Stories by Ben Strang

The government's clampdown on firearms and seizures of high-powered semi-automatic weapons has had no impact on a rise in gun crime and violence in New Zealand. Audio

The year-long review identified abuse and intimidatory conduct, and sexist and racist behaviour underlying experiences of bullying within police.

The Ministry of Health says it has more than nine months worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) in stock at current usage rates, or over a month's worth at "high pandemic" use rates.

The government has granted the Covid-19 vaccine suppliers Pfizer and BioNTech indemnity from any claims that may arise from use of the vaccine.

Gay, lesbian or bisexual people are more than twice as likely to suffer from sexual violence or family harm than their heterosexual counterparts. Audio

A mobile speed camera parked between Davies Road and School Road, a 50km/h zone, has issued 18,294 tickets since January 2018, worth $1.135 million.

The government is not considering the introduction of specific hate crime laws, a move that's been called for by the Police Association and justice advocates.

Almost half the hate crimes reported to the police are being wrongly downgraded from a criminal offence, to either "incidents" in which no crime was committed, or to lower level crimes. Audio

America's Cup organisers have offered police four new boats to help them patrol the races on Waitematā harbour.

Half of the breaches between April and June were people who failed to return or were late to return after being granted an exemption to attend a funeral or tangi.

More than 100 doctors have come forward to put their names behind cannabis legalisation, in response to the New Zealand Medical Association's backtracking from opposing the bill to neutrality.

Anti-cannabis campaigners say the minimum age of 20 to use and purchase weed wouldn't stop young people from feeling the harm of legalisation.

The Medical Association has backtracked on its stance opposing the cannabis referendum, and apologised to doctors who feel they were misrepresented.

Some Grey Power members are unhappy with the organisation's stance in opposing cannabis legalisation, but the its president says yes voters within the association's ranks are a tiny minority.

The Medical Association says it did not consult with members before taking its stance opposing cannabis legalisation.

One doctor has quit her membership and others are speaking out because of the New Zealand Medical Association's stance on the cannabis referendum.

Police have outlined plans to address bullying and harassment concerns after a review by consultant Debbie Francis earlier this year.

Opponents to cannabis legalisation say the proposed 14 gram limit would make it easy for addicts to keep up their habit, but supporters say users won't consume it all at once.

Police thought about charging organisers of the Black Lives Matter marches in June because Covid-19 restrictions weren't followed.

Legalising cannabis would not necessarily put more drugged drivers on the road, but roadside drug testing should be in place first, one government adviser says.

About a third of all fatal crashes in New Zealand involve someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but roadside testing has dropped off significantly in recent years.

Those involved in the cannabis business in New Zealand say one of the biggest areas of confusion ahead of the upcoming referendum is the legality, or not, of medicinal cannabis.

Police want greater legislative powers for dealing with terrorism, following laws in place in the United Kingdom. Audio

Police officers issued more speeding fines during the nationwide lockdown than they did during the same period a year before.

Political parties are allowed to spend an extra $30,000 on expenses in the lead up to the new 17 October election date, and over a shorter time period.