Stories by Phil Pennington
News
Why isn't NZ following the UK's lead on cladding testing?
Analysis - British authorities are doing urgent tests for combustible cladding at a rate of 100 a day. Phil Pennington asks why New Zealand's not doing the same?
Akl high-rises with combustible panels being re-clad
Two multi-storey buildings in Auckland where combustible aluminium panels have been found are being re-clad with a total of 90 being investigated by the council.
Two Auckland high-rises found to have combustible cladding
The council has found two high-rise buildings with combustible panels similar to those implicated in London's Grenfell Tower disaster.
Fears building regulator overhaul will leave it out of touch
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is overhauling its building arm, raising fears this will distance it from companies and councils. Audio
Building industry warns of weakness in quality control standards
Tradespeople are warning of widespread weaknesses in quality control standards in New Zealand in the wake of London's Grenfell Tower fire. Audio
Commerce Commission asked to investigate steel bar
The building regulator has asked the Commerce Commission to investigate seismic steel reinforcing bar sold by a major supplier.
Call to review NZ certification after London fire
An Auckland building consultant wants the government to suspend certification of aluminium composite panels in the wake of the fatal tower fire in London. Audio
Scientists scrap over whether quota survey is fishy
A dispute over the quality of New Zealand's fisheries management has erupted into an international scrap between scientists.
Apology offered for failures that led to toddler's death
The head of the Ministry for Vulnerable Children has apologised for multiple failings surrounding the death of a 17-month-old in Southland.
MPI defends camera quality for fisheries prosecutions
The Ministry for Primary Industries insists the cameras it is trialling on fishing boats will be used to prosecute illegal fishing.
Time right for China-NZ 'banner' project - bank
A huge bank based in Beijing says New Zealand is now in a good place to agree to a trailblazing infrastructure project in which China plays a bigger part.
More should be done to keep shoppers safe in quakes - Countdown
A major supermarket chain which is taking action to stop heavy items falling from ceiling spaces in an earthquake says building regulations are being routinely ignored.
Reliable steel supply key in construction boom
Analysis - Demand for a steel supply system New Zealanders can rely on matters more in the middle of a construction boom, writes Phil Pennington.
Bluff oyster fishermen urge action to keep parasite at bay
Bluff oyster fishermen are demanding that all farmed oysters in a Stewart Island bay be pulled up out of the sea as soon as possible to keep a lethal parasite at bay.
China disqualifies steel-testing lab after NZ warning
Chinese regulators have disqualified a steel-testing laboratory for using false accreditation, after being alerted by New Zealand investigators. Audio
Truck firm forced to lower speed limit on post-quake route
A trucking boss says a near-miss for one of his drivers on the Picton-to-Christchurch highway route has forced him to take urgent safety measures as winter closes in.
China 'has expertise' to solve Auckland transport woes
Chinese labour could be the answer to Auckland's transport problems, the leader of a delegation of New Zealand engineers in Beijing says, but there could still be issues over labour laws.
Chathams wharf putting holes in boats - fisherman
A new wharf on remote Pitt Island in the Chathams has bashed holes in fishing boats, says a resident.
Firms move out of Wellington high-rise due to quake damage
Three companies have moved out of a Wellington high-rise where the steel reinforcing bar stretched in the Kaikōura earthquake.
Lawyer leapt to save books in quake
The tale of a hero who saved countless law books has emerged seven months after the Kaikōura earthquake.
Almost all of CYF report relating to child's death blanked out
It is outrageous Child Youth and Family has blanked out a crucial report relating to the death of a boy, his family says.
Corrections refuses to explain Serco ratings
Giving high marks to private prison operator Serco shortly after a near-fatal attack on an inmate in Mt Eden jail was against Corrections own rules.
Guards' delay after attack at prison 'unacceptable' - prison inspector
Guards sat for 20 minutes filing paperwork and eating sandwiches while a prison inmate lay near death in his cell after an assault, a prison inspector's report says.
MBIE drags heels on steel testing
Officials are still undecided over mandatory independent testing for steel, more than a year after the government ordered them to look into it.
Loose fittings slip through capital quake standards
Unrestrained heavy pipes, wires and air conditioning units that could be lethal in an earthquake are escaping proper scrutiny.