Stories by Felix Walton
News
Whakaari trial: 'You cannot mend a mother's broken heart'
Victims of the Whakaari / White Island disaster returned to the Auckland District Court to confront the five tourism companies found guilty in last year's trial.
Pain of son's death at Whakaari 'never goes away'
Family of 23-year-old tour guide Tipene Maangi broke down in tears as they spoke in court.
'An absolute joke': The Auckland Sotp sign
A spelling mistake at a bus stop has been driving locals round the bend.
Whakaari White Island: WorkSafe may have cast its net too wide, legal expert says
A legal expert says "complacency" within WorkSafe prevented the agency from achieving a better result during the Whakaari/White Island trial.
Aucklanders have their say on the scrapped fuel tax
Aucklanders will soon be saving more money at the petrol pump, but they're wondering at what cost.
'They put me in prison, basically locked in a cell for 23 hours a day'
Former prisoners described verbal abuse and poor treatment within Intervention and Support Units, which are often used to house mentally ill prisoners.
Banned in advertising, vape and tobacco companies turn to social media
A University of Auckland study found children between 14 and 17 - especially Māori and Pasifika teens - were more likely to see vaping ads than those aged 18 to 20.
Advocates push back as wealthy suburb blames Kāinga Ora block for crime
Businesses say they've traced 40 incidents back to nearby apartments.
KiwiSaver financial hardship withdrawals rise yet again
The overall number of early withdrawals has also jumped significantly in the past year, from 17,900 in 2022 to 29,530 in 2023. Audio
Winston Peters: NZ Racing needs to get its 'mojo' back
The Minister for Racing spoke as the TAB and NZ Thoroughbred Racing boosted stakes for the 2024-2025 season.
Impact of streaming services on local productions 'significant and so damaging'
New Zealand's TV and film producers have joined an international call to action against streaming services.
Psychiatric care increasingly defaulted to prisons - former public health leader
The conditions faced by mentally ill prisoners are comparable to the notorious Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital, a former public health leader says.
'Astounding' heat for two months in near-record year
2023 was one of NZ's hottest on record, but far from the wettest, while Whakatāne and Nelson have lost their crown as the country's sunniest spots.
'It took out a wheel': Calls to fix SH1 potholes 'pronto'
Vik Olliver was going 100km/h on State Highway 1 when he hit a hole that left him with a $4000 bill. He's not alone. Audio
One of our few native frogs could disappear in decades
The Hochstetter's frog is suffering through a dry summer and could disappear over the next several decades.
Scientists brave rough seas to hunt out albatross killer
Two scientists are camped out on a remote island far south of New Zealand on the hunt for what's killing off the native albatrosses that breed there.
Elderly urged to make an effort to make friends, stave off loneliness
The aged care commissioner is urging elderly New Zealanders to get out and about this summer.
'Countless hours to make this day special' for struggling Aucklanders
Music and laughter could be heard throughout City Mission's Hobson Street complex as hundreds of homeless and low-income Aucklanders enjoyed a Christmas meal.
Desperate stores starting Boxing Day sales early
Tighter budgets mean lighter stockings as consumers get more picky with their holiday shopping.
City Mission, partners provide 8000 food parcels, 40,000 gifts for Christmas
Inflation has volunteers packing food parcels and presents for families in need worrying about the cost of giving.
Hopes new interactive art installation will refresh 'dangerous space'
Auckland's infamous Myers Park has received an $11 million facelift.
Cost of living crisis hits Christmas festivities: 'There'll be less under the tree'
A new survey by Westpac shows 44 percent of New Zealanders plan to spend less over the holidays.
Community in shock after car rams into people lending aid
Half Moon Bay residents are in shock after a car drove into a bus stop and injured several people in East Auckland