Waikato
Hamilton-to-Auckland rail service to start in August
A new commuter rail service between Hamilton and Auckland will start running from the beginning of August.
Fire call outs increase despite total fire ban
In the Waikato town of Te Awamutu volunteer firefighters are frustrated at the disregard for the fire restrictions in place despite there being a total fire ban in place. Audio
ANZ cutting branch opening hours a blow for struggling region
A Waikato mayor says the slashing of opening hours at a Te Kuiti bank is another blow to a region already struggling.
Truck carrying flammable liquid catches fire in Putaruru, closing SH1
A truck carrying carrying dangerous goods caught fire closing State Highway 1 through Putaruru in South Waikato.
Responding to drought in Waikato
Hugh Wallace, a dairy farmer from Wharepapa, south of Te Awamutu, decided it was time for a Drought Shout, getting his community together at the local hall for a bbq, to see how everyone is coping… Audio
Young farmers proud to be part of Open Farms event
Ruby Mulinder and Sean Nixon bought their first farm two and a half months ago and jumped at the chance to welcome the public and show them where their food comes from. Audio, Gallery
Dairy farm sales plummet and prices fall
The Real Estate Institute says large dairy farms are now extremely difficult to sell and some banks are demanding much higher equity from potential buyers. Audio
'Untenable' situation at acute mental health service - Chief Ombudsman
The Waikato District Health Board needs to address overcrowding and the excessive use of seclusion at its mental health unit, the Chief Ombudsman says.
Drought-hit Northland farmers ask for financial support
Some farmers in Northland are starting to come forward for financial assistance as a drought in the region continues.
This Is Us | Episode 5: Dewi
Dewi loves cooking—particularly the Indonesian food she learned from her mother—as she loves seeing the joy it brings to her family and others. Dewi's dream is to one day own her own restaurant. Video, Gallery
This Is Us | Episode 4: Shaymaa
Shaymaa, who has both Syrian and Iraqi family, believes all cultures have a connection to each other. She loves learning and is currently teaching herself Japanese and te reo Māori. Video, Gallery
Drought declared: 'This is the worst'
Clevedon dairy farmers say the drought currently gripping the upper North Island is the worst they have ever seen.
Person dies after truck and van crash on SH1
One person has died after a truck and a van crashed on State Highway One near Piarere in Waikato.
Waikato, South Auckland drought declaration unlocks government funding
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor has declared the drought conditions in Waikato and South Auckland an adverse event for the primary sector.
This Is Us | Trailer
A series of digital stories showcasing the diversity of Muslim New Zealanders' experiences as they reveal what they love the most. Video
New Criminal Cases Review Commission to be based in Hamilton
People believing they have suffered a miscarriage of justice will have a chance to get a review from July onwards.
Building bridges in the lower Waikato
Waikato farmers Kim and Stu Muir are trying to restore the ecological habitat of their little bit of the river. Audio
Questions raised over proposed Hamilton cat ban
A cat ban is being considered for a new development in Hamilton, in a bid to help protect a local native bat population. Audio
Dog owner charged over kiwi death
The remains of the kiwi were found on a private property near Papa Aroha coastal forest in July last year.
Waiting for Rain
North Waikato sheep and beef farmer Steve Stark says farmers with money in the bank are fortunate to have options for dealing with the summer's big dry. Audio
