Kate Newton

RNZ

Birkdale, Auckland (Photo: RNZ / Claire Eastham-Farrelly)

The Auckland polling booth with a knack for predicting how the country will vote

A handful of polling stations throughout New Zealand have an uncanny ability with picking general election winners. RNZ's Kate Newton visits Birkdale on Auckland's North Shore to meet the voters at one such bellwether.

By Kate Newton | 8th October, 2020

Image: Tina Tiller

How – and when – will New Zealand come out of lockdown?

The experts explain the basis for exiting alert level four, and what comes next.

By Kate Newton | 8th April, 2020

Photo: Getty

Why the most popular dog in the country is a labrador called Bella

Why do so many dogs in New Zealand end up with the same name? And is there anything that explains the remarkable continued popularity of big bounding labradors?

By Kate Newton | 24th December, 2019

Kim Dotcom at the ‘Moment of Truth’ Rally. Photo: Getty Images

Kim Dotcom and the seven-year itch

Seven years on from his arrest, the extradition battle between Kim Dotcom and the United States reached New Zealand's Supreme Court this week. Kate Newton went to court to find out whether anyone seems to be winning.

By Kate Newton | 16th June, 2019

Photo: Christophe Suarez / Biosphoto / AFP

What does it feel like to be struck by lightning?

Lightning strikes about 190,000 times a year in New Zealand – one strike every 167 seconds, on average. So what does it feel like to get hit?

By Kate Newton | 5th June, 2019

Nine years on: the story of Auckland’s housing market under National

Nine years on: the story of Auckland’s housing market under National

Those who got a foot on Auckland's property ladder in the nick of time have reaped the benefits since 2008. But has anything improved for the growing number of long-term renters? Kate Newton reports, as part of RNZ’s series Is this the Brighter Future?, which examines the government's record since 2008.

By Kate Newton | 24th July, 2017