Stories by Louise Ternouth
News
Abuse survivor faces $75k bill after ex-partner broke nearly all of her teeth
Amid ongoing health issues and "unbearable" pain, Ellie is scared for her future: "My teeth are going to kill me." Audio
Remains of destroyed homes turned into Cyclone Gabrielle commemorative sculpture
The idea of a sculpture made out of salvaged materials was dreamt up to give to those who lost their homes. Audio
Why so many retired Kiwis are experiencing loneliness
"It's like this void, this emptiness in the room." Audio
'I was crying on the phone' - Storm-affected resident
Almost two years on from the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, residents are still picking up the pieces from ruined homes. Audio
Auckland business owners devastated by 96-day rail shutdown
One says they should have been given early notice because now they have pre-ordered stock in hopes of a busy summer. Audio
Shoppers turn away from high-end fashion as retailers close doors
More NZers are snapping up pre-loved clothing as the cost of living bites. Audio
Samoa preparing for Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting
Preparations have been four years in the making, with businesses stockpilling supplies, villages decorated in each country's colours and a huge community effort to be ready to host.
Samoan villages told not to eat fish due to diesel leaks from Manawanui
The sunken Navy ship is leaking diesel from three spots on its underside, officials say. Audio
Manawanui 'black box' data recorder found
Defence Force diving crews found the voyage data recorder - the equivalent of an aeroplane's flight recorder - on Tuesday.
Flood hit homes now worth less than owners' mortgages
The Kiwi dream of owning a home has turned into a nightmare for some flood-affected first home buyers who bought in the last few years. Audio
'We're reaching a crisis point': GPs calling for urgent overhaul of funding model
GPs had their funding increased by four percent in July and were given the green light to lift their fees by more than seven percent. Audio
Over-65s spending almost entire pension on sky-high rent
Some are spending up to 95 percent of their superannuation on rent. Audio
Stores fear loss of business under Auckland's new liquor curfew
Some South and West Auckland liquor stores fear they could lose up to 40 percent of their business under new liquor sale rules. Audio
'Worse than giving birth': Calls for stronger pain relief for IUD insertion
A woman who experienced pain "beyond anything" getting her IUD inserted is joining calls for stronger pain relief. Audio
How does a grocery shop compare to 2022?
For over two years, Checkpoint has been tracking the price of 36 supermarket items. Audio
How different are butter prices across Auckland?
Some shoppers in South Auckland are going without it and other dairy products because they are simply too expensive. Audio
Crunching the Numbers: Kiwis spending half their income on rent
In RNZ's new series, we're out chatting to Kiwis about all things affecting their wallets. First up: renting.
Community pharmacists afraid for future of business and patient care
The rise of bigger discount pharmacies could force the closure of smaller businesses, they say. Audio
Would-be midwives quitting over costs
Midwives are battling burnout and calling for urgent support to keep students and improve working conditions. Audio
Whopper battle: The town weighing up Burger King and Starbucks
A David and Goliath battle is brewing in the 'Corrugated Capital of the World', with mixed feelings about proposals to open a Burger King and a Starbucks. Audio
Petri dish quail parfait, anyone? Behind the scenes at a lab meat factory
Lab-grown food might seem like science fiction, but researchers in NZare already making massive gains in creating meat and dairy products in the lab.
Prescription fees return: 'We're going to see higher rates of hospital admissions'
"If we are letting down the people who are most vulnerable, who can't afford a $5 prescription charge, then we are failing miserably," a researcher says. Audio
'A new year, a new beginning' for Wiri inmates
Matariki, with its message of new opportunities, has a special meaning for wāhine in prison.
Menopause treatment patch shortage: 'Where's the dignity in it?'
A shortage of menopause treatment patches is depriving women of the medical support they deserve, says a woman who has struggled to fill her prescription. Audio
Council approach to storm-proofing 'hypocrisy at the highest level'
Flood affected homeowners have hit out at Auckland Council after they called for homeowners to do their bit to future-proof the city against further flooding.