Stories by Niva Chittock
News
Christchurch City Council chief financial officer resigns
Leah Scales, who also held the position of general manager of resources, had requested not to work her notice period and would not return to work following the end of her sick leave.
Gloriavale man's alleged sex crimes detailed in court
A woman who accused a man of raping her at Gloriavale was told there was no way she would ever marry. Audio
Trial for man accused of sexual offending against Gloriavale children gets underway
Jonathan Benjamin is charged with various sexual offences against children and young women.
'There was blood everywhere' - Person critically injured in Christchurch attack
A motel owner says a frightened staff member came to the aid of a critically injured person covered in blood who turned up at reception after being attacked in the street.
'I deeply regret my actions' - Pharmac chief executive
Pharmac's chief executive has apologised for making unprofessional comments about a journalist and stories of cancer patients struggling to self-fund essential medication.
'Complete overhaul' of Pharmac needed - terminal cancer patient
Instead of spending time with her daughter, cancer patient Vickie Hudson-Craig is fighting Pharmac for drug funding to prolong her life.
Bromley wastewater plant report: Residents want 'real compensation'
Locals who live next to Christchurch's fire-damaged Bromley wastewater treatment plant say they are not surprised by a damning report into the council's management of the foul stench it gave off.
David Benbow found guilty of murdering childhood friend Michael McGrath
Christchurch man David Benbow has been found guilty of murdering his childhood friend, a High Court jury has found.
Christchurch water supply safe to drink despite being non-compliant - council
It is unclear if a parasite barrier will be installed on an uncompliant water supply in Christchurch.
Why Māori and young voters sometimes don't vote in elections
As election day draws nearer, Māori and young people tell RNZ what it will take for them to be more engaged in the voting process.
Queenstown hospitality venues get creative amid cryptosporidium outbreak
Queenstown hospitality venues are finding creative ways to deal with the boil water notice as tourists stream in for the school holidays.
'It is time for a change for me' - Host Kim Hill leaves Saturday Morning show
New Zealand broadcasting great Kim Hill is signing off from her flagship Saturday Morning show on RNZ National. Video, Audio
Department of Corrections staff plan strikes over pay offer
More than 94 percent of union members voted to strike, issuing a two-week strike notice to Corrections on Tuesday.
Former teen patient fundraising for new mental health facilities
A former patient's experience in Christchurch's worn out, cramped mental health facilities for young people is driving him to help raise the funds needed for an upgrade.
Whakamana Whānau programme boosts Māori and Pasifika health workforce
A pathway into work in health for Māori and Pasifika has been so successful, whānau and friends of participants are signing up too.
Call for professional online profiles to disclose conviction history
A business owner wants more stringent background checks for those creating professional online profiles after discovering a potential advisor is currently on home detention for corruption.
Controversial waste-to-energy plant consent process now in hands of central govt
Two councils asked Environment Minister David Parker to "call in" the project because of how unique it was - and he's directed the Environmental Protection Authority to take over consenting.
'For those things I'll never forgive you': Mama Hooch sexual assault survivor
Nine survivors of Danny and Roberto Jaz's attacks read powerful victim impact statements to the court ahead of the pair's sentencing today.
Mama Hooch sexual assaults: Brothers to be sentenced
Two brothers who drugged and committed sexual offences against more than 30 young patrons at Christchurch bar Mama Hooch are to be sentenced today.
'It's like washing your dinner plates over your fish tank'
Kiwis are being urged to think twice about what's going down their drains ahead of the summer swimming season.
'You've just got to get on': Timaru locals, neighbours react to Dickason verdict
Immense sadness, a sombre cloud, acceptance and healing were some of the emotions being felt in Timaru after the verdict. Audio
Lauren Dickason trial: Jury finds mother guilty of murdering her three daughters
Lauren Dickason murdered her three young daughters, a High Court jury has found
Jury retires to deliberate verdict in Lauren Dickason trial
The jury in the murder trial of Lauren Dickason has asked to rewatch her police interview from the day after she killed her children. Audio
Yanfei Bao search: Police comb farmland on Christchurch outskirts
The detective in charge of the Yanfei Bao homicide investigation says items found so far have created positive lines of inquiry.
Psychiatrist who interviewed Lauren Dickason tells court of trying to understand motive
The first psychiatrist to formally interview Lauren Dickason believes the mother killed her children out of control, not love.