Eric Frykberg
Cold snap causes power prices to skyrocket up to 8 fold
The current cold snap, snow and icy conditions around the country have seen a spike in power prices - the weather has compounded the problems of the already low hydro lake levels in the South Island. Audio
Retirement to cost a lot more than a half million in future
At the moment, retirement is estimated to cost the over-65s a half a million dollars each, but experts are warning that figure could rise drastically as fewer people own homes and more rent. Audio
Petrol prices may be unreasonably high
A government-ordered study has found retail petrol margins have increased significantly over the last five years, and prices are too high in Wellington and the South Island. Audio
Greenpeace blames intensive farming for dirty water and illness
Greenpeace wants the Government to cancel the $480 million earmarked for irrigation schemes, which it claims only encourages intensive dairying. Audio
Govt announces solution to tyre stockpiles
A new government scheme will see about 60 percent of old tyres used as a biofuel to make cement. Video, Audio
Coal industry rallies as power hunger bites
More coal is being burnt to make electricity, to compensate for low water levels in South Island hydro lakes. Two units at Huntly Power station which were reprieved from scheduled closure last year… Audio
Number of pilots in NZ plummets
Official statistics show the number of commercial and air transport pilots fell from 709 in 2009 to 386 in 2016. Audio
NZ has highest youth suicide rate in developed world - UNICEF
New Zealand's youth suicide rate is double America's, five times the British and eight times worse than the best performing countries, Italy and Portugal. Audio
TTR reject accusations proposed mine would ruin environment
The company wanting to mine iron sand off the South Taranaki coast has rejected accusations its proposal would wreck the marine environment. Eric Frykberg reports on the last day of hearings at the… Audio
South island hydro lakes the worst for five years
Low rainfall levels have starved South Island hydro lakes of water, meaning the electricity system is approaching its most difficult winter conditions for five years. Transpower says it is now close… Audio
Newly identified quake hazard worries Wgtns office workers
Thousands of workers in Wellington shops and offices have a potential new worry over their safety in the form of poorly secured overhead pipes, ducts and other fittings. Audio
Delays in holiday pay settlements irk CTU
How much money is owed to workers whose holiday pay was not calculated properly? Official estimates of the amounts involved and number of people affected vary wildly, and the clock is ticking when it… Audio
Kiwis increasingly struggling to buy their first home
Eighty percent of New Zealanders face a huge struggle moving from renting to first-time home ownership, according to a new government measure. Eric Frykberg reports. Audio
Memorial unveiled in Tangiwai for hero railwaymen
A special memorial has been unveiled in Tangiwai in the central North Island to two railwaymen who died battling to avert New Zealand's worst ever railway disaster. Audio
Debate over religious education heats up
A Christchurch mother has withdrawn her children from a state school after they were told they would go to hell if they didn't believe in God during a religious education class. Audio
The Green Party wants to pay your electricity bill
The Green Party says it would help pay electricity bills for hundreds of thousands of low income people if it forms part of the next Government. Audio
Insight: Keeping NZ Rail on the Tracks
New Zealand has been tied together by a rail system that has been unfolding across the country since the late 19th century. Today up to 18 million tonnes of freight is moved via rail, every year. It's… Audio
Twin setbacks hurt KiwiRail
Just as KiwiRail's fortunes were looking up, the Kaikoura earthquake and fires have hit the rail operator's bottom line to the tune of at least 25 million dollars this financial year. Audio
Education support workers launch mediation for pay equity
Three education support workers for children with learning difficulties today launched New Zealand's first ever mediation for pay equity. Eric Frykberg reports. Audio
First case for pay equity heads to mediation
The first workers to use the government's new pay equity mediation service to argue they deserve more money are having their case heard today. Our reporter Eric Frykberg is at the union that… Audio
