Stories by Liu Chen
News
Struggling Auckland families get seasonal lift with $2000 gift packs
Vouchers for hairdressers, family passes for the zoo, barbecues and televisions, are some of the gifts the Pacific-focused health provider Fono is giving to struggling families.
After 17 calls in an hour, help arrived for scared businesses
Some small businesses have come forward with concerns police are taking too long to arrive when they call for help.
'What do we do?' - Store owners frustrated over crime wave
Auckland business owners who say crime is on the rise in the inner city are crying out for help. Audio
Covid-19: Disposable masks trump cloth, experts say
Disposable masks, washed and worn again, still protect better than a triple-layered cloth one, a group of New Zealand researchers say.
'Lots of celebrations' for Waikato alert level move, but caution over rules
People in the region are welcoming the move down to alert level 2 but acknowledge that there needs to be caution.
'A transmissive virus is not a political or ethnic matter'
There have been high levels of discrimination and racism experiences among Asian New Zealanders due to Covid-19, according to a survey.
Auckland councillors divided over proposed housing density law
Auckland councillors are divided over proposed new rules that would make it easier to build houses in the city.
'Disgraceful, criminal behaviour': Councillors, staff increasingly abused
Local Government NZ says it is hearing more and more stories of council members feeling unsafe because of their line of work.
Chinese migrants seek clarity on parent resident visa category
A group of about 400 Chinese migrants are calling on the government to reopen the Parent Resident Visa, or announce its plans instead of making people wait another five years.
Auckland's water restrictions to be lifted on Saturday
Tighter rules for water use were put in place in May last year, when the region's dams fell to low levels. Now with dams at 93 percent full, Auckland Council has loosened the tap.
PhD students excluded from 'short-sighted' visa policy
PhD students say it is unfair and short-sighted for the government to exclude them from the new fast-track residence policy - they say they are highly skilled and have been - or will be - contributing…
Workers helping illegal migrant scheme investigation not allowed new one-off visa
A group of Chinese migrant workers helping authorities investigate an illegal migrant scheme are gutted that they have been excluded from the new one-off residence offer.
Call for mandatory teacher vaccination to protect children
Many parents want to see teachers forced to get vaccinated to be in the classroom with young children who cannot be but others think it would be a far too heavy-handed approach.
Auckland hospitality businesses digging deep to stay afloat
Auckland businesses on the brink say they might have to shut up shop or slash staff numbers if the Government doesn't offer more financial help.
72-year-old's trail-marked shapes make running fun
A 72-year-old Auckland runner is entertaining himself and his fellow runners by making different trail marks in the shapes of a Kiwi, the Australian map, Godzilla and others during lockdown.
Aucklanders urge people to follow the rules: 'Think of the community'
Aucklanders are heading into a critical week with health experts warning the Covid-19 outbreak could go either way.
'We would assume everybody in our area is friendly and of good nature'
Auckland's Mount Albert community is shocked and saddened by the death of Lena Zhang Harrap near Ōwairaka Domain.
'What's it justified by?' - Opinions divided on new police funding
The new plan from police to train up more officers for higher-risk situations is being described as a worrying step towards a fully armed force.
Auckland restaurants expecting busy alert level 3
Auckland restaurants have been scrubbing down and stocking up as they get ready to reopen for business.
Chinese embassy scam: 'It sounded very authoritative and convincing'
An Auckland single mum has to work two jobs to support her family after losing $200,000 to scammers posing as Chinese officials.
Covid-19: Aucklanders weigh up alert level change
Not all Aucklanders are desperate to move to level 3, with some saying they would rather remain in level 4 until daily case numbers drop to single digits.
Neighbourhood shocked LynnMall terrorist was living among them
Neighbours of the LynnMall terrorist are shocked such a dangerous individual was living in their west Auckland street and question why the authorities allowed it.
New Lynn locals 'freaked out' by terror attack
People living near the New Lynn supermarket where a terrorist stabbed and injured seven people are feeling shocked, angry and sad about what happened.
MIQ worker vaccinated in China left in limbo: 'Everyone was puzzled'
An MIQ worker is calling for clarity around Covid-19 vaccines recognised in New Zealand after he was inoculated in China.
Delayed Covid-19 transfers affect families: 'Major issues around food supplies'
Providers say the delays are partly caused by capacity in the managed isolation and quarantine system. The prime minister admits the delays, but says capacity is not an issue.