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Latest FromBelinda Feek

Kiwi DIYers can now crack on with small-scale projects at home after the Government scrapped the need for building consents for buildings up to 30m2. Photo / Warren Buckland

NEW ZEALAND

DIYers rejoice - Government scraps costly building consents for small home projects

24 May, 2020 11:50am
4 minutes to read

The move will save homeowners $18 million in consenting costs each year.

Many cities awoke to another frost across the country this morning. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Weather: Freezing and fine until Sunday, then the rain arrives

21 May, 2020 8:04am
2 minutes to read

The fine weather will continue until Sunday when a wet weather system will land.

Six fire appliances are at the scene on Barr St, Balclutha, while 3 more are on their way, including a command unit from Dunedin. Image / Google maps

NEW ZEALAND

Crews battle dangerous goods fire at Balclutha shed

20 May, 2020 10:31am
Quick Read

Petrol and acetylene are two of the flammable liquids inside the burning shed.

The crash happened on State Highway 1B, on the outskirts of Hamilton, at 8.40am today. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Truck driver seriously injured after concrete truck rolls in Waikato

20 May, 2020 9:22am
Quick Read

The man is being taken to hospital after he was cut free from his truck.

Emergency services were called to Karekare Beach, on the Waitakere coast, about midday today. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

NEW ZEALAND

Teen dies after being pulled from a rip at West Coast beach

19 May, 2020 1:14pm
2 minutes to read

One person has died after being caught in a rip on a west coast beach.

Police say they haven't ruled out whether to prosecute those who breached lockdown rules at the Matamata funeral after 100 people turned up. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Police won't rule out 'following up' gang after 100-strong Matamata funeral

14 May, 2020 12:22pm
3 minutes to read

Waikato's acting top cop says they had extensive dialogue with the group beforehand.

The orcas put on a show for excited locals on the first day of level 2. Photo / Anne Carter

NEW ZEALAND

Orcas 'get the memo' about level 2 with harbour cruise

14 May, 2020 10:54am
2 minutes to read

The orcas were spotted in Raglan Harbour feasting and playing with stingray.

People queued outside The Warehouse at The Base Shopping Centre at 8am today. Many others were spotted there as early as 7am. Photo / Belinda Feek

NEW ZEALAND

Covid-19 coronavirus: Haircuts and shopping - Hamiltonians relaxed start to Level 2

14 May, 2020 9:52am
4 minutes to read

What queues there were in Hamilton were moving steadily this morning.

Staff at social service organisation VisionWest prepare goods to deliver to those in need in West Auckland. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Food poverty crisis increases; set to worsen in Auckland

13 May, 2020 1:31pm
4 minutes to read

Demand for social services, including food parcels, has tripled in West Auckland alone.

St Peter's Cambridge principal Dale Burden says they've decided to wait and re-open on Monday. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Covid 19 coronavirus: It's back to school tomorrow - for some

13 May, 2020 1:28pm
4 minutes to read

Many of the country's private schools and ECEs are re-opening on Thursday.

Auckland man Robert checked his Lotto ticket on his app and was told he wasn't a winner. But then he checked it himself ... Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Mixed emotions: Auckland man's unlucky, then lucky, Lotto ticket

12 May, 2020 1:40pm
4 minutes to read

Lotto website initially told him that he wasn't a winner. But he was.

Vishnu and Akshaya Nair are now the proud parents of the first set of triplets to be born at Waikato Hospital. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

The lockdown triplets, and the Dad who's only seen them twice

12 May, 2020 8:32am
4 minutes to read

Vishnu and Akshaya Nair have some shopping to do after welcoming triplets into the world.

Police want to hear from the owner of this kayak which was found in the Pahurehure Channel near Weymouth. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Search sparked after kayak abandoned in Weymouth area

10 May, 2020 5:18pm
2 minutes to read

If it floats put your name on it - a request from Coastguard NZ.

A truck driver has serious injuries after the crash at Rotoma, near Kawerau, in Eastern Bay of Plenty. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Truck driver airlifted to hospital after crash near Kawerau

10 May, 2020 12:07pm
Quick Read

The road may be closed later in the day when the vehicle needs to be removed.

Volunteers were brought in to walk residents around the gardens at Atawhai Assissi Rest Home as it battled its Covid cluster. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

How to handle a Covid-19 cluster - the rest home that saved lives

8 May, 2020 7:06pm
12 minutes to read

Atawhai Assisi Rest Home had the country's first cluster. Now it's clear of the virus.

The Wallis family of Cust, near Rangiora, have been left shell-shocked after their two pet dogs were poisoned, killing one. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Canterbury dogs poisoned; Bonno turns a 'massive corner' overnight

5 May, 2020 12:35pm
4 minutes to read

The family, along with their beloved dogs, have lived at the Canterbury home for 3 years.

