Libby Kirkby Mc Leod
Tom Phillips believed to be caught on CCTV
Police have released footage of two hooded figures, believed to be fugitive father Tom Phillips and one of his children, breaking into a Piopio business. Phillips has been on the run in the remote… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 29th August 2025
In today's episode, Waikato Police are investigating a fresh sighting of who they think was fugitive Tom Phillips and one of his children; More details of the night the Loafers Lodge hostel caught… Audio
Police investigate Tom Phillips sighting
Waikato Police are investigating a fresh sighting of who they think was fugitive Tom Phillips and one of his children. Reporter Libby Kirkby-McLeod spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Police briefing on fugitive dad Tom Phillips
Police have just held a media briefing after a sighting in the Waikato town of Piopio of two people they believe are the fugitive father Tom Phillips and one of his three children. Audio
Tauranga puts down fewer dogs than neighbouring towns
Dogs in Tauranga are less likely to be put down compared to neighbouring towns in the Bay of Plenty. Libby Kirkby-McLeod finds out what's making the difference. Audio
Funding drying up for Waikato environmental groups
It's a tough time for environmental groups in Waikato, with hundreds of thousands of dollars from government, council and private funding drying up over past few years. Libby Kirkby-McLeod has more. Audio
Locals concerned about state of Ohau channel diversion wall
There is growing discontent in Rotorua about the state of the Ohau channel diversion wall which is meant to protect the pristine waters of Lake Rotoiti. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports. Audio
Rotorua science fair celebrates Māori knowledge and science
Rotorua has been hosting the only science fair that celebrates the combination of Māori knowledge and science. Reporter Libby Kirkby-McLeod went to check it out. Audio
Around the motu:Libby Kirkby McLeod in Hamilton
The French men's national rugby team has snubbed staying in Hamilton. The public pressure put on Waikato Hospital to cut its cardiac surgery waitlist and Te Huia train is to start a Sunday service. Audio
Hamiltonians disappointed French rugby team not hanging around
Hamiltonians are disappointed the French rugby team won't be spending the entire week in town before their match. Les Bleu have chosen to spend most of the week in Auckland, despite not playing a… Audio
Ongoing parking problems in Mount Maunganui
Ongoing parking issues in Mount Maunganui - including being completely full at peak times - has led Tauranga City Council to try and find out-of-the-box solutions. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports. Audio
Kinleith pulp and paper mill closes
It's the end of an era today for the South Waikato town of Tokoroa with the Kinleith pulp and paper mill closing the last of its paper-making machines. Reporter Libby Kirkby-McLeod takes a look. Audio
Only four Rotorua motels remain for emergency housing
Two more Rotorua motels will stop being contracted for emergency housing from the end of the month, leaving only four remaining. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports. Audio
Around the motu: Libby Kirkby McLeod in Hamilton
Hamilton Annual Economic Report for 2024 has just been released, while Waipa is sick of feral cats and wants them added to DOC's predator free hit list. Audio
A new era in flight takes off in Hamilton
Hamilton once again has an international airport, with new flights to and from Australia beginning on Monday. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports. Audio
NZ's first residential aviation development takes shape
Fancy a house with a hangar to park your aeroplane? That's exactly what's on offer at the country's first ever residential aviation development that is starting to take shape in Waikato. Libby… Audio
Plans for 25-storey hotel in Hamilton
It's hoped a new, 25-storey dining and hotel complex will help to solve Hamilton's visitor accommodation shortage and transform the city. Libby Kirkby-McLeod looks how the complex might change the… Audio
Around the motu: Libby Kirkby-McLeod in Hamilton
Construction has begun on the country's biggest solar farm, Waikato University starts a new pharmacy course, a Waikato Medical Fund fills funding gaps, and water restrictions end in Hamilton and… Audio
Wellington's Verb Readers and Writers festival cancelled
The writing is on the wall for a popular Wellington festival, but the organisers hope it's only temporary. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports. Audio
Waikato Uni offering two year pharmacy degree
A new two-year pharmacy degree is offering a fast-track into a profession in dire need of more staff. Waikato University said it provides a quicker pathway for registering overseas trained… Audio