Stories by Finn Blackwell
News
Aucklanders face possible 25% increase in water rates
Auckland's water provider chair says she knows struggling residents won't welcome the prospect.
Concern for economy as truck drivers visa rules change
Industry leaders say the pathway helped local businesses to attract "skilled, experienced operators in a highly competitive international market".
Backpackers destroyed in fire had 'a number' of compliance issues
The council had been working with the owner of the Parnell lodge that went up in flames to sort the problems, Auckland's deputy mayor says.
Man accused of North Shore kidnapping named; other suspect still sought
The 32-year-old was charged after a woman was forced into a car and badly injured.
Auckland city business boss presses case for downtown police station
The central city business association says a police station downtown is still necessary to crack down on crime.
Watch: Police swarm Auckland bar to arrest pair after kidnapping
Police say the victim, who was abducted in Beach Haven, is in hospital.
Entire Auckland suburbs could be left without public transport services - council
The council says without sufficient funding, there will be more expensive fares, a 30 percent drop in services, and increased congestion at peak times.
Fruit and vege prices drop, but shoppers still feel the pain
Supermarket shoppers are still holding out for savings on fruit and vegetables, after the announcement that prices have fallen.
Auckland Transport to be stripped of planning powers
The transport minister says he will work with Auckland Council to give it the power to set its own 10-year-plan for the city's transport network.
20,000 more retail crimes reported in a year
There were nearly 20% more reported victimisations of stores than the year before, new police figures show.
Disposable vapes to be banned this year
The coalition will ban single-use vapes as part of a crackdown on youth vaping, aiming to have all the changes in place by the end of the year.
Police data shows nearly 150,000 retail crimes reported across the country in 2023
The Dairy and Business Owners Group is calling last year a law and order disaster, after data from police revealed nearly 150,000 crimes reported at retailers across the country in 2023. Audio
Method, scale and details of Ghahraman's shoplifting revealed
Court documents explain how the former Green MP stole clothes from shops in Auckland and Wellington.
Dairy worker's final moments before fatal stabbing revealed
Janak Patel grabbed a hockey stick and chased his knife-wielding attacker outside, court files show.
Auckland dairy killing: Man pleads guilty to murder
Dairy worker Janak Patel was killed outside the Rose Cottage Superette in Sandringham.
Spate of petrol station robberies 'hugely concerning'
There are indications some of the incidents may be linked. The pattern is hugely concerning, police say.
Auckland Council wants govt to pay for Eastern Busway
Some councillors believe the cost of the project is the government's responsibility.
Some Aucklanders unhappy at council's cost-cutting rubbish bin removal
Auckland Council has removed nearly 1500 rubbish bins across the city in a cost-saving measure which has left some locals fuming.
Eye watering cost for Auckland roading project, cyclists say
The government has revealed plans to revive revive the Mill Road corridor project and the East West Link - both costing billions. Audio
Gas station owner robbed eight times since year began
Owner Sanjai Bagia says he and his staff have become grimly familiar with being victims of armed robbery.
Auckland mayor wanted Waitematā Harbour crossing consultants blacklisted
Private messages from Wayne Brown to the transport minister show him asking for a list of consultants on the harbour crossing study - all so they could be blacklisted.
'It's worthwhile having a crack': Journalist Michael Morrah on plan to save Newshub
A group of senior Newshub journalists will meet next week to discuss a proposal to save the news outlet.
'Efeso gave his all' - Community, leaders gather to pay respects
Political leaders and members of the community have been gathering in Auckland to pay respects to Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, who died last week.
Councillors debate mayor Wayne Brown's possible rates increases
A meeting on rates rises in Auckland is under way as part of the council's 10-year budget.