Azaria Howell is a Newstalk ZB reporter based in Wellington.
Azaria is a Wellington-based multimedia reporter with an eye across the region. She joined NZME in 2022 after multiple years as a student journalist. She has a keen interest in city council decisions, social housing, and transport.
![Kāinga Ora re-housing tenants after 'major' fire in central Wellington flats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kāinga Ora re-housing tenants after 'major' fire in central Wellington flats
The housing agency was 'very concerned' to learn about the fire late yesterday afternoon.
![Cordons lifted in Wellington’s Kelburn after ‘incident’ causes traffic congestion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cordons lifted in Wellington’s Kelburn after ‘incident’ causes traffic congestion
Police said the incident occurred shortly after 6am this morning.
![Wellington's Cranfields to stay open after 'overwhelming support'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wellington's Cranfields to stay open after 'overwhelming support'
The owner said she wants to work with a council that isn't 'hostile to business'.
!['Heaps of cops': Armed police swarm Porirua suburbs, roads blocked, men arrested](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Heaps of cops': Armed police swarm Porirua suburbs, roads blocked, men arrested
Police, including Armed Offenders Squad members, converged on Plimmerton this afternoon.
![Missing Marokopa children: Police tried to get other family members to join appeal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Missing Marokopa children: Police tried to get other family members to join appeal
The children's mum was the only family member to speak during a recent police operation.
![Govt cuts millions from coastal mapping project; fears communities 'in the dark'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt cuts millions from coastal mapping project; fears communities 'in the dark'
Before the cuts, up to 85% of the coastline was going to be mapped. Now it's up to 40%.
![Wellington student hospitalised after school attack was stabbed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wellington student hospitalised after school attack was stabbed
A person was taken to hospital and the school was put into lockdown on Friday.
![Govt considers new Ruapehu marae and cultural hub after ‘flawed’ engagement with iwi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt considers new Ruapehu marae and cultural hub after ‘flawed’ engagement with iwi
Concerns were raised about commercialising the Tūroa family name on Mt Ruapehu.
![Office for Māori Crown Relations, Justice, and Corrections to cut jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Office for Māori Crown Relations, Justice, and Corrections to cut jobs
Staff are being consulted on the plans.
![Wellington Zoo attracts record visitors, so why is it losing money?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wellington Zoo attracts record visitors, so why is it losing money?
The zoo is aiming to introduce new experiences to boost revenue.
![Ministry faces at least $14m in redundancy costs after sweeping job cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ministry faces at least $14m in redundancy costs after sweeping job cuts
218 people were approved for voluntary redundancy at MSD.
![Rising seas leave 4000 Wellington buildings at risk as '100-year floods' may be annual](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rising seas leave 4000 Wellington buildings at risk as '100-year floods' may be annual
Petone will feel the greatest impact, with a stormwater system already under pressure.
![Sour grapes: Opposition to Parliament wine brand plans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sour grapes: Opposition to Parliament wine brand plans
Contracts are due to be signed-off in August.
!['Political obituary': Wellington City Council passes budget, avoids Govt intervention](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Political obituary': Wellington City Council passes budget, avoids Govt intervention
The council has been divided over the proposal to sell its shares in Wellington Airport.
![Drag performer speaks out on cancelled storytime event amid threats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Drag performer speaks out on cancelled storytime event amid threats
The council was unable to ensure a "safe and welcoming environment" for the event.
![Public sector cuts: Job cuts finalised at Oranga Tamariki, MSD and ACC](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Public sector cuts: Job cuts finalised at Oranga Tamariki, MSD and ACC
Final decisions announced at Oranga Tamariki, MSD and ACC today.
![Fake blood splattered inside Defence House in protest action](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fake blood splattered inside Defence House in protest action
Peace Action Wellington says two protesters were arrested.
![Flagship convention centre underperforming, after being deemed a Wellington success story](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Flagship convention centre underperforming, after being deemed a Wellington success story
The council said inflation and constrained government spending were having an impact.
![Drag storytime cancelled after 'threats' and opposition from Destiny Church](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Drag storytime cancelled after 'threats' and opposition from Destiny Church
A city councillor said people had 'threatened our team'.
