Stories by Amy Williams
News
Worries measles spread may impact on exam preparation
High school principals are worried about the pressure on students preparing for upcoming national exams amidst an escalating measles outbreak in Auckland.
Auckland measles outbreak expected to worsen
More than 800 people in Auckland have now caught the measles, but health authorities are warning the measles outbreak in Auckland has not yet reached its peak.
DOC probes into moa bone thefts end with no prosecutions
The Department of Conservation says no-one has been prosecuted for stealing moa bones from public conservation land despite a number of investigations over the last five years.
Mako sharks don't meet criteria for protection listing - DOC
New Zealand has voted against giving new international trade protections to endangered mako sharks at a world wildlife conference.
Experts divided on dieting app aimed at obese children
A new dieting app that aims to curb childhood obesity is attracting controversy from health experts, with some warning it's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
'Incredibly curious' leopard seal returns to Auckland
Owha the marauding leopard seal is somewhat a local legend in Auckland's Upper Waitemata Harbour, where she has made the wharf and marina her home for the past five winters.
Public or private? Institutions miss out on national treasures
Some historians are concerned New Zealand's public libraries and museums are being priced out of buying national treasures by private investors snapping up items from the country's early history. Video
Mental health service on hold during psychologist strike
One week into a nationwide strike by psychologists working for the public health system, at least one mental health service for children and adolescents has been put on hold.
Security increased to protect moa sites as trading loopholes reviewed
Security has been beefed up at caves where moa bones are at risk of being pillaged, as the government moves to make it illegal to trade remains of the extinct bird.
200 protest over dumping of waste near Great Barrier Island
Around 200 people marched up Auckland's Queen Street today to protest against millions of cubic metres of what they call "toxic dredge sludge" being dumped off Great Barrier Island's coast.
Ardern backs climate change emergency for Parliament
While the Thames-Coromandel Council faces court over its refusal to sign the climate change emergency declaration, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed her support for a declaration to be done…
Bank bonus culture: Staff 'obviously scared of the response'
Bank employees on the frontline of lending are coming out of the woodwork to lay complaints about workplace bonus culture.
Volunteer, 80, brings graceful stride to Walking school Bus
Age is no barrier for Geoff Tisch, who at 80 is the oldest Walking School Bus volunteer in Auckland. Video
Waiheke ferry service database to test Fullers reliability
An official database will be set up to track the Waiheke ferry service and get a picture of how reliable it is, Auckland mayor Phil Goff says.
Calls for Royal Inquiry into Oranga Tamariki from parent support group
A new advocacy group offering a voice for parents in dispute with Oranga Tamariki is calling for an urgent Royal Commission of Inquiry into all aspects of the government agency.
Deputy mayor among critics of desecration of Māori carving
Tensions are rising in rural Manawatū after a volunteer chopped a phallus off a Māori carving standing sentry to welcome hikers at a popular walking track.
Letters reveal fishing companies' anti-conservation lobbying tactics
Official documents show fishing companies including Talleys threatened legal action against the government over proposed seabed protection in the South Pacific.
Police used excessive force throwing man against wall - IPCA
A custody officer used excessive force when he threw a man into a wall while trying to restrain him, the police watchdog has found.
Worries about 'confrontational' meeting over closed maternity centre
A Southland maternity centre that was turned into an unstaffed hub has been told DHB officials will not attend a meeting tomorrow about its future for fear of a confrontation.
Frustrated ferry users call for change
An online petition calling for the Minister of Transport to bring Waiheke Island's ferry services under local authorities clocked up more than 800 signatures overnight.
New Zealand faces flu vaccine shortage as illness surges
Access to the flu vaccine is being restricted due to a nationwide shortage during a surge in flu cases that has prompted a record number of doses given.
Two children hit on pedestrian crossing hospitalised
An Auckland school is urging drivers to slow down around schools, after two children were hit by a vehicle at a pedestrian crossing this morning.
Hundreds wait from dawn for a Waiheke ferry
Hundreds of Waiheke Island residents were left queuing early this morning, after some ferry sailings were cancelled due to a mechanical fault.
Rates of homeless Māori should be wake-up call, experts say
The first Auckland-wide census of people living without shelter shows nearly 43 percent were Māori, with a similar proportion living in temporary accommodation.
Home insulation materials running out as deadline nears
Landlords are rushing to insulate rentals before a deadline in July - but some might miss that, because materials are running out.