Stories by Jessica Hopkins
News
Sweet tree-lief: Wayfaring road cone to be removed from 50m treetop
Auckland Council says it will remove a road cone left on top of a 50-metre tall tree after it forgot about it for almost six months.
Green, Labour adjacent group announces 2025 candidates for Auckland Council
Aucklanders will vote in new councillors later this year.
Aucklanders to foot the bill for costly water service upgrades
The most expensive project will be replacing the ageing Huia Water Treatment Plant, now estimated to cost $1.12 billion.
'Emergency situation': Concern over impact of Auckland wastewater constraints
Watercare said there were only 4000 more wastewater connections available in the Hibiscus Coast in northern Auckland.
Auckland water charges set to increase 7.2% from July
Watercare is prepares to become financially independent and spend billions of dollars improving Auckland's water services. Audio
Road cone mysteriously appears on top of tall Auckland tree
Auckland Council is investigating how the road cone got there.
Turning wreckage into art - Cyclone muse for Muriwai sculptor
Seven unique columns designed by sculptor Jeff Thomson, whose work included the Taihape Boot and the Auckland Zoo Elephant, could be viewed in Muriwai's town centre from Sunday.
Te Papa extends 'The Scale of Our War' exhibition for 7 years
With 4.8 million visitors, the Gallipoli exhibition has been more successful "than anyone could have ever expected", Te Papa's chief executive says. Audio
Cycle safety on Rodney road 'an issue that needs to be addressed'
Someone could die if cyclists travelling between Puhoi and Mangawhai are not given a safer route, an advocate is warning.
Who let the dogs out? Pooches show Pride at Rainbow show
Around 100 dogs, owners and spectators gathered at Western Park in Ponsonby today.
Mental health service displays fitting collection of artworks
A mental health service is livening up its space with art by people who understand mental health challenges.
Dad in shock after daughter had to run from naked man
The father, who wished to remain anonymous for his family's privacy, said his 14-year-old daughter saw the perpetrator doing a lewd act on himself.
Slashed staffing hours trigger protest at Auckland aged care home
Aged care staff have picketed over plans to reduce the number of nurses and caregivers rostered on shifts.
Whangārei still holding out against fluoridation despite directive
Whangārei District Council has again refused to put fluoride into the district's water supply, despite the government saying they have to.
Instant Kiwi ticket advertising may be misleading if top prizes already won - Consumer NZ
A consumer watchdog is concerned shops selling Instant Kiwi tickets after the top prizes have been won could be misleading.
Woman waits months for contact after signing up to loneliness call service
A Hamilton woman says she still has not been connected with a Hato Hone - St John Caring Caller months after asking for support.
'Sick of looking at it': Scott Point locals seethe at road delays
Residents in the West Auckland neighbourhood, frustrated by AT taking two months to paint a road, took matters into their own hands.
Musician on trial for alleged domestic violence
Appearing via video, the complainant told the jury the defendant, her ex-partner, strangled, punched, threatened to kill, and hit her over the head with a full 1.5-litre plastic bottle on separate…
Missing jetskier made trip across Cook Strait many times - boat club
Kāpiti Boating Club says the man is a retired grandfather and long-time club member.
Trains return to Pukekohe after two-year station closure
Commuters can now take the train directly between Pukekohe and Auckland CBD after the rail line was electrified. Audio
Speculation Desley Simpson will stand for Auckland mayoralty
There is growing speculation over whether Wayne Brown's own deputy and political ally is set to challenge him for the city's top job.
Patients 'flabbergasted' as water cut off at hospital
"People were wandering around the ward looking for water," one patient at Auckland Hospital says.
What's causing a spate of rubbish truck fires?
Residents are being told off for inadvertently causing rubbish truck fires.
Mayor says work needed after Auckland pipe burst leaves 3000 without water
Auckland's mayor says more work is needed to prevent faults after a pipe burst left thousands of residents without water.
Stalled skyscraper developer asks no media at council meeting
The developer of what was set to be New Zealand's tallest residential building did not want the media around during a meeting updating Auckland Council on the status of the stalled luxury skyscraper. Audio