Stories by Kate Green
News
Thorndon Quay carparks: Council's decision-making process flawed, court rules
The saga continues over the controversial carparks to cycleway plan on Thorndon Quay, as the Court of Appeal takes aim at the council's decision-making process.
Doctors' clinic's lack of staff not just due to workforce shortage, PHO says
The Primary Health Organisation says a struggling Lower Hutt doctors' clinic cannot entirely blame the national workforce shortage for its own near total lack of staff.
GPs left Lower Hutt practice now relying on telehealth due to stress, ex-staff member says
A former staff member at a Lower Hutt GP practice with 9000 patients and only one doctor says pressure on staff to see patients fast led to mass resignations.
Residents demand council throw out report on sea level rise
Homeowners are worried insurance companies will use the report as an excuse to refuse to cover their homes.
Fast-track legislation: DOC's OIA refusal was unlawful - Ombudsman
The Ombudsman found the Department of Conservation was both unlawful and unreasonable in its refusal to provide copies of its advice to ministers.
Granny flat change welcomed by housing providers, Labour
Proposed law changes would remove the need for building consents on homes under 60 square metres in certain areas. Audio
Jobs for Nature workers hope programme will carry on despite funding running out
Jobs are in limbo and environmental gains set to be lost as the programme nears its end date. Audio
'I smelt it, I felt it': Hope of stopping sewage overflows
Residents have complained of a horrible smell, visible sewage and toilet paper spilling out to sea for years.
Government's freshwater bill will result in more polluted waterways, critics say
A bill changing freshwater protection rules is prompting more accusations of the coalition government prioritising profit over protection.
'Assault on nature': Environment loses in Budget 2024
The government's only new environmental funding will go to resource management reforms, which have been relaxing rules for natural protection.
Far-right media host's court case against police dismissed
The man behind a far-right media platform who claimed he was wrongfully arrested outside court during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a court case against the police dismissed.
NZTA to axe 24 more jobs in third round of proposed cuts
The proposed further reduction of 24 jobs will affect staff working on road safety campaigns.
Oranga Tamariki gets warning of legal action
A law firm that works with survivors of abuse in state care says job cuts will further slow down the release of victims' records.
Who will pay the price of protecting the environment?
Someone will have to front the cost of land-use changes necessary to protect the environment, the government's top environmental advisor warns.
Ministry of Education failing to help redundant staff - union
It isn't meets obligations to find alternative roles for staff it is making redundant, the Public Service Association says.
Wellington's job listings plummet
But a recruitment firm is attributing a huge increase in applications to public sector job cuts.
Watch: Auckland's Gulf Harbour Country Club building on fire
A local resident saw the blaze from his bedroom window and says the flames kept "getting bigger and bigger".
Former Ruapehu Alpine Lifts boss confident he can turn a profit
The former head of a Mt Ruapehu ski field which went into receivership disagrees with concerns for its future commercial viability.
Wetland management: Council sets out plan to enhance processes
While the method wasn't watertight in court, Wellington's regional council says it still plans to use it to identify potential wetlands around the region.
KiwiRail ferry, port projects wouldn't have broken even - even after 2050
The Transport Ministry has questioned whether KiwiRail is capable of continuing to run the service.
School lunch revamp: 'The biggest waiting list since 2018'
Up to 10,000 more hungry children under five will become eligible for free lunches under the government's revised lunches in schools programme.
'Ministerial override must go' - Hearings begin over fast-track bill
None of the groups that spoke to Parliament's environment committee on Thursday supported the bill as it stands.
Junior police officers 'justified' in chasing vehicle that crashed, killing two
The watchdog says the crash was caused by driver CJ-Lee Taingahue, who was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, drove dangerously and lost control.
New emergency management legislation delayed after bill pulled by Government
The bill was introduced by the previous government in June last year. Audio