Waikato
More needed from councils in wake of floods, report finds
A government report has found local councils need to be doing more to prepare for flooding and to mitigate the risks it poses to communities.
Waikato trio accused of copper thefts
Three people have been arrested following an investigation into ongoing thefts of copper.
Skipper hits swimmers with propellor after day of drinking
One victim said the skipper was throwing bottles off the boat while he should have been calling emergency services. Audio
New technique leaves heart bypass patients with fewer scars
The traditional way of harvesting a vein to use in the surgery involves a long cut down the leg. Audio
Tongariro fire contained: 'It's still a great place to come to'
The fire is contained, but the impact on local tourism businesses will take a lot longer to damp down.
Threatened gulls back on rooftops in Tūrangi town centre
Businesses have had streamers and sprinklers on the rooftops to scare the birds away,.
'Unintentional mishap' likely sparked massive Tongariro fire
The blaze is now fully contained, with authorities saying an accident with a vehicle may have been the cause.
Tongariro blaze 50% contained, crews to work through the night
Firefighters say the fire has moved towards the area which was burnt last month, but a wind change forecast for the morning could cause flare ups. Audio
Critically endangered Wētā thriving as breeding lab numbers surge
Ōtorohanga Kiwi House is preparing for a record 600 Mahoenui giant wētā hatchlings this summer. Audio
Workers injured by chemical at Taumarunui transfer station
An unknown chemical sent for recycling has injured two workers and forced the facility's closure.
Luxon, Waikato Uni break ground on third NZ medical school
Despite years of challenge from political parties and established schools, the construction of the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine was marked off with a groundbreaking ceremony. Audio
Court gasps as woman avoids jail for sexual abuse of teen boy
A judge declined to jail or register Kate Gough despite her "predatory" offending, prompting some supporters of the victim to walk out of the court.
No sign of missing Waikato man
Police have yet to find any trace of a man who went missing near Te Aroha three weeks ago.
Mayors challenge FENZ ban on use of watercraft in river emergencies
The trio want watercraft reinstated immediately - however, FENZ says this won't be happening.
Call for ban as 20th person drowns at notorious fishing spot
Olson Canatoy and Eric Dabalos had been warned about the dangers of Papanui Point.
Person dies after car crashes into tree, catches fire on SH5
The fire is reported to have spread to nearby vegetation.
Police seeking information after man shot overnight
Investigators are seeking two specific cars - one red and one white - believed to be involved in a shooting in Chartwell, Waikato.
Proposed housing subdivision sparks land occupation
A Waikato hapū said it had problems with the proposed development culturally, environmentally and legally. Audio
Heart Kids charity goes to police over fundraising scam
It's an incredibly disappointing situation, Heart Kids says. Audio
