Stories by Rachel Helyer Donaldson
News
May the 4th be with you: How NZ is celebrating Star Wars Day
Whether they are baking Wookie cookies, dressing up as their favourite character or attending a movie marathon, Star Wars fans are having a big weekend.
Chaos, panic and confusion during mall armed robbery
A 27-year-old man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the robbery. Audio
'Most horrific threats' - Rainbow storytime tour cancellation draws outrage
Members of the rainbow community say they are heartbroken but not surprised at the cancellation of a tour where drag performers read stories to children in libraries.
Fears sick people will 'soldier on' at work with pseudoephedrine
Michael Baker said pseudoephedrine masks Covid-19 symptoms, meaning people could go back to work or school when they are still unwell and contagious. Video
New York earthquake 'very strange and surreal' experience, NZer says
A New Zealander living in New York says the magnitude 4.8 quake that rocked the north-east US reminded her of home.
'You just never know' - Princess's cancer a wake-up call to others
Cancer Society New Zealand says the announcement by the Princess of Wales is a reminder for everyone to look after their health.
Ukrainian community marks second anniversary of Russia's invasion
Ukrainians and their supporters gathered in Wellington's Civic Square on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Compulsory police fitness test too hard, former cop says
The standard needs to change if police want to recruit and keep staff, an ex officer says.
Take aim at commercial boats, not local fishers - Taipā competition organiser
The fishing competition organiser says a boat jetty protest by iwi members was misdirected.
Twenty-one days, eight homicides - Police investigate nearly double usual rate of deaths
The rate of homicides in the country has almost doubled over the past three weeks, with police saying they have started eight separate investigations since 16 December.
NZ's reputation 'now pretty tarnished' amongst scientists - tobacco researcher
A public health academic says New Zealand's rowback on smokefree legislation is "very embarrassing" and has tarnished our reputation.