Stories by Harry Lock

Independent bookshops are popping up all across the country with four new ones opening in the past month alone.

Some of New Zealand's best tattooists - as well as the most spontaneous tattoo enthusiasts - enjoyed a collaborative weekend together under one roof.

All councillors but one voted in favour of strengthening the library, which is forecast to cost between $160 and $180 million.

The future of Wellington's earthquake-risk central library will be decided today at a city council meeting.

Wellington City Council is considering investing $185 million to reduce the amount of sludge the city produces every day.

A Wellington nightclub worker said he reported one of the individuals at the centre of a raft of sexual assault allegations to the police three months ago.

Wellington's nightlife district has the highest proportion of assault and sexual assault crimes in New Zealand.

Police are urging people to refrain from naming or posting posting personal details of the Wellington musicians, saying accusations made to Operation Emerald will be taken seriously.

The sixth annual bookshop day is being marked across independent booksellers around the country.

It's been the highest ever early voter turnout, and the number of those who have cast their ballot already are expected to make up half of the overall turnout.

An ex-prisoner, housed at a child sex offender unit at Rimutaka Prison, has claimed fellow residents are smoking synthetic cannabis while authorities turn a blind eye.

Universities have indicated they were prepared to consider some help for the 250 students that will be allowed into New Zealand, but won't make any decision until the end of the week.

Complaints to the government about employers are running at 10 times the rate of the same seven-month period last year.

Prime Wellington land earmarked for a substantial development is being described by some iwi as too sacred for housing.

Labour's promise to ban conversion therapy is being welcomed by the Greens and rejected by ACT, while National is not commenting on the policy.

Today marks the six-month anniversary of when the country entered full lockdown due to the coronavirus.

A report from Wellington Water has set the figure to replace 60 percent of the 2000km pipe network.

Uncertainty, job losses, and business closures are being anticipated for restaurants, bars and cafes with the wage subsidy winding down. Audio

Employers have been accused of taking advantage of badly worded wage subsidy rules and not paying workers what they are due.

It will cost $540 million to transform Greater Wellington Regional Council into a carbon positive organisation.

Two run-down Wellington social housing apartment blocks are being recommended for Category One Heritage listing.

Local Government NZ argues giving councils more influence in critical areas would lead to financial efficiency and improved services.

A new development proposal for Shelly Bay has been endorsed by Mau Whenua - a group of Taranaki Whānui members.

More than 7500 people have come to the end of their Covid-19 Income Relief Payment (CIRP) in the week ending 4 September.

Heritage advocates say proposed changes to building regulations in Wellington will destroy the capital's architectural feel. Then there's the discussion about the quality of available housing.