Nita Blake Persen
'Motel generation' feared as emergency housing need continues
There are fears Aotearoa could end up with a 'motel generation' as whānau struggling to afford rents are bumped across emergency accommodation providers.
Latest figures show there are more than 4,000… Audio
Crunch time for pioneering peanut crop in Northland
It's crunch time for a pioneering peanut crop in Northland, which government agencies hope could provide a viable product for the area.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has teamed up with the… Video, Audio
Woman forced to pay double rent in move to public housing
A single mum who has waited five years to get into public housing is now paying hundreds of dollars in double rent - with Kainga Ora charging her while she wraps up her private tenancy.
The… Audio
Worker injured at Auckland port two days after damning report on safety concerns
An ambulance was called to treat an injured worker at the Ports of Auckland last week - just two days after a damning report revealed widespread safety concerns at the Ports.
There are growing calls… Audio
'It's his fault' - deceased's family want Auckland Ports boss gone
The family of one of the men killed at Auckland Ports wants the chief executive to resign following damning revelations into the Ports' safety culture.
Systemic problems have been revealed in an… Video, Audio
Ports of Auckland independent review released
Systemic health and safety problems have been highlighted in an independent review of Ports of Auckland which was released this morning. The review was commissioned by the Auckland Council after three… Audio
Doctors warn emergency deparment pressures may worsen
Doctors are warning the massive pressures facing hospitals across the country are likely to get worse before they get better.
At least two emergency departments this week reached capacity, but health… Audio
Ports of Auckland bosses face council amid safety tensions
Ports of Auckland bosses are fronting for a private meeting with Auckland Councilors as tensions builds over mounting safety and performance concerns.
Mayor Phil Goff last week wrote to the Ports… Video, Audio
Goff's strong letter demands answers of Ports of Auckland
Auckland's mayor has delivered a damning letter demanding answers from Ports of Auckland bosses, amid revelations there have been four stop-work injuries over the six months.
The port company has… Video, Audio
Tropical fruit, coffee potential crops for winterless north
One Whangārei family is preparing to harvest the country's first ever commercial pineapple crop.
They're not the only ones turning their hand to tropical fruit growing, with bananas, papayas and even… Video, Audio
Another depressing day for renters, first home buyers in NZ
It's another disappointing day for many first home buyers as the real estate industry reaches fresh highs.
But it's not just those struggling to buy that are feeling glum - with the flow on effects… Video, Audio
Quakes, tsunami warnings - what happened in Northland
Communities in Northland were also told to head inland and to higher ground.
Our reporter Nita Blake Persen and cameraman Nick Monro filed this report from Whangārei. Video, Audio
RNZ reporters update evacuation in affected areas
Radio New Zealand reporter Nita Blake-Persen joins the programme from Onerahi near Whangarei airport, while Country Life reporter Carol Stiles is on Great Barrier Island. Audio
Under-pressure port workers fear more fatalities on the job
Workers at the Ports of Auckland say they fear they'll die on the job as pressures to clear freight are put above their safety.
They say urgent action is needed. An Auckland Council led safety review… Video, Audio
Covid-19 vaccination safety campaign needed now, leaders urge
The government is being urged to hurry up with its vaccination awareness campaign, to avoid being drowned out by the anti-vax movement.
The Ministry of Health says it has plans for a paid… Video, Audio
Real estate agents under fire for not repaying wage subsidies
Real estate agents are under fire for failing to repay millions of dollars in wage subsidies, despite record property prices and a booming market.
Checkpoint can reveal more than $13 million was paid… Video, Audio
Company supporting paramedics blocked by St John
A company working to set up a fund to support front line ambulance workers says it's being blocked in its efforts by St John.
YelloHalo is an internet service provider, which will return 100 percent… Audio
Housing crisis: More than 4,000 NZ children living in motels
There are now more than 4,000 children growing up in motels across New Zealand, devastating parents who are desperate to find a permanent place for their kids to live.
Skyrocketing house prices are… Video, Audio
Kiwi conservationists count wins in war on wallabies
Pest control experts say they're finally starting to make a dent in New Zealand's exploding wallaby population, as a battle to stop them destroying native forests rages on.
The government last year… Video, Audio
Waiomio community checkpoint closed over safety concerns
Police have shut down a community checkpoint in Waiomio in Northland, citing traffic safety concerns.
The checkpoint was one of three set up this morning by the community in the Far North, to help… Audio
