Stories by Soumya Bhamidipati
News
Wellington's transport plan reactions from 'it's terrible' to 'I'm definitely for it'
A multibillion-dollar transport plan for the capital is back on track after an eleventh hour bid failed to stop it.
'Utterly frustrated': Prisoners' poor treatment sparks call for change
Prison guards and justice advocates are calling for Corrections to be held to account, in the wake of a scathing report from the Chief Ombudsman.
Teacher crisis tipped to worsen in capital if Victoria uni axes training course
Universities are warning the under-funding of secondary school teacher education is critical.
Rainbow rangatahi share stories of abuse and discrimination in state care
Several of the interviewees spoke about physical and emotional abuse, with some who lived in a youth residence confined to their rooms when they tried to discuss their sexuality and gender identities.
'Not just my girl died, I died on that day': Father against police pursuits
A man whose daughter was killed in a car that fled from police says encouraging more pursuits is madness.
'Always smiling - that's Mikey': Mourners farewell Loafers Lodge victim Mike The Juggler
Mourners from all walks of life trickle into the Newtown funeral home - buskers, police, social workers, government bureaucrats, gang members, and the mayor.
Auckland Council falls short on recommended boarding houses checks
Auckland Council is inspecting boarding houses at least three times less often than it should be.
Loafers Lodge fire survivors still waiting for bond refunds
The building director says tenants will get their bonds back, but he does not know when.
Wellington harbourmaster, port planning how to bring in broken-down container ship
One of the challenges is the size of the 294m ship and a risk assessment is being carried out on how to bring it into port, Wellington's harbourmaster says. Audio
Waikato prison to resume in-person visits for first time since start of pandemic
Close to 700 prisoners at one of the country's biggest jails will soon be able to receive in-person visits for the first time since the pandemic started.
Corrections still paying prison staff being investigated for misconduct
Corrections has paid almost a year's worth of wages to Rimutaka Prison staff who have not worked while they are being investigated for misconduct.
Government offers primary school teachers new pay deal
The government has gone back to primary school teachers with a third deal which promises pay rises of between 11-14 percent over three years.
More engineering faults, more cancelled ferries on Cook Strait
The Cook Strait ferries have hit yet more troubled waters after four Bluebridge sailings were cancelled on Monday.
Fire hydrants are rarely tested - water services report
A three waters industry body has found multiple problems across water service systems nationwide, including a failure to check if fire hydrants are working.
'She'll often cry herself to sleep': Three years since in-person prison visits allowed
Corrections is promising to reopen three major jails which have been closed to visitors since the pandemic began three years ago.
Shortage sparks pay hike for bus drivers in Wellington
Wellington's bus drivers will be getting more pay in their pockets following a decision by the regional council.
Auckland Council asked for USAR team on standby after flooding
The ongoing threat of landslides in Auckland sparked a plea from emergency officials for a rapid rescue team to be on call 24/7.
Pasta and short ribs in beer? Oh my!
With ingredients like pasta, energy drink syrup and short ribs, the concoctions may sounds unsual but the beer will all go down for a good cause.
Power cuts during Cyclone Gabrielle affected electronic monitoring of offenders
Three people are in prison for breaching their community sentence conditions during Cyclone Gabrielle.
'Still safe to drink': Lower Hutt residents consuming water below public standards
Wellington Water says it needs more time to upgrade its Waterloo Water Treatment Plant after an increase in chlorine requirements for drinking water.
Petition started to keep police Eagle helicopter in Hawke's Bay
Hundreds of Napier residents are calling for the police Eagle helicopter to stay in Hawke's Bay beyond the disaster response.
'Like the inside of a big washing machine'- Families in limbo over cyclone-wrecked houses
Many families are still waiting to hear if they'll have a home to return to.
Volunteers work tirelessly to deliver supplies to cut-off communities
East Coast volunteers and authorities are scrambling to get much-needed supplies into the right hands as about 100 communities in the area remain cut off.
Northland tries to clean up, as weather still rages
The small farming district of Tangiteroria is drowning in murky floodwaters, while others are digging up the mud.
Flood-hit Aucklanders prepare for Cyclone Gabrielle
Flood-affected Aucklanders have an anxious few days ahead as the city is warned to prepare for more wild weather from Cyclone Gabrielle.