Farah Hancock

Auckland, New Zealand

Journalist at Radio New Zealand (RNZ)

Data & longform journalist RNZ In Depth. Trying hard to get the word 'minging' in a headline. Failing.

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Articles

Why some of our biggest exporters are worried about the Gene Technology Bill

3 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Farah Hancock

New Zealand is considering a major overhaul of its genetic modification laws. While proponents tout the potential for more nutritious foods and reduced emissions of gene-edited products, a growing number of our biggest exporters are sounding the alarm. When Aotearoa's restrictive genetic modification laws are overhauled, the responsibility for assessing risk will largely fall on one person's shoulders.
Quarrying company J Swap denied Supreme Court appeal to mine on QEII covenant land

1 month ago | rnz.co.nz | Farah Hancock

A quarrying company has been denied approval by the Supreme Court to appeal its failed bid to mine under protected bush. Kaimai Properties Ltd, and its owner J Swap Ltd, wanted to mine andesite rock from 42 hectares of land close to Matamata in South Waikato. The rock from the quarry is used in infrastructure projects and J Swap has said it will run out of material if it is unable to extend its existing quarry into the protected land.
Eden Park proposes to build university accommodation without talking to university

1 month ago | rnz.co.nz | Farah Hancock

The University of Auckland has said it was unaware of plans for a student hostel at Eden Park, despite the stadium trust claiming it would be developed "in conjunction" with the university. The proposed 150-bed hostel was included in Eden Park's successful fast-track act application for upgrades to its suburban Auckland stadium.
The government’s targets in charts: More than half still behind track

2 months ago | rnz.co.nz | Farah Hancock

For a full explanation of each target and how it has changed, see RNZ's target-by-target breakdown below. Five of the government's key targets are behind track or at risk of not being met, the latest update shows. People on Jobseeker benefits have increased significantly - for the second quarter in a row - and education targets remain elusive.
Canadian billionaire Jim Grenon tight-lipped on NZME share purchase

2 months ago | rnz.co.nz | Farah Hancock

A New Zealand-based Canadian billionaire who has purchased a significant minority stake in the publisher of the NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB is staying mum on his reasons for investing in the company.. James Grenon has spent $9 million to take his shareholding in NZME to 9.3 percent. Grenon has been linked with alternative news sites, including The Centrist, serving as the company's director up to August 2023.
Government warned fast-track bill broke rules in benefiting business

2 months ago | rnz.co.nz | Farah Hancock

Text messages and letters reveal a behind-the-scenes struggle to pass the coalition government's contentious Fast-track Approvals Bill, despite concerns it broke Parliament's rules about benefiting private companies. The government was warned that including private projects like mining and housing in the legislation would make it inadmissible as a government bill, as only private bills can benefit private entities.
Bream Bay sand mining plan sparks local opposition and cultural concerns

Feb 11, 2025 | nzherald.co.nz | Farah Hancock

No Sand Mining Bream Bay protest banner hangs at Ruakaka Beach. Photo / RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyBy Farah Hancock of RNZDr Mere Kepa opposes McCallum Bros' plan to mine sand from Bream Bay, citing cultural and environmental concerns. The project, fast-tracked under new legislation, lacks public consultation and has faced strong local opposition. McCallum Bros claims the mining’s impact will be low, but locals fear lasting damage to the ecosystem.
Locals fear a fast-tracked sand mining plan will turn Bream Bay’s pristine beaches to mud

Feb 11, 2025 | rnz.co.nz | Farah Hancock

Before she will sit down with the man who wants to mine her hapū's backyard, Dr Mere Kepa insists he meet her ancestors. "I bring them through the garage, into the hallway. We have a small house," explains Kepa, who lives in Takahiwai in Northland's Bream Bay. The bay's gleaming white sand is picturesque and perfect for use in high-strength concrete. Kepa is concerned a plan to dredge the bay's seabed will erode the community's sweeping beaches.
Second audit finds more consent breaches at Macraes mine

Dec 10, 2024 | odt.co.nz | Farah Hancock

By Farah Hancock of RNZAn Otago gold mine set to have an expansion written into fast-track legislation has repeatedly breached resource consents, a second independent audit has found. The audit, ordered by Dunedin City Council and Waitaki District Council, uncovered "widespread and ongoing non-compliance" with several conditions of land-use consents held by Oceana Gold's Macraes mine.
Second audit finds more consent breaches by Oceana Gold's Otago Macraes mine

Dec 10, 2024 | rnz.co.nz | Farah Hancock

An Otago gold mine set to have an expansion written into fast-track legislation has repeatedly breached resource consents, a second independent audit has found. The audit, ordered by Dunedin City Council and Waitaki District Council, uncovered "widespread and ongoing non-compliance" with several conditions of land-use consents held by Oceana Gold's Macraes mine.