David Haxton, Editor of Kapiti News, loves writing stories about people who have overcome the odds, people who have worked hard to succeed, and breaking news.
David Haxton is the editor of the Kāpiti News. The newspaper is a two-time finalist in the Voyager Media Awards community newspaper of the year category. When I was a college student, a science teacher encouraged us to read the newspaper and be informed. The advice stuck. I became interested in the news. I graduated from the Peter Arnett School of Journalism, at the Southern Institute of Technology, in 2000, before joining the Kāpiti News early in 2001 firstly as a reporter and then becoming editor. It has been a long haul but it's a great community to work in, there’s a constant supply of interesting stories to write, the commute is only a few minutes, and I live near the beach. I’ve got a young family and the coast is an awesome great place for them to grow up in. I love writing stories about people who have overcome the odds, people who have worked hard to succeed, and breaking news is still a buzz. It’s also great being part of the wider NZME whānau and seeing our stories reach national and overseas audiences.
Fulbright scholar to focus on work-integrated learning at world-leading university
Kathryn Hay is going to Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Classic Sting Ray muscle car part of annual show
Paul Thomson's 1965 Corvette Sting Ray will turn heads.
Stressful: Family always on rainfall red alert
Riley family want stormwater system sorted.
Queer liaison role created at Paraparaumu College
"Elliot has been doing this work anyway but without the recognition or role title."
Spearfishing nationals help those in need
Lots of fish were given to the Kāpiti Community Foodbank.
Beachside toilet block artwork has underlying conservation message
The Te Horo Beach toilets and changing blocks have been revamped.
Choir looking forward to the Olympics of choral singing
The choir will be one of a large number taking part in World Choir Games.
Swimmer overcomes challenges to finish epic ocean swim
It took Shalyse Murphy longer than expected. But she did it.
Special moment for Life Education Trust educator
Jonny Thompson receives Ākina Tohu award for innovative thinking.
Concepts emerge for large-scale development
The Wellington Company has big plans for the site.
Fish and prize auctions set to fundraise raise a lot of money.
Mary Potter Hospice and Paraparaumu Fire Brigade benefit from fundraiser.
Steady progress on river bridge clip-on project
A shared path is being created on the Waikanae River bridge along the former SH1.
Boxer predicts 'good scrap' for his professional debut
Michael Reynolds' professional debut gets under way next month.
Young referee excited to be part of Touch World Cup
Samuel Taylor will be blowing the whistle at the global competition.
New biography highlights achievements of two remarkable people
Byron Brown and Mary-Annette Hay featured in new book.
Couple give monarch butterfly population a boost
'We had no idea what we were getting into.'
New principal looks forward to starting dream job
Chance to lead Paraparaumu College "too good an opportunity to turn down”.
International flavour at kite festival continues
Kite flyers from Australia and Germany are heading our way.
Life crossroads leads to thriving wedding and events venue
After a key decision was made, Janine Sudbury hasn't looked back.
My Kāpiti: Q&A with barber Andy Ross
Time to meet the owner of Andy's Barber Shop at Paraparaumu Beach.
Park plans on hold as costs and antisocial behaviour increase
The brakes have been put on Kāpiti's Otaraua Park development.
Caring focus key part of Spearfishing NZ contest
Two fish auctions will be held in Paraparaumu as part of the competition.
Helen Gordon awarded QSM for work with girls and visually impaired
The Waikanae stalwart's connection to Girls' Brigade dates back to the 1970s.
Determined railway workers' advocate honoured
“Little wins on behalf of real people" drove New Year Honours recipient.
Tragic ship tale focus of children's book
Writer Gordon Campbell has held a long interest in the General Grant story.
Nature reserve stalwart loves sharing his knowledge
Rhys Mills is a key person at the Ngā Manu Nature Reserve.
Ice cream and raspberry-infused beers started niche for craft beer company
The experimental beers gave Duncan's Brewing Company clear direction.
Pōhutukawa trees cut down without council permission
Council begins inquiry after "unfortunate" removal of trees on public land.
Retiring biology teacher has loved her career
Michele Murphy has taught at Paraparaumu College for 22 years.
Friends of Kāpiti District Libraries disbands
The group had been operating for over four decades.
Very cute: Pūkeko parents and chick snap wins photographer major award
Roger Smith had to crawl to a hidden space before clicking his camera.
Kids thrilled as NZDF chopper swoops down on school
A helicopter visit thrills Te Rā School students.
Freshwater advocate receives special medal
“It’s nice to get recognition, and vindication ...", says Mike Joy.
Triple treat at supermarket grocery grab
Three teams took on the grocery-grab challenge in Paraparaumu.
