Stories by Soumya Bhamidipati
News
'The danger is very clear': Afghan students taught by NZ troops say their lives are in danger
One is now worried he could be tortured or killed by the Taliban regime, which he says is targeting citizens suspected of interacting with foreign forces.
Bailiffs to wear body cameras in health and safety move
The Ministry of Justice says bailiffs will wear the devices when serving warrants, evictions, and other court documents.
Police refuse to confirm investigation progress following quashing of Alan Hall conviction
Police will not confirm if they're on track with internal investigations spurred by the Supreme Court's overturning of Alan Hall's murder conviction.
Pilots who took risk to rescue eruption victims honoured for bravery
A group of commercial helicopter pilots who landed on Whakaari / White Island after the 2019 eruption will receive the country's highest honours for their courage.
Metlink cancels 67 bus services due to driver shortage
Wellington commuters say the cancellation of 67 bus services due to a driver shortage is just another disruption to an already unreliable system.
Minister says Wellington rail activists 'frustrating the public'
The Transport Minister says it is "totally unacceptable" for protesters to disrupt Wellington commuters and the transport network.
Family of cop in fatal shooting relive tragedy as killer appeals sentence
The family of a slain police officer has had to hear the details of his death re-litigated in court all over again.
Eli Epiha appeals 'no hope' jail term for killing police officer
Lawyers for a man who murdered an unarmed police officer is fighting in court to reduce his 27-year jail term, arguing it is far too harsh.
World of Wearable Arts back on: 'Everyone is super amped'
Designers, performers, and eager audience members are descending on the capital for the return of New Zealand's largest theatrical production.
Last chance for feedback on wide-ranging prison reforms
Submissions on proposed changes to the prison system which will help decide everything from how people are assigned to a jail to how they are treated close tomorrow.
Covid-19 rules mostly scrapped - will masks be missed?
The Covid-19 traffic light system is gone and people can hop on a bus, go shopping or visit the library without wearing a mask. Audio
Migrant doctors say they're jumping through hoops to get roles
About 80 doctors in New Zealand, who graduated from medical schools overseas, say they cannot get the hospital internships they need to be fully fledged practitioners here.
'Somebody's got to do something': Waitarere locals say stormwater management urgently needed
Residents of a Horowhenua township who've been without power for three days say more should've been done to stop the flooding that caused the outage.
New justice review body expects to make recommendations this year
The body set up to examine miscarriage of justice complaints has still not finished a single investigation after two years of operation.
Stokes Valley residents fear further slips as more rain forecast
Two families in Stokes Valley were evacuated last week when their homes were left teetering on a cliff-edge.
Elderly woman found dead in car had lost legal battle over mother's estate
An Auckland woman who was found dead in her car last week lost her home in a legal battle with her brother.
Inmates tackle prison rebuild: 'It doesn't seem morally right'
Justice advocates say learning skills would be better placed on other projects, but Corrections says employment and training is hugely beneficial for inmates.
Family First does not qualify for charitable status, Supreme Court rules
Supreme Court judges noted Family First's research reports lacked required balance and its purposes were discriminatory, and ruled it did not qualify for charitable status.
Fears of more fentanyl overdoses as police try to find supplier of drug used in Wairarapa
The drug that killed more than 100,000 Americans last year is now thought to be behind 12 overdoses in Wairarapa.
Concerns Australian recruitment drive will deplete NZ nurses
NSW has put up $4.5 billion to recruit 10,000 nurses, leading to fears it will worsen ongoing shortages here, while the Health Minister says a pay deal was snubbed.
'I don't get the job because of my criminal history': Calls to review Clean Slate scheme
Experts say the Clean Slate scheme, which gives some offenders the right to not disclose their criminal convictions, isn't working and some people who deserve to can't put their past behind them.
GPs and hospital EDs struggling to cope with patient numbers
Staff illness is adding pressure to the healthcare sector and with tomorrow being the official start of winter and seasonal illnesses expected to spread, experts say it will only get worse. Audio
Wellington school calls in police after racist graffiti attacks
A Wellington school has called police in after two instances of racist graffiti in the toilets. The vandalism has been removed, but some students are worried it will happen again.
'They're not going to rush back': Tourism operators want pre-departure tests ditched
Tourism operators say pre-departure Covid-19 testing is putting off overseas travellers from coming here and they want the requirement removed.
'You feel a little bit less cautious' - Parents, kids adjusting to orange setting
The orange light setting has brought a sense of relief for parents, as the eased restrictions mean one less thing to juggle - but some Covid-related worries are still lurking.