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
Some Hawke’s Bay shops may stop offering PayWave due to surcharge ban: Retail advocate
'Why would the business owner want to pay for that when they can’t on-charge?'
‘Huge for us’: Gold medals lift Napier distillery amid tough trading
'It does help the brand and helps reward our distillers.'
'Really hard': Some Hawke's Bay Hospital nursing roles not being replaced, manager says
'I have never been so frustrated and angry going home from work.'
New $750m solar farm for Hawke's Bay: Why is the region turning to solar?
The solar farm will be visible to thousands of motorists on SH5 Napier-Taupō Rd.
'So many emotions': Star shooter Ellie Bird on ANZ Premiership triumph and why she’d say 'no' to Silver Ferns
The Hawke's Bay-raised netball star had a near-flawless grand final for the Tactix.
Bremworth to restore woollen yarn production in Napier and hire up to 40 people
The $6m investment is the most significant for the plant’s future since the cyclone.
A wish upon a shooting star: Can Ellie Bird get her crowning glory?
It's her last game before retiring, and the Tactix goal shoot has been here before.
Stuck in Middle Rd with ewes: Councillors against Havelock North development due to soil quality
Houses to the left of it, rest home to the right.
Gabrielle destroyed Mel Gale’s food business. She has high hopes for her new one
Mel Gale is ready for a new chapter as owner of Berry Tasty, two years on from Gabrielle.
Praise for restaurant's response after former deputy mayor dies at family dinner
His family say he will leave a legacy of kindness, and he was surrounded by it to the end.
No arrests over suspicious fire which destroyed Napier home
The house burned down twice in a year. An investigation into the latest fire has finished.
New Four Square and shops planned for Taradale town centre
The existing Taradale Four Square would be demolished and rebuilt under the proposal.
‘Still there’: Removal of logging machine sent tumbling over cliff proving tricky
The damaged skidder remains stuck in a hard-to-reach location near the river.
Hawke’s Bay’s $100m private hospital finished after five-year build
Kaweka is the first hospital to be built in Hawke's Bay in almost a century.
Napier woollen yarn producer to close, 26 job losses
Design Spun had hoped to keep its mill running in Napier but that was 'not achievable'.
Hastings quarry buys neighbouring vineyard for $3m to expand operation
The owner of the quarry says the expansion will help meet 'supply needs for the region'.
Plan to drill wastewater pipe under Clive River withdrawn amid opposition
'We are in a position where we will have to find alternatives.'
Couple behind lauded cocktail bar call it a day: 'I don’t think people are prioritising social lives'
'They would rather have eight streaming services than go and get a drink and a bite.'
‘Huge growth potential’: Willis on wool challenges during visit to NZ’s biggest scourer
'Wool is just an awesome natural product that has all sorts of incredible properties.'
Asterisks, footnotes and claims of 'weasel words': Inside the battle for region's housing future
The plan is years in the making, but now it's reached a cross-council 'standoff'.
Two sisters started a club rugby team to honour their late parents - and won the title
On The Up: 'We just hugged and cried and knew our parents would be proud.'
Motel generation ends: Just 24 families in region still using them for emergency housing
It's made finding accommodation cheaper, but some single people are 'sleeping on streets'.
Napier Port industrial action ends as pay agreement reached for workers
'We can now focus on running a port rather than fighting each other.'
Unison to spend $600m in Bay over next decade - where will it go?
The electricity distributor has big plans for the region.
Construction to start on first of three solar farms next to small Hawke's Bay town
Work on the first of three proposed solar farms near the town will begin soon.
Napier Port rejects union claim it is 'selectively suspending' workers
'Disruptive' industrial action under way as higher pay sought for about 185 port workers.
Watch: Forestry skidder tipped over cliff after logging company goes bust
Video of the tumble down the bank includes the caption '“pay ya bills or pay the price'.
His red-zoned home didn't flood – a broken election promise could hamper his fight to return
People who 'haven't been able to move on' are being hurt by Govt decision, advocate says.
Hastings Council open to new operators taking over Frimley Pool - with a catch
A new operator would have to cover the cost of developing the facility, fixing the pools.
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.
PM's 45% tariff battle: Luxon tells Hawke’s Bay he's working to 'open up' apple exports to India
Getting Hawke's Bay apples into India would be 'huge', but there's a big tariff roadblock.
‘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'.