Stories by Laura Dooney
News
Wellington cycleway battle likely to be delayed another year
The council agreed in September last year to revamp the Island Bay cycleway but is waiting for funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Documents reveal conflict over pay for Sir Peter's museum plan
Documents released by the Wellington City Council show the lengths the council went to get a movie museum built in its planned convention centre.
International experts to review Te Papa's collections named
The people who will carry out a review of Te Papa's collections, and the method they'll use, has been released.
Wellington bus network changes to be reviewed
Wellington's new bus network will be independently reviewed after ongoing complaints of buses being late, too full to board or not showing up at all.
'We can't even break up a fight' - teachers
Teachers say they don't know how to keep children safe around disruptive and violent classmates, because of tough rules on physical restraint.
Council considers independent review of bus changes
The Greater Wellington Regional council is considering an independent review of its new bus routes and timetables, as commuters continue to complain about the changes.
Wellington warned to ease off on water usage
A water management report has warned of future water shortages if Wellingtonians keep hosing their gardens and showering like they do now.
'They've lost hope because it's taken so long'
Survivors of abuse in state care are worried about how long it's taking to get a Royal Commission of Inquiry underway.
Apartment owners frustrated by lack of help with earthquake safety
Wellington apartment owners are still frustrated by a lack of help for those who cannot afford to make their buildings earthquake safe.
'We've been able to spend more time together'
Wellington City Council has become the first council in the country to get accreditation as a living wage employer, joining another 110 employers across New Zealand. Audio
Expressway uncertainty: Residents living in limbo
Horowhenua residents are sick of waiting to find out whether a four-lane expressway will be ploughing through their paddocks - or avoiding them completely.
Union fears 'veiled threat' in reply from The Warehouse
The union for workers at The Warehouse says it fears the company has answered to claims of bullying with "veiled threat" towards those who spoke out.
Whale skeleton stored in 'grubby' building with birds and rodents
One of Te Papa's most important whale skeletons is being stored in a building that was dirty, and had birds, insects, and possibly rats and mice living in it.
Push to keep free weekend parking in Wellington
Wellington City Council officers are recommending the council push ahead with weekend parking fees, despite opposition.
Wellington submarine pipe to supply water in an emergency
A pipe is to be built under Wellington Harbour to supply the capital with fresh water in the event of a large earthquake.
Sir Peter Jackson's movie museum plan dropped
The planned joint venture between Sir Peter Jackson's company and Wellington City Council has been scrapped.
Jobs on the line at Te Papa, document leak reveals
Staff at Te Papa are shocked by a proposal to restructure the national museum again. Audio
New Wellington bus routes good for some but not all
A young Wellington woman with chronic pain is worried how she'll get to university when bus routes change dramatically next week.
'Waverley is devastated, that's about all I can say'
A tiny town in South Taranaki is still coming to terms with losing four of its residents in a head-on collision.
Wellington council seeks rent subsidies for housing tenants
The Wellington City Council is calling on the government to urgently reinstate rent subsidies for people living in the city's social housing.
Nurses want more money or strike to go ahead
More money is the only thing that will stop a planned nurses strike from going ahead, their union says.
Council weighs subsidy to save Kāpiti-Auckland service
The Kāpiti Coast District Council is considering subsidising an airline wanting to provide flights to Auckland.
Girl with disability misses school after ministry delay
A 12-year-old girl with disabilities had her transport to school cut off for weeks due to delays from the Ministry of Education. Video
Surge in electricity disconnections over unpaid bills
More people are having problems paying for power than three years ago, Consumer New Zealand has found.
Push to prioritise community voice on liquor laws
The national umbrella group for local councils wants the government to prioritise community safety over the alcohol industry, with tighter liquor laws.