Stories by Mahvash Ikram
News
'It's a spiritual obligation' - What the helpers did on March 15
Communities came together to help those affected by the Christchurch mosque tragedy. First Up spoke to some of those volunteers. Audio
Celebrating death of loved pets in 'a positive way'
"You're paying for the privilege of leaving your pet in a nice environment," a pet cemetery owner says.
The second life of Auckland Airport's lost property
Prams, guitars and false teeth are among the surprising items left behind by some of the 18.5 million travellers who pass through the Auckland Airport each year.
Five years of Covid: What have we learnt?
We ask New Zealanders, including Sir Ashley Bloomfield, about when they found out, and what's changed since. Audio
Seymour responds to school lunch programme concerns
"These are free meals being paid by the tax payer, they are very good according to many of the people receiving them," Associate Education Minister David Seymour told Checkpoint. Audio
$22 an hour: Is this the most expensive car park in NZ?
Wilson Parking says it's just supply and demand, but Consumer NZ says it is "extreme". Audio
Why Kiwis are staying home for the summer holidays
A recent poll shows more than a third New Zealanders haven't made holiday plans. Audio
The man on a mission to try every kebab in Auckland
"Breakfast, lunch, dinner that was all I would have," Zeeshan says. Audio
How much should a Christmas gift cost?
The festive season is fast approaching, but has the economic crunch lessened people's expectations? Audio
Sorting donations from rubbish: What goes on behind the scenes
An Auckland charity is forking out thousands of dollars a year to dispose off rubbish dumped in front of its op shops. Audio
What can you buy for $1?
The New Zealand $1 coin has halved in value since it was introduced in 1991. Audio
Families 'counting every dollar' as mortgage repayments bite
The average Kiwi household mortgage repayment has nearly doubled in the past 15 years. Audio
'There isn't enough opportunities for youth': Teenagers struggling to get summer jobs
One teenager told First Up he was rejected for an entry-level role at a fast food chain because the employer received 600 applications. Audio
Half of workers have seen colleagues not wash hands at toilet
Nearly half of New Zealand office workers have witnessed someone leaving the work toilet with dirty hands, new research has revealed. Audio
The global plague of missing office cutlery
Forks going missing in office kitchens seems to be a problem for many across the world, with chopsticks even going missing in Hong Kong. Audio
How much will school holidays hit your pocket?
Parents RNZ spoke to were spending upwards of $100 to keep their children entertained during school holiday outings. Audio
Kids missing school to get 'significantly cheaper' air fares
Some familes say their children skipping two days of school can save $2000 on flights. Audio
How 'free' are Woolworths' give-away Disney cards?
Some consumers say they'd just prefer cheaper groceries. Audio
Scheme that helps young people get a driver licence fears funding cut
The people behind a scheme that helps young people learn to drive and get a licence are worried the government might cut its funding. Audio
West Auckland businesses sceptical roads will be fixed by latest deadline
Nearly two years after the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, repairs are still being made to Scenic Drive in the Waitākere Ranges. Audio
Optimism on Ponsonby Road: 'We're doing what we can to survive'
Ponsonby is one of Auckland's oldest neighbourhoods, and while its boutiques, cafes and restaurants have been struggling recently, there is still plenty of optimism
Woman forced to work through chemo to pay bills
Taking break from full time work wasn't an option for a woman undergoing chemotherapy, while a young chef will take a sick day only for her children. Audio
People hoping to help solve driver's licence logjam feel 'betrayed'
Potential testing staff believe the NZ Transport Agency has not been upfront with them, an advocate says. Audio