Stories by Laura Tupou
News
Auckland's $1.4b motorway project opens
After five years of construction, Auckland's $1.4 billion tunnel project connecting the southwestern and northwestern motorways is officially open.
Support worker shocked at shower over toilet in $370-a-week unit
A man moving into an emergency housing unit in west Auckland was "gobsmacked" to find its shower was fitted over the toilet.
Auckland Council spends $15k on Pacific leaders lunch
An Auckland councillor is demanding answers over why $15,000 was spent on an invitation-only lunch for 58 leaders.
Investigator's report into Auckland dental contamination scare released
The Auckland Regional Dental Service still does not know who incorrectly connected a pipe, potentially exposing children to infectious diseases.
Tongan families contribute to new youth suicide resource
A group of Tongan families left devastated by teenage suicide have helped to develop a guide they hope will aid others in their community.
Vandals smash South Auckland shop fronts
A group of vandals has smashed three shop fronts in an early morning rampage in the Auckland suburb of Mangere Bridge. Audio
State schools told to stop asking for out-of-zone donations
All state schools must stop asking for donations from families applying for out-of-zone places, the Ministry of Education says.
Gloriavale school pulled from scholarship list
The Ministry of Education has pulled the isolated religious community's school from a private school scholarship list, saying it was a mistake to include it.
Pacific youth plead for better mental health support
Mental health among young Pacific people needs urgent attention from the government, youth parliament representatives say.
Netflix show prompts parents to discuss suicide prevention
Parents, teachers and social workers have met to seek advice on how to deal with the topic of suicide following the release of controversial Netflix show 13 Reasons Why.
Parliament a voice for Pacific young people
A hundred Pacific young people will get the chance to discuss problems they face and find solutions when the Pacific Youth Parliament session begins today.
Call to boost Māori wardens, not police, in Northland
Kaitaia needs more local Māori wardens and Māori Women's Welfare League, not a 24/7 police base, the head of a Northland Trust says.
Family shocked to learn of typhoid death
Distraught family members of a woman who died of typhoid say they found out from the media she had the disease. Audio
Human Rights Commission told it lacks 'cultural awareness'
The Human Rights Commission is being accused of being ignorant and offensive in its attempts to get more Pacific Island people to complain about racial discrimination.
Kiwi return to Hunua Ranges for first time in 50 years
Five kiwi have been released into Auckland's Hunua Ranges now that the area is largely predator-free - the first time they've been there in 50 years.
NZ children in Australia 'anxious' as Cyclone Debbie approaches
A New Zealand couple and their young children in Townsville have tied everything down and taped their windows as they brace for the storm. Video
Should Pasifika Fest move to South Auckland?
An Auckland councillor wants the Pasifika Festival held in the heart of the Pacific community, rather than the central city.
Taupo fire survivors: 'They've got no clothes'
A small community near Taupo - where a house fire killed a mother, her baby and a man - have set up a home for the two survivors.
Girls united by tragedy give road safety message
Three Auckland girls who lost cousins in car crashes are raising awareness about road safety in their Niuean tongue.
Auckland iwi appeals Crown land sale
Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Trust will appeal a High Court judgement that upheld a decision for two other iwi to purchase Crown land in Auckland as part of their treaty settlements.
Schools struggle to keep pools afloat
About 156 New Zealand school pools closed in the last five years - and 130 more are at risk, Water Safety says. Audio
Were bright lights meteors or space junk?
Experts are stumped as to what the bright lights seen in the sky last night could have been.
Indian students hope to return to NZ after deportation
A group of students who are on the verge of being deported say they will continue to fight their case once they're back in India. Video
Hundreds farewell All Black Sione Lauaki
Former All Black, brother, son and father Sione Lauaki has been farewelled by about 1500 people at Unlimited Church in West Auckland today.
Police shooters to have compulsory blood tests
Any police officer who shoots a firearm will now be subject to mandatory blood testing, a move the Police Association says is 'invasive'.