Stories by Jessie Chiang
Dramatic rise in Asians seeking mental health support
The number of Asians in Auckland seeking help for mental health in the last five years has risen dramatically with one district health board reporting an 82 percent increase in cases.
Plunket helping to send love and connect communities
Plunket playgroups across the country are joining a grassroots initiative that aims to send handmade Christmas cards to people who are alone during the holiday season.
Whakatāne responds to a tragedy
Whakatāne locals say the community has been hit hard by the tragedy at Whakaari / White Island - many have a personal connection to people involved
Samoa measles outbreak: 'There is no certainty when this will stop'
Christmas has turned into a time of mourning and pain for Auckland's Samoan community, as those back home battle with a measles epidemic.
Gun buy-back data breach prompts calls to lift vigilance
Government agencies and police have been told to lift their game in protecting personal details after a breach in the gun buyback scheme allowed names and addresses to be viewed. Audio
Heritage Auckland building where 'lovely concerts were held' demolished
Heartbroken supporters of a heritage church building in west Auckland watched as it was demolished today. Built in 1928, it is one of the oldest heritage buildings in the area. Video
National could take new Flat Bush electorate - academics
A proposed new electorate in South Auckland has been tipped by academics to favour National.
Scams targeting Pasifika people on the rise - community leaders
Pasifika community leaders in Auckland are warning about a rise in scams and are urging people not to be ashamed to speak up.
New arranged marriage visa gives expat hope of living with wife
An Indian man who has made New Zealand home hopes his wife can join him, after changes to immigration laws.
New abuse inquiry chair: 'She needs to understand she's dealing with survivors'
Survivors of abuse in state and church care are split over the appointment of Judge Coral Shaw as the new chair of the Royal Commission.
Auckland alcohol licensing trusts guilty of misleading public
West Auckland's alcohol licensing trusts have been found guilty of misleading the public in claiming that 47 percent of profits were given back to the community.
Tenant in new $28m social housing block: 'It's a dream come true'
A tenant moving into a brand new Auckland social housing complex says it's a dream come true to have a place of her own after previously being homeless.
Drug syndicate 'leader' had $215k in apartment when arrested
Two men described as leaders of a drug syndicate smuggling methamphetamine from California have been given lengthy prison terms.
Calls for Korean mental health resources
Korean mental health workers are calling for more resources in their communities in New Zealand, especially when the cultural norm is to turn to alcohol instead of counselling.
SkyCity evacuation: Staff initially told they had to use annual leave
A SkyCity worker says he was outraged when staff were initially told yesterday they had to take annual leave if they wanted to go home as the nearby international convention centre burned.
AT votes to lower speed limits on many Auckland roads
Auckland Transport has voted to implement a bylaw which will lower speed limits on many Auckland roads. Audio
Who will snag top prize at the great NZ sausage competition?
With summer right around the corner, it's time to whip out the barbie and get those sausages cooking. But which banger is the best?
Hundreds more homes to be produced after off-site manufacturer boosts capacity
A $15m revamp of the country's largest off-site home manufacturer opened in Auckland today, which will now be able to pump out 500 new homes a year.
First Person: 'I'm done with the rhetoric' on Japan
First Person - Comments implying Japan's RWC win over Scotland was a fluke or questioning the ethnicity of the players are uncomfortable to say the least, writes Jessie Chiang.
University pastoral care code: 'It's been tragic that it's taken this'
Students say it's tragic that it's taken a death to force a law change to ensure they are looked after properly at university hostels.
Unhappy Spark Sport customers horrified it now has cricket rights
A group of Spark Sport customers already unhappy with its Rugby World Cup coverage is horrified the company has been given the rights for cricket games played at home.
Lack of policy over increasing suicide rates for Asians
A new report shows the number of suicides in the Asian population is growing, but no specific policies exist to try to reduce it.
'We've dropped the ball with about 100 kids' - children's commissioner
A new report into locked in care for youth has found that some children are constantly bullied and many have suicidal thoughts.
Where to for Me Too, conference asks
Two years on from the Harvey Weinstein scandal, women in the film industry are optimistic about change but say there's still an awful lot to be done.
'How can we sit by while our young people are dying?'
South Auckland residents say they won't sit idly by while their young people die and are calling on those running for election to step up, and ensure support services are easy to access.