Latest from Gisborne

Saving the whakapapa: stories shared of environmental work

by Zita Campbell Where to from here” was the sentiment at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae on Tuesday among presentations made as part of Tiēki Taiao, an environmental day, in Tairāwhiti. The gathering of iwi, hapū and community-led conservationists...

Communities reconnected by temporary bridge at Te Reinga

After nearly two years of disruption and isolation, the Ruakituri, Erepeti and Te Reinga communities were reconnected this week with the opening of the temporary bridge. The smiles were wide as local residents from either side of the bridge gathered...

Creative Communities funding round under way

Gisborne District Council’s Creative Communities scheme is looking for community events to get behind. Every year the council opens two rounds of funding for projects with arts-based outcomes — the first in February and again in August. The...

Chained up and forgotten: effort to change animal welfare laws

For years animal welfare groups across New Zealand have fought to change an ineffective law. If their efforts are successful, it will mean the end of life chaining of dogs. “We’re living in a first-world country, with fourth-world welfare when...

‘Lots of very good conversations’ at Farm Expo

The East Coast Farming Expo at the Wairoa racecourse has been deemed a success with close to 400 people through the gates again yesterday, a similar crowd to the opening day on Wednesday. Event manager Sue Wilson said the turnout for the second and...

Summit today a key step in our rebuild

The region has a major opportunity today to start bringing the new Government alongside in helping to meet the challenges of recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent severe weather events, and to build resilience for the future, at the...

Pest threats mounting

The headline “Research identifies weed as a billion-dollar potential threat” (Rural News, February 1, 2024) refers to the potential sleeper weed Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) that is now established in Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury and...

Symbols of faith

Not everyone killed in the 1st and 2nd World War were Christians. The war memorial on Kaiti Hill is public land. If Christians wish to have an illuminated cross on Kaiti Hill, they should purchase a piece of land to put it on and then there would be...

Force is strong in Horouta, OBR bowlers

Darth Vader might have had an opening similar to that of Round 3 of the DJ Barry Cup in mind when he said, “This will be a day long remembered”. The cut and thrust of premier grade club cricket’s longest form was on show between Breakers...

From Florence to Tairāwhiti

Identity and whakapapa are at the heart of the exhibition Tāhū — A Legacy of People and Place at the Tairāwhiti Museum. The exhibition features artwork from 10 locals, created for the XIV edition of the Florence Biennale International...

‘Depth and soul’ in tale of family get-together

Beachfront Reality, the new play by local writer Susan Partington, will have its world premiere tonight at Gisborne’s Evolution Theatre. Director Danielle Siata said it was a huge change from her role directing the Jersey Boys show last year...

‘Fire-breathing R&B belter’ to play at cyclone gig

Country and soul sensation Tami Neilson will take to the stage at the upcoming Tū Whitia Stand and Shine at the Gisborne Soundshell on March 2. She will be joined by other top artists Scribe, the Vocal Thieves, Oceanspace, Rob & Alley Matete...

Push on for music, arts strategy

Developing a strategy — and ultimately a dedicated organisation — to promote and support music in Tairāwhiti has been a passion project for Gisborne publican and musician Darryl Monteith. It led him to source funding to conduct a comprehensive...

Enviro Hero award finalist

East Coast conservationist Graeme Atkins has been named one of three finalists in the 2024 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. He is in the Ministry for the Environment Environmental Hero of the Year category, which recognises a person or...

Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together

One thing you can be certain of at Gisborne Girls’ High School’s annual athletics sports — there is no shortage of colour. Every year the students wear their “house” colours with pride as they run, jump, throw . . . and pose for the...

Fears for their safety after motorbike theft

by Kate Green, RNZ A German traveller’s motorbike was stolen, stripped then blatantly ridden up and down a street in front of him and his son in the town of Nuhaka earlier this week. The bike was found at a nearby house — believed to be...