Latest Waikato news

Popular Waikato walkway fully reopens after major upgrade
The reopening comes seven months behind the original schedule.

Heavy rain expected for Tongariro National Park
Around 100-130mm of rain is expected from 10am to midnight on July 3.

Atmospheric river to swamp parts of northern NZ, flood-hit South Island braces for fresh deluge
Soldiers and Fire and Emergency rapid response teams are being sent to Tasman to help.

'Quite a mess': Man who rammed cop car in stolen vehicle given jail and a $10k bill
Kale Wright drove through a checkpoint, then sped off on the wrong side of the road.

NZ Super Fund-backed Kaingaroa Timberlands expands with Waikato land purchase
Kaingaroa Timberlands has bought 9200ha of forestry land in South Waikato.

How two child sex abuse survivors brought 'monster' to justice
'Accountability matters,' one of his victims said as she confronted him after 30 years.

'Actively exploring options': Genesis eyes new fast-start plant
Genesis plans a new fast-start plant at Huntly of up to 100MW by winter 2027.

Waikato fighters clock up big title wins in Auckland
Among the winners were Francis Waitai and Sheilla Yama.

Data show more Kiwis struggling to pay bills, behind on mortgage payments
Those most affected by financial hardship are aged between 35 and 49.

Gin made by tiny distillery crowned world's best at global awards
Arrowtown Distillery also won an accolade.

Waikato breeder's $1k mare turns first foal into stakes winner
Simon Lawson bought Mohegan Star for $1100 on Gavelhouse.

'He'll slowly lose everything': Parents share journey as 2yo battles incurable disorder
Landon Pahl was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy shortly after he turned 2.

Dive company who found car with missing man’s body inside reveal steps in removal
'If we ever found this one, to definitely get hold of police.'

Further property sold in $100m+ Cook Property empire
Cook is selling a $100m-plus portfolio here, saying he has shifted to Sydney permanently.

'Pick up the pace': NZ needs faster progress on energy projects
Transpower highlights the need for more electricity generation amid declining gas.

Waikato eco-sanctuary first site to receive kōkako from Hunua
Once on the brink of local extinction, the Hunua Ranges kōkako have slowly bounced back.

Community funding initiative 'a leading approach'
Ruapehu's $500,000 fund supported 15 projects from 34 applications totalling $2.5 million.

One person dead after serious two-vehicle crash in Waipā District
Emergency services were called to the scene at about 11.25am.

Missing teen found safe and well after vanishing from Auckland mall six days ago
The teen was last seen at LynnMall in New Lynn.

Last paper machine shuts at Kinleith, 150 jobs lost in major transition
The Kinleith mill's last paper machine has stopped, cutting about 150 jobs.

How the 'Māori Millionaire' realised investing in her health would help with her financial goals
Te Kahukura Boynton has released a new book exploring her financial journey.

Beetlegeuse triumphs at Ruakākā, tribute to Schick family tragedy
Beetlegeuse wore 10-year-old Jimmy Schick's favourite cap during the race.

Historic villa with ‘colourful past’ for sale for the first time in over 30 years
19th-century pioneer built the mansion and half of Thames.

'I ditched everything': Fisherman swept 100m out to sea strips off to survive
Lifejacket convert Bas Radcliffe says he pretty much ticked every box on what not to do.

Watch: All Blacks coach talks squad selection on Newstalk ZB
Robertson has named his first squad of the year ahead of the home series against France.

Police release last images of teen at Akl mall now missing six days
Whetu, 17, was last seen at LynnMall with her partner on Tuesday.

5 stunning winter walks to try around New Zealand
Scenic winter walks around the country, from Canterbury waterfalls to Northland peaks.

Bob's small but mighty berry business
Bob Teal's orchard thrives on just 1.68 hectares in Cambridge.

How a poultry club became a lifelong passion
Fiona Taylor joined the Waikato Poultry and Pigeon Club and became a judge and steward.