Stories by Kate Gregan
News
'Careful but not scared': Ōtorohanga adjusts to Covid-19 in its community
A King Country mayor says his town is an example of what's to come for the rest of the country, in adapting to Covid-19.
Covid-19: Mayors frustrated by 'control of information'
Tensions between community leaders and Wellington bureaucrats are growing - as Covid-19 cases continue to spread.
Covid-19: Far North wakes to fresh lockdown restrictions
The Ngāpuhi Covid-19 response group hopes they can help raise vaccination rates in the region during the lockdown.
'Absolutely thrilled': Auckland retailers excited at plan to ease restrictions
Some Auckland businesses told RNZ they were delighted at the prospect of welcoming back customers next week, and hoped people continued to respect the Covid-19 rules.
Halloween in alert level 3: 'Obviously it's going to be a bit different'
Halloween trick or treating will be off the cards for thousands of children this year, but many families in alert level 3 are determined to celebrate.
Concerns about health system's ability to deal with Covid-19 grow
With the country recording triple figure cases for the first time since Covid-19 arrived in New Zealand, there is an increased focus on how the health system will cope.
Ōtorohanga vaccination rate up with cases in community
Parts of Waikato will remain in alert level 3 until at least midnight next Monday, but cases of Covid-19 in the area are encouraging more Ōtorohanga locals to get their first dose.
Decision to test essential workers crossing Auckland's border described as 'ludicrous'
Transport groups are angry the Director-General of Health did not consult them before deciding to test essential workers crossing Auckland's border.
West Auckland floods a 'kick in the guts' after Covid lockdowns
A Kumeū business owner said floodwaters reached waist-high in his automotive shop on Monday night and damaged about 90 percent of his tools.
Border reopening plan 'will give exporters confidence'
Business leaders are praising the government's new pilot scheme which will allow vaccinated travelling workers to isolate at home.
Australia's Covid-19 outbreak 'probably means the end of the travel bubble'
As Australia grapples with the highly infectious Delta variant, experts say it is unlikely the trans-Tasman travel bubble will reopen.
'We're all burning out': Midwives begin rolling strikes
Midwives in Auckland and Northland walked off the job and onto the streets today kicking off consecutive days of rolling strikes across the country.
Minister expects Oranga Tamariki to 'thoroughly' investigate care of child
Minister for Children Kelvin Davis has called for an investigation into the treatment of a young child by Oranga Tamariki.
Child 'institutionalised' after spending nine weeks in hospital
A child spent more than nine weeks in a Waikato hospital because Oranga Tamariki failed to find a suitable placement - according to documents leaked online.
'Everyone loves a good pie': Judges search for supreme winner
Dozens of judges from across the country have tasted thousands of pies for the 24th Bakels Supreme Pie Awards.
Pregnant New Zealander stranded in NSW able to return home
A pregnant New Zealander who has been stranded in NSW will return home after being granted an urgent exemption for a seat on a flight back from Sydney.
NZer stuck in NSW: 'I have two kids waiting for me at home'
Stranded Kiwis in NSW are waiting to hear how high - or how low - they will be placed on the priority list for mercy flights.
KiwiRail may seek costs from livestock owner after train hit herd of cows
KiwiRail says there have been 67 recorded incidents of trains colliding with animals in the past 12 months.
Privacy commissioner not investigating Waikato DHB data dump
Swathes of staff and patient information has been published online and while it's serious, the privacy commissioner says it's not the right time for his office to investigate. Audio
Ex-CYF carer jailed for sexually assaulting boys
A former Child, Youth and Family carer has been sentenced to 10 years and two months in prison for sexually violating and indecently assaulting young boys in his care.
Hauraki Gulf marine protections win broad support as 'a good start'
Fishing industry figures, environmentalists and mana whenua have come out largely in support of newly announced plans for expanding marine protections in the Hauraki Gulf. Audio
Nurses' union back to negotiation over pay and conditions
The nurses' union and district health boards have confirmed they are heading back to the negotiating table following yesterday's mass strike.
Council u-turns on pokie rules after local outcry
Locals in the King Country town of Ōtorohanga are claiming victory after forcing district councillors to backtrack on their plan to relax a clampdown on pokie machines.
Waikato DHB: Half of servers restored in past four days
Waikato DHB has dismissed the idea that paying a ransom after its cyber attack would have been easier than having its entire computer system put out of action for such a long time.
Reformed gambling addict upset by council's plan to increase pokie machines
A reformed pokie addict who spent 20 years on the slots wants a North Island council to bin proposed changes to its gambling policy.