Stories by Jonathan Mitchell
News
Rapist's appeal hears public protection orders breach human rights
A rare sitting of the Court of Appeal has been hearing arguments that public protection orders breach human rights.
Burst water main 'amazing but terrifying' - shop worker
Aro Street in central Wellington was mopping up today after spectacular scenes of a huge water main burst yesterday. Video
Government told to 'move quickly' to address housing supply shortages
As the average house price in New Zealand continues to rise month-on-month, the government is being told it needs to take emergency action to mitigate the severe shortage of property. Audio
Stranded NZ resident worries pre-departure test will cause delays
A New Zealand resident stranded in Scotland believes the introduction of a pre-departure Covid-testing regime will simply mean more delays.
Waikeria prisoners' protest was inevitable - justice advocates
Justice advocates say Waikeria Prison should have been mothballed long ago and only systemic change can improve conditions for Māori. Audio
Government warned against pre-departure testing
The government is being warned against introducing a pre-departure Covid-19 test for desperate Kiwis trying to get home from high-risk countries. Audio
Wellington Opera House, Shed 6 should be redeveloped or sold - report
Wellington is languishing behind other regions and needs a large multi-purpose arena for gigs, a prominent concert promoter in the capital says.
Nitrogen map reveals excessive levels in nine of 15 regions
Nitrogen can hide no longer - a new interactive map has been launched today to show which rivers, lakes and estuaries are under pressure from agriculture.
'Grim' report released on state of NZ kids' health
An attempt to capture the current health of children has highlighted a grim picture of rising dental disease, skin infections and breathing problems.
Confession proves Lyttle killed friend, Crown argues
Convicted murderer David Lyttle continues to deny he killed his friend Brett Hall almost a decade ago.
ACC appeals court ruling in favour of cancer sufferer
A dead woman's fight to get ACC cover has continued to be debated in the Court of Appeal.
Former doctor continues to fight against murder conviction
A former Dunedin doctor found guilty of killing teenager Amber-Rose Rush continues to deny he was the murderer.
Council ordered to pay $90k over dam flush that killed fish
Flushing Birchville dam in September last year killed fish and "essentially destroyed the entire ecology" downstream, a local Fish & Game manager says.
Wellington's estimated 23% rates rise 'just inconceivable'
The huge rise may not be final but residents are worried, and an economist says the problem of infrastructure lagging behind growth is faced by councils across New Zealand.
Unclear limit on emails to Wiri inmates creates confusion
Prisoner rights advocates are worried inmates at Wiri in South Auckland haven't been getting emails from friends and whānau because of an "arbitrary" rule.
Inmate found guilty of sexually assaulting younger cellmate
A jury has found a prisoner guilty of sexually assaulting and threatening to kill a younger cellmate.
Fresh historical allegations against Peter Ellis emerge
A hearing at the country's highest court today revealed that a new complainant had come forward with historical allegations.
Man threatened, sexually assaulted fellow inmate, court told
A prison inmate thought he was going to die after allegedly being forced to perform sex acts on his bunkmate.
Claims frozen fries dumped in New Zealand - Ministry investigates
A dispute over the humble potato has reached boiling point over claims European frozen fries are being dumped in New Zealand.
Sports organisations reject Wellington pokies 'sinking lid'
Wellington sports groups are pushing the city council to scrap a proposal to ban new pokie machines in the capital.
Uncertainty around billions in Defence Force spending
Military analysts think Labour's victory at the general election will put some Defence Force changes and purchases on the backburner.
Labour vows to revisit TVNZ-RNZ merger and push local journalism
Labour broadcasting spokesperson Kris Faafoi has put a figure to the party's manifesto promise to provide a multi-year contestable fund for public interest journalism.
Council seeks action on Newtown's The Adelaide building
A long-running dispute over an earthquake-prone building in Wellington has hit a legal snag.
Twenty unused light armoured vehicles remain in NZDF storage
Twenty light armoured vehicles remain unused and waiting for a buyer - nearly a decade after the Defence Force decided they were surplus to requirements.
Cook Islands travel bubble close, hinges on no community transmission
New Zealanders could be lounging on a Rarotongan beach this summer as the push for a travel bubble with the Cook Islands progresses.