Stories by Sarah Robson
News
Concerns over possible new chemical in synthetic cannabis
There are fears there is a new chemical or poison in a drug that's been linked to a spate of deaths in Auckland this month.
Cup parade: Burling 'blown away' as supporters line streets
Thousands of Aucklanders have turned out to welcome home Team New Zealand and the America's Cup. Video
Auckland sets sights on next America's Cup
Aucklanders are hopeful of hosting the next series, but questions remain over where the teams would be based, and who would pay for the development.
Police investigations into family violence hit record high
Police investigated nearly 120,000 family violence incidents in 2016 - up more than 8000 on the year before.
Record number of people diagnosed with HIV
More people were diagnosed with HIV in New Zealand last year than in any year since records began in 1985. Audio
Will the Budget help mums and dads sleeping in cars?
The accommodation supplement will be increased but Te Puea Marae's Hurimoana Dennis, who has helped the homeless, doubts how much it will do for families struggling with a gamut of problems.
Complex claims methods deny ACC to thousands - report
Up to 300,000 people a year may be missing out on ACC cover, treatment or support, the lead author of a new report says.
Debt burden leaves low-income families trapped in poverty cycle
Many low income families are trapped in a cycle of poverty, because they are burdened with debts they're struggling to pay off, say anti-poverty advocates.
'Snitches get stitches' culture in youth centres - report
Claims of fight clubs and staff punching young people at a youth justice residence are detailed in a new report by the Children's Commissioner. Audio
State schools told to stop asking for out-of-zone donations
All state schools must stop asking for donations from families applying for out-of-zone places, the Ministry of Education says.
Mental health 'grey zone' stopping people in need
People with mental health problems are unable to get the help they need unless their health deteriorates to crisis point, a report has found. Video
Settlement could help rest homes attract workers
The government's $2 billion pay equity settlement could help rest homes attract much-needed workers, the industry says.
Floods 'financially devastating' for some farmers
As farmers on the Hauraki Plains begin cleaning up after two storms in a fortnight, they are also facing a risk of feed shortages caused by the floods.
'The water just kept coming' - Edgecumbe farmer
Some farms near Edgecumbe look more like lakes, with dozens of paddocks still completely underwater days after the swollen Rangitāiki wreaked havoc on the area. Audio
Edgecumbe floods: Tensions run high at public meeting
Dozens of people have walked out of a public meeting in Whakatāne tonight about the response to this week's flooding - and the cause of it. Video
Special team seeks out trapped Edgecumbe pets
SPCA, MPI and Massey University have teamed up to go door-to-door in Edgecumbe searching for animals.
Independent 'Voyce' launches to support children
A dedicated independent advocacy service for children in state care has launched alongside Oranga Tamariki, the new Ministry for Vulnerable Children.
'Now we will really see if they do care' - youth advocate
Stakes are high for Oranga Tamariki, the new Ministry for Vulnerable Children, as it launches today.
High schoolers victims in mass brawl - principal
A South Auckland high school says its students were the victims in a brawl involving 15 to 20 people fighting with sticks, bats and knives.
Years of work to repair flood-damaged farms
Farmers near Auckland say it will take them years to recover from the damage caused by last week's heavy rain and flooding.
Lifting the lid on Aucklanders' drug habits
More than half a kilogram of methamphetamine has been found on average each day in Auckland's sewers, new research has found.
Upper North Island storms: Anxious wait for flood-hit homeowners
Whangamata residents are stuck in limbo, waiting out the risk of more torrential rain before they start the clean-up of their flood-devastated properties. Video
Stock rescued from flood: 'You've just got to get in there'
Some Clevedon locals stripped down to their underwear in a desperate attempt to rescue stock stranded by floodwaters today.
What would happen if an Auckland volcano erupted
A volcanic eruption in Auckland could cause a hot mix of gas, ash and other substances to spread over a 5km-wide area, scientists say.
'Horrific injuries': Witness describes finding woman on road
The couple who discovered a woman allegedly been left for dead on a rural road have told a court about her horrific injuries.