Stories by Matthew Rosenberg
News
Controversial East Coast barge facility ‘getting close’
A group hoping to establish a controversial barge facility at the northern tip of the East Coast is confident it will get the project across the line in the coming months.
Ombudsman preparing for increase in complaints following cyclone
The Chief Ombudsman says he expects a rise in complaints on the back of extreme weather events, but it could take some time for frustration to boil over into a noticeable spike.
Census taskforce targets cyclone-hit Tai Rāwhiti and Hawke's Bay
People living in flood-affected parts of Tai Rāwhiti might receive a knock at the door in the coming weeks.
'Stoked': Transportable homes arrive for some cyclone victims
Relocatable homes have arrived in Tairāwhiti, providing a welcome boost for some of those displaced by Cyclone Gabrielle.
'We haven't learnt much' - Councils challenged over flood mitigation
Tom Kay is on a mission to get people rethinking how to protect natural and built environments, but that can include difficult truths, like realising the devastating flow-on effects of man-made…
'I will die prematurely': Cancer patient concerned over proposed law change
A Gisborne woman living with terminal cancer fears she will "die prematurely" if proposed changes to the country's medicine legislation go through, limiting her ability to import a "miracle" drug.
Cyclone highlights need for Gisborne river management plan
A Gisborne farmer upset over the district council's lack of care for a frequently-flooded river is calling for action in the wake of devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle.
Gisborne council spent $350k on cyclone-related water project that never went ahead
More than $350,000 of council money went towards accessing water from an industry site following Cyclone Gabrielle, but the project never got off the ground.
Tokomaru Bay reconnected to Gisborne with bypass road
The 2.2km route, named Pourau Road, provides a way around State Highway 35's busted Hikuwai No.1 Bridge.
Tolaga Bay forestry waste inquiry: 'It's not just a mess, it's dangerous'
Exhaustion, frustration and an air of sadness could be felt at a Tolaga Bay meeting, as people shared emotional accounts of the impact of slash and recent cyclones.
Burials on hold at Gisborne’s main cemetery following cyclone
Gisborne families wanting to bury their loved ones at Taruheru Cemetery are in limbo while the district council monitors issues with groundwater at the site.
'Forgotten we're still stuck': Upset over handling of convoys
Tensions have run high in Tokomaru Bay over the district council's handling of convoys which have proven a life-line to residents needing to access Gisborne.
Forestry company says it's not responsible for damage to Gisborne water pipeline
The forestry company says the damage during Cyclone Gabrielle was unavoidable because of the nature of the storm.
Environmentalists despair at state of Gisborne river following cyclone
A Gisborne environmentalist who has spent 20 years trying to improve the state of a local river says her efforts have been decimated by the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Gisborne council not testing for contaminants in industrial areas following cyclone
Gisborne District Council will not be following Napier's example.
Cyclone Gabrielle: Broken road halting restart for popular school programme
A Tai Rāwhiti education programme that boasts a one-year waiting list has bad news for schools eagerly awaiting their turn to visit.
'We were luckier than most': Gisborne man staying positive despite insurance nightmare
In the two weeks following the cyclone, Peter Clough was busy helping people, and it wasn't until later he discovered his own contents insurance was not actually set up.
'A lot of hurt in this area': Gisborne couple say council let their community down
A Gisborne couple tasked with an eye-watering clean-up feel they were neglected by the district council.
Forestry waste from council-owned plantation big factor in cutting off Gisborne's water supply
Slash and whole trees from Gisborne District Council's joint-venture forest appear to have played a significant role in damaging the city's main water supply during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Civil Defence working long hours in rural Gisborne with no end in sight
A newly formed Civil Defence team working long hours to support affected whānau in Te Karaka are staying positive despite seemingly endless need in their community.
Long road ahead to reinstate normal water supply to Gisborne
Gisborne industries could be waiting around two weeks before they can begin operating again as the desperate state of the city's water situation was hammered home at a meeting.
Tai Rāwhiti resident shares harrowing cyclone ordeal
The Gisborne local stood in horror on his driveway watching the Waimatā River, which had doubled in size, thundering towards the city.
‘Unjust colonial weapon’: Green Party promises to continue fight against perpetual leases
A Green Party politician is vowing to make perpetual leases an election issue as Māori landowners continue their fight to gain back control of their whenua.
'Why do we have to buy back our own land?': Perpetual leases battle continues
Māori locked out of their whenua by perpetual leases are continuing their fight against century-old legislation.
Ministers, stakeholders meet to discuss Gisborne land-use practices
A review of land-use in Tairāwhiti looks likely following a meeting at Gisborne District Council yesterday, but there is some confusion about what exactly was settled behind closed doors.