Laura Dooney
Victoria University loses bid to change its name
Victoria University is threatening legal action after its bid to change its name to the University of Wellington was declined by Education Minister Chris Hipkins. Audio
Rich getting richer, while poorest stuck at the bottom
New official data shows the net worth of the richest 20 percent of households has gone up nearly 400,000 - hitting a median of $1.75 million. Meanwhile the net worth of the bottom 40 percent hasn't… Audio
EV charging stations spark parking complaints
Wellington City Council has been forced to park a plan to increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations in the city after strong opposition. Audio
Air NZ engineers step up Christmas strike threat
Air New Zealand engineers have stepped up their strike threat saying they could down tools for three days before Christmas. The company and aviation unions are in a third day of negotiations to avert… Audio
Twyford refuses to comment on KiwiBuild boss' departure
Housing Minister Phil Twyford is still not talking about the future of Kiwibuild CEO Stephen Barclay. Phil Twyford is down at Oriental Bay opening Wellington's newest cycleway. RNZ reporter Laura… Audio
House prices booming in regions - QV
House prices in regions usually considered affordable are booming, making a bargain for first home buyers even harder to find. The latest QV stats show in Dunedin prices have jumped 11 percent in a… Audio
Lower Hutt hard-hit by affordable housing shortage
A housing crisis in Lower Hutt is being exacerbated by people moving into the city from nearby Wellington in search of cheaper rent, with nearly 50% of the region's emergency housing grants being paid… Audio
Police appeal for more info over pregnant woman's death
RNZ reporter Laura Dooney is at the remote Wairarapa beach where the body of a pregnant Wellington woman was found this week. Video, Audio
Appeal for CCTV footage as police investigate woman's death
Police are appealing for the public's help for more clues as to how the body of a pregnant Wellington woman ended up on a remote Wairarapa beach. Video, Audio
Redheads gather for first-of-its-kind national event
Everyone with tresses ranging from fiery copper to strawberry blonde have met in Wellington for the country's first national gathering of redheads. Video, Audio
Wellington ratepayers paying for council’s extra buses
Wellington's regional council is paying $150,000 a month to add extra buses to its ailing new network. It's also spent $338,000 between July and September on contractors to help embed the new network… Audio
Six Wellington suburbs join city's million dollar club
There are now nine suburbs in Wellington where the average house price is $1 million - six more suburbs than three years ago. Audio
Te Papa needs more staff, not fewer - specialist
An international specialist has told Te Papa it needs more staff, not fewer, in its collections area. Tim White was part of a panel of five experts who reviewed how the museum looks after its natural… Audio
Don Brash denies he's racist as speech goes ahead
An appearance by former National leader Don Brash at Massey University, that was mired in controversy when it was cancelled in August, went ahead today without protest. Video, Audio
Coastal water navigation in spotlight after four boat crashes
Four potentially tragic incidents and near misses involving ships have prompted the Transport Accident Investigation Commission to add navigation in coastal waters around New Zealand to its watchlist.
…Wellington petrol prices some of the highest in NZ
Motorists living in Wellington and parts of the South Island remain frustrated at having to pay more for petrol, than anyone else. In Wanaka, 91 Octane costs $2.69 a litre, while it costs $2.49 in… Video, Audio
Wairarapa train service gets $96m boost
The line from one side of the Remutaka Range to Wellington will receive $96 million after being plagued with problems, such as slow trips and long delays. Video, Audio
Wairarapa commuters welcome rail upgrade
Wairarapa commuters are being promised the train ride to Wellington will get easier from next April when work begins to upgrade the track. Transport Minister Phil Twyford is in Wairarapa on Tuesday… Audio
Inside Wellington's mysterious, hidden tunnels
Wellingtonians will soon have a rare opportunity to explore a little-known hide-out, nestled underneath the city's Botanic gardens. An underground bunker, built to protect the capital during the… Video, Audio
Oranga Tamariki social workers in line for 30% pay rise
Social workers expecting to receive a 30 percent pay rise say it's been a long time coming, but they're pleased they're finally being recognised for the responsibilities and long hours in what's a… Video, Audio