Stories by Jessica Hopkins
News
Much-needed or 'yet another' fee? Charging for national parks
Some argue conservation areas can no longer take the strain of tourists, but others say it's starting to look like the government is "triple dipping".
Popular outdoor sculpture exhibition returns after three-year hiatus
The free display will run for three months.
'No fish is worth dying for': Boaties share harrowing experiences crossing the Manukau Bar
Coastguard said six people had died in bar crossing accidents this winter across the country. Video
Council agency spent $737k on campaign to boost positivity about city
The mayor says it's a waste of ratepayers' money, with less than half of viewers feeling more optimistic about Auckland.
'This is a jack-up': Shock over council's speedway decision
One councillor says it's woeful that the sport is being "evicted" from its acclaimed venue at Western Springs after 95 years. Audio
Supermarkets closing early to avoid late-night anti-social behaviour
Multiple Auckland supermarkets are reducing their trading hours over safety concerns.
'We're depressed, upset, and shocked': Family of man killed in boating accident mourn
A close friend of the man who died in a boating accident on Sunday said his relatives were in shock.
Shock as129-year-old bell stolen from church
The bell is "worth very little in terms of metal, but it's worth a lot to our community".
'It's perfectly walkable' - Aucklanders ignoring warning to stay off damaged tracks
Locals are ignoring warnings, shoving aside barriers to keep them out at Auckland Domain. Audio
Aucklander's monstrous talent showcased on US show
A 28-year-old Aucklander is sharing her monstrous talent with the world in the upcoming season of a horror-themed American competition show. Video
'The bridge has been terrible for us' - hopes SailGP will spark business
Businesses along Auckland's waterfront want reassurance that the Wynyard Crossing Bridge will re-open before the SailGP regatta in January.
The eye surgeon accused of murdering his wife: How it all unfolded
Methamphetamine use, escorts, infidelity and an alleged murder inside one of the country's most exclusive suburbs.
'$9142 per step!' - Auckland mayor mocks cost of beach stairs
Wayne Brown has weighed in on a controversial set of stairs in Milford Beach.
iPhone expert testifies in Polkinghorne trial
Justice Lang said while he expected the trial to wrap up next week, he didn't want to rush the jury to make a decision.
Only two children remain at preschool in wealthy Auckland suburb
Parents had threatened to remove their children from Ponsonby's community preschool after a fiery feud with upper management last month.
One believed dead after shooting in Grey Lynn, Auckland
A person at the scene told RNZ her nephew has been shot dead, while police are still looking for a suspect.
Date set for Auckland 9pm liquor restrictions
The council has voted unanimously for off-licences to stop selling alcohol late at night.
Auckland Council to consider date for introduction of new off-licence alcohol rules
Auckland Council are set to decide when supermarkets and liquor stores in the city will not be able to sell alcohol after 9pm.
Polkinghorne in 'relationship' with sex worker at time of wife's death
The murder-accused communicated regularly with Madison Ashton in the days after his wife's death, a detective says.
What Philip Polkinghorne searched online the day after his wife's death
He used the search engine Duck Duck Go, designed to be untraceable, the day after, the High Court in Auckland has heard.
Future of Auckland pool remains uncertain after local board meeting
The Waitematā Local Board voted to wait until September to make a decision on the lease for The Olympic.
Owners willing to invest $1m in council-leased pool with uncertain future
They have already sunk $3 million into the facility but its lease is expiring in two months.
Auckland bottle shops fear stricter new rules will shut them down
Stricter alcohol sale times for supermarkets and liquor stores across the region have been proposed.
Suicide note 'didn't sit with me' - Auckland couple's friend
A friend of Philip Polkinghorne said she felt manipulated by him after he showed her the supposed note from his wife.