Phil Pennington

The signs - such as ones saying 'dire emergency' - have been emblazoned on trucks and fire stations for months.

A report by an Australasian group says it is an old, fragmented system that it is hindering the response to routine emergencies and large disasters.

The system still runs on an operating model set up in 1958, and a public safety working group says it hinders emergency responders.

Recruits have been shuttled to Auckland Airport's live training site since trainers slapped a safety notice on the containers last September.

Engineers told the council buildings should not usually be allowed in "runout" zones.

After 15 years monitoring the cliff as it got worse, a $2m project has now begun to protect the pipe that carries all of Upper Hutt's sewage south.

The installation of new surveillance cameras was stalled over costs and unresolved privacy issues.

A long-forgotten policy that's suddenly been reactivated is creating a headache for riders trying to make new trails.

Report shows six out of 10 of the top offenders threatening Foodstuffs South Island staff were under 18.

Police stood down rescue helicopter despite calls about a 14-year-old swimming away from a burning boat in Lake Taupō, RNZ has learned.

Officials say transparency is crucial to build trust in the government's most important data system.

Trouble getting a chopper to help a girl trapped on a cliff face was not an isolated incident, the firefighters union says. Audio

Firefighters begged police in vain for a helicopter to help rescue the 13-year-old from a Coromandel cliff. Audio

The country's main engineering industry group has joined warnings that changes to electrical safety rules create a new hazard.

Customs wants to use a privately-run surveillance system - but might be able to see what police are telling retail stores about suspects.

Three intended amendments will weaken the Public Records Act and create loopholes, the former chief archivist says.

The Department of Conservation is urgently hunting an extra $150 million in revenue, warning it's at risk of going backwards.

One club had to give $40,000 back to a donor after the Department of Conservation pulled the pin on an agreement to start on tracks in Te Anau's Snowdon Forest Park. Audio

Many riders on the 85km Timber Trail in Pureora Forest Park are on e-bikes, but the law says they're not allowed. Audio

The facility was shut three years ago, after detection of substances linked to cancer and immune problems.

Oranga Tamariki aims to run its second boot camp for serious youth offenders in March next year using a new design.

A dispute has escalated over the past month as electrical inspectors repeatedly plead with officials to do a U-turn, RNZ can reveal. Audio

RNZ first reported on years-long ructions at the unit that treats abused children, Te Puaruruhau, in October.

The country needs to be able to quickly add up to 10 times more personnel if needed, the NZDF's boss says.

The government is facing an extra $1.4 billion liability, but has not ruled out further legal action.