Stories by Jonathan Mitchell
News
Veteran support funding sitting idle
Almost a million dollars set aside to help Vietnam war veterans is sitting idle.
PM's Australia delay a symptom of ageing fleet - academic
The embarrassing breakdown of the 757 Air Force plane carrying the Prime Minister back from Australia highlights the need to replace the fleet, a Defence academic says.
$600,000 spent in just weeks on response to Christchurch terror attacks
The Defence Force spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in the weeks after the Christchurch mosque attacks.
Chinese military watch as NZ engages in war games
New Zealand troops are participating in military war games off the coast of Australia.
'Run-down' Defence estate at a crossroads - Minister
The government has announced a major $2.1 billion investment in the Defence Force's old land, buildings and infrastructure.
Wellington council asks public for help as bus network woes continue
A year after a revamp of Wellington's bus network threw routes and services into disarray, the regional council is consulting with the public to try and fix it.
Councils call on government to ban private fireworks
Local government leaders are calling for a ban on the sale of fireworks for private use.
NZ 'resets relationship' with China - defence expert
A defence expert says New Zealand's relationship with China has been "reset" after Ron Mark's first overseas trip there.
Calls for more ethnic, gender diversity in Defence Force
The Defence Force is aiming to attract a more diverse range of people as current numbers suggest a large proportion still identify as New Zealand European.
Defence minister says all-terrain vehicles approved
It's out with the old and in with the new for some of the military's vehicle fleet.
Blue Smoke: Warm memories of NZ's first pop hit 70 years on
New Zealand's first-ever pop song, Blue Smoke, is being remembered 70 years on since its creation.
Defence force staff stood down for inappropriate behaviour in front of students
The incident was referred to the top of the Defence Force and the Education Ministry - and even Defence Minister Ron Mark - before three staff were stood down.
Canterbury's nitrate problem: 'Let's start reducing now - somehow'
People in rural Canterbury agree more needs to be done to stop nitrates leaching into drinking water, however there's mixed views on whether research is the answer.
Defence Force's $1b spend unnecessary - Greens
The centrepiece of the Defence Force's new $20 billion upgrade is being labelled as unnecessary. Audio
'I name this ship, Her Majesty's New Zealand ship, Manawanui'
With the breaking of a wine bottle and an official word from the prime minister, the country's newest military vessel has been officially commissioned.
Operation Burnham minute shows inquiry willing to travel to Afghanistan
Afghan villagers at the centre of the Operation Burnham Inquiry may finally get a chance to have their voices heard in person.
Bus company reviews social media policies after 'cycle wanker' comment
Bus company Tranzurban is reviewing its social media policies after a blunder earlier this week when a senior manager criticised cyclists.
Rainbow Tick more than just window dressing - manager
The Rainbow Tick initiative is defending itself, saying the ticks are not just marketing or window dressing.
Cyclists outraged by Tranzurban manager's 'wanker' post
Wellington cyclists are outraged at a senior Tranzurban bus manager after a controversial social media post mocking bikers.
Defence Force warns of ongoing cost of old planes
It's costing the Defence Force $2.3 billion to replace old Orion planes, and an announcement on what will replace the Hercules is expected soon.
Defence Force did not obey Rules of Engagement, Hager says
Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has told an inquiry the military breached the Rules of Engagement in Afghanistan.
A special reunion for Gallipoli war veteran's family
Family of World War One veteran, who died 100 years ago, find his final resting place.
Petition for better disability access gains momentum
Hundreds are backing a petition asking parliament to improve the process for housing modifications for disabled people. Audio
Disabled man battles modification delays: 'The bureaucracy is unbelievable'
Disabled people are frustrated at waiting months to have essential home modifications done, and one of them has started a petition asking the health minister to intervene.
'Brutalised inside and then I had to live with that shame'
Two sexual abuse survivors from Burnham Military Camp near Christchurch have spoken publicly about the horrors they endured.