Gary Hamilton-Irvine
Multimedia journalist
The New Zealand Herald has more than 200 journalists across the country, bringing you the stories that matter on our website and app, in print and across our social media platforms.
Gary is a multimedia journalist with the Hawke's Bay Today.
Check out Gary’s latest content
Hawke’s Bay’s new rescue chopper: Hangar upgrades, equipment could cost over $1m
Hawke’s Bay’s brand new rescue helicopter is set for arrival in September 2026.
DoC decides not to reopen popular campsite damaged by cyclone
Families used to go to Glenfalls every Christmas for a cheap holiday – now they can't.
One of Napier’s most prominent art deco buildings gets facelift
The Art Deco Trust says the fresh paint job and restoration work looks "amazing".
Study reveals main cause of lepto outbreak after Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay farmer says he was surprised by how hard the disease impacted him.
Jobs to go as EIT plans cuts after failed merger
It has been a gruelling few years for staff at Eastern Institute of Technology.
Woman charged with injuring pedestrian after allegedly driving into him
Police have charged a 43-year-old woman after a pedestrian was injured.
'Vital role': Napier Library saved; plan to demolish aquarium hits snag
Napier Library will remain open following community pushback at a shock plan to close it.
Napier facing a decline in cruise bookings - why?
Napier is expecting a 25% dip in cruise visits compared to the booming 2023/24 season.
Livestock export ban reversal should be passed into law before next election - minister
'New Zealand doesn’t have a luxury of turning off growth,' PM Christopher Luxon says.
‘Not telling us the truth’: Investigation into slaying of Napier teen outside party being hampered
'We know who is not telling us the truth. They need to reconsider what they have told us.'
Winners and losers: Panel recommends new Hawke's Bay housing projects, casts others aside
Housing growth is a hot topic around Napier-Hastings. An independent panel has weighed in.
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence appoints new boss
The ex-Taranaki Civil Defence group manager says there are a lot of changes to be made.
‘His presence lifted others’: Tributes flow for young Napier rugby star as homicide probe continues
'He was the heart and soul of every team he was a part of.'
Teen killed in suspected homicide was student at Napier Boys’ High School
The 15-year-old was found critically injured and died at the scene.
'It was like an inferno': Third fire in a year destroys Napier home
A neighbouring home was also blackened by the roaring blaze.
Future of Napier-Wairoa train line still uncertain
A decision on whether to reinstate or mothball the train line has yet to be made.
Tickets please: 'You are not going for dinner, you're going for an experience'
The Old Mill has teamed up with Hastings restaurateurs to open the venue for dining.
'Like looking at lava': Hawke's Bay rugby star retires after freak sprig accident
Teilah Ferguson felt the boot go into her eye and knew "instantly" it was bad.
Wairoa has one supermarket - a new study examines if its prices are fair
'We are seeing the same story - just insufficient funds for the basic costs of living.'
'Wheelstands up the middle of the road': Weeks of complaints before nurse hit by dirt-biking teens
'It's a shame it takes an innocent person to get hurt for something to happen.'
Two more Hawke’s Bay farms sold to overseas buyers for forestry
Three CHB farms have sold in quick succession to overseas buyers for forestry conversion.
One of NZ's oldest RSAs changes its name, confirms split from national body
Fresh signage featuring the new name and logo has been installed on the clubrooms.
‘First for Hawke’s Bay’: Bus stops planned for airport, regional sports park
The plans are being praised by one traveller as being a 'really good' addition.
'Special to be here': Thousands attend Anzac Day services across Hawke’s Bay
'The Anzac spirit - born of hardship and forged in battle - continues to resonate.'
'That was the finish of him': 100-year-old veteran on tough days and toasts at the end
'I was quite content to be back home.'
Upgrades for ED and ICU at Hawke’s Bay Hospital, 700 more car parks
Four new projects have been announced for the hospital over the next decade.
Major developer eyes another big housing subdivision in booming area
If it goes ahead in future, the Havelock North project could include hundreds of sections.
'Horrific': 11yo cyclist injured after bottles thrown at race near Hastings
The occupants of a black Ford Ranger ute were seen throwing bottles from their vehicle.
Job cuts at pet food giant Ziwi, including Hawke's Bay
'It is a good bunch of people – that is the sad thing.'
Bone at Hastings work site identified; what you should do if you discover bones
Police should be contacted immediately if you find a bone suspected of being human.
NZ’s biggest pet food factory reduces production amid drop in demand
The enormous super kitchen in Napier has been operating for less than three years.
Dozens of earthquake-prone buildings on Dannevirke’s main street given extension
Almost 40 buildings on the township's main street require earthquake strengthening.
'An issue': Neighbours react to 59-lot coastal subdivision approved near Napier
Plans have been approved to subdivide coastal land for housing just north of Napier.
Development company in liquidation owing $4m, owner disputes debt
Hikanui Capital was facing three Environment Court charges, which have been withdrawn.
‘Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’: Kiwi gold medallist in the spotlight for famed race
Hawke's Bay rower Tom Mackintosh says the historic race means so much to each university.
‘Has an impact’: Hawke’s Bay station sold to overseas owner to be converted to forestry
'Land use change is hard socially and you have to be really careful.'
Smoke alarms help alert family during Napier house fire
Working smoke alarms helped warn a Meeanee family to evacuate as the large fire took hold.
The small North Island town that could be surrounded by three solar farms
About 200,000 solar panels planned for the largest of the three.
Concept plans for proposed $5.5m Waka Hub in Napier
The Ahuriri Waka Hub is making headway with a chosen site and concept designs approved.
Chemical spill at transfer station near Hastings
Two people have been treated by ambulance staff for minor ailments.
Napier Port welcomes last cruise of summer season – how did it compare to previous years?
