Al Williams is a journalist in the Open Justice team, based in Christchurch.
He has worked in daily and community titles in New Zealand and overseas for the last 16 years. Most recently he was editor of the HC Post, based in Whangamata. He was previously deputy editor of Cook Islands News
Waihī Refuse Station targeted in ‘senseless vandalism attack’
Hauraki District Council reports act of 'senseless vandalism'.
Whangamatā community marae draft concept designs released
Whangamatā is a step close to getting a community marae.
‘Distressing’ rescue of young girl after 13yo fell to his death at Hāhei Beach
Two young people scrambled up a cliff path before the boy plunged down the bank.
Foul language, threats heard before man’s death sparked homicide probe
The man was taken to hospital where he died overnight.
‘Tragic’ Hāhei cliff fall: Victim was boy, 13, on holiday with family
Two young people fell from a cliff in Hāhei; one died, the other was rescued uninjured.
'Frustrating and distressing': DoC appeals for information after seabirds killed
'Extremely frustrating and distressing to hear about this kind of wilful mistreatment.'
Majority of watercraft fatalities not wearing lifejackets
“That could have been 16 lives potentially saved had they been wearing one.”
Thames-Coromandel deputy mayor calls out ‘rich little s***s’ at troublesome holiday hotspot
Terry Walker says there is a regular pattern of vandalism at Pāuanui over New Year.
Going deeper and darker: Why 'noctourism' is tipped as next travel trend
Starbathing is a fast-growing travel trend, thanks to NZ's dark skies.
Whitianga waterfront project now up for discussion
New wharf, recreational and commercial fishing facilities form part of the proposal.
His dog returned; he didn't: Missing man's family seek answers one year on
Family say there are two people who may have information but are yet to be located.
Tairua fisherman slams Hauraki Gulf marine legislation
The bill was supported by Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.
'It’s Jason Momoa, let me in': Aquaman star hits the Coromandel on Harley
Momoa rocked up to the Coroglen Tavern, banged on the window and said 'let me in'.
Slice of Whangamatā history set to hit the road... again
A house built in Hamilton in 1929 and moved to Whangamatā in 1930 is set to move again.
Parking goes, visitors must use shuttle to access popular Cathedral Cove track
DoC says there will be no parking at Cathedral Cove when it reopens.
Homeowners warned over potential flooding hot spots
More than $9 million has been budgeted for stormwater improvement in Whangamatā.
Tourists causing headaches for Cathedral Cove track repair workers
International tourists have been turning up to the must-see destination to find it closed.
Four fire brigades spend four hours tackling Coromandel blaze
“It is a very fragile eco-system; don’t leave a fire unattended.”
Boaties asked to stay clear of Hot Water Beach during search and rescue exercise
Emergency services to converge on Coromandel for training event.
Fishery lobbyists and Fisheries NZ tangle over Coromandel dredging survey
Fisheries New Zealand says they will only be dredging 0.01% of the scallop beds.
Work to commence on Tairua to Pāuanui trail after consent granted
A long-awaited trail connecting the towns has gained resource consent.
Surf club needs extra $300k for base upgrade
Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Club is still $500k short of the revised target.
Council flags roaming dogs as ongoing issue
Roaming dogs can "frighten, intimidate or annoy others".
Record $300k fine for dairy effluent a ‘wake-up call’
Farming company, company director and farm manager convicted and fined $305,900.
Investigation under way following dog attack
A person has been injured in a dog attack in Tairua.
Coromandel seafood festival celebrates local 'goodness'
Thousands converged on Whitianga over the weekend for a sample of the seafood.
'Pulled around like a rag doll': Woman injured, dog killed on beach walk
A $1000 reward is being offered to find the dog that attacked Oscar.
Orange river caused by 128-year-old mine shaft
Warnings still in place on Ōhinemuri River with high arsenic levels in sediment.
'Hideously traumatic': Man's battle to bury wife
Widower says there is no excuse for the way council staff handled the matter.
'Seismic shift' in average age of population raises questions
Thames-Coromandel's ageing population highlights what's in store for the rest of NZ.
Coromandel golf club to host first pro event in almost 20 years
A golf club which borders the shores of Matarangi Beach will host a group of pro-golfers.
Public walking access to Cathedral Cove to be restored in time for summer
Work to restore Cathedral Cove access will be followed by a more permanent solution.
Motorcycle enthusiasts to converge on Coromandel town
Kickdown Festival with music and motorcycles set to return to Whangamatā.
Warnings still in place for river that turned orange
Warnings remain in place for the Ōhinemuri River.
Orange river: What early tests revealed
Regional council confirms preliminary results after the river turned bright orange.
People warned to stay away from orange Ōhinemuri River until testing done
More rain could turn the river orange again this week.
Coromandel ponders problem of shrinking, ageing workforce
Thames-Coromandel population growth driven by older migrants and projected to stall.
Grandmother wins appeal over $400 freedom camping fine after beach visit
'I'd sooner go to prison than pay for it,' says woman after receiving infringement notice.
Fire siren sounds as volunteers gather for public toilet rescue
Someone was looking a little flushed as volunteer firefighters undertook the rescue.
Surfer wants parking fees at popular beach used to fund lifeguards
A Hot Water Beach surfer says his club deserves a piece of the paid parking pie.
Former Tauranga commissioner sought for committee to decide mines proposal
OceanaGold wants to put a further 47 properties within the Martha Mineral Zone.
Multiple explosions heard as vehicles burn in possible arson attack
Three vehicles set alight on waterfront.
Cathedral Cove to reopen in summer after $5m 'short term' fix
The Conservation Minister announced the Government funding boost on Wednesday.
Coromandel welcomes back Summer Concert Tour
Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Bic Runga and Everclear announced for Summer Concert series.
Power move: $15m for back-up generators in Coromandel
Powerco is spending $14.7m on back-up generators in Coromandel town and Matarangi.
Power out to nearly 6000 properties in Coromandel
Power cut during thunderstorms leaves thousands without electricity.
Quad bike raced on beach ‘a real concern’ for DoC
DoC says no to doughnuts near nesting sites.
Coromandel property values see steep rise
Since the district’s last revaluation, residential values have increased 33 per cent.
Larry the duck becomes Daisy from Hikuai
It appears Larry has a tragic tale of lost love but is reunited with extended family.
Kiwi couple married for 65 years share key to long and happy relationship
David and Sheila Callaghan reckon it's about give-and-take in keeping the flame alight.
Proposed 33-hour music festival gets cool reception from council
Authorities say event will be too loud and there will be too many cars.
Young surfers start strong at World Junior Champs
Pauanui's 13-year-old surfing sensation continues to impress.
16 people rescued from island wildlife sanctuary after waka crews swamped
Three waka ama crews became stranded on the island.
Rugby player flown to hospital after on-field injury
Injured senior Mercury Bay rugby player airlifted to hospital.
One dead in Coromandel shed fire
Emergency services were alerted to the fire about 5.20pm Sunday.
Unruly behaviour mars Repco Beach Hop Festival
Beach Hop was marred by some unruly behaviour but police generally happy.
Let's go to the Hop! More than 110,000 expected
Traffic is building up as Beach Hop 2024 gets under way.
Life's a Beach Hop in Whangamatā
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the 50s and 60s-themed event.
Concerns raised over $1 million Coromandel fishing contest
Event organisers and fisheries officials happy with fish population and methods.
Whangamatā Area School scoops up win at inaugural surfing event
The inaugural New Zealand School Surfing Festival was held at Muriwai this week.
Fishing contestants race to best spots for share of $2 million in prizes
Hundreds of boats set off for the best fishing spots from a shotgun start.