Doug Laing, Multimedia Journalist at Hawke’s Bay Today, covers all aspects of provincial journalism including local government, sports, major events, social and justice issues.
I’m Doug Laing – Multimedia Journalist at Hawke’s Bay Today. You could say journalism ran in my blood - my father, Les Laing, was a journalist who while working for the NZBC and then Radio New Zealand mentored and helped train broadcasters on-station throughout New Zealand. Journalism is a life-long 24/7 calling for me. I followed in Dad’s footsteps from a young age, writing stories for the local weekly rugby programme while at primary school in the 1960s, and Junior Kiwi - a newspaper for schools. As a 14 year old, I worked as a reporter at the Wairarapa Times-Age during school holidays and began my fulltime career at the Central Hawke’s Bay Press, Waipukurau, in July 1973. I’ve also worked at the Daily Telegraph, had a short stint in public relations in Auckland, worked at The Dominion/Sunday and New Zealand Times, before returning to the Daily Telegraph in May 1987 as Chief Reporter. In 1999 the Daily Telegraph merged with the Hawke’s Bay Herald Tribune to create Hawke’s Bay Today, and I’ve been here ever since. I continue covering all aspects of provincial journalism, including local government, sports, major events, social and justice matters. I've been involved in two books, "Cavaliers in South Africa 1986" (rebel rugby tour) and "Shear History" (Golden Shears 50 years). Finalist Qantas Awards breaking news category (Flaxmere police shooting 1996), Napier Pilot City Trust Awards for "Outstanding Contribution to the Quality of Life for all Napier Citizens" and 2020 NZ Rural Sports Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Sports
Big chance for Lindisfarne First XV in rugby semifinal
Lindisfarne College have been CNI schools rugby champions just once.
'I put my hand up': Teacher's deep dive into running Ross Shield in Wairoa
New to rugby and Ross Shield, but for Wairoa, teams and whanau, someone had to do it.
Rugby: Two big Magpies recruits to start on Sunday
The Hawke's Bay Magpies start their 2025 NPC campaign in Napier against Counties-Manukau
Jackson Ball a double Hawk and a Wisconsin Badger
Only 17, he's set to play professional basketball in Australia and with a top US college.
Good grounds for Wairoa A&P Show to go ahead
The A&P president hasn't had a show under his watch – but won't go before there is one.
She was a pupil on Flaxmere College’s first day – now she’s the new principal
'My mission is to create a school where every dream has a place to grow.'
The best ham in NZ is from this little suburban store
'This means so much to small businesses like mine.'
First XV: Hastings Boys' High's Super 8 final hopes hang by a thread
Hastings' hopes looked forlorn a few weeks ago, but they're still in with a chance.
Cricket: Angus Schaw's nine wickets and prized scalp
A lot can happen in 12 months - Just ask Angus Schaw.
Together in everything they do - award-winning novelists Gareth and Louise Ward
A Hawke's Bay win at the Aotearoa Book Industry Awards.
Wairoa: Nine tries in muddy Mahia Barry Cup defence
Matakaoa came down from Te Araroa, scored the first try, and then the locals took over.
'No tattoos, no spinach': Napier deputy mayor hailed as a 'Superhuman'
Annette Brosnan has won top individual local government award but she's stepping down.
Family ties as Joe Helmore art features in HB auction
Artist follows in his grandmother's footsteps to craft a piece for Bay wine auction.
Black Ferns: Tui pair on the big bird for matches in South Africa
The two started their senior women's rugby for Hawke's Bay while still at school.
Wet intro for Winter Art Deco but fine weekend ahead
Dozens of tours, events and displays are scheduled for Winter Art Deco this Friday-Sunday.
In the palm of his hand – the rise of a third top NZ men's shotputter
You know Tom Walsh and Jacko Gill, but a third Kiwi could join them at the world champs.
Two CHB wins on finals weekend at McLean Park
11 clubs share 14 first and second round trophies in Hawke's Bay club rugby.
Club rugby stars announced in Magpies NPC squad
Hawke's Bay Magpies have dug into club rugby to contract new Magpies for 2025 NPC.
Work starts on new $110m Napier civic precinct
'I remember tears when everyone was leaving the building. There was a lot of uncertainty.'
