Stories by Matthew Theunissen
News
Waitākere residents oppose kauri dieback walking restriction plan
Most west Aucklanders feel the plan to re-open tracks closed due to kauri dieback still does not provide them with enough access to the forest, according to a new report. Audio
UN Secretary-General lays down challenge for NZ youth
The UN Secretary-General has issued a monumental challenge to New Zealand youth: defeat climate change and ensure technology is used as a force for good. Video
Soldier killed in SAS training accident a 'top bloke'
The SAS soldier who died after an accident during a training exercise in Auckland last night can now be named.
Gun club's intense firing worse since court's closure order - resident
Residents of Makarau north of Auckland say there's even more gunfire rings through their tranquil valley now than when the Auckland Shooting Club was ordered to shut down a month ago.
Family of NZ man killed by pirates allowed on boat
Alan Culverwell's family are at last able to retrieve some of their belongings from the yacht where he was killed by pirates off the coast of Panama five days ago.
NZ friend of family attacked in Panama took emergency call
The wife of a man killed by pirates after they boarded his family's yacht in Panama is today facing the three accused assailants in court.
Terror attack victim's family accept posthumous doctorate
Haroon Mahmood was due to graduate when he was killed at the Al Noor mosque. Today, his family accepted his doctorate on his behalf.
Walking your dog in Auckland: The rules could soon change
Many Auckland dog owners are furious about the tighter restrictions they'd face if proposed changes to dog walking rules get the go ahead.
'Inner-city slum': Council ponders fate of Auckland's 'decaying building'
The imposing grey building on Richmond Rd is surrounded by barbed wire and broken beer bottles, and it's windows have all been boarded up - except those smashed out by vandals, homeless people or… Video
Queens Wharf decision sinks Goff's campaign promise - objectors
The Auckland mayor's promise that "not one more metre of the harbour should be infilled for commercial activity" appears dead in the water, with consent granted for the Queens Wharf upgrade.
Growing white supremacy at Auckland university 'utter nonsense'
Students have accused the University of Auckland's vice chancellor of trivialising their concerns about white supremacists on campus after he said the claims were "utter nonsense".
Tensions remain as gun club members look at application to resume firing
A bitter standoff between a gun club and its neighbours could continue for a long time yet, with members considering how they can keep shooting despite a court order to stop.
Gun club president resigns after closure order and residents' fears
A shooting club north of Auckland has shut it doors and its president has stepped down after it was ordered to stop operating from its site at 287 Tuhirangi Road.
Remembering actor and activist Anzac Wallace
Acclaimed actor Anzac Wallace is being remembered not only for his groundbreaking film roles but as a community activist and leader.
Gun law reform: Heated discussions at select committee
Emotions ran high at a select committee seeking to change NZ's gun laws today, with opponents taking aim at the speed of the bill through Parliament, while supporters say it can't come soon enough. Audio
Jones denies conflict in Semenoff court case comments
Shane Jones is defending claims that comments he made about a court case against a Northland trucking company amounted to a conflict of interest.
Child poverty a 'recurring and inescapable challenge'
The Poverty Reduction Bill was lauded as groundbreaking legislation, but what inroads have been made to help the 100,000 children living in poverty? Matthew Theunissen reports.
Hate speech: Law change should consider protecting religious groups
The Human Rights Commission wants the government to consider changing the law to protect religious groups against hate speech.
Turkey tries to ease fears of tension toward NZers
The Turkish Embassy in Wellington has moved to quash fears after the country's president said New Zealanders who went to Turkey with anti-Muslim views would be sent home in coffins.
Mosque shooting survivor: 'I saw everything there but I couldn't help'
Mohammed Afroz saw hideous scenes of violence and pain as he fled the Al Noor mosque, and while he was injured in the panic, two of his flatmates never came home. Audio
Terror attack aftermath: Bodies of victims laid to rest today
Supporters arrive from outside of the region
'I didn't save them. Allah, God, saved them'
A man at the Linwood mosque in Christchurch may have saved dozens of lives on Friday when he hurled an Eftpos machine at the alleged killer then picked up a gun and confronted him.
The PM's role: Bringing the 'message of love and support and grief'
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spent the day yesterday offering comfort to the grieving relatives of the 49 people killed, and reassurance to the shellshocked city of Christchurch. Video
Collins grills minister over KiwiBuild underwrite guarantees
National Party MP Judith Collins has produced further examples of homes she claims were already under construction when they were brought into the KiwiBuild programme.
Cullen will only bill for four days in Feb, Mar
Sir Michael Cullen is assuring taxpayers he expects to invoice for no more than two days this month for his fee of $1000 for a six-hour day.