Stories by Amy Williams
News
High hopes homebound teachers will fill vacancies
New data detailing the occupations of returning New Zealanders shows exactly who is leading the country's brain gain - and it's not chief executives. Audio
Aucklanders lost 200 jobs a day during August lockdown
Auckland lost 200 jobs a day during the city's second lockdown in August, and job seekers are swelling job application piles.
Boost for local shops as Aucklanders work from home
Auckland's suburban shopping strips appear to be getting a welcome boost from locals working from home.
Covid-19: Auckland job losses not as severe as predicted
New figures show Auckland's job losses have been far fewer than predicted, despite the city going into lockdown last month.
Another private quarantine plan to be proposed
Work is going on behind the scenes to progress plans for privately run pay-as-you go managed isolation hotels, with Auckland's economic development agency taking the lead.
Gym-goer with Covid-19 works at quarantine facility
The person who attended three gym classes in Auckland before testing positive for Covid-19 is a healthcare worker at the country's only quarantine hotel.
Church elder tested for first time - 'It's all about the community'
A church elder at the centre of Auckland's sub-cluster says he got tested for Covid-19 for the first time today after receiving a call from one of the pastors.
Commercial tenants negotiate lower prices as effects of lockdown linger
'For Lease' signs are popping up in empty shop fronts and office blocks in Auckland as the effects of the second lockdown grip the city.
Cancellations 'devastating' for $5 billion conference sector
Industry leaders are calling on the government to pump up its support for the conference sector as it enters into survival mode.
Auckland's second lockdown 'nail in the coffin' for some businesses
Auckland businesses that struggled to attract customers while the City Rail Link was constructed nearby are now hoping customers will return when the city shifts to alert level 2 on Monday.
Orchestras and ballet company fail to secure visas for top overseas talent
New Zealand's top orchestras and ballet company have been left floundering for talent after failing to secure visas for dancers and players from overseas.
The Kiwis who have been on tropical holidays since the Covid-19 lockdown
A small handful of Kiwis were on tropical holidays since the country went into lockdown. They're among close to 1000 people who travelled overseas then returned between March 20 and June 1.
Covid-19: Privately-run managed isolation plan unveiled
Privately-run managed isolation could be a reality early next year if business leaders can drum up a suitable plan and convince the government. Audio
Auckland struggling to attract local visitors with boost needed to stop stores closing
Auckland businesses want more done to attract people into the city to prop-up the local economy.
New souvenir shop owners 'sad and frustrated'
A souvenir shop that opened this week on Auckland's former tourism mecca had less than a dozen customers through its doors the day it opened.
Some businesses struggling at new Commercial Bay shopping precinct
The country's newest upmarket shopping mall in Auckland is giving some shops a rent holiday to help soften Covid-19's economic blow.
America's Cup: Waterfront businesses hope for domestic spending
From stormy seas to plain sailing, the America's Cup is prone to sudden changes of tack. Video
From drought to deluge, farmer loses 30 hectares of grass
A Northland swamp farmer has lost hectares of grass to flooding just months after a drought dried up pastures.
Team NZ renting Viaduct headquarters for $1 a year
Team New Zealand is paying $1 a year to rent the Viaduct Events Centre as its headquarters for next year's America's Cup, resulting in $13 million of lost revenue for Auckland Council.
New Covid-19 concerns at world's largest refugee camp
A New Zealand aid worker at the world's largest refugee camp is concerned there won't be enough beds to cope with an expected surge in Covid-19 cases.
GP dubious about changed criteria for Covid test
There is concern raising the bar to get a Covid-19 test has come too early, as winter ills surge and recent border lapses play on people's minds.
Isolation hotels making potential travellers wary
As the school holidays approach there is concern people may put off plans to travel to Rotorua where two hotels were commandeered for quarantining returning Kiwis at the weekend.
False advertising over Covid-19 cures targeted by Commerce Commission
The Commerce Commission has fielded 67 complaints about traders falsely advertising products as protecting against the coronavirus.
Did retailers overpromise during lockdown?
Hundreds of people are still waiting to receive online orders they placed during lockdown, and some are struggling to get the refunds they're entitled to.
'Animal behaviour' in ferry queue sparks police complaints
Waiheke Island residents fed up with a lack of social distancing on ferries and at the wharves have complained to the police and local politicians.