Replacements for bulldozed state homes in heart of Napier suburb cut by Govt
Mayor: 'The people of Maraenui deserve better. They've waited over a decade for action.'
Ranfurly Shield-winning prop retires at 28 due to 'head knocks'
Joel Hintz's proudest moment was lifting the Log o' Wood as his side arrived in Napier.
Napier schoolboy, 11, dies after what was thought to be ‘routine flu’
Mateo Deveraturda was surrounded by 'love and care' in his final days at Starship.
Hawks retire No 14 to honour the career of Willie Burton
Burton arrived as an American import. Forty years later, he's honoured as a Hawks legend.
Watch: 'Hand of God' controversy in schoolboy rugby scrum
Crestfallen Hastings Boys' players were 'pretty emotional' about the incident, says coach.
Au revoir: Magpie Danny Toala signs with French club
Pre-NPC movements have started in the Magpies' arrivals and departures lounges.
State Highway 2 fatal crash victim named
Two others were injured in the crash between Dannevirke and Woodville on Friday.
Hawke’s Bay Black Sticks goal-up in Nations Cup defence
Five Hawke's Bay men's Black Sticks in Malaysia - three scored in the first two games.
Napier's only surviving CBD pharmacy raided for third time in 10 weeks - again for perfumes
'I’m wondering if it’s worth carrying on here.'
Hawke's Bay councils win gongs for cyclone recovery initiatives
Three councils were together recognised for a ground-breaking high-risk properties buyout.
Home sweet re-home for 80% of on-notice village tenants
Notice went to 39 people - most have already found new accommodation.
'This is not a drill': Napier chosen for cruise industry rethink
Cruise numbers will drop 40% next summer. So what is the solution?
CHB music legend dies - reunion gig will go ahead
Sir Duke has been a fixture on the Hawke's Bay music scene for 50 years.
Armed police arrest man outside Napier restaurant
Police cordoned off a part of Napier and arrested a man on Monday night.
Hawks rammed in home game against the champions
The Hawks are now struggling to earn a place in the playoffs.
Hastings Boys' High score 35 unanswered points to come back to beat arch-rivals
Napier Boys' High School were up 17-0 after 15 minutes.
Hawke’s Bay talent on show in international sports tournaments
The region's rising stars will be in action at international events in the coming weeks.
A leaking 'taonga': $15k grant to help save school pool
Children have been learning to swim in the Clive School pool for more than 76 years.
‘Both sides will be hurting’: The build-up to Hawke’s Bay’s biggest school rugby game
Jason Shoemark didn't experience school rugby hype, but he knows what this weekend means.
A Kiwi, an Englishman and a Scot fly the Bay's shearing flag
The biggest winner was Matt Smith, who is now an award-winning farmer in the UK.
'It’s all there to score big': Kiwi chasing heptathlon goals in Europe
Briana Stephenson is after 6000 points in a bid to compete in the world championships.
From Maraenui to Te Papa – the community banners that caught the national museum's eye
Banners made in Napier and spotted on the streets of Wellington are now off to Te Papa.
Obituary: Former Napier deputy mayor dies, aged 92
'He was a top guy, and always showed a lot of empathy.'
CHB beaten by Wairarapa Bush in historic Tikokino match
Wairarapa Bush overran Central Hawke's Bay, scoring 40 points in the second half.
'Absolutely unacceptable': Police condemn speeding drivers on highway
Napier-Taupō highway traffic was constant in the first weekend of new 100km/h speed limit.
Hawks set for home game of the season despite weekend losses
The Hawks haven't beaten the Rams since 2022, apart from in a pre-season game this year.
'We are really rapt': Napier shelter secures $115k for pilot launch
A fundraising movie night and auction raised over $13,000 last month.
82-year-old completes marathon swim for heart research fundraiser
A bit of bad weather was not going to stop Kerry Anderson.
The silhouette in the window: Fatal house fire mystery solved 50 years on
Firefighters have pondered the fate of Fay Milne for five decades. Then an email landed.
Tweed, balls and bands: Coolest festival in town, winter Art Deco, is back
Plans include a Friday night Grand Winter Ball and a free Tweed Ride on Saturday.
