Stories by Rowan Quinn
News
Surge in Auckland stomach bug complaints after storms
The number of people contracting nasty stomach bugs is spiking after every storm, prompting health authorities to look at whether the sewerage system is to blame.
Coke's Kiwi Blue 'exempt' under Labour's water bottling plan
Massive multinational bottlers such as Coca-Cola Amatil that use municipal supplies wouldn't have to pay proposed charges. Audio
Waitākere Ranges could be closed due to kauri dieback
With one in five kauri in Waitākere Ranges Regional Park infected, the council could ban people to help fight the spread of the disease threatening to wipe the trees out.
Crash victim's family now allowed to stay in state housing
A family facing eviction from their south Auckland state house, just a few weeks after their mother died in a car crash, will be now be allowed to stay in a state house.
Funding cuts will spark crime wave - youth workers
Auckland should prepare for a new crime wave as $3 million of spending on crime and gang prevention comes to an end this month, youth workers say.
Edgecumbe flood data to be used in natural hazards study
Scientists hope data they gather from Edgecumbe will help protect other communities in New Zealand and around the world from flood devastation.
Codeine-based painkillers may become prescription-only
Common over-the-counter painkillers like Panadeine, Nurofen Plus and many others may soon require a prescription. Video
Govt, Auckland Council agree on airport light rail
The government has for the first time given the go ahead to light rail between the airport and city centre, but says it could take 30 years.
Schools' sugary drink target fizzles
A government goal to get sugary drinks out of all schools by the end of last year appears to have failed.
Unique kiwi lollies may be saved from deportation
Unique kiwi lollies Pineapple Lumps and Jaffas could be saved from being deported to Australia, with an Oamaru company saying it would consider making them.
Akl building consents hit high but unlikely to ease housing woes
Construction bottlenecks are likely to prevent rising building consents from having any real impact on the city's housing crisis, industry experts say.
Housing crisis blamed for Auckland's rheumatic fever rates
The government is failing to make a dent in rheumatic fever rates across much of Auckland, despite millions of dollars being poured into tackling the problem.
Surprise in quest for lost Lindauer portraits
A quest to find lost portraits by 19th-century artist Gottfried Lindauer has uncovered 12 paintings, including one that art experts didn't know existed. Audio
Mobil dodges $10m contamination bill
Auckland Council has lost its fight to force oil giant Mobil to pay $10 million to clean up the waterfront site known as the tank farm. Audio
DHBs encourage more home births
Auckland health authorities are working on a plan to encourage more home births, but a leading obstetrician is worried it's just a ploy to make more hospital beds available.
Cookie Bear - a threatened species?
Veteran biscuit mascot Cookie Bear could soon be on the endangered list as Auckland health authorities set him - and others like him - in their sights.