The woman driver of this Mazda was left with critical injuries after landing 4m in a ditch after glancing the vehicle with a milk tanker on Wednesday night. Photo / Hamilton city fire area Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

Waikato road warning: Caution urged in foggy conditions

30 Apr, 2020 3:30pm
2 minutes to read

Hamilton firefighters are urging caution after two recent car crashes.

McDonalds stores were frantic on Tuesday but noticeably quieter on Wednesday, the company says. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Lettuce pray: Some McDonald's restaurants may have to close

30 Apr, 2020 2:45pm
Quick Read

Shortage of ingredients bites after just two days at fast food chain.

More than a dozen cows were believed to have been thrown from the trailer after it landed in the river. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Trailer of stock truck rolls into Karangahake Gorge river; animals being put down

30 Apr, 2020 10:52am
2 minutes to read

The trailer of a stock truck is believed to have come loose and gone into the river.

A small camp fire turned into a near 500m2 monstrosity on the cliff top above a popular Raglan beach last week. It took almost two days to fully extinguish. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Firefighters concerned as rubbish fires increase 250%

30 Apr, 2020 8:59am
4 minutes to read

As the lockdown restrictions eased, so did people's concern about the environment.

Waikato road policing manager Jeff Penno says emergency services were called just before 4pm. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Cyclist remains critical after falling off bike at Cambridge

29 Apr, 2020 8:42am
Quick Read

A 69-year-old man remains in Waikato Hospital after falling off his bike near Cambridge.

Adam Miller and Tina Munro, of Palmerston North, are getting married on Tuesday after their initial wedding day on April 4 was cancelled due to lockdown. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

What these six Kiwis will get up to at alert level 3

28 Apr, 2020 9:16am
8 minutes to read

The country goes into alert level 3 today, and we speak to people ready for the move.

BUSINESS

Covid-19 fallout: Skyline Enterprises to cut jobs, tourism towns reach breaking point

25 Apr, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

And a national survey of 547 tourism operators reveals more than 13,000 jobs will go.

The fire pictured at its peak on Wednesday night. Firefighters remain at the scene today dampening down hot spots. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Raglan beach blaze: Camp fire cause of fire which swept across cliff face

24 Apr, 2020 11:33am
2 minutes to read

Fire and Emergency is urging people to take more care now it's an open fire season.

A Countdown spokesperson said the bonus was for essential workers during alert level 4. Pictured is produce at Countdown's distribution centre in Mt Wellington, Auckland. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

NEW ZEALAND

'They're pretty crushed': Union fights for supermarket workers' 10% bonus

24 Apr, 2020 9:40am
7 minutes to read

Supermarket workers will lose their 10 per cent bonus pay from Tuesday.

Police are striding towards a record low monthly road toll, but it's a bittersweet moment for those in charge of our roads. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

NZ's on track for lowest monthly road toll in 55 years: Why no one is celebrating

24 Apr, 2020 6:38am
6 minutes to read

New Zealand state highways are seeing an average 75 per cent less traffic due to lockdown.

The fire, pictured at the end of Riria Kereopa Memorial Dr, was 60m x 30m initially before more than doubling in size overnight. Photo / Nicole Mills

NEW ZEALAND

Second helicopter called in as firefighters battle massive blaze at Raglan

23 Apr, 2020 9:38am
4 minutes to read

A second helicopter has been sent to the scene.

Roy and Joan Suisted read their card from the Queen this morning congratulating them on 70 years of marriage. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE

Waikato couple's wedded bliss: 70 years and still going strong

22 Apr, 2020 4:20pm
5 minutes to read

Roy and Joan Suisted are today celebrating 70 years of marriage.

Waikato road policing manager Inspector Jeff Penno says he has zero tolerance for speeding, a factor he believes was involved in this morning's horrific crash in Hamilton. Photo / Belinda Feek

NEW ZEALAND

Essential worker left in tears after being pulled over for speeding

22 Apr, 2020 10:44am
4 minutes to read

The essential worker was shocked at the officer's behaviour.

The crash happened at the intersection of Tawa Street and Kahikatea Drive about 6am. Photo / Belinda Feek

NEW ZEALAND

Serious crash Waikato: Car in flames after hitting power pole, one person critically injured

22 Apr, 2020 7:31am
4 minutes to read

Debris has been strewn for about 50m all around the crash scene.

The Matangi Berry Farm and its director Jiubo Jiang have been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in penalties after

BUSINESS

Waikato berry farm company fined $120,000 for employment breaches

21 Apr, 2020 7:09am
5 minutes to read

The Matangi Berry Farm and its owner have been ordered to pay more than $120,000.

Auckland University Professor Rod Jackson says if the Government goes down an alert level, it should expect an increase in Covid-19 cases. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Keep kids at home at alert level 3, professor says

20 Apr, 2020 1:41pm
4 minutes to read

Professor Rod Jackson says to eliminate the virus we have to keep our physical distance.

