Multimedia journalist, Waikato Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Inside a Hobbit home: 'Bucket list' visitors may have to return for another look
Hobbiton's new attraction could have big spin-offs for region's tourism.

Hamilton becomes first NZ airport with own solar farm
The 5000sqm operation was switched on earlier this month.

'You've seen the best of me': Judge hangs up robe after 11 years
The Hamilton District Court Judge retired, bringing a legal career of 30 years to a close.

Kākāpō sent to live on an island after 'parachute' escape attempts
Three birds have been sent back to a southern island after escape attempts.

Uber Nan's secret: 'It's all about the shortbread'
Uber driving Nan sweetens the deal with shortbread.

'I thought I was gonna die': Young father battles rare brain condition
There is no treatment in New Zealand, so the young dad of three has to sell his house.

Winning rose named in honour of 7-year-old girl who died of a brain tumour
Award-winning rose named after a 'brave' little girl.

"Surprised we are not number one": Mayor stunned by Airbnb ranking
There's plenty to be hospitable about in the Waikato.

Artists from NZ, Japan add splash of colour to the city
Boon Street artists have created seven new murals.

'Absolutely thrilled': Waikato's winning wedding venue
Originally purchased as a family home, the venue has accommodated weddings since 2008.

Wellington motorbike start-up quietly zooms to Hamilton
The electric motorbike business will move to Te Rapa in the new year.

Bulldozers to move in on Founders this week
Toti makes final appeal to save the historic building.

Most Waikato councils opt for Māori wards
The most recent council set to establish the wards is Hauraki District Council.

Tigers' 15-times-a-day mating routine 'actually not that many'
There are high hopes Hamilton Zoo's latest love story will result in new tiger cubs.

New berry farm opens in Waikato in time for PYO season
Strawberries are set to be the star of Labour weekend.

Hamilton Zoo zebras have been busy with 29th foal in 15 years
Mare Marbles gave birth to the still-nameless foal at the end of September.

Rogue kākāpō could have been on the run for more than a week
A critically endangered parrot has survived up to 10 days outside the wire.

'Really chuffed': Waikato MP retains seat
' It’s exciting to have another three years in Parliament.'

Boy's health battle: 'It’s a huge journey, but it’s not impossible'
Arky Loveridge was born without an immune system and is living with Charge Syndrome.

Record demand for Cancer Society Hamilton accommodation
Marathon in a Month fundraiser to help lodge keep up with surge in demand for services.

'Compliant and safe': Firm backs under-fire waste-to-energy project
Backers of a waste-burning electricity generation project say it will be compliant.

Love at first sight and no time to waste as rest home residents marry
“I had a good look at him, and I just thought, ‘Wow’.”

Special delivery: Six more kākāpō make landfall in Waikato
A sextet has joined Bunker, Ōtepoti, Motupōhue and Māhutonga at Sanctuary Mountain.

Hamilton tenor wins Australian Singing Competition
Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, 25, is the first Kiwi to win the competition since 2019.

Prime Minister out on Waikato campaign visit
Chris Hipkins made a new law and order policy announcement in Hamilton today.

Kmart introduces robots to its NZ stores, opens huge new facility
Robots are coming to a Kmart store near you.

Top dog has a quarry for an office
Terry is the assistant quarry manager at Atiamuri Sand and Pumice in the Waikato.

'Hamilton is booming': MP signs off
Hamilton-based National List MP David Bennett gives his valedictory speech.

'Masters of camouflage' settle into new surroundings
Bunker, Ōtepoti, Motupōhue and Māhutonga stake their spots after exploring mountain home.

Supercars set to supercharge Central North Island tourism
Supercars are coming to Taupō providing a big boost to the central North Island economy.

Hamilton boys on overseas adventure of a lifetime
An adventurous group of 12 taking part in the special car rally Poles of Inconvenience.

New tiger matched with zoo female for breeding
Scout, Peggy and Sang just moved into their new homes.

New feathered residents carry message of hope
Four kākāpō are now living at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in Waikato.

Pōkeno Whisky recruits New Zealand's only traditional cooper
Mike Tawse, from Scotland, has brought the ancient art of coopering to Pōkeno.

Med school at Waikato uni is National's election promise
National's plan will also include more medical school placements at Auckland and Otago

Cyclone Gabrielle's legacy will rock Hamilton this summer
Hamilton leaders are excited about big event opportunity next year.

Facebook clues see some stolen gear snatched back in Hamilton before cops arrive
Sidecar racer heartbroken: 'I'll probably have to stop racing'

'A personal decision': Labour MP not seeking re-election
Jamie Strange to retire from Parliament next election to spend more time with his family.

South Waikato locals spread the word that they love living in the district
New signs show Tokoroa, Putāruru, Tīrau, and Arapuni in a new light.

Hamilton’s K’aute Pasifika fale and village wow PM and minister
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and minister Stuart Nash visited the K'aute Pasifika fale.

Community stalwarts want to spark disadvantaged kids to find their purpose
Graeme Mead and Carl Haa launch holiday programme to get kids back on the right path.

South Waikato to receive its first Māori mayor
Despite the achievement, both candidates want to focus on what they bring to council.

Te Paina set to be returned to iwi and hapū
Joy and relief at return of historically and culturally significant reserve.

Pacific stop smoking services receive funding boost
The Government committed $8 Million to Pacific providers to reach national smokefree goal.

Classic yachts gather in Waikato for special weekend
12 classic launches will make their way from Auckland to the Maritime Park in Paeroa.

New Zealand's first Pan Pacific hub is shaping up in Hamilton
Pacific Island community trust K'aute Pasifika hosted a site visit for selected invitees.

Waikato takes action against climate change
Impact Hub Waikato is hosting an event to develop solutions to local climate challenges.

Leaders condemn anti-vax narrative invoking Holocaust
Leaders affirm remembering the Holocaust is now more important than ever.

Polio survivor urges people to learn from history and get jab
Retired nurse Jan Wills-Collins points out striking similarities between Covid and polio.

Hamilton Wasps celebrate Gwynne Shield centenary with win
The traditional tournament was back to celebrate 100 years, despite unknown future.

Three Waters Reform divides Waikato councils
Most councils take a mild stance towards reform, but some voices ask for stronger position

Whatawhata Rugby Club burned to the ground
The much-loved rugby club was seen to be on fire around midnight last night.

Afghan translator has grave fears for family hiding from Taliban
Dozens of decision-ready visa applications prompt legal action by Afghans in the Waikato

Unique use of ancestral knowledge a step to national stop smoking goal
Indigenous innovator develops quit smoking programme based on Māori ancestral knowledge.

Rugby newbie working out how to keep up with the play
Rugby is not two teams and their fans fighting for the win, it's about a good game.

' I wouldn't say I am on their side now, but I am more lenient'
'There was a lot of anger and disappointment ... the game meant a lot to the region'.

John Minto and supporters plan reunion lunch and march to rugby park
A great day in history because NZ made an impact internationally, says political activist.

Thousands of visitors will give economic boost to the city
Hamilton will be abuzz with a sold-out concert and a crowd of 20,000 at an All Blacks game

New All Black Quinn Tupaea has had a dedicated fan club since high school in Hamilton
Quinn Tupaea has just been named as one of four new All Blacks - to his own surprise

Recycling plant education room another step in fight against landfill
Hamilton City Council and Envirowaste launch new waste minimisation education room.

Waitakaruru Arboretum is Waikato's secret outdoor gem
Seeds of Renewal offers workshops, and talks around trees, seeds, plants and gardening.