Stories by Michael Cropp

A Palmerston North school is warning it may need to exclude a special needs student if it cannot keep using its seclusion room. Audio

The aviation industry is criticising DOC's decision to stop using Robinson helicopters, saying it is a knee-jerk reaction.

A national memorial for the 257 people killed in the Mt Erebus crash should be erected in time for the disaster's 40th anniversary, a voluntary group says.

Fonterra has launched a review after 19 people in China were arrested for selling milk powder that should have been destroyed. Audio

Local councils struggling to cope with freedom campers want the government to tax visitors on their way in or out of the country - and to give them a share.

Opponents of a controversial Wellington waterfront development have told a resource consent hearing they want the project scrapped, saying the design is outdated.

The net economic benefits to the country from Wellington's proposed runway extension could be overstated by nearly $800 million, newly-released council reports show.

With just two days to go until votes are counted in the local body elections, voter turnout remains low in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Audio

Wellington mayoral candidates are accusing rival Justin Lester of a publicity stunt for revealing his campaign donations.

Massey University was named after a prime minister who made racist statements and its name should be changed, one of its lecturers says. Audio

Still not sure who's who in the Wellington mayoral race? Take a look at all the candidates and their plans for the capital here.

Wellington has revealed plans to eliminate rats, possums and stoats, in a bid to become the world's first predator-free capital. Audio

A select committee considering controversial changes for councils has been given a five month extension by the Local Government Minister.

A notorious Wellington public housing block is trying to foster more community spirit with a weekly cafe, but some of the flats' elderly residents say they don't feel safe.

Wellington mayoral candidate Jo Coughlan wants to help people offer their spare rooms to those without homes of their own.

Wellington mayoral candidate Justin Lester says his plan to launch accomodation for alcoholics to continue drinking in a safe place would help addicts.

Hastings council will continue to share its information about the gastric outbreak, the mayor has told about 200 people at a second public meeting. Video

Hundreds of people have lodged opposition to the proposed extension of Wellington airport's runway.

Wellington's mayoral candidates are back-pedalling on whether the city should stump up $90 million for the city's runway extension. Audio

A new report claims there will not be enough passengers to make a runway extension at Wellington Airport economically viable. Audio

Proposed changes to local government law will lead to amalgamation by stealth, councils say.

Prison reform supporters are frustrated that human error is being blamed for a prisoner's private information being sent to the wrong victim.

A Palmerston North newspaper's costly failure to print a public notice has prompted calls for a change to the way councils get information to the public.

The government is failing to consider the impact of Auckland's road projects on NZ's greenhouse gas emissions, the Green Party says.

An Australian-owned trade school company that is already the subject of a fraud investigation is facing another probe.