Stories by Nita Blake-Persen
News
Families look forward to budget boost for 'the little things'
Asthma inhalers, groceries and extra petrol to cart the kids around are some of the things families will spend a new boost to their weekly budget on.
Popular NZ swim spots out of action for summer
Health warnings are already in place for several popular swim spots around the country, with more likely to be out of action as the hot weather continues. Video
Mothers, children put up in 'filthy' Far North motel
Young families facing homelessness in Northland say Work and Income is paying for them to stay at a local motel that should not be operating, let alone housing children. Video, Audio
Delay over improved junior doctors' rosters
The Auckland, Waitemata and Counties Manukau DHBs have been dragging their feet on implementing safer working hours, the junior doctors' union says.
Rugby league: police promise 'crack down' on disorder
A family friendly event is being planned for Ōtāhuhu this weekend as police plan a firmer hand in dealing with disorder and brawling in South Auckland.
Super Fund dealt with Paradise Papers firm
New Zealand's superannuation fund has confirmed it has dealt with the law firm at the centre of the Paradise Papers.
DOC 'nobbled' by previous govt - environmental lawyer
The Conservation Minister is vowing to restore DOC's ability to advocate for the environment, saying political pressure and a lack of funding has prevented it from speaking out for years.
Waste import ban could send plastic to landfills
There are fears $21m worth of New Zealand's plastic, paper and other waste that China no longer wants will end up in landfills.
NZ firefighter praises bravery of Syrian White Helmets
A New Zealand firefighter who spent months training Syrian civilians in bomb rescues has spoken of the bravery of those putting their lives on the line during the country's brutal conflict. Audio
'All the people on the floor just get beat down every day'
Dozens of workers from Fletcher Building businesses walked off the job this morning after pay negotiations with the country's biggest construction company stalled.
Man's death highlights rehab access issues - coroner
The death of a young Rotorua man highlights a troubling delay in accessing residential rehab beds, a coroner says.
Call for councils to take over cat management from SPCA
Conservationists are calling on councils to cull stray cats instead of relying on the SPCA to rehome the abandoned animals, which pose a threat to endangered native wildlife.
Auckland's homeless urge govt to act
As political parties vie for a spot in the next government, homeless people are urging them to make affordable housing a top priority.
Taxi hit by overbridge rock: 'I was very close to death'
A 2kg rock launched from a motorway overbridge would have hit taxi driver Balkar Singh in the forehead had it been a couple of inches to the left, he says.
Funeral service for unidentified Mangere baby to be held today
A funeral service is being held today for a baby found dead in an Auckland park last year, with organisers hopeful the service will raise awareness around issues faced by some pregnant women.
Goff not involved in King's Watercare appointment
Auckland mayor Phil Goff was not part of a panel that appointed his friend and former colleague Annette King to the board of a council-controlled organisation, he says.
Real estate slowdown affects Auckland businesses
Auckland's slowing real estate market is good news for home buyers, but causing sleepless nights for movers and home stagers.
David's battle: 'Who is supposed to take care of him?'
An Auckland mother fears her four-year-old son will be held back by what she says is a lack of teacher aides for children with disabilities. Audio
Compensate us for water crisis costs - Havelock North victims
Victims say a report revealing the $21m cost of the campylobacter outbreak shows they need more financial help. Audio
Religious lessons in state schools: 'It's Christian indoctrination'
A group advocating to end religious education in state schools is launching a campaign aiming to inform parents about what their children are being taught.
Red tape forces out UK teacher: 'My dream has died'
International teachers moving to Auckland to help fill the city's teaching shortage say lengthy and expensive red tape is forcing them to head home again.
$1.7m pledged to keep Cadbury classics local
Hundreds of people have pledged to invest more than $1.7 million to ensure the manufacture of Jaffas, Pineapple Lumps and Buzz Bars stays in Dunedin.
Disney apologises for Maui costume
Disney has cancelled sales of a costume based on upcoming film Moana, following criticism that it was a form of cultural appropriation.