Anusha Bradley
Public ban on maunga during Guy Fawkes after fires
Two big scrub fires on Auckland's volcanic cones are the last straw for the authority overseeing them, which has banned people from accessing the maunga during the four days fireworks are on sale.
… Video, Audio
No prosecution despite the deaths of native eels
The Ministry for Primary Industries will not be prosecuting the Hawke's Bay Regional Council over the deaths of potentially hundreds of native eels, killed during drain works carried out earlier this… Audio
Hui attempts to encourage more Maori to become organ donors
A ground-breaking hui today will attempt to reverse what's being called a disturbing picture of inequality for Maori with failing kidneys. Maori make up 80 percent of dialysis patients but only 12… Audio
Coroner rules suffocation death could have been prevented
A coroner has ruled that a young woman who was suffocated by a large goiter on her thyroid, could have been saved if she'd had surgery more quickly. 25-year-old Arohaina Gilbert died in Wairoa… Audio
Napier's new mayor wants chlorine out of the water
Napier's new Mayor is pledging a fresh start for the city, aiming to address some of its big issues in her first 100 days in the job. Kirsten Wise is vowing to remove chlorine from the water… Audio
New mayors in Napier and Gisborne
Kirsten Wise will be Napier's new mayor, beating former Napier MP Chris Tremain by more than 8000 votes. Napier saw an increased voter turnout, to 47 percent, bucking the downwards national trend… Audio
Devastating consequences for kids, families if school bus cut
A rural Hawke's Bay community says an Education Ministry plan to cut its school bus service in half will have devastating consequences for children and their families. Elsthorpe residents say the… Audio
"expression of regret" - tears flow at solemn occasion
Tears flowed at a small, intimate and emotional ceremony, as British High Commissioner expressed regret for the actions of Capt. Cook's crew when they first encountered Maori. Our reporter Anusha… Audio
British High Commissioner:sentiment not the words that matter
The British High Commissioner has been quick to dismiss questions about why her message of regret to Gisborne iwi is not an apology. In two ceremonies yesterday Laura Clarke told the people of Ngati… Audio
Hawke's Bay hosts first Special Needs Taekwon-Do competition
The first ever international competition for Taekwon-Do athletes with special needs will be held in Hawke's Bay this weekend. Competitors from 10 countries will take part in the Napier event on… Audio
Napier to host first special-needs Taekwondo tournament
Taekwondo champions from around the world are descending on Napier, for the first ever international special needs tournament.
Athletes from 10 countries are taking part in Saturday's tournament… Video, Audio
Fish & Game chair accused of waiving fines for fishing gear
The chair of Hawke's Bay Fish and Game is being accused of waiving fines in return for free fishing gear. A scathing audit of the Hawke's Bay Fish and Game Council has described it as dysfunctional… Audio
Dementia diagnoses a relief for Napier man, now to live well
Alister Robertson of Napier says that in some ways, it was a relief when he was diagnosed with dementia, because at least he knew what he was dealing with. September is World Alzheimers Awareness… Audio
Napier's water woes front of mind for mayoral candidates
What do you get when an accountant, a motelier, a former MP, and a retailer who doesn't even want to be mayor, are all vying for same job? No, it's not the start of a bad joke...it's the four-way race… Audio
Who will replace Meng Foon in Gisborne?
Two councillors and an Aucklander are vying to become Gisborne's next Mayor. That's after former Mayor, Meng Foon, stepped down after 18 years to take up his new role as Race Relations Commissioner… Audio
Napier councillor 'very uncomfortable’ over social media scrutiny
Napier City Councillors who oppose a controversial new pool complex have had their Facebook posts searched by senior council staff, including the chief executive, looking for possible code of conduct… Audio
Napier Port floats on the NZX
Napier Port has floated on the NZX this morning, at a 12 percent premium to its issue price. Audio
Shopping mall shatters Napier couple's plans
A Napier couple say their plans for their newly purchased lifestyle block are in tatters after learning - just days before taking ownership - that a shopping centre could be built directly opposite… Audio
Blood from a stone: getting local councils to comment
RNZ's Hawke's Bay reporter Anusha Bradley is getting fed up with local councils on her patch refusing to grant interviews with staff. Audio
Govt to control NZ drinking water, Havelock North sceptical
Some Havelock North residents say the creation of a national water body will do little to restore their trust in drinking tap water ever again.
Four people died and 5000 people fell ill after the… Audio