Stories by Alexa Cook

Gisborne businesses are struggling and many may close as the region grapples with a decline in forestry and lower export prices.

A new project to improve VHF radio coverage and cell phone service on Māhia Peninsula is hoped to prevent tragedies at sea after the death of three Gisborne fishermen in the area. Audio

"There's nothing I could ever say to that man that would sum up how we feel about what he did to Pauline," Pheasant Riordan says. Audio

The project looked at the region's freshwater aquifers and will inform policies to reduce the risk of drinking water contamination.

Kiwis are being warned to be extra careful online, with the rise of a scam targetting social media businesses that lures them with an advertising opportunity and then takes over their account. Audio

A contractor advised the regional council of an alternative option before the flood - but the council misunderstood.

The reviews - which found the flooding was caused by natural phenomena - were not independent, mayor says.

Juanita Savage was woken by her daughter at 4am, and checked her emails. If she hadn't, the outcome could have been very different. Audio

New Zealand's oldest wine auction is gearing up for its 32nd event this weekend. Audio

Wairoa's flood hit residents are urging the Hawke's Bay Regional Council to act on a raft of recommendations around its management of the river bar in June, when 400 properties were flooded. Audio

There was hope the government might intervene after ministers and mill management met several times to discuss unsustainable wholesale power pricing. Audio

More than 200 workers are now desperately searching for jobs after Winstone Pulp confirmed it will shut the mill. Audio

Winstone Pulp International has proposed closing two of its mills near Ohakune because of high wholesale power prices. Audio

Some locals have not stuck around for the final call and have already left to work in Australia.

More than 60 former inmates have been through the scheme, run by a horticultural labour supply. Audio

So far, only two out of 44 councils have decided to ditch the positions. Audio

The public meeting was packed with people from all walks of life, and ended in a rousing haka when the majority of councillors cast their vote in favour.

The community surrounding a forestry products mill is desperately trying to save it from closing, launching a petition urging the government to intervene. Audio

Muriwai's mother took to social media to announce her plans for a "beautiful" send off for her daughter and allow her other children to have closure.

High power prices are not just hurting manufacturers, they could cause rates hikes too.

The proposed closures are already hurting the local economy in Raetihi. There's hope the government might intervene. Audio

A meeting of hundreds of people discussed what the job losses would mean for the region. Audio

Locals fear the area will quickly become a ghost town, with one woman saying many families are already planning to leave for Australia.

Selaks was started from a market garden, but now sells more than a million litres of wine a year. Audio

There's no point maintaining it if it's unwilling to flex its muscle or use its full powers, he says.