Stories by Jonty Dine
News
Warkworth residents say communication, preparation inadequate during flood alert
Some residents locals in the northern Auckland town of Warkworth say they were caught completely unprepared by last Friday's floods and communication was insufficient from local government.
'It stinks ... this shouldn't happen to us': Despair over rubbish log jam
While residents enjoy a brief reprieve from the rain, the rubbish continues to pile up as the full cost of the flood continues to be counted.
'There was no help': Community angry over slow response to weather disaster
A South Auckland community leader is calling the response to the flood disgraceful as some say they felt abandoned while a wall of water roared through the streets. Audio
Mental health takes centre stage at Katikati music festival
A music festival born out of tragedy is hoping to connect a community of mental health champions.
Māori leaders on alcohol policy: 'We should stop pretending this isn't about money'
After centuries of what they say are failed policies, marae, hapū, iwi and community leaders are calling for reform of alcohol laws.
Wet weather dashes summer hopes for some tourism operators
What was meant to be a grand return to business has become another nightmare for the tourism sector after a wet start to the year.
Thames to Coromandel road shuts as heavy rain persists
The main road that leads from Thames to Coromandel has been shut due to an unstable cliff.
Concern over 'Kraken' strain of Covid-19, but NZ has tools to deal with it - expert
A new strain XBB.1.5, nicknamed 'Kraken', is spreading rapidly across the globe.
House roof disappears in Alexandra tornado: 'If you find it, please give back'
A man who had his roof blown off during this yesterday's tornado in central Otago said he has no idea where it landed.
National, Labour leaders in Hamilton to endorse by-election candidates
Voters may be feeling slightly apathetic and suffering election fatigue but a crucial seat is up for grabs in Hamilton this month.
Three businessmen guilty of political donations deception avoid prison
Three businessmen who made unlawful donations to the National Party have been sentenced to community detention with their past philanthropy taken into account.
Auckland City Mission says growing social need outstripping resources
New Zealanders in desperate need of a roof over their heads are increasing with services such as the Auckland City Mission providing a literal lifeline.
'Unstoppable energy': Excitement builds for epic RWC final
It's almost game time. The Black Ferns vs England World Cup final promises to inspire young girls to play, and hospitality venues are expecting a huge "freewheeling" evening. Audio
NIWA researchers tracking ventilation to assess risk of Covid-19 transmission
NIWA air quality researchers have launched a project to track ventilation and assess how vulnerable communities could be better protected from Covid-19.
'We were so fortunate she didn't die' - Mother warns Bonjela restrictions don't go far enough
It is the liquorice-like taste of teething for toddlers, but for one mother, Bonjela almost cost her daughter's life.
Community groups urge need to combat online hate speech at second counter-terrorism hui
Hate speech is on the rise online and community groups are concerned it will soon escalate to violence.
Anti-Muslim incidents 'very discouraging', widow of terror attack victim says
The widow of the final victim in 2019's terrorist attack says things have not improved for New Zealand Muslims.
'I was reluctant to cause any trouble' - the sexual assault victims too scared to seek justice
Of every 100 sexual assaults in Aotearoa, just 10 are reported to police and of those, only one will result in a conviction.
Water safety top of mind this summer after rise in drownings last year
Water safety advocates are fearful for this summer's toll on the back of the worst year in a decade for drownings in Aotearoa.
'We will be struggling': Homeowners fear impact of more OCR rises on mortgages
Mortgage brokers and homeowners are worried potential repayment increases will significantly stretch household budgets.
Whakaari / White Island owners' bid to get charges dismissed fails
The owners of Whakaari Island had their application for dismissal thrown out in the Auckland District Court today.
Sibling of missing Marokopa kids fundraises reward in appeal for information
The family of three children missing for 10 months are fundraising for a reward to offer for information leading to their return.
Mad Butcher furious after stadium ram-raid theft
Prized jerseys donated by the Warriors' number one fan have been stolen in a ram raid at Mt Smart Stadium overnight.
Mixed reaction to new Auckland mayor: 'There was a very strong negative vote'
The city has spoken - or 30 percent of it has - and Wayne Brown has been voted the next mayor of Auckland - but he won't be speaking to media today and is spending the day with family.
Local elections: Who are prominent Aucklanders backing?
The race for the Auckland mayoralty ends this weekend and polls indicate that either Efeso Collins or Wayne Brown will claim the chains.