Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with the Hawke's Bay Today.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Cold snap hitting: Weekend rain and chill for Hawke’s Bay
Temperatures will drop this weekend, with highs of 11C in Hastings and 13C in Napier.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison could get 460 more high-security inmates
Labour says the document shows groundwork being laid for a 'mega-prison' in Hawke's Bay.
Put your number plate into the iPad: Smart parking systems are here to stay
The onus needs to be on businesses to communicate the introduction, tech commentator says.
'Cats physically thrown at them': Misunderstandings at the heart of abuse of SPCA workers
'In what other agency is that acceptable or normal? Sometimes it's too much.'
'Treat the sea with quite a bit of caution': Caution urged as tsunami warnings persist in Hawke's Bay
Napier Port suspended operations, and ships went out to sea as the tsunami threatened.
Colder turn: Hawke’s Bay braces for chill and showers
Low temperatures will creep in late Thursday morning.
Meteor shower spectacular on Tuesday, weather depending
The Southern delta-Aquarids peak around 2am Wednesday, with 20 meteors an hour expected.
Ice warning: Injuries after school van crashes in Hawke’s Bay
A school van slid off the road on Kereru Rd about 7.45am on Monday.
Napier teen wins gold at Australasia's largest boxing tournament
Boxer now aims to compete in the Queen of the Ring tournament in Australia.
Napier records coldest morning of the year
Napier hit its coldest temperature of the year, dropping to -2.2C on Friday.
New Hawke's Bay coalition backs retention of Māori wards
Hawke's Bay Today asked each mayoral candidate if they supported the group.
SPCA speaks out as trend of dumping pets at its entrance in winter grows
Talk to us first, don't just leave them in duffle bags or tied to the gate, the SPCA says.
'I'm alive, that is good': Cyclist's inspiring one-step-at-a-time recovery after being hit by car
'If I can help people find hope, that's what it’s all about.'
Man who allegedly escaped police custody found in Hawke's Bay
The 37-year-old is facing a raft of charges.
Oldest living All Black's longevity advice: 'Keep fit, or you’ll lose it all'
His record with the All Blacks will forever remain a 100% win rate.
'We have you surrounded': Police stood down after Hawke's Bay stand-off, search continues
A police officer could be heard speaking over a loudspeaker at the scene.
Independence day for EIT
Regional governance returns to 10 polytechnics on January 1, 2026.
'May as well make it a big one': Kiwi Olympians off on epic 4500km African charity ride
Their journey starts in Uganda and ends in Zimbabwe, crossing five countries.
'Bringing the community together': Young new owner's plans for Hastings cinema
'I believe if there’s fair prices, people would love to come back to the movies.'
Getting young crims back to class: 'We need a holiday, they keep turning up'
$1.5m seized by police will be handed to Maraenui programme turning lives around.
Drive-through sushi restaurant opens at former Hastings petrol station site
Residual tanks and unstable pea-metal backfill were major obstacles.
Council say Govt behind local road's speed limit increase, resident says it's 'madness'
'There is no sensible context that justifies this absolutely ludicrous action.'
Watch: 'Go buddy, go'- seal catches waves with locals at popular surf spot
Michael Farr reckons the seal he filmed rode the waves 'better than some of the locals'.
'Very technical': Moto trials in the mud a blast of fun
Top moto trial riders competed in mud and rain across 24 stages over two days near Napier.
End of swimming pool weeds: Family's delight as cyclone-hit home gets green light
42 Havelock North homes are out of limbo after two-and-a-half years.
School lunches improve, leaving local pig with smaller meals
Students are now eating their school lunches, leaving less for Crackles the pig.
'Go for your dreams': 22-year-old Māori cloak maker reaching international markets
Kataraina Morrell's cloaks are selling globally from a small Hastings store.
'Bring energy back': Call for new store as empty supermarket site stalls nearby trade
'We want some more options in Havelock North.'
Revealed: What was in a Napier mayoral candidate's letter that got him sacked as caravan club chair
Long letter sent by Nigel Simpson was a complaint about bullying, and a plea for advice.
Crisp clear nights forecast to end, Napier Matariki event delayed
Ahuriri Matariki has been postponed to July 4 due to weather concerns.
Cheap food boxes in Hawke’s Bay, if you attend cooking and growing workshops
Mai Kai is an initiative dedicated to strengthening food systems in Hawke’s Bay.
Engineer called in as project to reopen Shine Falls begins
The track will stay closed until safety is confirmed, DoC says.
'Overly aggressive' letter from Napier mayoral candidate upsets national motor caravan body
The board removed Nigel Simpson as Hawke's Bay chair just one month into the role.
