Stories by Libby Kirkby-McLeod
News
Hamilton beachgoers split on council's $1.7m makeover plans
Wellington Street Beach might not be Piha or Anchorage Bay but in the landlocked city of Hamilton, it is an iconic destination.
What to do with our doo-doo? Raglan ponders next steps for sewage
A new treatment plant is in the pipeline, but the beach-side community doesn't know what to do with the end product.
Hamilton's new riverside shopping precinct opens
There is plenty of Waikato to be discovered at Made.
Their race is not yet run - retired greyhounds looking for new homes
As the cost of living bites, people aren't taking in as many furry companions as they used to. And as kennels fill up, greyhounds whose racing days are over aren't being adopted. Audio
Summer bummer: Black Doris plums wiped out by Cyclone Gabrielle
If you've got a craving for plum crumble, a bit of preserved plum with your yogurt, or some easy home-made plum ice cream, you're out of luck. Audio
Councillors elected as MPs looking for ways to avoid by-elections
The election might be behind us, but some people will be heading straight back to the polls as local councillors leave to become MPs.
Action to keep Kaiaua above water for next 100 years
Communities along the Firth of Thames are planning for an uncertain future.
Hamilton launches app to get people rediscovering the city's nature
Hamilton locals and visitors have a new app to help discover natural areas in the city.
'NZTA seems to be quite adhoc': Handling of train safety incidents under scrutiny
Waka Kotahi's approach to train safety is being called adhoc and dangerous, and the safety model called into question, after RNZ found train safety incidents appear to be handled inconsistently.
Backers of new Hamilton theatre confident final $2m in funding will happen
The new $80 million regional theatre for Waikato is $2m short of its needed capital funding.
Council vote to change Sonning Carpark name to Opoia Paa
Sonning Carpark in Hamilton will now be called Opoia Paa following a vote by Hamilton City Council today.
Kmart opens first distribution centre at Ruakura Superhub
The first distribution centre at New Zealand's biggest inland port was opened in Waikato on Wednesday. Audio
KiwiRail rejects Waka Kotahi version of events over potential Te Huia collision
KiwiRail is disputing Waka Kotahi's claim that the Hamilton to Auckland train, Te Huia, came within 200 metres of a collision in July.
Te Huia the only train service sanctioned over running red lights
Almost 30 other trains - including eight passenger services - also broke the rules recently, but were not blocked from running services.
Transport agencies probed over Te Huia train disruptions
The passenger service between Hamilton and Auckland was restricted for several weeks after safety concerns were raised.
$400m investment aimed at revitalising 'decrepit' Tauranga CBD
After languishing for a decade, there is a new sense of momentum in the centre of Tauranga.
Tawhai Rickard wins National Contemporary Art Award
The 41 finalist works are on exhibit at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato until 12 November.
Endless bad weather pouring cold water on Coromandel economy
Coromandel has seen the biggest drop in visitor spending of any region, and locals say the lack of sun is largely to blame. Audio
Hamilton gets ready to embrace Football World Cup newcomers Zambia
The first FIFA Women's World Cup game in Hamilton kicks off on Saturday night between Zambia and Japan.
'No silver bullet': Why are some of our most famous buildings sitting empty?
The Rotorua Museum is the most photographed building in New Zealand. It is also closed, and it's not alone, as some of Aotearoa's most famous buildings face uncertain futures.
'We need more resilient roads': Mayor's plea as tourism to Waitomo caves picks up
As the attraction recovers from the pandemic, the area is struggling with the impact extreme weather has had on the roads.
Lockdowns an unexpected opportunity to study Waitomo Caves
Data collected during lockdown is helping a tourism company determine how many people can safely enter the caves every day.
Fieldays: Brain health and mental wellbeing worth thinking about
This year, brain health and mental wellbeing are recurring themes at the annual rural gathering at Mystery Creek in Hamilton.
How will ChatGPT impact te reo Māori? Data sovereignty experts weigh in
Te reo Māori and data sovereignty experts are raising a red flag when it comes to artificial intelligence - ChatGPT might be getting a little too good at te reo.
Union slams redundancy process at South Waikato Council
The Public Service Association claims South Waikato District Council has breached its obligations to act in good faith during a recent restructure, but the chief executive says it is just a case of…