Two new Hawks on the team for big weekend in the south
The Hawks have shed one and picked up two for the run to the playoffs.
Winds could hit gale force in Hawke's Bay on Saturday
MetService warns of possible damage inland in weekend winds.
Manawatū-Tararua highway to be formally opened on June 7 – traffic set to roll in following week
Eight years after the gorge closed, a new route to Manawatū is almost ready to open.
New partners sought after sudden closure of Napier bar and restaurant
Good George parts ways with its Napier site owner, which is in voluntary liquidation.
Lindisfarne score nine tries against defending champions
Lindisfarne have three wins, chasing a cup presented by one of its most famous students.
On The Up: Rugby club bands together to build new changing rooms in two weeks
'When they took the trees away, they took away our changing rooms.'
Opposition MPs among 250 pay equity protesters in Napier
Among the crowd were some of the opposition MPs in town for a Labour Party conference.
Basketball: Two big wins in the deep south for Hawks
Seven games to go, and the Hawks are 5th in the rush for the top six for the playoffs.
The $40m difference - why Napier council has $110m budget for $70m project
Napier's mayor is hopeful the civic centre and library work will be finished under budget.
Three cups full as Hawke's Bay racing returns – in Waipukurau
The return of racing to Hawke's Bay is expected to be a big boost for Waipukurau.
Racing: No Hastings spring carnival until 2026, Waipukurau revival announced
Racing in Hastings was shut down suddenly during the 2024 Spring Carnival.
On The Up: NZ city dines out on being named one of world's 15 best food scenes
Did Lonely Planet mean to write Naples instead? No, it did not.
When speed limit on Napier-Taupō state highway will increase
The limit was cut to 80km/h in February 2022. Now it's going back to 100km/h.
‘Not just a body of water’: Wastewater pipe being built under river draws strong opposition
'No adversely affected persons and no special circumstances,' the council report says.
'Shaken': Worker threatened with weapon as two bottle stores robbed
The first robbery was in Napier about 5.10pm, the second soon afterwards in Hastings.
On the Up: The Kiwi athlete starring in US academia - and on the track
A near-four-minute miler and a GPA of 3.95 - Karsen Vesty is thriving in Boston.
A career in sheep dog trials - 40 years, 12 titles
Tararua District farmer Bernard Arends had a big start to the sheep dog trials series.
‘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.'
Local contract for $70.5m Napier council and library precinct
'We’re using this pivotal project to drive local job creation and economic momentum.'
On The Up: 11yo Taradale runner may have broken 5km world record
Jack Coombe would have been happy to beat his PB, before his time sent everyone googling.
From 'one of those pricks' to a 'legend in blue': How a parking warden tamed the streets
A lot can change in 38 years on the beat – just ask John McKelvie.
'We have to comply': Landlord gives dozens of pensioners 90-day notice to vacate village
'We couldn't tell them what was happening, because we didn't know ourselves.'
Taradale, Old Boys Marist remain unbeaten in Hawke's Bay club rugby
Taradale and Old Boys Marist are rivals of the ages. Who'll win the Nash Cup this year ?
Iwi misses out in Hawke’s Bay sheep and cattle station Kahurānaki bid
"Gutted", but Ngāti Kahungunu chair looks forward to meeting new owners.
Historic Hawke's Bay school's First XV to play against NRL youth side on Aussie tour
More than half of the school's roll is heading on a tour of Australia this winter.
Memorial buoy unveiled to remember Napier's port victims on Workers Memorial Day
Family of people killed in workplace incidents were at the memorial in Napier.
Hawks back into top six in NBL
The Hawks have hit the halfway stage of the NBL with six wins and five losses.
On The Up: Fighting to keep his late partner’s dream alive – the story of Jillyfish
Reece Kennedy almost closed the doors, until he got a call from a business mentor.
Napier pool to fully reopen after 11-month spruce-up
Rather than being 'aesthetic changes', the work has been 'remedial'.
Teens as young as 13 in Napier perfume raids
A third burglary happened on Easter Monday.
Consent granted: Napier-Wairoa highway realignment could start early next year
It's the most costly job ever planned on Hawke's Bay roads, but it's a vital lifeline.