Latest fromMatamata-Piako District

'Unacceptable': Police crack down on reckless dirt bike riding
Three stolen dirt bikes were recovered in Matamata after a police warrant.

‘You owe money’: Ex-inmate robbed at gunpoint by former prison buddies
The victim had no idea why he was being robbed or attacked.

‘I didn’t deserve it’: Cancer victim’s words from grave after violent patu attack
'This is not how I wanted to spend my last six months alive,' the victim wrote.

SH29 reopens follow truck breakdown
The truck's cargo of chlorine was 'reacting due to the inclement weather'.

'Do not do it': Coroner's plea to drivers after three alcohol-related crash deaths
Sahil Prasad was driving home when he was struck by Jack Halliday, driving a work ute.

‘I just feel sick’: Woman who rescued kids off Matamata train tracks feared death ‘inevitable’
A local woman said she had pulled five toddlers off the same stretch of train tracks.

Watch: Ute driver’s shock at undertaking truck
He overtook the truck using a passing lane before it sped up, he claims.

Mayor vows action after girl dies in train tragedy near Matamata College
Police and WorkSafe are making inquiries following the incident.

Tragedy: Young female student dies after being hit by train near school
Police said the young female died at the scene despite receiving medical attention.

Why this farmer is a 'beacon of community spirit'
Sharemilker Danielle Hovmand had no idea she'd been put up for an award.

Fire ban: All permits revoked for North Waikato and Coromandel
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season in the area.

Car and rail maintenance vehicle collide in Matamata
Police say the collision between two vehicles on a railway crossing happened at 8.50am.

Section of SH29 to close 24/7 for two weeks
NZTA say the closure is due to pavement rehabilitation works.

Waikato farmer cautiously optimistic about visa rule changes
“It’s not a game-changer, but is going in the right direction."

Rural community still cherishes their hall
The Hunga Hunga Hall has been part of the Waikato rural community since 1954.

48 firefighters, 1 helicopter battling digger and vegetation fire
The fire was reported after 3pm.

La Dorada claims local victory in Matamata feature
Filly backed up her stunning victory at Karaka with another success.

Walker heads home to Matamata
It was easy for Mark Walker to choose Matamata over Flemington as his racing destination.

Morrinsville A&P Show goes from strength to strength
The town's population is less than 10,000. Last year 8000 people attended its A&P Show.

Matamata outing perfect timing for NZB Kiwi hope
Stephen Marsh’s in-form stable will have an array of stakes contenders in action.

'Quite fit': Legarto ready for return after year-long break
Co-trainer Ken Kelso says Legarto has been busy on the water walker and treadmill.