Stories by Jessie Chiang
News
'Incomprehensible' work leads to course closure
Plagiarism and incomprehensible English in student work at an Auckland tertiary institute led to the shut down of four of its courses, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority says.
Bags not: Supermarkets' ban just a drop in the ocean
Doubts are being raised about whether supermarkets' ban on plastic bags will make a difference to widespread plastic pollution.
Fraudster confronts past demons
A woman imprisoned for defrauding the government of $700,000 has been taking counselling programmes to free herself from a "jail constructed in her own head".
Bus drivers union calls for defence training
A stabbing attack on a bus driver in Auckland has highlighted the need for better security, including cameras and driver cages, the bus drivers' union says.
Pacific link trump card in NZ/China agreement
New Zealand's links in the Pacific could be a trump card in negotiating a deal with China as a part of its of its trillion-dollar programme to build infrastructure around the world.
Council to lobby govt over Auckland teacher crisis
Local principals are begging for help from Auckland Council, which says it will demand the next government do more to fix the city's teacher shortage.
Dairy owners unimpressed by security fund
Some dairy owners say they haven't seen a cent of a $1.8 million fund set up to protect their businesses, despite having been violently robbed. Audio
Epsom voters stand by Seymour after election result
National supporters who backed ACT Party leader David Seymour in the Epsom electorate say their vote wasn't wasted, despite him being ruled out of government.
ACC accused of using model to get people off its books
Lawyers and advocacy groups for injured people are demanding ACC be transparent about its computer model which predicts how long a client will use its services.
Disaster relief agencies under pressure
Aid agencies are facing increasing pressure to keep up with the sheer number of disasters and conflicts around the world. Audio
Record number of women enrol in engineering
Record numbers of women are enrolling in engineering degrees, with a focus on environmental issues and health care attracting more and more female students.
Frustrated flood victims turn out to support suing council
Frustrated Egdecumbe residents are throwing their support behind a lawsuit against the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, saying they want someone to blame for the devastating April flood.
Window washers face squeeze after law change
Window washers have decried a law change allowing police to issue them with $150 instant fines and move them on from intersections. Audio
Landlords place little importance on heating - survey
Mouldy and damp homes are huge problems for renters while landlords place little importance on heating and ventilation, a survey says.
Man wrongly convicted of murder mulls compo claim
Kelvin Williams has been freed from custody after the Appeal Court ruled his murder conviction two decades ago was a miscarriage of justice.
Auckland taxi fares double Sydney's - index
Auckland taxi prices are some of the most expensive in the world according to a new report.
Mining company strikes gold near Paeroa
A mining company that has found outstanding quality gold near Paeroa could face a battle to mine it commercially.
Lions tour a $26m win for Auckland business
An estimated $26m has been injected into the Auckland economy by the British and Irish Lions tour.
Invisible barriers for Chinese immigrants in NZ
Elderly Chinese immigrants are struggling to settle into New Zealand society, say some community groups. Audio
Auckland sets sights on next America's Cup
Aucklanders are hopeful of hosting the next series, but questions remain over where the teams would be based, and who would pay for the development.
More Albatrosses follow fishing boats than previously thought
A new study has found nearly 80 percent of albatrosses follow fishing boats looking for food which puts them at risk of dying from getting caught in fishing lines.
$90k debt will put poorer students off medical study - NZUSA
Tertiary students are calling for more government funding for students after a study found the average loan debt of a medical student has hit $90,000.
Teen's death in drain: 'Someone's got to take responsibility'
The death of a teenager who drowned after falling into a South Auckland drain could have been avoided, a Manukau ward councillor says. Audio
Council workers 'rapt' at living wage victory
The Auckland Council's decision to increase the pay of their lowest paid workers is an astounding victory, living wage campaigners say.
Auckland commuter bike rental scheme on the cards
Commuters in Auckland could be sharing bikes to get to work within two years, as the council looks at a new rental scheme.