Stories by Indira Stewart
Audio and features
How well do political parties represent NZ's ethnically diverse communities?
The National Party came under fire this year for its lack of diversity after it reshuffled its caucus several times following two leadership changes. But one of its candidates Christopher Luxon, who… Video, Audio
South Auckland Neighbours connect students online with a "digital cup of sugar"
While the government has been scrambling since March to get disadvantaged students devices and internet access for online learning during the lockdown, one South Auckland Principal has found a way to… Audio
Justice Minister open to reviewing laws affecting victims of stalking
The Justice Minister will consider the need for stalker legislation - after finding out police said they couldn't act after people were stalked and photographed. It comes after First Up aired the… Audio
Calls for stalking law as lockdown raises concerns for victims: "We have no protection."
A Coalition of agencies advocating for the safety of women and children is calling on the government to urgently introduce Stalker legislation, saying this year's lockdowns have heightened their… Audio
Pasifika creatives hopeful NZ On Air renews funding for diverse content initiative
Pasifika and Asian creatives are calling on NZ On Air to renew their funding round for its Pasifika and Asian Storytellers initiative. The initiative was part of a one-off extra allocation to NZ On… Audio
Man caught photographing woman can't be charged
A student who caught a man stalking her and taking dozens of inappropriate photos of her as she shopped in an Auckland pharmacy says she feels let down by police who told her they could do nothing… Audio
'The public can trust me, I'll stand on my track record'- Dr Shane Reti on diversity
Dr Shane Reti yesterday replaced Michael Woodhouse as the National Party's Health spokesperson and has been promoted to the front bench. Mr Woodhouse had been under pressure over the past few weeks as… Audio
Discovery of oldest Māori photo opens new chapter for New Zealand history
Members of the Pomare whanau say the recent discovery in Australia of a photo of their whanaunga Hemi Pomara has opened a new chapter into Aotearoa's history It's the oldest known photographic… Audio
Border testing: Woman's story of 'confusing' path to getting a test
Ministry of Health staff are scrambling to test people for covid-19 who were exempted and released from mandatory isolation without tests. A New Zealand woman who arrived in the country nearly 4 weeks… Audio
Retired cop's painting raises funds for slain officer's family - "We share in your pain."
The day after Constable Hunt's death, retired Senior Sergeant Dave Laumatia painted a tribute in honour of the late officer's career, and after receiving an overwhelming response online, decided to… Audio
NZ's last hospitalised Covid-19 patient lucky to be alive
As New Zealand wakes up to its first day in Level 1 an Auckland woman has told First Up she is lucky to be alive after battling Covid-19 in Auckland's Middlemore Hospital for more than two months… Video, Audio
Struggling Asylum Seekers plea for equal refugee support: "Please treat us the same"
A family of Asylum Seekers say they're struggling to survive in New Zealand and they're pleading with the government to give them the same support as other refugees. Their calls are backed by the… Audio
Social services urge govt to boost benefits as poverty rises
A collective of social service providers is calling on the government to urgently increase benefit levels further as the poverty rate continues to climb in New Zealand.
The Ministry of Social… Video, Audio
NZ, Australia Covid-19 lockdowns not as different as they seem - expert
New Zealand has been at Alert level 3 for a week now and with more businesses operating, it has brought some relief to the economy.
With the number of new cases of Covid-19 staying at single digits… Video, Audio
How a top Auckland chef is facing the Covid-19 lockdown struggle
Despite several days of queues at takeaway stores across the country, the next few weeks will reveal how many food businesses will actually be able to survive the impacts of Covid-19.
Indira Stewart… Video, Audio
Kiwis' creative ways to cope in Covid-19 lockdown
From a reverend hosting a dance rave in his office, to more than 100 farming mums donning their wedding gowns and toasting each other online - New Zealanders are sharing some of the creative ways… Video, Audio
NZ Opera stars in high spirits singing in self-isolation after major debut in Europe
A family of three Kiwi Opera stars who all made international debuts in France two weeks ago on some of the world's most prestigious stages say they're still in bright spirits despite being in… Audio
South Auckland doctor: "Our community at highest risk of Coronavirus"
Doctors in South Auckland say their district - filled with hundreds of churches, is at high risk of a community outbreak and that the messaging is still not clear among its Pasifika community. Dr… Audio
NZ churches back govt restrictions, cancel mass gatherings. Except Destiny
Religious communities around the country have ramped up their own restrictions around mass gatherings with some churches cancelling services altogether and encouraging members to stay home. Some… Audio
Xmas Eve bus crash survivor turns life around
Next Tuesday marks three years since Tevita Lokotui lost his leg in a fatal bus crash that claimed the lives of three people and injured dozens of others. The 21-year old was one of 53 members of a… Audio
South Auckland kids write book to challenge negative stereotypes about their community
After being fed up with stories about multiple shootings, streetfights and crime in South Auckland, 11 local school kids decided they wanted to tell a different story about their community. So they… Video, Audio
"Try to understand their story"- NZ refugee advocate calls for inclusivity at world forum
The first Global Refugee Forum will take place in Geneva tomorrow and it comes at the end of a tumultuous decade in which refugee numbers has risen to over 25 million people worldwide. Guled Mire is a… Audio
Christmas spirit: Invercargill community helping struggling families
While the Christmas season is supposed to be a joyous time for many, for those living under the poverty line - it can mean suicide, depression and family violence. The Spirit Army is a citizen-led… Audio
World-first measles online chatbot sees surge in users from Pacific desperate for help
A world-first online measles chatbot designed by two young Pacific doctors in Auckland has gone gangbusters over the last few weeks with an increasing number of parents in the Pacific asking for help… Audio
"She was an adventurer": families remember victims of Erebus disaster 40 years on
On this day in 1979, Air New Zealand aircraft Flight TE901 left Mangere airport in Auckland, for an 11-hour return flight to Antarctica. What was supposed to have been a memorable sightseeing trip for… Audio