Stories by Jessica Hopkins
News
Dad in shock after daughter had to run from naked man
The father, who wished to remain anonymous for his family's privacy, said his 14-year-old daughter saw the perpetrator doing a lewd act on himself.
Slashed staffing hours trigger protest at Auckland aged care home
Aged care staff have picketed over plans to reduce the number of nurses and caregivers rostered on shifts.
Whangārei still holding out against fluoridation despite directive
Whangārei District Council has again refused to put fluoride into the district's water supply, despite the government saying they have to.
Instant Kiwi ticket advertising may be misleading if top prizes already won - Consumer NZ
A consumer watchdog is concerned shops selling Instant Kiwi tickets after the top prizes have been won could be misleading.
Woman waits months for contact after signing up to loneliness call service
A Hamilton woman says she still has not been connected with a Hato Hone - St John Caring Caller months after asking for support.
'Sick of looking at it': Scott Point locals seethe at road delays
Residents in the West Auckland neighbourhood, frustrated by AT taking two months to paint a road, took matters into their own hands.
Musician on trial for alleged domestic violence
Appearing via video, the complainant told the jury the defendant, her ex-partner, strangled, punched, threatened to kill, and hit her over the head with a full 1.5-litre plastic bottle on separate…
Missing jetskier made trip across Cook Strait many times - boat club
Kāpiti Boating Club says the man is a retired grandfather and long-time club member.
Trains return to Pukekohe after two-year station closure
Commuters can now take the train directly between Pukekohe and Auckland CBD after the rail line was electrified. Audio
Speculation Desley Simpson will stand for Auckland mayoralty
There is growing speculation over whether Wayne Brown's own deputy and political ally is set to challenge him for the city's top job.
Patients 'flabbergasted' as water cut off at hospital
"People were wandering around the ward looking for water," one patient at Auckland Hospital says.
What's causing a spate of rubbish truck fires?
Residents are being told off for inadvertently causing rubbish truck fires.
Mayor says work needed after Auckland pipe burst leaves 3000 without water
Auckland's mayor says more work is needed to prevent faults after a pipe burst left thousands of residents without water.
Stalled skyscraper developer asks no media at council meeting
The developer of what was set to be New Zealand's tallest residential building did not want the media around during a meeting updating Auckland Council on the status of the stalled luxury skyscraper. Audio
Auckland fishers urged to stop lighting fires
Significant vegetation and planting areas have been lost at two regional parks from fires started by fishers cooking their catch, a manager says.
'It's hard seeing people letting them down': The roaming dogs of Auckland
With the rate of impounded dogs claimed by owners at a 10-year low, animal management officers in South Auckland say too many people are treating their pets as disposable.
More assaults of women since Vanuatu earthquake - police chief
There have been dozens of cases reported to the police's family protection unit, a police inspector says.
Drinking alcohol while taking MDMA high-risk says drug checking service
About one in 10 drug samples KnowYourStuffNZ tested this year were not what they were sold as or thought to be.
Copper and robbers: Waikato vicar camps out to catch thieves
Julie Guest says the copper stolen from the St John's Church roof was worth just $500, but the damage caused will cost $125,000.
Make reading 'fun' so children avoid summer slide - expert
A librarian says primary school pupils could lose up to six months of progress if they stop.
Businesses still positive despite Wynyard bridge 'teething issues'
Those on Auckland's waterfront say they are cautiously optimistic about Wynyard Crossing Bridge being operational again.
Auckland's Wynyard crossing bridge expected to re-open this week
The beleaguered bridge connecting Wynyard Quarter to the Viaduct, which saves people a 20-minute walk, has been undergoing major repairs since March.
No drug testing at several music festivals this summer
Several music festivals will not offer drug testing this summer, according to New Zealand's main drug checking agency for events.
Combating loneliness in older age: 'You have to make the effort'
Every week at a community centre in West Auckland, a bunch of bubbly seniors can be found chatting away and working together on craft projects.
Man due in court after Auckland bus driver punched
Police said the bus driver in the Auckland CBD was hit several times.