Zephyr Leadbetter, 11 months, has been battling a previously undetected birth defect called meckels, where the umbilical cord penetrates the intestines, causing it to bleed heavily. Photo / Toby Leadbetter

NEW ZEALAND

Young family's heart-wrenching rush to hospital with bloodied toddler

16 Apr, 2020 3:07pm
4 minutes to read

In the time it took them to bathe their baby, their world was turned upside down.

Bernard Pope, left, was a resident of the Rosewood Retirement Home in Christchurch. He died of coronavirus in Burwood Hospital on Friday. He is pictured with good friend Phil Shatford.

NEW ZEALAND

Covid-19 claims legend of New Zealand's boxing world

15 Apr, 2020 3:20pm
3 minutes to read

Bernard Pope was a resident of a rest home where a coronavirus cluster has broken out

Hamilton mum Zandra Bleasdale with children Danni, 7, and George, 10. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Hamilton mum's lockdown diagnosis - breast cancer

15 Apr, 2020 7:19am
5 minutes to read

Battling cancer is tough enough, let alone getting diagnosed on day 1 of lockdown.

A concerned resident questions a man why he is deliberately flouting lockdown rules by surfing at Takapuna beach this morning. Another young resident, to the right, was spoken to by police yesterday.

NEW ZEALAND

Pictures: Heated lockdown clash - locals unhappy with surfers

14 Apr, 2020 5:42am
3 minutes to read

A surfer 'flicked the bird' at a resident who was questioning why he was in the water.

The house, on Te Hutewai Rd, Raglan, was well involved in flames when firefighters arrived at the scene last night.

NEW ZEALAND

Raglan woman loses home, belongings in fire

13 Apr, 2020 11:40am
2 minutes to read

The woman was unsure if she had insurance to cover the blaze.

The wet weather will continue today and into Tuesday, while temperatures will also drop due to a switch to southwest winds. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Easter weather: Showery, cooler conditions to push through Monday, Tuesday

13 Apr, 2020 7:27am
2 minutes to read

While the worst is over, another front will bring more showery conditions.

Ben and Ariah McCarthy held their wedding ceremony at their home after their original celebration had to be postponed due to the Covid 19 lockdown. The couple's flatmates were witnesses. Photo / NZME

NEW ZEALAND

'A wedding isn't a matter of life and death': Celebrants' shock, anger after lockdown nuptials

12 Apr, 2020 2:22pm
7 minutes to read

Celebrants from around the country are angry the wedding went ahead despite lockdown.

Leilani Jane Tui Ann Apiata-Selwyn died aged 24 on Friday. Her heartbroken whanau were unable to hold a tangi due to Covid 19 lockdown restrictions. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Coronavirus: Mum's heartbreak as whanau unable to hold tangi for daughter

8 Apr, 2020 12:43pm
4 minutes to read

More than 300 would have attended her tangi. Only 10 were allowed inside the funeral home.

The Health and Disability Commissioner found the surgery of a man, who later died, shouldn't have been performed at the Waikato DHB hospital as it wasn't properly equipped or staffed.

NEW ZEALAND

Health watchdog finds multiple failures at Waikato DHB hospital

8 Apr, 2020 7:33am
3 minutes to read

The hospital should never have carried out the surgery as it wasn't properly equipped.

New police commissioner Andrew Coster. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Covid 19 coronavirus: 'We can't help you', police tell Auckland family living in fear of neighbour

7 Apr, 2020 10:42am
5 minutes to read

The Auckland family of 4 say they're too scared to go outside.

People sit in their cars as they wait to be tested at Matamata's drive through testing station. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Matamata woman's anxious 8-day wait for test results

7 Apr, 2020 9:46am
4 minutes to read

The ministry has apologised and says its average wait time is around 24 hours.

The system at Pak'nSave Royal Oak allows shoppers to queue from the comfort of their cars.

BUSINESS

Queue in your car: Pak'nSave, New World trial text entry system

6 Apr, 2020 11:37am
4 minutes to read

The trial involves customers being able to text the store to get a place in the queue.

Supermarket shelves around the country have been stripped of a lot products, including flour. However, there's good news: it's on its way.

NEW ZEALAND

Coronavirus: 'We've got the flour', however, country-wide distribution proves tricky

2 Apr, 2020 2:43pm
5 minutes to read

Flour Mills around the country are working around the clock to keep up with demand.

NEW ZEALAND

Covid-19 coronavirus: 'It's a scandal', father of stranded German teen angry at NZ Govt

2 Apr, 2020 9:19am
5 minutes to read

Volker Pries is unimpressed his 19-year-old daughter is unable to leave New Zealand.

