2022 was one of THE years of all time. Here’s some of the biggest stories the Re: News team told in 2022.  

Her best friend died at a flat party. Now she’s calling for change 

Re: News journalist Baz Macdonald went to Dunedin and met Megan Prentice. Megan’s best friend Sophia Crestani died at an overcrowded Dunedin flat party in 2019.

On a mission to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again, Megan is determined to make Dunedin's party culture as safe as it can be for other students. 

It's her promise to Sophia: "No one else should ever have to lose their best friend and no other 19-year-old person should have to die having fun in Dunedin."

Watch here:

We published a four part docu-series called Still Here 

In 1971, 45% of Auckland’s Pasifika population lived in the inner city. Now, fewer than 2% remain there.

Through the eyes of Pacific youth and their families, this four part docu-series celebrates the small but mighty Pasifika community in inner-city Auckland who have remained despite decades of rampant gentrification. 

Each episode weaves intergenerational stories of family, community and culture, dispelling the myth that “all the Islanders have left”. 

In the first episode, follow acclaimed rapper Diggy Dupé and the City Boys using music, fashion and entrepreneurship to reclaim and rebirth the inner-city Pacific identity.

Watch here: 

Rushing back to exercise can cause long Covid

In May, Re: News journalist Zoe Madden-Smith interviewed cellular immunologist Anna Brooks, who is leading a major research project on long Covid in New Zealand.

Young woman running under freeway overpass. Photo: Getty Images 

This story was read more than 50,000 times.  

Read the full story here.

What we know about Tonga’s volcanic eruption and how you can help

In January, the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai, an underwater volcano in Tonga, triggered tsunami waves across the Pacific islands and other parts of the world. 

The eruption covered the Pacific islands in ash, cut off power, and severed communications as the main undersea communications cable in Tonga was disrupted. 

A satellite image of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption. Photo: Maxar by Getty Images 

Ila, who saw the volcanic eruption and tsunami from Tonga’s Tongatapu, said in an audio recording at the time: “Can you hear that? That’s not rain, that’s fucking rocks coming down from the volcano.” 

Read the full story here.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: In photos 

In February, we published these photos which captured the beginning of the conflict.  

Caman Denysenko tries to calm his spooked cat as he joins hundreds of people seeking shelter underground, on the platform, inside the dark train cars. Photo: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Since then, the invasion continues to impact the people of Ukraine and the rest of the world.  

See the photos here.

How Convoy protesters are setting up for the long haul in Wellington 

In case you forgot - because it feels like forever ago - there was an occupation at Parliament grounds in February. 

Re: News journalist Baz Macdonald met up with a protester who showed him how people were setting themselves up for a long stay outside of Parliament. 

But in more positive news, we celebrated Matariki as an official holiday 

On June 21, Re: News journalist Matiu Hamuera went along to an umu kohukohu whetū ceremony held by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei at Takaparawhau Bastion Point in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Umu kohukohu whetū is an ancient practice that is being revived to honour and celebrate Matariki. 

That day marked the start of Matariki as the stars rose. 

There are nine Matariki stars and four of them are associated with food: Tupuānuku (the star that represents food from below ground), Tupuārangi (food from the sky), Waitī (freshwater food) and Waitā (salt water food). 

Re: News launched 2000s Baby

Re: News journalists Maggie Shui and Liam van Eeden followed five rangatahi at their 21st birthdays, getting a snapshot of what it looks like to become an adult across different walks of life in Aotearoa. 

In episode 1, Misha - an influencer known for her party vlogs - sets out to throw the biggest party of her life, while hoping her slightly more conservative parents don’t get too overwhelmed. 

More stories: 

Māori connecting with Native Americans: 'Our tribes have similarities'

The cultural exchange is part of a partnership to celebrate connections between indigenous cultures.

Who came first? NZ’s top towns for buying sex toys revealed

Did you have Palmerston North becoming the sex toy capital of New Zealand on your 2022 bingo card?

He said he can't make me orgasm because I use a vibrator

Why that's a myth.