Laura Bootham
Restrictions preventing NZ's poorest from quitting tobacco
Some tobacco researchers say restrictions on e-cigarettes containing nicotine are preventing New Zealand's poorest from giving up tobacco. Audio
Calls for Government to allow e-cigarettes
Some New Zealand tobacco researchers are calling for the Government to allow e-cigarettes containing small amounts of nicotine, to be sold here in the same way the nicotine patches are. Audio
Wellingtonians urged to volunteer time
Those organising support for the Syrians who will be resettled in Wellington early next year are appealing for people to welcome them with open arms and friendship. Audio
Lawyer says human trafficking charge was never warranted
New Zealand's first ever people trafficking prosecution failed when a jury yesterday acquitted two men under charges brought under the Immigration Act. Audio
Mei Fan's murderer sentenced to 19 years at least
Murderer Michael Preston purposely left the knife in neck of his estranged wife Mei Fan, as a final insult to her and to mark his victory. Audio
Warning of grave threat to species collections
The Royal Society is warning collections of species in the country's museums and institutions could be in danger because of funding cuts. Audio
Interest rate cut may put squeeze on savings
The elderly and those nearing retirement are alarmed at the latest drop in the Official Cash Rate, which they say could put the squeeze on their savings. Audio
Calls for a mental health court
Judges, lawyers and mental health advocates are calling for a 'mental health court' to stop what they say is the 'recycling' of people through the justice system. Audio
Thousands of motorbike fans flock to Burt Munro challenge
Thousands of motorbike fans from both here and overseas have flocked to Invercargill for the Burt Munro Challenge which is really 'taking off'. Laura Bootham reports. Audio
Councillors clash over controversial campsite
Plans for a freedom camping ground near Wellington's Owhiro Bay have been stymied by a group of Wellington city councillors - for now. Audio
Police and Govt slated for muzzling access for researcher
Criticism of the police and the Government is growing after a leading researcher on gangs was stopped from getting police data. Audio
The man who sparked a police manhunt pleads guilty
A child rapist who sparked a police manhunt in the Hutt Valley changed his not-guilty pleas in court today, saying he accepts he's done a terrible thing. Audio
NZers in Paris shaken in aftermath of attacks
Stories of New Zealanders in Paris are still emerging. Audio
Art world mourns the death of influential NZ art dealer
The art world is mourning the death of one of the country's most influential art dealers. Audio
Lawyers say prisons denying inmates prescribed medications
Lawyers say both state and Serco-run prisons are denying some inmates with mental illness access to their prescription medicines. Audio
Survey reveals staff disgruntled at NZDF
Only about half the staff working in defence describe morale as good, and fewer than half think their contribution is valued. Audio
Royals weather the elements
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla began their New Zealand visit yesterday amid the kind of spring weather Wellington is notorious for. Audio
Fish & Game quits Land & Water Forum: blames Govt
A high profile member of a forum set up to advise the Government on water and land use has quit, saying it was being muzzled and stopped from speaking out on environmental issues. Audio
Churches call on Government to share funding
The Anglican and Presbyterian churches are calling for the Government to front up with more money to ensure the survival of the few remaining Māori boarding schools. Audio
Principals are hailing a new digitally-based education system
East Auckland principals are hailing a new digitally-based education system as key to engaging children in low decile schools, in particular tangata whenua. The teaching style is called… Audio