Stories by Nick James
News
Upper Hutt mayor whips Wellington Water for failures
It wasn't just the mayor, either - other council leaders aired their problems with its deep-seated cultural issues. Audio
Report scathing about Wellington Water's $51-million error
Independent report scathing about Wellington Water's dysfunctional culture and $51-million error.
Transport Agency's $1.3m consultant spend for Wellington projects
Staff working on a second Mt Victoria Tunnel and the Basin Reserve upgrade were paid $175,000 - but consultants were paid nearly $1.3 million.
Corroding sewerage pipe could collapse part of SH2
The pipe has been given the highest possible risk rating due to the likelihood of "significant structural failures".
Wellington's leakiest suburbs revealed
Wainuiomata is the leakiest suburb in the Wellington region, new data from Wellington Water has revealed.
Govt could use PPPs to build Defence infrastructure
Using private sector financing would be contingent on companies meeting "rigorous security requirements", associate defence minister says.
First two major exhibitions at $180m convention centre fall short of targets
New documents reveal the two first major exhibitions at Tākina in Wellington have either failed to break even or reach their target visitor numbers.
No funding for $200 million worth of planned upgrades at Ōhakea air force base
Two hundred million dollars' worth of upgrades for the Ōhakea air force base which include building new accommodation for staff have been put on ice due to budget constraints.
Multiple rail safety incidents reported to transport watchdog
Nine incidents similar to one which saw workers nearly hit by a train have been reported to the Transport Investigation Commission since it put rail safety on its watchlist.
Aratere had steering overhaul three weeks before grounding
The Interislander ferry only recently underwent wet dock maintenance, which included the replacement of its steering system.
Transport Minister raised alarm over ferry maintenance
The government was "highly unimpressed" with KiwiRail's ferry maintenance standards, Simeon Brown said earlier this week.
Centre at centre of 'rebirth of Wellington' falls short on revenue
Wellington's $180 million Takina convention centre is not achieving the targets set out in its business case.
Tiny home enthusiasts back rule change on granny flats
Excitement is building among tiny home fans and builders ahead of an overhaul of the rules.
Broken pipe sends raw sewage into Wellington Harbour
Wellington Water believes there is a high likelihood raw sewage has leaked into harbour due to a broken pipe.
MPI looks into deadly virus posing increasing threat to NZ
The Ministry of Primary Industries is set to conduct research into a deadly virus that could be an increasing threat to New Zealand because of climate change.
Concerns funding slash might mean fewer bus drivers
The government has slashed $47 million in funding that would have aimed to improve bus drivers' conditions over the next three years.
Wellington councillors agree to more transport planning around CBD
Wellington councillors won't be putting the Golden Mile project on hold, but they have committed to more transport planning for the central business district.
What does a 'catastrophic' climate future look like for Wellington?
The risk of landslides to thousand of buildings, railways and roads are laid out in a new report.
'Appalling' train service only on time 23 percent of trips
New Metlink data shows trains are arriving at stations punctually less than a quarter of the time.
Kāinga Ora programme spends $86m on three pieces of land
The sites include a 95-hectare Tauranga farm and a site on Wellington's busy Adelaide Road.
Native skinks cause cost blowout for town's sewage tank
Moving a native population of northern grass skinks has contributed to the doubling of the cost of a Porirua sewage tank.
Nearly 1300 homes on hold amid government review
Newly released documents show building has been paused on 690 KiwiBuild homes and 593 market homes.
Has anything changed since the Loafers Lodge fire?
The hostel fire that killed five people a year ago today changed other residents' lives and prompted government rethinks.
Why the Defence Force has been calling for a Budget boost
Failing accommodation, tarmac problems and a deteriorating naval base were all laid bare before a $571 million spend-up was unveiled today.
KiwiRail ferry, port projects wouldn't have broken even - even after 2050
The Transport Ministry has questioned whether KiwiRail is capable of continuing to run the service.