Stories by Emile Donovan
News
Migrant worker bans: 70 firms fall foul of new rules
Motel owners, restaurants and a big freight firm are among 70 businesses temporarily banned from hiring migrant workers in the past six months.
Law's glass ceiling exposed by numbers
Women make up about a quarter of partners at New Zealand's 11 biggest law firms, despite outnumbering male graduates since the 1990s.
Holiday legislation 'too complicated'
Businesses are calling for the Holidays Act to be simplified, saying it's too hard for employers to get their heads around.
Foster parent shortage leading to placement problems
Children are being placed with unsuitable families because of a shortage of foster parents, the Ministry for Vulnerable Children has admitted.
Site and funding model for new hospital still uncertain
A new hospital in Dunedin will benefit all of Otago says the regional council, but but there are still questions around its location and the funding model used to construct it.
Māori knowledge honoured in biosecurity award win
A Māori biosecurity network has been awarded a top prize at the country's inaugural biosecurity awards.
Public wi-fi 'represent a security risk'
If you don't think twice about logging onto Facebook using your local Starbucks' wi-fi, you're not alone.
NZ has done 'horrific job' protecting intellectually disabled people in state care - commissioner
Abuse of intellectually disabled people in state care over five decades, brought to light in a new report, is utterly sickening, the Disability Rights Commissioner says. Audio
Employers told to step up mental health efforts
A stable working environment can be effective in helping treat some mental illnesses, experts say, and employers are being encouraged to talk more frankly with staff.
Govt urged to close payout obligation 'loophole'
Companies are using a legal loophole to avoid paying settlements to unfairly dismissed employees, an employment law consultant says.
Protesters condemn govt's Manus Island silence
Protesters are urging the government to take a stand against Australia's policy around asylum seekers, four years to the day after the Manus Island detention centre reopened.
Doggy daycare regulations need more bite - SPCA
It might seem barking mad but as things stand, anyone can open a doggy daycare centre without needing any credentials at all. Audio
Petrol prices would drop with greater access - Gull
Petrol prices would drop if it was made easier for new players to enter the market, the country's largest independent petrol company says.
Roller derby player gets apology from coach
A hard-of-hearing athlete has received an apology and settlement, nearly three years after her discrimination complaint.
App for baseline concussion tests created
Provincial rugby players will be tested for concussion before being injured as the national sport tries to tackle the problem of brain injuries.
Call to kick 'Pākehā narrative' in NZ rugby
The national game is stuck in a mindset that Māori and Pasifika players are all brawn and no brain, an academic says.
Palmerston North packs down to break world scrum record
The combined might of high school students, soldiers, teachers and Lions fans went into the effort today. Video
On safari for the commonly spotted Lions fan
The common Lions fan is distinctive and easy to find in their natural habitat - the pub - nursing wounds and drinks at 11am on a Wednesday, writes Emile Donovan.
Support for foster parents 'woeful', says foster mum
A foster mother is urging the government to address problems that caregivers say have been lingering for years. Audio
Did this man get you into the 2007 Rugby World Cup final?
Lions fan Robin Hughes is hoping to be reunited with the four New Zealanders he gave Rugby World Cup final tickets to in Paris in 2007.
Children's homes struggling due to lack of staff - advocates
The government needs to start paying a salary to caregivers at state-owned family homes if it wants to help young people in need, advocates say.
Smith backs Waikoropupū conservation order
An application to give New Zealand's largest and clearest freshwater springs the equivalent of National Park status has gained the support of the Environment Minister.
PM assures public over Lions security
The Prime Minister is confident in security experts' ability to keep the thousands of fans flocking to the British and Irish Lions tour safe, following the attack in Manchester.
Fee hike for UK employers hiring immigrants
A new proposal from the British Prime Minister could make it harder for New Zealanders to find skilled work in the United Kingdom.
Mayor confident of jobs for Silver Fern workers
Ashburton's mayor is confident the mid-Canterbury town still has work to offer to hundreds of meatworkers who could lose their jobs next month.