Stories by Finn Blackwell
News
'Eventually they'll start taking windows': 15 burglaries on one street
"Every time we get looted they take something from our house, even if there's nothing," a resident of one flood-hit Auckland street says.
'A year on is disgusting,' say residents displaced in Auckland Anniversary flood
A year on, much of the city is back to normal, but there are still those struggling in the wake of the floods, still unable to return to their homes.
Police officer charged with perjury
The charge relates to alleged offending while the officer was giving evidence for traffic matters, police said.
How to treat a Bluebottle jellyfish sting
Surf Lifesaving is urging beachgoers to be aware of how to treat jellyfish stings after clubs across the country have reported an increasing number of incidents.
Trio accused of murder granted interim name suppression
The three men arrested after the death of Jayden Mamfredos-Nair have been remanded in custody during their first court appearance.
Abandoned tents: 'They need to think more carefully about what they're leaving behind'
The organisers of a music festival in the Kaipara district say they are disappointed to see tents and camping gear abandoned after the event.
'I think it's a human' - Skipper describes rescue of fisherman adrift for 24 hours
The boat skipper who helped rescue a man who had been stranded at sea for nearly 24 hours says it was a case of right place, right time.
Downtown police station would 'change the dial' for central Auckland
A greater police presence in the central city and a stronger pipeline for events are among the things Heart of the City's chief executive wants to see in 2024.
Post-pandemic cruise industry 'very resilient' - Tauranga tourism boss
Tourism providers in the Bay of Plenty are prepping for their busiest cruise season since the pandemic.
Exotic fish may visit NZ shores this summer
A patchwork of warm and cool waters could bring a strange and interesting species to our shores.
Muriwai homeowner 'delighted' and 'relieved' council property buyouts getting underway
Aucklanders who have spent the year dealing with storm-affected homes are getting some relief, as the first of the council property buyouts get underway.
Auckland Mayor's long term plan Christmas wish list: 'Just everyone being rational'
Mayor Wayne Brown says he's hoping councillors will think rationally when it comes to implementing the long term plan next year.
Auckland Council spends $7.4 million on recruitment in 12 months
Auckland Council says it has applied "extreme prudence" to it's hiring process over the last few years, despite spending $7.4 million on recruitment over the past 12 months.
Watch: How to spot a counterfeit note
A Waikato bakery is one of the latest to fall victim to counterfeit money amid a series of cases in the area.
Auckland Council votes for 10-year budget to go out for public consultation
Councillors spent the day picking apart the mayor's proposal, going section by section to question council staff on what Wayne Brown has set out for the 10-year plan.
Rates rises, congestion charges: Auckland Council to look at 10-year budget
Auckland Council is meeting today to go over the first proposal for its 10-year budget, which features a slew of rates rises and some controversial changes for the city.
Transport advocate suggests closer scrutiny of CRL as deadline looms
The boss of Auckland's long-anticipated underground rail network is giving no guarantee it will hit its opening deadline of 2026. Audio
'I want more people into the city' - Auckland mayor calls for legislative changes
Wayne Brown has made his case for how the city could work. But he says it can only be successful with the help of law changes by the government.
'Not impressed': Councillor slams Brown's idea of leasing port
Auckland's mayor says his plan to lease council assets to pay for the rising costs of running the city is not asset stripping.
Fire melts McDonald's sign as Whangaparāoa man watches
A Whangaparāoa man watched the famous golden arches at a local McDonald's burst into flames late last night.
It's renters vs landlords in new proposed tenancy policies
Under the new coalition government, landlords may soon be able to evict tenants without providing a reason.
Auckland carpark sale plan has councillors at odds
A chaotic day at council has provided little clarity of what the future has in store for the city's Downtown Carpark.
Congestion charges coming to Auckland in the next two years
Auckland Council's Transport and Infrastructure Committee has voted 18 to two in favour of setting up a team to oversee the implementation of the 'time of use' charges.
Why Port of Auckland may be better for the city where it is
Explainer - Auckland mayor Wayne Brown wants the port's land freed up for the public, but the port argues it can deliver $1 million a week back to Aucklanders if it stays put.
Auckland Council adopts plan to intensify housing
It's a plan for how the city is expected to grow over the next 30 years - and recommends building most new housing in existing suburbs instead of undeveloped land.