![Kāinga Ora tenants slam council proposal restricting parking](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kāinga Ora tenants slam council proposal restricting parking
Tenants said parking was 'paramount' for those with health issues.
![Ministry of Justice staff ask if department is 'lessening its commitment' to te reo](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ministry of Justice staff ask if department is 'lessening its commitment' to te reo
Ministry chief executive Andrew Kibblewhite met with staff in Auckland and New Plymouth.
![Nursing graduates 'at a loss' after alleged hospital hiring 'freeze'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Nursing graduates 'at a loss' after alleged hospital hiring 'freeze'
Health NZ denies it has stopped hiring following outrage from nursing unions.
![Woman due in court after alleged assault in Wellington strip club](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman due in court after alleged assault in Wellington strip club
The 26-year-old is due to appear in court today.
![No more freebies to complete Census; Govt considering harsher fines](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
No more freebies to complete Census; Govt considering harsher fines
The Statistics Minister said the incentives would be 'very unlikely' in the next Census.
![More than $8m spent on redundancies at one Govt ministry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
More than $8m spent on redundancies at one Govt ministry
Thousands of roles have been cut, or are on the line, across the public sector.
![Health Ministry staff fire back at pay freeze; changes to Suicide Prevention Office revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Health Ministry staff fire back at pay freeze; changes to Suicide Prevention Office revealed
A lump-sum payment is instead being delivered, based on staff performance.
![Health New Zealand implements recruitment pause amid budget overspend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Health New Zealand implements recruitment pause amid budget overspend
Chief executive Margie Apa said filling vacancies had caused an overspend.
![Ministry of Health confirms final job cut tally](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ministry of Health confirms final job cut tally
The Ministry of Health held an all-staff meeting on the plan this morning.
![Budget's impact on public servants revealed, ministries cut spending by millions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Budget's impact on public servants revealed, ministries cut spending by millions
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said stopping 'wasteful spending' was a priority.
![Oranga Tamariki spends more than $800k on contractors, consultants on plan to axe 447 jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Oranga Tamariki spends more than $800k on contractors, consultants on plan to axe 447 jobs
Minister for Children Karen Chhour is defending the spend-up.
![Public sector cuts: ‘No reprieve’ for staff as ministries signal 3-5 yrs of fiscal restraint](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Public sector cuts: ‘No reprieve’ for staff as ministries signal 3-5 yrs of fiscal restraint
Some agencies expect years of fiscal restraint.
![Human Rights Commission offers voluntary redundancies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Human Rights Commission offers voluntary redundancies
There are four commissioners and about 80 staff at the independent Crown entity.
![800-plus jobs slashed at Ministry of Social Development and DOC](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
800-plus jobs slashed at Ministry of Social Development and DOC
MSD previously announced 200 voluntary redundancies were accepted last month.
![Uncomfortable going for lunch: Stats NZ abandons Auckland CBD office amid safety concerns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Uncomfortable going for lunch: Stats NZ abandons Auckland CBD office amid safety concerns
Staff have been told there is 'no expectation' to attend the office in-person.
![Simon Bridges' 120km/h-plus speeding fine considered during NZTA chair appointment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Simon Bridges' 120km/h-plus speeding fine considered during NZTA chair appointment
Bridges currently chairs New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
![Public sector cuts: MPI confirms 391 roles to go](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Public sector cuts: MPI confirms 391 roles to go
NZTA is also disestablishing roles due to policy changes.
![Leaked document: Concern Commerce Commission job cuts will impact services](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Leaked document: Concern Commerce Commission job cuts will impact services
The Herald has seen an employees-only document from the commission, outlining the changes.
![Fist bumps and a ‘stoked’ minister: Inside the fast-tracking of a DJ’s passport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fist bumps and a ‘stoked’ minister: Inside the fast-tracking of a DJ’s passport
One senior leader was bombarded with messages from her son's mates calling it 'gangster'.
![Safety concerns raised over Wellington ‘anti-trans’ event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Safety concerns raised over Wellington ‘anti-trans’ event
Te Papa and the council are reviewing health and safety and security arrangements.