George Stevens with his present for his 5th birthday - a new bike - and his sister Violet. Photo / Alex Burton

NEW ZEALAND

Lifting the spirits: The new lockdown birthday 'celebration'

1 Apr, 2020 6:01pm
4 minutes to read

George Stevens planned for 50 people at his fifth birthday party. There were just four,

Two people were arrested for possession of synthetic cannabis for supply at the Hamilton property last night. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Police call for calm after Hamilton brawl involves, bats, knife, shovel

1 Apr, 2020 10:37am
4 minutes to read

Two people were arrested for possession of synthetic cannabis for supply.

Matamata-Piako Mayor Ash Tanner says just one new case overnight is some welcome good news given the sudden cluster of cases. Photo / Ash Tanner Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

Covid 19 coronavirus: 1 new case for Matamata, total cases tip to 24 overnight

31 Mar, 2020 11:29am
3 minutes to read

The low number is a relief given the sudden spike in cases, Mayor Ash Tanner says.

Gull NZ general manager Dave Bodger says he hopes all of his franchisees are letting truckies use their toilets. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Coronavirus: Gull boss tells truckies - you can use our toilets: Mobil says yes

30 Mar, 2020 8:38am
5 minutes to read

Gull boss Dave Bodger is urging all franchisees to let truckies use their toilets.

Customers queue outside New World Mt Wellington on Saturday. Foodstuffs say pressure on their supermarkets has eased since prior to alert level 4 was announced.

NEW ZEALAND

Covid-19 coronavirus: Customer pressure easing, Foodstuffs says

30 Mar, 2020 8:11am
4 minutes to read

Having to keep a two-metre distance is making queues appear longer than they really are.

Ngatea truck driver Jo Neustroski just wants to be able to go to the toilet in privacy like everyone else. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Covid-19 coronavirus: Truckies and service stations at odds over use of public loos

29 Mar, 2020 3:43pm
7 minutes to read

Councils appear to be getting on board with toilets but service stations aren't yet.

Auckland emergency nurse Simmone with her now, stolen, blue Suzuki Swift. Simmone is hoping it will be found. Photo / Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

ED nurse's car stolen during lockdown; medical gear taken

27 Mar, 2020 3:02pm
2 minutes to read

An Auckland emergency nurse's stolen car contained vital medical equipment.

Pak N Save staff are now wearing masks, gloves and protected by perspex screens due to the coronavirus outbreak. Photo / Alex Burton

NEW ZEALAND

Essential service employers could face prosecution if staff exposed to virus

27 Mar, 2020 12:34pm
6 minutes to read

And an employee doesn't have to contract the virus for an employer to get into trouble.

A security guard sanitises trolleys at Countdown Te Rapa, Hamilton, earlier this week. Photo / Mike Scott

NEW ZEALAND

Countdown gives priority to over 70s and 'vulnerable customers'

27 Mar, 2020 10:44am
4 minutes to read

Customers can apply who are classified as most at risk or vulnerable by the Government.

NEW ZEALAND

Emergency services, medical staff get priority at supermarkets

27 Mar, 2020 10:02am
2 minutes to read

"We're proud to be able to do our bit to make their lives easier."

There were long queues at the Te Rapa Countdown in Hamilton where shoppers were only let in by security and were helped with disinfecting shopping trolly handles. Photo / Mike Scott

NEW ZEALAND

Coronavirus: Auckland man, 70, describes month-long wait for online groceries

26 Mar, 2020 3:46pm
4 minutes to read

Auckland man urges measures to be put in place to assist over-70s online food shoppers.

NEW ZEALAND

Lockdown: Confusion after couple walking told to go home

26 Mar, 2020 3:22pm
3 minutes to read

An older Hamilton couple were told to go home by police while out walking.

This teddy bear was created by Taranaki farmer Bruce Nickel, adding to the large collection of bears popping up around the country. Photo / Bruce Nickel

NEW ZEALAND

Taranaki farmer gets creative for viral teddy bear hunt

26 Mar, 2020 9:11am
3 minutes to read

Bruce Nickel's teddy bear creation is enough to make you do a double take.

Shoppers queue up outside a Countdown supermarket today. Photo / Stephen Parker

NEW ZEALAND

Covid-19 coronavirus: Countdown axes weekly specials

25 Mar, 2020 2:22pm
7 minutes to read

On its website, Countdown says its too busy to offer any weekly specials.

NEW ZEALAND

Covid-19 coronavirus: CTU told of 'unscrupulous employers' exploiting staff

25 Mar, 2020 7:13am
4 minutes to read

Council of Trade Unions is warning employers not to take advantage of the Covid-19 crisis.

Sam Johnson, found of the national student volunteer army, has again mobilised to help those affected by Covid-19 including the elderly. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Coronavirus: Organisations, volunteers band together to help the elderly

23 Mar, 2020 9:38am
4 minutes to read

People are keen to help the vulnerable but the offer comes with caution.