Stories by Niva Chittock
News
Coroner finds four self-inflicted deaths linked to Canadian man
Four New Zealanders have died after buying packages online from murder-accused Kenneth Law.
Rarest whale in the world found by Dunedin man sat on couch, having a cup of tea
A breakthrough in the study of the world's rarest whale was found by a Dunedin man having a cup of tea on his couch.
ECan chair formally warned after his own claims of 'operating illegally'
However, Peter Scott has been cleared to return to the role, following an independent investigation.
Religious order accused of holding prolonged exorcisms asked to leave diocese
Allegations include kids being told they were possessed by Satan and lengthy exorcisms performed on people without medical examination.
Extremely rare whale washes ashore in Otago
The beaked specimen found near Taieri Mouth is thought to be a spade-toothed whale.
Christchurch's sewer systems block further housing developments
Parts of Christchurch are off-limits for further housing development because the sewage system is full.
The tiny town rallying behind NZ's newest tennis star
A Southland town is abuzz that one of its youngsters has pulled off a massive upset on tennis' world stage.
Covid Healthline closes as approach to virus changes
Covid-19 will now be managed as "business as usual", Health NZ says.
Otago prison inmate's death was preventable, coroner says
Corrections had not properly maintained prisoner files, recorded meetings or acted on information provided by mental health staff or other prisoners, a coroner has found.
DOC confirms job cuts to Chatham Islands team
Following staff consultation, DOC has also confirmed a merger with the Wairarapa district will also go ahead.
A case for government funding community housing
Central government will get more houses if it guarantees funding for local-led community projects, Canterbury's mayor says.
Health NZ asks staff to pay back money, despite owing them billions
The Nurses Organisation says staff are being asked to pay it back money given in error.
'These items are sacred': Parish devastated by theft of precious objects
A church is offering a reward for the return of $20,000 worth of stolen items.
Watch: Dramatic rescue as boat runs aground in Otago
Two crew members were rescued by helicopter and the skipper taken to Dunedin Hospital after the fishing boat hit trouble. Audio
Where is the fastest-growing region in NZ?
New census data reveals the district with the most rapid population growth is in Canterbury.
Government's freshwater bill will result in more polluted waterways, critics say
A bill changing freshwater protection rules is prompting more accusations of the coalition government prioritising profit over protection.
Residents kick up stink over wastewater treatment system
The proposal doesn't address Akaroa's leaky pipes and will cost $100,000 per sewer connection, according to locals.
Weather: Strong wind, heavy rain alerts for start of long weekend
MetService has issued strong wind warnings for the Canterbury High Country, Fiordland and Stewart Island.
Shock as 'grim' head-on crash kills five
It has been a hard night for a Waikato community after a 'heartbreaking' crash on State Highway 3. Audio
Prisoner reintegration trust link to murderer Joseph Brider revealed
A charity which helps reintegrate prisoners into society can now be named in connection with the convicted murderer and rapist.
Sincere Standtrue: 'He was always smiling, wasn't he?'
The final video played in the inquest into a Gloriavale man's death was a tribute to his life, compiled by his family.
Brother's outbursts due to way he was controlled at Gloriavale, witness tells inquest
A former Gloriavale member has told an inquest that sometimes "it can feel easier to die" than to try and leave the West Coast Christian community.
Gloriavale leader did not want WorkSafe notified of death, woman says
Their family was also not allowed to say Sincere Standtrue was in heaven at his funeral two weeks later, his sister says.
Gloriavale members bullied brother before his death, sister says
Sincere Standtrue was often isolated, shamed, bullied and beaten at the West Coast Christian community, his sister says.
Gloriavale inquest told man may have been a victim of harmful sexual behaviour
Sixty-one young people were involved in harmful sexualised conduct around the time of Sincere Standtrue's death, a senior police detective says.