Stories by Nita Blake-Persen

Asthma inhalers, groceries and extra petrol to cart the kids around are some of the things families will spend a new boost to their weekly budget on.

Health warnings are already in place for several popular swim spots around the country, with more likely to be out of action as the hot weather continues. Video

Young families facing homelessness in Northland say Work and Income is paying for them to stay at a local motel that should not be operating, let alone housing children. Video, Audio

The Auckland, Waitemata and Counties Manukau DHBs have been dragging their feet on implementing safer working hours, the junior doctors' union says.

A family friendly event is being planned for Ōtāhuhu this weekend as police plan a firmer hand in dealing with disorder and brawling in South Auckland.

New Zealand's superannuation fund has confirmed it has dealt with the law firm at the centre of the Paradise Papers.

The Conservation Minister is vowing to restore DOC's ability to advocate for the environment, saying political pressure and a lack of funding has prevented it from speaking out for years.

There are fears $21m worth of New Zealand's plastic, paper and other waste that China no longer wants will end up in landfills.

A New Zealand firefighter who spent months training Syrian civilians in bomb rescues has spoken of the bravery of those putting their lives on the line during the country's brutal conflict. Audio

Dozens of workers from Fletcher Building businesses walked off the job this morning after pay negotiations with the country's biggest construction company stalled.

The death of a young Rotorua man highlights a troubling delay in accessing residential rehab beds, a coroner says.

Conservationists are calling on councils to cull stray cats instead of relying on the SPCA to rehome the abandoned animals, which pose a threat to endangered native wildlife.

As political parties vie for a spot in the next government, homeless people are urging them to make affordable housing a top priority.

A 2kg rock launched from a motorway overbridge would have hit taxi driver Balkar Singh in the forehead had it been a couple of inches to the left, he says.

A funeral service is being held today for a baby found dead in an Auckland park last year, with organisers hopeful the service will raise awareness around issues faced by some pregnant women.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff was not part of a panel that appointed his friend and former colleague Annette King to the board of a council-controlled organisation, he says.

Auckland's slowing real estate market is good news for home buyers, but causing sleepless nights for movers and home stagers.

An Auckland mother fears her four-year-old son will be held back by what she says is a lack of teacher aides for children with disabilities. Audio

Victims say a report revealing the $21m cost of the campylobacter outbreak shows they need more financial help. Audio

A group advocating to end religious education in state schools is launching a campaign aiming to inform parents about what their children are being taught.

International teachers moving to Auckland to help fill the city's teaching shortage say lengthy and expensive red tape is forcing them to head home again.

Hundreds of people have pledged to invest more than $1.7 million to ensure the manufacture of Jaffas, Pineapple Lumps and Buzz Bars stays in Dunedin.

Disney has cancelled sales of a costume based on upcoming film Moana, following criticism that it was a form of cultural appropriation.