Stories by Tom Furley
News
Akl houses worth millions, but owners don't feel rich
Auckland home owners don't feel like millionaires despite the average home value topping seven figures for the first time. Video
Hundreds of teachers protest proposed funding changes
More than 1300 Auckland teaching staff have voiced their concerns about proposed funding changes to the education sector. Audio
Complaints about disaster app following quake
Red Cross says it will talk to civil defence branches after people complained they were not given enough information through their disaster app.
Lawyer warns of steel mesh insurance changes
The insurance industry could move to avoid paying out for substandard steel mesh being used in homes, a lawyer has warned homeowners.
Goff promises push for council staff living wage
Moves to get Auckland Council staff on to the living wage have been reopened with mayoral hopeful Phil Goff pledging he'll give it a shot.
Police attending break-ins won't help catch burglars - criminologist
Police attending all home break-ins won't lead to more burglars being caught, a criminologist is warning.
Sikh council candidate's billboard defaced
The first Sikh to run for a place on Hamilton's city council has had his billboard defaced with the name of the terrorist group ISIS in black paint.
Construction firms struggle to find workers
The building industry is battling with labour shortages but is yet to ask the government to let in more foreign workers.
NZ has 'big appetite' for illegal drugs
Drug addicts paying top dollar means New Zealand's illegal drug market is being targeted by international crime networks, the Customs Minister says.
Rare McCahon tipped to top $1m at auction
A rare and valuable painting by Colin McCahon could sell for a record price when it goes up for auction next month.
Unitary Plan votes continue at council meetings
Auckland Council is moving along with its decisions on the city's Unitary Plan, having already rejected some of the Independent Panel's proposals.
New drink drive rules 'will cost jobs'
Lumping first-time offenders in with repeat drink drivers who have to use alcohol interlocks could be too harsh, says a lawyer who specialises in traffic law.
Hundreds of Katikati locals demand bypass
Katikati residents booed transport officials at a public meeting about the dangerous state highway running through the town, near where five men were killed this week. Audio
Health professionals welcome spinal injury register
A new, lifetime register of New Zealanders with spinal injuries will help improve care for patients, health professionals say.
Church saved after massive fundraising effort
A million-dollar fundraising effort looks to have saved an old inner-city church which a year ago was being considered for demolition.
Fewer houses to be built in Auckland than predicted
The Housing Minister has confirmed Auckland's predicted housing boom won't be as big as previously thought.
Use old prison to meet housing demand, Auckland iwi leader says
Using a 140-year-old former jail for emergency housing has been dismissed by some, but campaigners say rejuvenating old buildings has merit. Audio
Building industry 'screaming out' for more tradies
The building industry is struggling to recruit apprentices, and parents discouraging their children from entering trades isn't helping, industry leaders say. Audio
Booze culture changing at Northland rugby clubs
Northland rugby clubs insist clubroom drinking culture has changed - despite the deaths of two men who'd been drinking and smoking cannabis before they got in a car.
Brexit: NZ beef-up, or sacrificial lamb?
Brexit - New Zealand exporters are closely watching the next moves by the UK and the EU to ensure they can keep the same access to the two markets.
'More prosecutions likely' over IS material
NZ's first prosecutions for owning and distributing violent IS propaganda won't be the last, a terrorism expert has warned.
Huge Auckland tunnel nears completion
Paving the roads in the country's largest road tunnels is nearing completion with work on Auckland's Waterview Connection on track to finish next year.
May breaks temperature records
The latest climate figures show New Zealand has just recorded the warmest May on record.
Housing solutions come down to 'political will'
Solving Auckland's housing problem is a matter of leadership and political will, a meeting on the North Shore has been told.
Man who used fake uni degrees jailed
A man who bought university degrees and used them to get a job at the Financial Markets Authority has been sent to prison.