Stories by Finn Blackwell
News
Auckland Transport plugs gap in bus driver shortage
Auckland Transport has announced an end to the city's bus driver shortage, saying it has recruited locally and internationally.
Teenagers arrested after crime spree from Auckland to Whangārei
Officers in Whangārei arrested four people, aged 13 to 15, after a pursuit in which the alleged offenders rammed a police car, rendering it immobile.
Folic acid to be added to some bread-making flours from tomorrow
A nutritionist believes more women will now receive an important vitamin supplement as it is added to the country's bread supply.
Environmentalists disappointed by lack of Hauraki Gulf trawling ban
The government's plan to revitalise Hauraki Gulf has been slammed for not including an outright ban on trawler fishing. Audio
Innovation, sustainability, affordability: How Auckland stacks up internationally
Auckland has been found to be a more sustainable city than Copenhagen or Amsterdam but it is lagging well behind when it comes to innovation. Audio
St Heliers development's fast-tracked approval upsets concerned residents
St Heliers residents say they were not given the chance to voice their concerns about how the neighbourhood's infrastructure will cope with the homes, some of which could be three storeys high.
'They clearly don't really care' - renter paying for mouldy home
The tenant was told the rental was up to Healthy Homes Standards but then found leaking windows, a faulty heater and lots of mould. Now she's taking the landlord to the tribunal.
Killer of Eliza and Geoffrey Trubuhovich gets 20-year jail term
The man who murdered a West Auckland father and daughter has been sentenced to life in prison - and his victims' family have described the shock and terror of the crime.
Lengthy Auckland sinkhole fix plan has local businesses worried
Businesses near a central Auckland sinkhole fear what the future holds.
US Second Gentleman meets with Jacinda Ardern on Christchurch Call
Former PM Jacinda Ardern was met with the Second Gentleman of the United States in Auckland today as part of a roundtable discussion for the Christchurch Call.
Commonwealth Games 2026 axing: 'Does that spell the end of it?'
The relevance of the Commonwealth and the future of the Commonwealth Games are under scrutiny after Victoria pulled the plug on the 2026 event.
'Everyone was screaming and running': Whakaari eruption survivor tells court of harrowing scenes
Teenage tourist Jesse Langford says he was unaware of how dangerous the island was before setting foot on it.
'Everybody run': Tourist tells of being engulfed by ash as Whakaari erupted
An Australian tourist has recounted the terrifying experience of being on Whakaari White Island when it erupted.
Wife held husband's hand, thought they'd die on Whakaari during honeymoon
A husband and wife who were on their honeymoon at the time Whakaari erupted have described the pain they endured as they ran for their lives, and ever since.
Mayor considers options for homes around full-to-brim lake
Managed retreat needs to be seriously considered for homes around the rising Lake Rotomā, Rotorua's mayor says.
Young women smash up Auckland house in robbery
Police say a group of young women smashed up a South Auckland house and left a person injured earlier this morning.
Artist wants her artwork out of Wallace collection after indecent assault revelations
An artist and advocate for sexual abuse survivors says she wants her artwork out of the Wallace collection after it was revealed its founder indecently assaulted three men.
Rural residents south of Auckland angry at council development 'flip-flop'
Some say changing plans will hit them in the pocket, having bought land based on future potential valuations that are now at risk.
Mayor Brown raises ire of union, councillor over port lease plan
The Maritime Union believes it would be disastrous for Auckland if the mayor gets his way with a proposal for the Ports of Auckland.
Woman ran for cover after hearing gunshots in wake of district's gang anxiety
Police believe the shots were related to drug dealing but they came in the wake of Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini's death and tangi.
Some Ōpōtiki residents calm, others on edge as gang farewells leader
Members of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians have gathered at Hillcrest Cemetery to farewell their fallen leader.
Foot traffic bounces back, as Auckland's Queen Street slowly comes back to life
The Auckland CBD is coming back to life after years of pandemic slow down and disruption caused by construction works.
Auckland budget approved: Councillor likens discussions to eating rats
Councillors crossed swords, singling out one another and raising impassioned concerns on debt borrowing, rates and selling councils shares in Auckland Airport before deciding on their annual budget.
Auckland Council fails to decide on budget, will reconvene Friday
Thursday's meeting ended without a decision, despite a partial backdown from the mayor on selling shares in the city's airport.
Shortage of forensic psychiatrists, in-patient beds could impact prisoners
The mental health services that treat those in prisons and before New Zealand's courts are experiencing delays amid a shortage of forensic psychiatrists.