Stories by Ceinwen Curtis
News
Labour & Greens open to working with NZ First
The parties say they are prepared to work with New Zealand First after the election, but a referendum on Māori seats is off the table.
Health Ministry told to prioritise pregnant Māori smokers
A new study of pregnant indigenous women in four countries suggests the stigma around smoking in pregnancy was stopping Māori women from accepting help to quit.
Waikato farmers struggle with flooded Waitoa river
Farmers in northern Waikato say they're having to tell the regional council about rivers flooding, instead of the other way around.
Wellington cuts streetside dining costs - for smokefree
Bars and cafes in Wellington are set to have license fees waived for their footpath furniture if they agree to go smokefree.
Promised living wage not in WCC cleaning contract
Wellington City Council has released a cleaning contract for tender, without mention of paying workers a living wage, despite a commitment to do so.
Indian graduates had 'poor knowledge' of courses
Some Indian students have graduated from sophisticated courses in New Zealand taught in English without being able to understand the language, government documents have revealed.
Bruised US diplomat leaves New Zealand
A diplomat who left a Lower Hutt house with a broken nose and black eye has left the country - without speaking to police.
Garage rental prosecution could 'spook' landlords
Property investors say a ruling against a garage-letting Auckland landlord could result in the rental shortage getting worse.
US refusal to waive diplomat's immunity 'surprising'
The US Embassy refuses to lift immunity for a diplomat who left a Lower Hutt house with a broken nose and black eye.
Children's day highlights push for younger voting age
Today is National Children's Day, and the Children's Commissioner says it's a good time to think about lowering the voting age to 16.
Trapping group aims to eliminate Wellington pests
A man who saw a weasel outside his house in 2014 has spearheaded a push to have Wellington residents trapping pests.
Ministry braces for post-quake mental health issues
Health officials are taking steps to relieve mental health stress arising from last Monday's earthquake, especially in Kaikoura.
'Unimaginable human suffering' in Syria
New Zealand has challenged the UN Security Council to use its authority to alleviate ongoing carnage in Syria.
Anadarko confirms southern oil search
Texan oil and gas exploration company Anadarko has confirmed it will continue its bid to find oil off the Otago Coast - and a protest group says it can expect resistance.