Stories by Amy Williams
News
'We can't employ staff to fill the need' - Budgeting services' budgets under pressure
Demand has surged as people seek help to make ends meet amid a worsening cost-of-living crisis, while some advisors worry they will have to reduce staff.
1179 households in Auckland need housing after flooding, 23 cabins have arrived
More than two months after the city's anniversary weekend flooding, a fleet of portable cabins has arrived in Auckland to house people who were displaced.
Cyclone-affected homes may need to be rebuilt off the ground
Insurance premiums will not be the only thing going sky-high after recent flooding - those wanting to rebuild homes may face their ground floor being up a staircase.
Millane's killer loses appeal against convictions for sexual attacks on two other women
The man serving a life sentence for murdering British backpacker Grace Millane has lost appeals against convictions and sentences for sexual attacks on two other women.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited sets out $40m event earnings as budget cuts loom
Auckland's cash strapped economic development agency has laid out exactly how much recent events are worth to the region.
'More anxious by the day': Cyclone victims on tenterhooks over insurer's slow response
A Gisborne couple say they can only stay with people for so long and all they want to do is go home.
Cyclone-hit homeowners' cash payouts likely to fall short of full rebuild costs, lawyer warns
An insurance expert is warning flood and cyclone-hit homeowners with claims for write-offs are likely to get cash payouts that won't fully cover their rebuild costs.
Auckland man who planned violent attack on non-Muslims jailed for two years
A man who planned a violent attack targeting non-Muslims, after becoming radicalised online, has been sentenced to two years and five months in prison.
Owners of badly damaged homes can expect insurance write-off - Tower
A big insurance company says owners of cyclone-hit homes that were flooded in metres of water and contaminated silt can expect a write-off.
Insurer says 20,000 homes in New Zealand at risk of severe flooding
The country's largest insurer says 20,000 homes across the country are at severe risk of flooding and it is in talks with government about where flood-damaged houses should be written off for good.
Helpers 'literally taking a load off shoulders' in water crisis
Water is a sought after resource in Gisborne where restrictions mean many on town supply are going without showers, and turning the washing machine on is a distant memory.
The painstaking effort for businesses to stay open in Gisborne's water crisis
Business owners in the cyclone-hit city are desperate to keep their doors open during the water crisis and are resorting to filling buckets and drums to do so.
Gisborne neighbours band together to clear silt and sludge
Cleaning up the flood silt is like scooping up sludgy stinky cow pats, one Gisborne resident says after Cyclone Gabrielle, as he reflects on regrowing his garden.
Auckland flooding: Government still considering longer term options for displaced people
A kitty of portable cabins is on standby to provide a roof over the head for people displaced in Auckland's flooding.
Community recovering as emergency leadership fronts Auckland Big Clean Up
School's back in Auckland this week but for hundreds of families and some businesses forced out of homes and buildings due to flooding, it is far from a return to normal.
Financial hardship: 'The banks aren't helping them when they're struggling'
A national helpline for people in financial hardship says it's hearing from those in distress that banks are playing hardball.
Insurance Council says it will take years to process all flooding claims
Insurers are bringing in extra staff from overseas and warning it will be years before all claims are settled for flood damaged homes, cars and contents in Auckland.
Shelter open for Muslim migrants affected by Auckland floods
A pregnant woman who arrived in New Zealand last year is among those left homeless and distressed by the Auckland flooding.
'Huge question mark' over Marokopa children missing with dad
Three children missing with their father for a year may be feeling anxious about being isolated from other family members for so long, a clinical psychologist says.
'Things are really tight for people' - Cost of living pressures dial up demand for food parcels
City missions across the country say people who have jobs but can't afford their ongoing costs are increasingly turning up for help.
Dwindling number of wealthy foreign investors applying for residency
Only three wealthy foreign investors have applied for residency since the government overhauled the rules last spring and they are in limbo.
Auckland Council asked to review sale of its share in retirement units
Elderly owners of retirement flats in Auckland have asked local boards to step in and stall the Auckland Council selling its share in the units.
Crown to appeal 501 rights decision that may 'open floodgates for others'
The Crown is appealing a High Court decision that a 501 deportee from Australia had human rights breached. Meanwhile, an advocate for deportees says she's had an influx of queries after the decision.
Cost of giving brings discord to Twelve Days of Christmas
The cost of putting on a Christmas spread and buying gifts for your true love has soared in recent years thanks to inflation.
Lymphoedema therapy could be offered elsewhere due to lack of services
More patients with the chronic condition lymphoedema could be "offered the opportunity" to be treated at a hospital outside their district or privately, due to a lack of services in every region.