Stories by Ella Stewart

Warmer sea temperatures and a changing climate could be what is causing more ocean-borne bites, stings and rashes, a marine scientist says.

More than 307 million Covid-19 cases have been confirmed since the pandemic began, with countries now breaking records for daily case numbers as leaders struggle to keep the new variant at bay.

A Newmarket retailer says she will be closing her doors on Saturdays from now on after anti-vaccine mandate protesters caused havoc over the weekend. Audio

As hospitality businesses around Auckland prepare to open to customers tomorrow for the first time in 108 days, the Restaurant Association say they are devastated. Audio

Auckland's housing market continues to soar despite the city spending more than 100 days in lockdown whilst bidders buy houses online. Audio

Numerous experts on Twitter have been offering to fill potential gaps due to the vaccine mandate by hosting online Zoom classes to school students.

A Northland high school principal says she has been accused of being "complicit in mass genocide" by people opposed to getting vaccinated.

An elderly dementia patient who tested positive for Covid-19 at an Auckland rest home had only received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine last month at her daughter's request. Audio

Two of Auckland's most popular farmers' markets will not be reopening next week, though they would be allowed to under level 3 step2.

While Manurewa High School student Selina Silila Helg was initially excited to return to class, she says opening schools back up to senior students poses a risk for Māori and Pasifika. Audio

Auckland hairdressers and barbers say they need more targeted financial support if they are going to make it out of lockdown intact. Audio

Businesses are calling for dining and entertainment vouchers to support the industries hard hit by Covid-19 lockdowns. Audio

With home isolation on the cards for low-risk positive Covid-19 cases, vaccinated and tested New Zealanders stuck overseas are questioning the lack of MIQ spaces. Audio

Aged-care facilities say their Auckland residents are isolated and lonely as they head into their ninth week in lockdown. Audio

Auckland parents are divided over whether in-person learning at schools should resume, with some worried their children will fall behind in their education. Audio

Patients are unnecessarily suffering because some health professionals are unable to deliver face-to-face care under level 3 restrictions, Allied Health practitioners say. Audio

The Retirement Commissioner says seniors stuck overseas due to the lack of MIQ spots should get an added six months before their pensions are stopped and they're fined. Audio

Auckland Council says residents need to be cautious when meeting loved ones in local parks as restrictions ease today. Audio

A New Zealand woman stranded in Queensland due to the lack of MIQ spots says she should be able to self-isolate in her own home. Audio

The government plans to have technology for Covid-19 vaccine passports available in just over a month, which could be required for live events, venues and other services. Audio

A New Zealand moving company say they have been inundated with calls since the prime minister announced that people in Auckland could now move to another city if they are relocating permanently. Audio

Custom-printed face mask sales have soared after the latest Delta Covid-19 outbreak which has seen face coverings become mandatory in most indoor spaces. Audio

As the arts industry continues to experience crushing losses, they say they need urgent financial support from the government or there won't be an industry left. Audio

The issue of which businesses are and aren't essential during Auckland's level 4 lockdown has some businesses frustrated and disheartened as their finances continue to dwindle. Audio

University students who are stuck in lockdown in Auckland say they are falling behind learning remotely while most of their peers are able to attend classes physically. Audio