of the girls allegedly attacked by a group of six was left with a broken nose and the other was bruised.
Police say crime has reduced in central Auckland
Police in Auckland say they're focused on ensuring people feel safe coming into the city, as they address crime and homelessness in the central city.
Aotearoa's Islamic community urged to stay vigilant after Australian stabbing
The Federation of Islamic Associations has advised the community to be careful this weekend in the wake of an attack at a church in Australia.
Dangerous apartment building facing financial troubles
The building's management said they were short more than $30 million needed for long-term fixes to fire hazards and recladding. Audio
WB boss regrets jobs still being lost despite deal: 'It does come with a downside'
However, some journalists are welcoming the agreement that will see the 6pm news stay on Kiwis' televisions. Audio
Aucklanders face possible 25% increase in water rates
Auckland's water provider chair says she knows struggling residents won't welcome the prospect.
Concern for economy as truck drivers visa rules change
Industry leaders say the pathway helped local businesses to attract "skilled, experienced operators in a highly competitive international market".
Backpackers destroyed in fire had 'a number' of compliance issues
The council had been working with the owner of the Parnell lodge that went up in flames to sort the problems, Auckland's deputy mayor says.
Man accused of North Shore kidnapping named; other suspect still sought
The 32-year-old was charged after a woman was forced into a car and badly injured.
Auckland city business boss presses case for downtown police station
The central city business association says a police station downtown is still necessary to crack down on crime.
Watch: Police swarm Auckland bar to arrest pair after kidnapping
Police say the victim, who was abducted in Beach Haven, is in hospital.