Stories by Melanie Earley
News
Police officer 'justified' in twice pepper spraying man during Far North brawl, IPCA finds
A police watchdog has found an officer was justified in pepper spraying a man twice during a large fight involving around 80 people outside a Far North pub.
'Assaulted, abused, intimidated' - Frustrated residents vent at police minister
Mark Mitchell admits there is a "big problem" in central Auckland as residents and businesses call for help. Audio
New housing in Auckland stalled by wastewater upgrades
While Auckland Council is still issuing resource consents to developers in Warkworth, no wastewater connections can be made to properties south of the river until next year.
Smith & Caughey's closure 'a sign of the times'
The Queen Street store was quiet on Friday morning, opening its doors for the first time since news it plans to close for good.
Whānau of man who died in freak accident want to raise awareness of risks
Whānau of a young man killed in a freak accident at Auckland's Viaduct Basin want the public to be aware of the risks of sitting on barriers and railings in the area.
TVNZ Employment Court ruling expected later this week
Chief Judge Christina Inglis says her decision on the case will be made before the start of June.
Fatal Hillpark house fire started in chimney, no smoke alarms found
Kiwa Ropitini-Fairburn, 25, and Tony Marsters, 24, died in the blaze on Freshney Place earlier this month.
Woman pleads guilty to manslaughter over death of newborn son
An Auckland woman has pleaded guilty to manslaughter following the death of her four-week-old son.
Suitcase murders: Trial date set for mother accused of killing children
A woman accused of murdering her two children and hiding their remains in suitcases will go on trial next year.
Man who killed Tom Coombes detained in psychiatric facility
The man who killed an Auckland student in a "vicious and frenzied" knife attack will be detained in a psychiatric facility.
Notifying ambulance of fatal fire delayed due to system outage
Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes, but could not get in touch with ambulance staff through their usual internal system.
'Beautiful soul': Best friends killed in Auckland house fire
Whānau of the men killed in an Auckland house fire say the pair were best friends "joined at the hip".
Mason Clinic patients wait 50 days for a bed
An average wait of 50 days for a bed at Auckland's forensic psychiatric service the Mason Clinic, means many patients are held in prison.
Woman seeks $30k refund from builder as garage sits unfinished
"I think he's blocked me": Roshni Devi says a builder has left her in the lurch with an unfinished job and poorly done flooring.
Suitcase murders: Trial adjourned, trial date to be set
The trial for a woman accused of murdering her two children and hiding their remains in suitcases will not go ahead this week.
The real cost of the school ball experience
With tickets going for more than $300 a pop in some cases, a parent says balls are being "Americanised through TV, movies and social media".
Laura Fergusson Trust vows to rebuild spinal rehab centre
The Trust's new board says there is a "desperate need" for the Auckland centre, which caters to people with spinal cord and brain injuries.
'Lucky to be alive': Mum, daughter injured at car racing event
Moments before a car collided with the barrier they were standing behind, Anita Rossiter's boyfriend joked about a crash happening.
'Highly respected' tramper missing for two weeks
Judy Donovan, 79, has not been seen since becoming separated from her group.
Friends of Kiwi who died in Australia trying to bring body home
A friend of Danielle Whittaker says she was "larger than life" and would want her body returned to New Zealand.
NZer dies while celebrating 40th birthday in Gold Coast
A New Zealand woman has died on Australia's Gold Coast following a suspected overdose during celebrations for her 40th birthday.
Port of Auckland workers protest mayor's long-term lease proposal
Workers gathered on the streets outside Auckland Town Hall to oppose the ports being leased out by the council.
TVNZ staff rally against proposed cuts: 'Implications are very concerning'
Sunday, Fair Go, Midday and Tonight are facing cuts along with up to 68 jobs, TVNZ announced earlier this month.
Auckland's Wynyard crossing bridge closure causing strife for businesses
The bridge is stuck in the up position, after closing to the public in January due to several faults and it's unclear when it will reopen.