Stories by Jean Edwards
News
Sarah Pallett, Hamish Campbell and Raf Manji vye for Ilam's vote
Ilam's candidates are out campaigning for the public's vote, an electorate with a split voter base.
Gloriavale plaintiffs left with 'deep scars', worked under 'punishing conditions', judge says
Long read - Raised to be meek and submissive in a world dominated by men, six former Gloriavale women have won an extraordinary legal victory they say vindicates their claims of labour exploitation.
Work 'unrelenting, hard': Court finds former Gloriavale women were employees
Six former Gloriavale women were employees working extremely hard under punishing conditions for years on end at the Christian community, in an experience that has left deep scars, the Employment…
Prominent South Island man charged with sexual offending against six girls
A prominent South Island man has been charged with sexual offending against six girls over a period of more than 20 years.
Donation-based shuttle takes Ōamaru patients to Dunedin Hospital
An Oamaru business is running donation-based shuttle rides to Dunedin for cash-strapped patients struggling to get to hospital appointments.
Compost stench sickens children, council hears
Children living with the stench of the Christchurch compost plant are suffering sore stomachs, chest infections and asthma, city councillors have heard.
Former Gloriavale dairy farm manager sentenced for beating two boys
A judge has told former Gloriavale dairy farm manager John Ready he has "spent enough of his life in chains" in sentencing him to community detention for beating two 11-year-old boys.
'We feel confident': Christchurch on track to be destination - not just South Island gateway
Christchurch tourism chiefs are predicting bumper winter and summer seasons as the city re-establishes itself as a key travel destination.
BNZ accused of relying on Wikipedia during attempt to close Gloriavale accounts
BNZ cannot justify terminating its banking relationship with the Gloriavale Christian community as a result of a landmark child labour ruling, the High Court has heard.
Beckenridge disappearance: Clothes found washed up with names written on
Mike Beckenridge's name was written on labels of clothing that washed up near Southland's Curio Bay following the disappearance of the 11-year-old and his stepfather John Beckenridge, a coroner has…
'It's torture, it's driving me crazy' - Bromley residents fed up with compost stench
Locals say they are being tortured by a worsening stench from Christchurch's compost plant, on top of that from a burnt-out wastewater facility.
'I let him know what they'd done had killed him' - Trial continues in teen's killing
The host of a birthday party has broken down in tears describing how she comforted Christchurch teenager Connor Whitehead in his final moments after he was shot, reassuring him he would be okay.
Connor Whitehead trial: Boy killed after teen asked for help to scare off gang members at party, court told
Two men are standing trial, accused of murdering 16-year-old Connor Whitehead when they arrived at an out-of-control party with guns in November 2021.
Struggling families 'stuck' using buy now pay later for essentials
With figures showing 10 percent of accounts are debt, budget advisors are alarmed at the number of struggling families using the schemes to pay for basic needs.
Inflation may have peaked but cost of living will bite longer, economists say
New Zealand is probably over the worst of its bout of inflation but will have to endure cost of living pain for some time to come, economists say.
Helicopter pilot in near-fatal crash probably mistook sea fog for cloud
Four years after the crew's extraordinary ordeal, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission has delivered the findings of its investigation into the crash.
Food cost hike: 'I'm a solo mum with two kids and I struggle'
Cash-strapped shoppers are giving up on buying fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, while parents struggle to afford healthy food to fill kindergarten and school lunchboxes.
Trial of US officers charged with death of Christchurch-born man to go ahead
The family of a Christchurch-born man shot dead by US police is pleased two officers charged over his killing will face trial after a Colorado judge threw out their bid to have the case dismissed.
Gloriavale women trapped in 'misogynist' community, Employment Court hears
Gloriavale women were entrapped, enslaved and lived in servitude at the "misogynist" Christian community, the Employment Court has heard.
Employment Court hears closing submissions in 'precedent-setting' Gloriavale case
Gloriavale's communal religious society is not a sham and there is no capitalist labour market hidden within the Christian community, the Employment Court has heard.
Gloriavale accused of misleading plaintiffs in employment case
The Christian community appeared with a lawyer for closing submissions, despite previously saying they could no longer afford a legal team.
Surgery delays leave woman surviving on intravenous feeding for a year
The Christchurch woman has put up with intravenous feeding and two ostomy bags for a year and still has no idea when she will be able to have surgery.
Gloriavale employment case: Granddaughter not convinced Hopeful Christian a sex abuser
A granddaughter of Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian has told a court abuse has never been accepted in the community's culture.
Leader defends Gloriavale founder despite his crimes - 'Hopeful was a tool God used'
Gloriavale founder and convicted sex offender Hopeful Christian was a sinner but was used by God to bring about change, a senior community leader says.
Crown knew details of Hopeful Christian's crimes in mid-90s - lawyer
The Crown had detailed knowledge of Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian's crimes in the mid-1990s but "dropped the ball" by failing to help the community deal with sexual abuse, the Employment Court…