Stories by Finn Blackwell
News
Rural residents south of Auckland angry at council development 'flip-flop'
Some say changing plans will hit them in the pocket, having bought land based on future potential valuations that are now at risk.
Mayor Brown raises ire of union, councillor over port lease plan
The Maritime Union believes it would be disastrous for Auckland if the mayor gets his way with a proposal for the Ports of Auckland.
Woman ran for cover after hearing gunshots in wake of district's gang anxiety
Police believe the shots were related to drug dealing but they came in the wake of Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini's death and tangi.
Some Ōpōtiki residents calm, others on edge as gang farewells leader
Members of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians have gathered at Hillcrest Cemetery to farewell their fallen leader.
Foot traffic bounces back, as Auckland's Queen Street slowly comes back to life
The Auckland CBD is coming back to life after years of pandemic slow down and disruption caused by construction works.
Auckland budget approved: Councillor likens discussions to eating rats
Councillors crossed swords, singling out one another and raising impassioned concerns on debt borrowing, rates and selling councils shares in Auckland Airport before deciding on their annual budget.
Auckland Council fails to decide on budget, will reconvene Friday
Thursday's meeting ended without a decision, despite a partial backdown from the mayor on selling shares in the city's airport.
Shortage of forensic psychiatrists, in-patient beds could impact prisoners
The mental health services that treat those in prisons and before New Zealand's courts are experiencing delays amid a shortage of forensic psychiatrists.
Man charged with manslaughter claims he's not subject to NZ laws
The man claimed he was not subject to New Zealand's laws, a belief held by the anti-government Sovereign Citizen movement.
Wayne Brown not confident his preferred budget plan will pass muster
Auckland's Mayor is reminding councillors of the need for a balanced budget, with a month to go before it needs to be signed off.
Amid the cost of living crisis, foodbanks are struggling, too
Foodbanks across the North Island are finding their pantries empty amid a shortage in donations. Some who rely on them are being turned away.
Karekare residents still seeking clarity on post-cyclone recovery
More than three months on since Cyclone Gabrielle, residents in a West Auckland settlement are calling on officials to provide clarity on recovery works.
'I really only want to survive': Restaurant owner fearful of large rates rise
An Auckland business owner fears her restaurant will not survive if the council increases rates to plug its $325 million budget hole.
'Boundless love': Lena Harrap leaves a void that can't be filled, family say
"Our little warrior" - those were a mother's words in court before the man who brutally killed her daughter was sentenced to life in jail.
Twin Warkworth water main bursts not related - Watercare
Taps have been running dry for the second day in a row - but officials say it was just a coincidence.
'Get a better budget, bro': Protesters direct anger at Mayor Wayne Brown
Protesters gathered outside where Auckland councillors were meeting about the city's budget decisions today.
Auckland schools want speeds lowered, not all councillors convinced
The much-wanted safety measure comes with a high financial price tag.
A week later, Auckland Council chief fronts up on flood review
Jim Stabback has broken his silence a week on from the release of a damning flood review. Audio
'I ran outside and there was a tractor in the side of my house'
Brendan Schwass' property was left with a hole in the roof and a smashed section of wall.
Piha residents divided over Easter road access
The hard-hit west Auckland community is split over whether road access should be reinstated to visitors in time for Easter.
'I really believe that avocados are the best produce ever' - congress attendee
Auckland's Aotea Centre has become a hub for all things avocado, and growers are being told the sky is the limit when it comes to taking a slice of a $20 billion global market.
Protest against anti-cogovernance rally goes ahead in Auckland
A protest against an anti-cogovernance rally has gone ahead in Auckland, despite the rally being cancelled.
Underpayment leaves lasting trauma of Woop victims
Interns underpaid by an Auckland food bag company say they have been left with questions after an Employment Relations Authority ruling.
Auckland Council votes to leave Local Government New Zealand
The votes were tied at 10-all before Mayor Wayne Brown used his casting vote in favour of leaving.
'Surrounded by mayhem' - Residents describe post-cyclone conditions in Karekare
A month on from Cyclone Gabrielle making landfall and residents of a coastal Auckland settlement are trying to get back to normal, despite being surrounded by devastation.