![Mount Ruapehu’s Whakapapa skifield not commercially sustainable, Cabinet warned](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mount Ruapehu’s Whakapapa skifield not commercially sustainable, Cabinet warned
A number of bidders are aiming to take over the skifield's assets.
![Work to begin to fix train woes, months on from disruption](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Work to begin to fix train woes, months on from disruption
The train tracks were laid too narrow at times, causing vibrations and speed restrictions.
![Seymour wanted Ministry of Regulation to have three times more staff than Productivity Commission](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Seymour wanted Ministry of Regulation to have three times more staff than Productivity Commission
David Seymour said red tape and regulation are 'out of control' in this country.
![Commerce Commission to cut around 10 per cent of staff](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Commerce Commission to cut around 10 per cent of staff
Job cuts in the sector have reached well above 3000 so far.
![Official docs reveal Govt warned NZ school cellphone ban ‘may not be warranted’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Official docs reveal Govt warned NZ school cellphone ban ‘may not be warranted’
The Ministry of Education looked at policies from Europe, Australia, the USA and Asia.
![Is this the darkest day for the civil service? Latest job cuts push total over 3000](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is this the darkest day for the civil service? Latest job cuts push total over 3000
Kāinga Ora, Ministry of Housing, Stats NZ, Ministry of Ed, NZQA had cuts today.
!['Reckless': 170 jobs on line at Kāinga Ora and housing agency as axe falls across public sector](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Reckless': 170 jobs on line at Kāinga Ora and housing agency as axe falls across public sector
Workers have been told not to make a decision 'on a whim'.
![$315k spent on syrup and maintenance for prison guard slushies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$315k spent on syrup and maintenance for prison guard slushies
The machines were slammed by National in opposition, in 2019.
![Political plonk: Parliament producing its own exclusive wine range](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Political plonk: Parliament producing its own exclusive wine range
The wine will be produced in a winery that is at least 51 per cent New Zealand owned.
![Ministry of Māori Development told to find millions more in cost savings, 38 jobs to go](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ministry of Māori Development told to find millions more in cost savings, 38 jobs to go
Te Puni Kōkiri has been tasked with finding $34.6m in savings ahead of the Budget.
![Petone or Pito-one? Name change proposal considered today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Petone or Pito-one? Name change proposal considered today
Today's ruling will decide whether the public gets consulted on the idea or not.
![Concern public sector cuts will see frontline cops taking on back-room jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Concern public sector cuts will see frontline cops taking on back-room jobs
Roles tackling child exploitation, extremism and money-laundering are on the line.
![Te Papa removes defaced Treaty of Waitangi panel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Papa removes defaced Treaty of Waitangi panel
Protestors took spray paint and an angle grinder to the display in December.
!['Fattening the profits': Oranga Tamariki calls in consultants to help with job cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Fattening the profits': Oranga Tamariki calls in consultants to help with job cuts
The agency is looking at cutting 447 net roles in its change proposal.
!['Irresponsible and dangerous': Customs and DIA look to cut a further 100 roles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Irresponsible and dangerous': Customs and DIA look to cut a further 100 roles
The PSA says jobs would be cut from airports and counter-terrorism teams.
![Govt promises to reinvest public sector cost savings in ‘critical front-line services'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt promises to reinvest public sector cost savings in ‘critical front-line services'
It comes as a number of agencies are cutting jobs in their search for savings.
![Wellington job market feels impact of public sector cuts with drop in salaries, listings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wellington job market feels impact of public sector cuts with drop in salaries, listings
Data shows jobs in central government are down significantly, and applications are up.
![Mental Health Foundation looks to cut jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mental Health Foundation looks to cut jobs
Around half of the foundation's income is from Government contracts.
![Class warfare: Education Ministry cuts 'strike at heart', Govt promises to reinvest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Class warfare: Education Ministry cuts 'strike at heart', Govt promises to reinvest
More than 1000 roles are set to be axed from the two agencies alone.
