Stories by Finn Blackwell
News
Auckland's Wynard bridge must reopen in time for Sail GP, businesses warn
Waterfront business in Auckland are celebrating the return of the Sail GP regatta next year, but stress a vital link to the district needs to be up and running when it happens.
Woman accused of assaulting teen with metal rod remanded in custody
The woman appeared in the Manukau District Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody without plea.
Auckland Transport, police ramp up school holiday safety efforts
The Auckland Transport will be providing "as high of a level of surveillance as possible" over the network.
Drag performers sue Tamaki, Destiny Church seeking $2m for defamation
The performers say church members have launched a crusade against them and their act, leading them to cancel shows.
New Auckland wavepark a 'massive project for NZ'
Surf's up for Aucklanders, with the announcement that a new wavepark facility is coming to the city's North Shore.
South Auckland doctor's clinic boosts security to keep staff, patients safe
Crime and anti-social behaviour is spreading from Queen St to town centres outside Auckland city centre, a family clinic doctor says.
'Bolted and glued down' but heavy dragon sculpture vanishes
Draco the Dragon was stolen from its roof perch - and it owners want it back, no questions asked.
Watch: Jewellery store worker defends family with sword
An entire family attacked in the armed robbery of a Papatoetoe jewellery store has been left with "trauma, pain, and destruction".
Trucking body wants govt assurances after ferry grounding
The Aratere grounding shows the fragility of the link between the North and South islands, Transporting NZ says.
City Mission residents: To blame - or scapegoats?
K'Road locals say they feel unsafe and intimidated amid aggression and anti-social behaviour. They also want more support for those in a housing facility.
Gang homicide stats double as offence numbers fall
The total number of criminal offences committed by gang members across the country is down from the same time last year, police data has revealed.
Business owners vent at Police Minister over crime
Business owners who say they're dealing with crime on a daily basis got to vent at Mark Mitchell today.
Neighbours wake to 'popping' as fire burns through roof
Images from the scene show the scorched roof after firefighters extinguished the blaze.
Residents left 'shaken' in Auckland drive-by shooting
It was one of two shootings incidents in Auckland overnight - with police still looking for those responsible.
Unsolved cold cases 'prolong that grief and that trauma'
Nearly 20 homicide cases remain unsolved across the country, according to police.
Auckland Council to vote on two stadium development proposals
The proposals for a revamped Eden Park and the downtown stadium, known as Quay Park, will be recommended for approval
'A perfect storm': Smith & Caughey's knew for two years model wasn't working
The department store's chairperson Tony Caughey explains six reasons it's planning to shut down.
Same thieves believed behind four break-ins at Auckland cafe in 10 days
First, the thieves took a safe - so staff replaced it. Then they came back for another safe, and another.
Teen dies in stabbing at bus station, police patrol hubs as violence spikes
A teen has been fatally stabbed at a Dunedin bus hub amid been rising fears about safety at stations.
'Uncomfortable, unsafe, intimidated, upset' - Stats NZ ditches Auckland CBD office
A government agency is moving out of Auckland City because its staff members do not feel safe there.
Rate hikes on the way as Auckland Council approves Long-term Plan
It sets out rates increases for the average Auckland household of 6.8 percent in 2025, 5.8 in 2026, and 7.9 percent the 2027 financial year.
What's in Auckland 10-year plan?
Auckland Council will go over the final proposal for the city's 10-year-budget two days after it was revised by the mayor.
Community approach needed to end public disturbances in Auckland suburb - security
"We're all pushing the vision of safe community," head of security for the town centre says.