Stories by Matthew Theunissen
News
M47: The former slave hoping to reach New Zealand
M47 doesn't know his parents, his age or where he was born. In Europe he escaped slavery and then trafficking but was detained in Australia on his way to New Zealand.
Is it time to reignite the genetic modification debate?
In 2002, NZ was embroiled in a scandal over the suspected release of genetically modified corn. But advances in gene editing now have scientists calling for politicians to reconsider their positions.
'New Zealand is joining the modern world, tax-wise'
If New Zealand introduces a capital gains tax, as has been recommended by the government's Tax Working Group, it would bring us in line with most other countries.
Government commits nearly $20m to research 1080 alternatives
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the funding signals a shift away from the use of the predator poison. Audio
'If it's raining you're terrified in your own home'
Residents in Piha who have been left homeless after severe flooding last year feel they've once again been let down by Auckland Council.
Huawei in NZ: 'We have nothing to hide'
The local branch of Huawei is in damage control as it vies to build a next-generation mobile phone network, while contending with daily headlines about the global company's allegedly nefarious…
Little on Huawei: 'There's going be tension one way or another'
GCSB Minister Andrew Little says there's going to be diplomatic tensions whether or not Chinese telco company Huawei is allowed to build New Zealand's 5G network.
Cryptopia funds drained under authorities' noses
Hackers continued to drain money from the crypto-currency website days after a police investigation was launched, another crypto website says.
Man dies at detention centre where New Zealanders are on hunger protest
A man has taken his own life at Sydney's Villawood Detention Centre, where New Zealand detainees have been on a hunger protest.
Fears NZers in China could be targeted in Huawei fallout
Canadian and Australian citizens have been detained in China and Chinese press has made it clear there will be retribution for Five Eyes nations barring Huawei, a security consultant says.
NZ hunger protester heartened by spread of demonstration
People being held in three more Australian detention centres, many of them New Zealanders, have joined the hunger protest started by detainees at the Yongah Hill facility in Perth.
Eden Park offered sweetener by downtown stadium group
Developers of a proposed $1.7 billion waterfront stadium may have the answer to the sticky wicket facing Auckland ratepayers.
Cryptocurrency users try to reclaim funds from hacked exchange
About 40 people have tried to reclaim their investments with the New Zealand cryptocurrency exchange Cryptopia, which crashed this week after being hacked.
Two drones come dangerously close to airports every week
Drones are coming dangerously close to New Zealand airports twice a week and the aviation industry is taking action.
Stoats on Great Barrier most likely 'human assisted'
As if a single stoat on Great Barrier Island was not bad enough, conservationists believe at least two of the highly-destructive pests may have found their way to the previously stoat-free island.
'There's a hell of a lot more than they know about going on in terms of corruption'
Former Black Cap John Morrison says the International Cricket Council's offer of amnesty to those who report corruption by Sri Lankan players suggests it believes there's a far-reaching scandal in the…
New Zealander 'a mastermind' of Mozambique scam
A New Zealand man with links to Christchurch is being portrayed as a key player in a multi-billion dollar scandal enveloping the African nation of Mozambique.
Mozambique fraud case: 18 more indictments
Mozambique has indicted 18 citizens in a $2 billion fraud case involving New Zealander Andrew Pearse, which threatens to bankrupt the country.
Direct satellite hit may have seen Russians caught behind
The commentators for the cricket match between the Black Caps and Sri Lanka were among those who thought the fireballs that zoomed through the night sky were a meteor shower.
Int'l fraud case: '50 million chickens' bribe
Personal emails apparently with coded language were used by the accused - including Kiwi investment banker Andrew Pearse - in a case of $US2 billion international fraud that could bankrupt Mozambique.
Kiwi wrapped up in $3bn loan scandal
A New Zealander is among the Ex-Credit Suisse bankers charged over a major scandal involving bribes and kickbacks from $US2billion in loans to fund sham projects in Mozambique.
City Mission puts on Christmas feast for 2000 Aucklanders
The Auckland City Mission is putting on a Christmas feast for around 2000 people who would otherwise go without.
Aucklanders dig Albert Park tunnel plan
After 30 years trying to open up the huge tunnel complex beneath central Auckland's Albert Park, Bill Reid may finally be getting near his pot of gold. Audio
One dead and another seriously injured in Mt Roskill street fight
A 21-year-old man is dead after being stabbed in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill last night.
Aucklander ratepayers to fork out another $14.5 million for America's Cup
Auckland Councillors have voted to give an extra $14.5 million of ratepayer money to pay for cost over-runs for construction of the America's Cup village.