!['Savage cuts': Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki look to slash 1000 jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Savage cuts': Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki look to slash 1000 jobs
The PSA has called it a 'brutal day' for the public sector.
![400 jobs to go at Oranga Tamariki; cuts called 'extreme'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
400 jobs to go at Oranga Tamariki; cuts called 'extreme'
The Children's Ministry is looking to slash spending by 6.5 per cent.
![‘It’s going to kill business’: The seaside suburb eyeing paid parking](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘It’s going to kill business’: The seaside suburb eyeing paid parking
One business owner fears paid parking will drive shoppers away.
!['Fattening the profits of law firms': DIA legal team in proposed cull, says union](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Fattening the profits of law firms': DIA legal team in proposed cull, says union
The changes are the latest proposal in a string of public service staff reductions.
![Tertiary Education Commission and Crown Law to slash roles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tertiary Education Commission and Crown Law to slash roles
The PSA is concerned women are bearing the brunt of cuts at the commission.
![Ministry for Culture and Heritage confirms job cutting proposal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ministry for Culture and Heritage confirms job cutting proposal
More than 1300 jobs are facing the chop from government departments so far.
![More than 1300 public sector jobs to go: Full list of where axe is falling as more cuts loom](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
More than 1300 public sector jobs to go: Full list of where axe is falling as more cuts loom
A number of job reductions have been due to stop-work notices.
![Public sector cuts: 130 net roles face chop at Department of Conservation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Public sector cuts: 130 net roles face chop at Department of Conservation
It's the latest agency to target jobs as a way to meet govt's directed cost savings.
![Unions slam PM’s comment they ‘don’t seem to care about working New Zealanders’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Unions slam PM’s comment they ‘don’t seem to care about working New Zealanders’
Christopher Luxon called on unions to support the Government's tax relief plans.
![Complaints skyrocket in NZ region where only 6 per cent of trains ran on time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Complaints skyrocket in NZ region where only 6 per cent of trains ran on time
Trains have been running slow after it was discovered new tracks were laid too narrow.
![Around 30 jobs may be impacted by Callaghan Innovation restructure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Around 30 jobs may be impacted by Callaghan Innovation restructure
The Lower Hutt-based Crown agency says it's a 'difficult time' for staff.
![Ministry for the Environment staff told redundancies ‘likely’, as Govt aims to save $1.5b](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ministry for the Environment staff told redundancies ‘likely’, as Govt aims to save $1.5b
A voluntary redundancy scheme has been started at the ministry.
![Roles in tobacco regulation could be slashed following Smokefree u-turn](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Roles in tobacco regulation could be slashed following Smokefree u-turn
Five jobs are proposed to go from the Ministry of Health's tobacco regulatory team.
![Leaked docs reveal Health Ministry chose to cut 134 staff rather than trim executive pay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Leaked docs reveal Health Ministry chose to cut 134 staff rather than trim executive pay
The ministry is proposing job cuts to meet its savings targets.
![Health Ministry proposes job cuts of 18 per cent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Health Ministry proposes job cuts of 18 per cent
Ministry of Health proposes to slash 134 roles entirely to meet Govt savings directive.
![Food Show postponed due to potential Phoenix grand final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Food Show postponed due to potential Phoenix grand final
The Wellington men currently sit on top of the table.
![Public service cuts: Ministry staff called into meetings to learn job fate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Public service cuts: Ministry staff called into meetings to learn job fate
Ministry spokesperson Geoff Short said it was a 'difficult time' for staff.
!['No good time': MoH staff to learn fate first day back from Easter break](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'No good time': MoH staff to learn fate first day back from Easter break
The window between Easter and school holidays was decided the best time to inform staff.
![MBIE proposes more voluntary redundancies as public service cuts continue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
MBIE proposes more voluntary redundancies as public service cuts continue
The ministry had previously confirmed 111 voluntary redundancies were accepted.
![MPI and health ministry to cut hundreds of jobs, union says it's an 'irresponsible gamble'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
MPI and health ministry to cut hundreds of jobs, union says it's an 'irresponsible gamble'
Ministries are urged to find savings between 6.5 and 7.5 per cent on average.