Stories by Laura Tupou
News
'They were such good kids'
Two teenage boys killed in flash flooding in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges were helpful, humble members of their school and families, friends say.
Bull's death after rodeo 'regrettable'
Euthanising animals after injuries in rodeos is a "rare" and "regrettable" occurrence, a rodeo spokesperson says. Audio
School asks students to commit to no social media
An Auckland school is taking a stand against social media asking its students to not have any social media accounts until high school.
No summons to Israeli 'harm' case - NZ activists
Although a law firm says it is suing two New Zealanders over Lorde's cancelled Israel concert, the pair say they have not received any summons. Audio
Security guard to repay $250k after defrauding DHB
A hospital security guard who defrauded Auckland District Health Board of more than $250,000 has been ordered to repay the money before sentencing next month.
Students gather to set the tone for Polyfest 2018
Student leaders gathered today to set the tone for Polyfest - the largest Pacific secondary school dance festival in the world - after fights overshadowed the successes onstage last year.
Young pole vaulter takes aim at Commonwealth Games
Pole vaulter Olivia McTaggart says she will be training as if she's heading to the Commonwealth Games before the selection is made next month.
Oranga Tamariki looks to recruit more social workers
Oranga Tamariki - the Ministry for Children - is needing more than just a new name, it needs to fill more than 100 social work jobs too. Audio
Detainees on hunger strike: 'We want our rights back'
New Zealanders detained in Australia are on a hunger strike because of the tightening of rules in the visitors policy at Villawood detention centre. Audio
Cafe skills aids odyssey from addiction to employment
An organisation that teaches addicts cafe skills is looking for Auckland businesses to take on their work-ready trainees. Audio
Great Barrier locals call for traps, not poison
A group of Great Barrier Island residents are renewing calls for the Department of Conservation to reconsider dropping poison on a nearby island to rid it of rats.
Hamilton homelessness on the rise again
One year since Hamilton was declared homelessness-free, organisations working with those in need say the number is on the rise again.
Tauranga iwi commit to resolve Treaty issues
Three iwi with overlapping interests in Tauranga Moana have committed to resolve present and future issues with Treaty settlements.
Elite rugby player among athletes in doping probe
About 100 NZ athletes, including at least one elite rugby player, being investigated for buying and using banned drugs, Drug Free Sport New Zealand says.
'It's all eroded, it's all gone. It's really sad'
Hotter days, more floods and landslides from rising sea levels are on the cards for Auckland by the end of the century.
Dunedin rail workshop could be on track to reopen
Rail jobs could return to Dunedin's Hillside, five years after layoffs, as part of a joint venture to run a luxury train service through New Zealand.
Proud, loud and unbowed
Analysis - The rise of Mate Ma'a Tonga and their exuberant supporters has been the defining element of the Rugby League World Cup. For Tongans, the team has been a flashpoint for cultural pride, RNZ…
Legions of Tonga fans believe team can go all the way
Tonga's historic win over New Zealand at the Rugby League World Cup on Saturday made "dreams come true" and the inspiring victory has fans wanting more.
Lorde venue changed over licensing error
A wrongly-issued liquor license for a music venue six years ago has forced one of Lorde's Auckland shows to move location.
Pawn shop murders: Accused says he was doing 'God's work'
A man on trial for a double murder at an Auckland pawn shop claims he was just doing God's work, while the Crown argues he killed the men in an angry jealous rage.
'Everyone's together ... no more beef' - Samoa fan
After a week of tension, only four people were arrested at a Tonga versus Samoa rugby league match on Saturday.
Electric atmosphere as Tonga, Samoa clash
The atmosphere at Waikato Stadium is electric with Tongan and Samoan supporters cheering and singing side-by-side as the two Pacific teams' clash.
Machine operator's wait for surgery: 'They just load you up with pain killers'
A machine operator in Auckland will now get back surgery through the public health system after RNZ asked about his treatment.
Tongan league fans flock to meet team
Fans of Tongan rugby league have descended on Ōtāhuhu in a sea of red and white, hoping to get last-minute autographs before the national team heads south to Hamilton for their next game against Toa… Audio
Labour softening on TPP clauses, says critic
A critic of the Trans Pacific Partnership says Labour has softened its stance on a provision to allow foreign investors to sue governments.