Lightning strike that cut power to HB and Gisborne hit power lines near Taupō

Transpower has shared more details about the lightning strike that cut power to thousands.

Many Hawke’s Bay business owners under ‘severe stress’: Business leader

'I don’t think I’ve ever seen people working as hard for such little return.'

Wild HB weather: High winds, record temperature, power outages, cancellations and fires

Very unsettled weather has returned, causing problems ranging from power outages to fires.

Hawke’s Bay A&P Show’s opening day cancelled due to high winds, still going ahead Friday

Most of the show has been cancelled on Thursday with just a handful of events going ahead.

Crayfishing tragedy: Friends found in water after boat capsize, rāhui in place

Two fishermen whose boat capsized off the coast of Napier were found 90 minutes apart.

Hawke’s Bay Airport roof to get $450k solar upgrade; solar farm next to runway still on radar

'With energy prices high, it makes sense to make the most of our significant roof area.'

'Giving them the reins': The Napier cafe putting young teens in charge

'You have to take these big risks to see what happens.'

Deputy mayors chosen, last Hawke's Bay councillor wins by 8 votes

Elected mayors have chosen their deputies to serve alongside them.

Final results show big increase in voter turnout in Hawke's Bay, council makeups confirmed

Voter turnout rose significantly during the 2025 local elections in Hawke’s Bay.

Waimārama Beach: New gate to be installed as vehicle ban saga drags on

The gate won't be locked or enforced, but is aimed at discouraging vehicles on the beach.

Two friends separated by less than 30 votes, as four Bay council seats go to the wire

With just special votes to be added, four council seats in Hawke's Bay are cliffhangers.

'Important talking point': Why a dirt mound led to council investigation

A handful of neighbours on Beach Rd have built up a mound, or crest, for over a decade.

‘Tampering with a gravesite’: Police investigate incident at Hastings cemetery

Police are asking the public for information about the incident at the cemetery.

First look at plan for Hawke’s Bay’s new hospice

The project is now expected to cost 'significantly more' than $15m.

EIT begins search for new boss; former CEO not in running

EIT has begun its search for a new chief executive following a tumultuous few years.

'Common sense': Law change could see third of Bay’s quake-prone buildings deemed safe

Building owners in townships like Wairoa and Dannevirke will benefit hugely.

‘Sooner the better’: Destroyed bridge between Napier and Hastings to be rebuilt

A decision to rebuild Brookfields Bridge has been hailed as 'awesome' for the community.

'You could feel the heat': Neighbours saw flames blow out windows

Neighbours tried to warn anyone inside as flames tore through the house.

Hawke’s Bay Airport posts record profit despite drop in passengers

Airport chief Nick Flack describes the past year's financial performance as pleasing.

Escaped bull rams Napier home with mum and kids inside, inspires children’s book

A freaky ordeal involving a bull smashing into a Puketapu home has inspired a kids' book.

Another solar farm approved for Hawke’s Bay with over 200,000 panels

The region currently has no commercial-sized solar farms. That is set to change rapidly.

Napier motel fire: Guests moved to neighbouring accommodation after blaze

'I'm glad no-one was hurt, that is the main thing.'

Firefighters battle motel fire on Napier’s Marine Parade

Many of the motel occupants evacuated onto the street during the blaze.

'Feels like I'm coming home': Silver Fern on returning to Napier for South Africa test

Silver Fern Kimiora Poi says returning to Napier to face the Proteas is 'pretty special'.

Silver Ferns arrive in Napier ahead of sold-out match against Proteas

It is the Silver Ferns' first international match in Hawke’s Bay since 2017.

'Enormous' disruption: Backlash at hospital's plan to relax family visitor hours

Changes could mean visitors roam wards 'all hours of the day and night', the union says.

Napier Port invests up to $25m on fleet of self-driving trucks

'If automation is going to come and take our jobs, that is a concern.'

Divers find ute that took a dip in Napier’s inner harbour

The Hilux floated for roughly 70m before sinking to the depths below off Meeanee Quay.

'Steady decline': Wattie's defends peach cutback, says Kiwis aren't buying as many

'Decisions that affect our growers and the future of NZ crops are never made lightly.'

Growers canned: Wattie’s tells long-standing growers their peaches are no longer needed

Wattie's appears to be reducing canned peaches from Hawke’s Bay, an industry leader said.

Iwi establishing its own health authority, considering purchase of medical clinics

'For too long, we have relied on the mainstream system to basically pick up the pieces.'

Hawke’s Bay’s new $23 million museum storage and research centre completed

The storage and research centre in Hastings will complement Napier's MTG museum.