Stories by Katie Todd
News
MIQ applications: Medical info 'not being assessed by a medically qualified person'
People wanting to return to New Zealand who are dying, need specialist healthcare or want to be with a terminally ill relative are "appalled" their applications are being assessed by staff without…
MIQ completely booked out: 'It is very stressful'
New Zealanders travelling home from overseas are unable to book managed isolation as the system is full.
Hipkins denies standards slipping after worker's 20-minute visit
A wine delivery, a note on a facemask and a 20-minute bedroom "encounter" have spelled the end of a managed isolation staffer's job.
West Coasters ask - where's our $24m?
Pressure is mounting on the government to release $24 million earmarked for the hurting tourism town of Franz Josef.
'This is totally on the government' - anger grows in Northland
Police are keeping an eye on lengthy queues at new testing centres in Northland, as locals scramble to work out if Covid-19 has spread in their communities.
NZers in UK beg to return: 'We're effectively jobless and homeless'
The rapid spread of new Covid-19 strains in the UK has some New Zealanders pleading with the government for help to get home.
Relatives struggle with life expectancy requirement for urgent MIQ places
New Zealanders needing fast entry into the country to be with dying relatives are being tripped up by demands for proof of life expectancy.
Loved ones dying before emergency MBIE applications processed
Overseas New Zealanders are struggling to get home to see dying loved ones - and hitting out at the government's slow turnaround for emergency managed isolation applications.
Roast Busters arrests: 'I hope it can bring the survivors some closure'
Two women who took action after the Roast Busters case came to light are welcoming arrests made yesterday, and a criminologist hopes there's a shift away from victim blaming.
'It's a lottery' - People hoarding managed isolation vouchers
Rooms in managed isolation have been sitting empty because some desperate returnees have been able to book more allocation vouchers than they need.
Auckland local boards to decide fate of assets: 'These are tough times'
Auckland local boards hope to avoid closures to public facilities like toilets and playgrounds, as they help Auckland Council to slash its expenses.
Auckland abuzz over boring development
The huge machine that will excavate two City Rail Link tunnels from Mt Eden to the CBD has been unveiled.
Cook Island travel bubble delay 'extremely frustrating' for operators
Some Cook Islands business operators are feeling deflated after months of promised updates and ongoing delays to a travel bubble with New Zealand.
RSA killer William Bell apologises for crimes at hearing over security rating
RSA triple-killer William Bell has apologised for his "horrendous" crimes, before accusing Corrections officers of unfairness and unconscious bias today.
Police shot wanted man three times - Northland district commander
A man who was shot three times by police in Northland after shooting at a police dog was wanted on drug and firearms charges, police say.
Unions warn of continuing nurse shortage at Auckland's isolation hotels
Healthcare staff shortages are being felt at Auckland facilities, where existing staff have agreed to more restrictions on their freedoms.
Managed isolation, quarantine costing $2.4m a day, figures show
Managed isolation and quarantine is costing about $2.4 million a day, figures released to RNZ show, and Cabinet is due to consider long-term funding options before the end of the year.
Divisions remain after mayor's shock resignation
Powell's resignation leaves behind a deeply divided city council who he accused of being "small thinkers" with a "track record of hindering any progress" and "petty politicians" in "desperate need of…
Cabinet considers mandatory mask use on Auckland public transport and domestic flights
Cabinet will today consider whether to make masks mandatory on all domestic flights, and all public transport in Auckland.
Man at mystery-case building turned away from testing twice
A man says he was turned away from Covid-19 testing centres, despite living in the same building as Auckland's new mystery community case.
'A pretty tough three years' ahead for Auckland
Auckland Council thinks Covid-19 will punch a $1 billion hole in its finances by 2024 - but city dwellers wont find out how it will be paid for until December.
Rural contractors issue warning over lack of skilled migrant workers
Rural contractors warn crops will die in fields and stock could go unfed, if the government can't make room in managed isolation hotels for skilled migrant workers.
NZ-based Democrat voters relieved by Biden's victory
US Democrat voters in Auckland and Wellington mustered their energy - and their most patriotic t-shirts - for impromptu celebration drinks last night.
Managed isolation nearly full: 'Giant let down' for homecoming NZers
The country's managed isolation hotels are nearly completely booked until Christmas, locking out some New Zealanders who had planned trips home to see loved ones.
Hopes for more drug testing at music festivals
The drug testing agency Know Your Stuff hopes the government moves quickly to enable more festival-goers to check what they are taking.