'Looking ahead to next season, around 70 cruise bookings are already confirmed.'
Hapū agree price for 50% share of Hawke’s Bay Airport
If the sale is finalised, Mana Ahuriri will be the airport's largest shareholder.
Central Hawke’s Bay theatre, hotel and a string of retail buildings deemed earthquake-prone
One building owner says it could mean significant changes along Waipukurau’s main street.
Porsche parade to descend on Napier led by ex-Formula 1 star
The parade will feature about 130 Porsches and be led by Mark Webber.
Leaking $2m of ratepayer money every year, should the National Aquarium in Napier be saved?
Public feedback is being sought on a new $28m facility, but an ex-councillor has concerns.
Māori-owned businesses surpass 1000 in Hawke’s Bay
"Māori-owned businesses often prioritise kaitiakitanga."
Developer's plan to merge Hastings and Flaxmere with 2000 homes revealed
David Colville says the ambitious plan is needed. An opponent says it is 'preposterous'.
Pan Pac's rising electricity bill continuing to cause headaches
Pan Pac claims its main competitors in Canada have seen far lower price hikes.
Prominent liquor family buys Hawke's Bay Brewing Co brewery and neighbouring restaurant
The group says there is potential to take beloved 'Peach Bombs' and beers 'international'.
Green-belt soils among NZ’s best but becoming ‘near impossible to farm’ – landowner
The Strawberry Patch business is closing – should a retirement village take its place?
‘Delighted’: Home found for Hawke’s Bay’s new $15m-plus hospice
The milestone comes two years after the last proposed site was abandoned due to flooding.
'Anything that can go wrong will': Two Irish pubs in liquidation owe more than $500k each
'We had delays, licencing issues, staffing issues, a cyclone, we had every type of thing.'
Break out the butter: Cafe starts contest to find best scone ever
'I would like, if we find something great, to put it on the menu.'
Charity’s plan to build its first retiree housing in Hawke’s Bay
The plans come amid a council sell-off of units and will provide more housing for retirees
‘Carnival atmosphere’: Napier’s bumper crowds smash expectations for Hurricanes, World Tri Cup
'We initially had a target of about 8000, and we well and truly went past that.'
Debt hits $4.2m: Liquidator reveals further debts owed by car and boat dealer
A potential sale of the business, to help pay off debts, did not eventuate.
Builder appointed to complete half-finished Napier apartments amid death of developer
Gemco has been tasked with completing the troubled project.
‘Ghost town’ after 5pm: Call for Napier, Hastings shops and attractions to stay open later
'We are a tourist destination, but we don’t act like it because we are not open.'
Rihanna? Guns N’ Roses? Katy Perry? Eminem? Concert venue's public poll to help it find next big act
'It will help us target our efforts in terms of bringing artists to Hawke’s Bay.'
Watch: One of NZ’s oldest passenger planes stars at Art Deco Festival
One of NZ's first passenger planes is flying above Napier - and it could be yours.
Is the emergency alert system better now than during Cyclone Gabrielle?
A flood victim believes more work is still needed to improve emergency alerts.
Motorhome and caravan army rolls into Napier for Art Deco Festival
Visitors to Napier's biggest annual event say the 'whole weekend is just so much fun'.
Napier bans non-self-contained vehicles from freedom camping
Two new freedom camping sites are set to be introduced in Napier amid a shake-up.
'Timing was perfect': More than $10m from special cyclone Lotto draw now allocated
The largest grant given out in Hawke's Bay was $130,000 to shift an ablution block.
The council thinks a piece of Napier Hill has been abandoned by the property owner, so it wants to sell it off
It's covered in shrubs, with no rates paid for years - now council's made a rare move.
Speed limit hike on SH5 ‘reckless’, raises crash concerns
An independent study found the 80km/h limit prevented 34 crashes in a year.
Unity and aspiration: Thousands join Hawke’s Bay Waitangi celebrations
A Hīkoi of Unity was held near Clive, celebrating local Treaty signings.
Police seek public help after robbery at Havelock North dairy
Police have released details about a vehicle related to the alleged robbery.
From 6400 cars a day to 150: The future of existing routes when $820m highway opens
The impending $820m highway opening has raised questions about two alternate routes.
‘Never known a season to be as early’: Picking season under way in NZ’s apple capital
An unusually early harvest is being welcomed by growers.
More than 280,000 bus cards to be phased out, no way to transfer credit
Roughly $140,000 is being stored on the cards in Hawke's Bay alone.
‘Not ideal’: Plan to address coastal flooding in Hawke’s Bay delayed over $34m cost
The climate change and coastal erosion impact strategy has been years in the making.
One of Hawke’s Bay’s oldest homes up for sale, after refresh
One of Napier's oldest homes is up for sale for the second time in three years.
One Bay council pays over $20m a year in debt interest
Debt is climbing for all but one council in Hawke’s Bay. Here is how much each has.
Cell towers in Hawke’s Bay need $20m upgrades to protect against natural disasters
A new cyclone study calls for an upgrade to cell towers. The industry isn't convinced.
‘In my DNA’: Life of voluntary work sees Mary Anne Eyles awarded NY Honour
'I’m always looking for ways to be involved and to work with good people and help others.'
Hawke’s Bay cricket coach receives New Year Honour
The coach and mentor guided a Hawke's Bay high school to three national cricket titles.
‘Very honoured’: Ōtāne volunteer firefighter of 50 years receives King’s Service Medal
John Oliver has served with the Ōtāne Volunteer Fire Brigade for more than 50 years.
Calls grow for popular bridge between Napier and Hastings to be rebuilt
Locals want more certainty about the swept-away bridge's future.
Hawke’s Bay wild weather: Tree knocks out power, vehicle hits rockslide, SH2 blockage
There are 'trees down in many places' on the main road between Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.