Stories by Ruth Hill
News
Call for Nurses Organisation to release review into board's performance
The country's biggest health sector union is facing a shake-up following an external review of the board's performance and the resignation of several senior board members within a year.
Pharmac stoush: 'I cannot believe people are not being given this drug'
An internal stoush at Pharmac has blocked funding for a life-extending drug for bowel cancer patients that's available in 52 other countries.
Wellington water infrastructure needs major investment - mayoral taskforce
About 30 percent of drinking water assets and 20 percent of wastewater networks have passed their use-by dates, and up to 60 percent of pipelines need replacing within 30 years, the report says.
Housing market 'insane' for buyers, but realtor says 'job is to get best price'
Real estate agents are being accused of fuelling the red-hot property market by manipulating so-called "estimated prices" on websites.
Schools footing bill to teach teachers how to teach reading
Schools around the country are paying tens of thousands of dollars to private consultants to change the way they teach reading.
Catch-up learning challenging for kids but 'it's never too late'
Poverty, household stress, busy parents and digital dependence are among the complex factors blamed for a rise in the number of children starting school with a toddler's vocabulary.
Kids starting school with toddler-level language skills - study
Alarming numbers of children are starting school with very poor language skills, with some only speaking like two year olds.
Bid to review dismissal of drink-driving cases may itself be open to challenge - lawyer
The Solicitor-General's bid to challenge five district court decisions throwing out drink-driving charges could be itself open to challenges, claims one defence lawyer.
Return of New Zealanders: theme of migration in 2020
Leaving for overseas has been a rite of passage for young New Zealanders for decades, but Covid-19 has prompted thousands of migratory Kiwis to return. Audio
HRC accused of 'dismissive' attitude to dyslexia
A man with dyslexia who was knocked back by police after failing one of the entry tests claims the Human Rights Commission was dismissive and insulting when he asked for advice.
Groundbreaking judgment may aid detainees in Australia - solicitor
A Syrian man who has spent the last six years locked up in Australian detention centres after his visa was revoked is free after a landmark legal ruling.
Some GP clinics close as nurses and admin staff strike
Strike action by about 3200 primary care nurses and administration staff yesterday affected about 500 GP clinics and accident and medical centres nationwide, forcing some to close for the day.
Covid-19 brings home the bacon for food banks
The gruesome prospect of mass slaughters of pigs on farms because of over-supply prompted the government to buy 12,000 carcasses during lockdown - and donate them to food banks.
Concerns raised over crash involving Chinese activists
A car crash that killed two prominent members of the Chinese pro-democracy movement has sparked accusations of sabotage.
Plans to overhaul building laws, improve damp, unhealthy homes
Cold, damp and extremely expensive - that's the average New Zealand house and it's not only bad for the health of their inhabitants, but also for the planet.
Covid-19: Retail, construction sectors fear more job losses
While life has largely returned to normal for many in New Zealand, the worst may be yet to come in terms of business failures and job losses in many sectors.
Plea for workers to return to Wellington CBD to support businesses
The government is pouring billions of dollars into supporting businesses but retailers in the capital say if government employees do not return to the CBD, their outlook is grim.
Working from home puts a dent in Wellington CBD economy
While the government is pouring money into Covid-19 recovery for businesses, government departments being criticised for keeping staff at home.
Massey University science faculty cuts casual staff
Staff on casual contracts at Massey University's science faculties have had their jobs axed with immediate effect as the institution desperately tries to cut costs.
Money problems add to aviation body's woes
The country's beleaguered aviation watchdog - still reeling from a scathing report on its dysfunctional internal culture - is also under financial pressure.
CAA apologises for 'pockets of poor culture'
A damning ministerial review into the Civil Aviation Authority released today reveals a toxic culture of bullying and harassment.
'I try to motivate people': Disabled gamer No Hands NZ showcases Kiwi ingenuity
Humphrey Hanley has not let a lack of fingers hold him back from becoming a professional online gamer with a global following.
Weta Digital completes major projects under lockdown
Wellington company Weta Digital is one of the few major visual effects facilities around the world to remain open, with Covid-19 hitting the industry hard overseas.
Frustration after elderly woman's phone disconnected during lockdown
An elderly woman had her phone line and internet disconnected by Vodafone during lockdown because of an overdue account - caused by the the company's own admin bungle.
Covid-19 confusion causing complications for STD sufferers
People with sexually transmitted infections are delaying seeking help, which is leading to serious complications in some cases.