Latest fromMatamata-Piako District

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.

Opinion: Why can’t we stop watching Find My Country House NZ?
OPINION: Nothing much happens in this property series, but it’s rating through the roof.

Truck driver charged after 'shocking' overtaking on Kaimāī Range captured on dashcam
The man has been charged by police with dangerous driving.

Waikato pretty 'choice' place, new competition shows
People vote for choicest suburb, playground, bush, dairy, toilet, landmark and legend.

Police name New Plymouth cyclist as Matamata fatal crash victim
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Restricted fire season for Waikato Districts from Friday
Restricted fire season in Waikato begins at 9am on January 10.

Watch: Truck’s 'shocking' overtaking on Kaimāī Range prompts investigations
'Pretty bloody scary,' said one comment.

Cyclist dies in SH29 crash with vehicle near Matamata
Emergency services weren't able to resuscitate the person.

McDonald’s worker injured after arm gets stuck in rubbish compactor
Emergency services were called to the scene about 1.30am.

Farmer, soldier, vet: The man behind Comley Green
Nichol Ashton Larney arrived in NZ in 1875 and became prominent in the Piako District.

A look at the new Hobbiton Movie Set behind the scenes tour
Reporter Mitchell Hageman experiences a previously unseen glimpse of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, with a new behind-the-scenes tour now open. Video / Mitchell Hageman

Two young men, two bad decisions, two grieving families – Coroner issues festive season warning
Drink-driving: 'Do not do it ... and do everything you can to stop anyone else.'

SH1 at Karāpiro to close up to four times a year for maintenance works
The first closure will take place for four days in January.

New CEO has spent 30 years with Matamata council
Manaia Te Wiata has been the council's group manager for business support for 30 years.

How $20 and two cannabis roaches got two men locked up for three years
'Clearly, it was a stupid thing to do', a judge pointed out.

SH29 Piarere roundabout approach in need of urgent repairs
Emergency road repairs are being carried out tomorrow, November 28.