Stories by Ruth Hill

While life has largely returned to normal for many in New Zealand, the worst may be yet to come in terms of business failures and job losses in many sectors.

The government is pouring billions of dollars into supporting businesses but retailers in the capital say if government employees do not return to the CBD, their outlook is grim.

While the government is pouring money into Covid-19 recovery for businesses, government departments being criticised for keeping staff at home.

Staff on casual contracts at Massey University's science faculties have had their jobs axed with immediate effect as the institution desperately tries to cut costs.

The country's beleaguered aviation watchdog - still reeling from a scathing report on its dysfunctional internal culture - is also under financial pressure.

A damning ministerial review into the Civil Aviation Authority released today reveals a toxic culture of bullying and harassment.

Humphrey Hanley has not let a lack of fingers hold him back from becoming a professional online gamer with a global following.

Wellington company Weta Digital is one of the few major visual effects facilities around the world to remain open, with Covid-19 hitting the industry hard overseas.

An elderly woman had her phone line and internet disconnected by Vodafone during lockdown because of an overdue account - caused by the the company's own admin bungle.

People with sexually transmitted infections are delaying seeking help, which is leading to serious complications in some cases.

Nurses warn conflicting approaches to dealing with Covid-19 between district health boards and even within hospitals are putting health workers' safety at risk.

First Person - Caring for a person in a critical condition with Covid-19 is a high-stress situation that requires the right equipment and training. RNZ's Ruth Hill investigates. Video

New Zealanders could be facing up to 18 months of social isolation if Covid-19 takes hold in this country.

Hundreds of forestry workers who have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 outbreak are being offered work in the horticulture sector, which is desperate for labour.

Legal experts warn that changing the law to outlaw the "rough sex" defence used in the Grace Millane murder trial would undermine a basic principle of justice.

Many people have been spending their summer house-hunting, with rental enquiries on TradeMe up 17 percent in December compared with the same time last year.

Guns, knives, cans of petrol and fireworks are just some of the contraband items regularly picked up by aviation security. They also get a "mountain of butter and Marmite".

Nurses, teachers and other middle class professionals are increasingly unable to buy homes in the cities where they work, with every housing market in the country now rated "severely unaffordable".

Bowel cancer patients in Southland have suffered unacceptable waits of months - and even years in some cases - to get diagnosed because of major failures at the DHB.

One in four classroom carpets is harbouring high enough levels of cat dander (skin flecks) to trigger allergic reactions, according to new research.

A massive clear out of top NZTA management occurred under the watch of chairperson Michael Stiassny, who is quitting early, says Transport Forum head Nick Leggett.

Lower speed limits and higher penalties for using a cellphone while driving are being considered as part of a major overhaul of road safety this year.

Wendy Faulkner has complained to the United Nations that New Zealand is denying her the right to challenge DOC's higher hut fees for non-citizens.

Efforts within New Zealand to lobby against the killing of Minke whales seem ironic while the country's own endangered dolphins still face risks, a leading marine mammal researcher says.

A bull has been killed after dislocating its leg in a rodeo in Gisborne yesterday.