Hawke's Bay

Hope could be on the horizon for growers facing the loss of their livelihoods following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Wairoa ratepayers have already been granted some relief from a hefty rates hike proposed last week, with the council announcing it will now be slashed by a third.

Thousands of Hawke's Bay property owners can now start talking with council officials about what will happen to their storm-hit properties.

The new rules will give communities greater control of what is planted, and where.

But without their contact details, the council is relying on word of mouth to get the message out.

The Chamber of Commerce says its decisions on distributing grants were fair, and the government has commended its staff for their work.

Police did not bother initiating a high-speed chase, instead just waiting until the vehicle stopped before making their move.

Flood-ravaged West Aucklanders are rejoicing after the government announced it will offer buyout options to people whose land is too risky to rebuild on. Audio

Two people have been arrested in Hawke's Bay in relation to firearm possessions, and a third charged over alleged illegal hunting.

News of a joint buyout scheme for those affected by extreme weather has been met with relief by local politicians, but they say the work is just beginning and the devil will be in the detail. Audio

A stoush between a Hawke's Bay council and the National Emergency Management Agency over who pays for some Cyclone Gabrielle costs could leave ratepayers with a hefty bill. Audio

Napier police are seeking more information about an alleged assault on three men in the city on Saturday 27 May.

Analysis - Hawke's Bay dodged a much worse cellphone and internet blackout in Cyclone Gabrielle when fuel supplies ran critically low, papers show. Audio

Oliver Candy, one of New Zealand's last living World War II veterans, still remembers the moment he heard the war had ended.

Amid national outrage over the treatment of a kiwi at Miami Zoo, DOC and a private sanctuary are under investigation over whether our national birds have been mistreated here at home.

Three teenagers have been charged following an aggravated robbery at a service station on Hyderabad Road in Napier.

Napier Port said its first half had been strong with an uplift in container volumes and a return of cruise ships, but the outlook has been tempered by the impact of the cyclone.

Four people have been arrested after more than 80 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in pallets arrived at Napier Port in March.

It is a welcome boost for the wine industry as it recovers from Cyclone Gabrielle.

Residents affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods say their accommodation money is running out.