Celebrated potter's beehive kilns are the jewel in new ceramic arts hub
The Kilns at Te Horo opens to the public on December 14.
Celebrated cartoonist celebrates 100th birthday
Eric Heath spent 28 years creating five cartoons a week for The Dominion.
Plan seeks to convert boat ramp to pedestrian access only
Boat ramp has "specific issues" associated with it.
Artist selected to create in the silence of a Scandinavian winter
'It’s an opportunity that, at the age of 70, I never thought I’d get.'
Safety and structure issues arise at Paraparaumu Fire Station
Damage from an earthquake sparked a wider structural investigation.
Beanie me up: Women knits 1000 woolly hats for children
Norma McCallum's hobby benefits children.
Māori ward: Kāpiti Coast District Council votes yes
Council votes 9-2 in favour of a Māori ward.
Swan hit by car nursed back to health
Specialist treatment has given Cadance a second life.
Free food shop helps people in need and removes stigma
The service is a "reinvention of a foodbank".
Teenager impresses in the competitive world of BMX
Tom Coleman has won a major sporting award.
Ballet icon farewelled in special celebration service
Paekākāriki's St Peter's Hall packed to celebrate amazing life.
Watch: College staff and students face-off in epic dance challenge
"The kids loved it and I think they were quite surprised by how good the staff were."
Lasting impact: Remembering ballet icon Sir Jon Trimmer
Tributes for Sir Jon Trimmer, "a unique person, loved by anyone his path crossed".
Timeline photographic book about Transmission Gully released
Alastair Grant had a unique opportunity during the motorway's construction.
Civil engineering company wins Kāpiti and Horowhenua's top business award
'We were massively excited and immensely proud,' the co-owner says.
Cause for celebration: Toi Mahara set for grand opening
The new art gallery in Waikanae is set to be a major drawcard.
Teen takes on adventure challenge in honour of father
Ashley Balejko will be honouring her father and raising money for Gumboot Friday.
New Ōtaki MP Tim Costley humbled by result
'I don't know if all the emotions have sunk in.'
New walk booklet launched, trail network vision presented
Booklet and trail vision strengthen Kāpiti's nature credentials.
Influential child welfare advocate remembered
Lesley Webb wanted children to have the best upbringing possible.
Double-gold important win for taekwondo fifth dan black belt
Win part of journey towards Olympic selection for Eiza Mozhdeh
Paraparaumu writer seals global deal for fantasy novel trilogy
Witches are the basis for fantasy novel.
Young rally team impresses in Daybreaker Rally Manawatū
“It was the toughest conditions I’ve driven in.”
Mansfield Short Story Award 2023 winner is ...
There were 11 finalists in the competition.
Hospitality peers decide Wellington's best regional restaurant
"It will motivate us to keep pushing to be even better ... "
Young cyclist 'gobsmacked' to be signed by Italian team
Euan Mason is excited about the challenges ahead.
Kāpiti news in brief: Big macs no match for strong winds
Winds of over 100km/h bring down trees and more.
Young rally driver embraces next big challenge
Jared Parker looks forward to Daybreaker Rally Manawatū.
Rope fence helps protect endangered birdlife in estuary
“The Waikanae estuary is a nesting or roosting place for around 60 native bird species.”
Boy seeks government apology to Māori All Blacks
Five-year-old asks the government to "do the right thing".
'Heavy as hell': Extra-large Holy Bible gets restoration treatment
Holy Bible gets a new lease of life.
Popular Paraparaumu company opens outlet store
'Amazing prices' in Paulas Home and Living outlet store.
Lucky swan gets second chance at life
Help was quick to arrive after swan was struck by car.
Feeling the strain: Psychiatrist covers multiple roles
“I’m hanging in here. My family plead with me to resign ... "
Special plaque unveiled in Whareroa Farm
Whareroa Guardians and Groundtruth plant 76,000 species.
Photographer wins prestigious commercial award
“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from NZIPP.” - Karolina Stus
Vape-free zones floated
The zones are part of a possible broadening of the Kāpiti district's smoke-free policy.
Council confirms wāhi tapu status for culturally important land
Iwi describes council's endorsement as a "significant achievement".
Green MP tours special scientific reserve
Eugenie Sage enjoyed Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve visit.
Kids' book a celebration of diversity
Kāpiti Art Studio plays a key part in bringing book to life.
Bed and breakfast recognised with gold award
Aston Road Villa owners delighted with top award.
Proposed entrance to new Ōtaki subdivision frustrates neighbours
Concerns raised about proposed Moy Estate entrance.