Alleged Napier pharmacy burglar caught, stolen fragrances returned to store
Similar products were taken in the two other raids, and in break-ins at two other stores.
'Restricted is a lot more intense': Students back overhaul of full driver licence test
Restricted licence test so difficult and complex that full test is 'unnecessary'.
'Pretty cold': Wet weather grips Hawke's Bay before sunny break
Showers and cold temperatures are expected in Hawke's Bay from Friday evening.
On The Up: No mercy – four mothers take on daughters in football match
The teams were almost neck-and-neck on the table – there were other scores to settle too.
'You are on notice': Council pulls Māori ward videos after Hobson's Pledge legal letter
Hobson’s Pledge's lawyer said keeping the posts up could invalidate a referendum.
Mayor unapologetic in face of backlash at council's Māori ward videos
'It’s no different to having rural wards,' the deputy mayor says to the camera.
Hawke's Bay U20 basketball team shines with runner-up finish at nationals
Coach James Henare described their semi close-out as 'the longest 25 seconds of my life'.
'Really cold temperatures': Wet, windy start to winter for Hawke’s Bay
'Break out the gloves and beanies:' Weekend set to chill the Bay.
On The Up: 'A hard thing to pull off' – the argument that made three teens national champs
Hawke's Bay won the secondary school debating champs for the first time in 37 years.
$151k for a bed - but it's not for sleeping on
'It is a very rare piece, not only for New Zealand, but also internationally.'
Cat owner told her missing moggie had been found – it was a lie that cost her hundreds
'I was just so ecstatic that my cat had been found and I wasn’t thinking straight.'
On The Up: 'We are living in peace' – concert celebrates Indian and Pakistani unity in Hawke's Bay
The Virsa Heritage Music Festival promotes peace and unity among cultures in Hawke's Bay.
On The Up: 'Very proud' 94yo credits staff and customers for service station success
'It's something different for a Chinese mechanic to start a garage.'
'One hesitation and you're history': Plea to lower speed limit in Bay View
There have been 127 crashes on Main North Rd since 2015, with five fatalities.
Arrested man claims police beat him, then released him to walk 20km back to Napier
Cops say John Heremaia “actively and violently” resisted arrest, and assaulted an officer.
On The Up: Plumbing apprentice's 100km charity run for mental health
Maggie Higgins is running 100km to raise funds for suicide prevention.
'Te reo belongs on our roads': Iwi demands reinstatement of 'taihoa' roadworks sign
'Te reo Māori is not a translation, a novelty, or a risk. It is official. It is sacred.'
On The Up: Hawke's Bay winery turns noble rot into sweet wine success
Askerne Wines has used Botrytis on semillon grapes since 1999.
Vandal chops down nīkau tree at heart of public picnic artwork in Haumoana
Artist Josh Lancaster designed the table as a place for nature and humanity to co-exist.
'Does not conform': NZTA, minister say 'taihoa' to te reo Māori stop-go sign
The te reo sign read 'Taihoa' and 'Haere' instead of 'Stop' and 'Go'.
Watch: Humpback whale wows fishermen in 5-metre boat
Dave Hulks says his fishing buddy was a bit worried it would breach and land on the boat.
Father lying paralysed on rainy mountain bike track saved by daughter's iPhone hunch
Clayton Hairs is now a tetraplegic. He hopes his survival story will be a wake-up call.
Watch: Deer's ill-fated dash to airport - 'I've hit the darn thing'
It ran across suburban streets and the runway – then authorities intervened.
'Gut-wrenching': Fury as Hawke's Bay pay equity claims dropped
'Money is more important to them than women.'
'Real grumpy': Ex-mayor's clash with inspectors over duck shoot
Inspectors halted the shoot just before 8.30am, and Peter Butler wasn't happy.
Hastings breast cancer survivor hosts Pink Ribbon Breakfast to support vital charity
The event raises funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
First highway speed limit rise in Hawke's Bay sparks debate
The speed limit on SH51 was changed from 80km/h to 100km/h overnight.
Celebrated chefs cooking meals to prevent waste
About 60% of discarded food is still considered edible.
On The Up: 50 years of Havelock North High School, and 40 years with one teacher
From typewriter to computers, from School C to NCEA, Glenys Sparling-Fenton's seen it all.
'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.'
Napier-Taupō Rd speed limit returns to 100km/h after public support
The 60% of submitters who wanted all of the Napier-Taupō Rd back to 100km/h will get it.
'We'd like it back': RSA trailer stolen ahead of Anzac Day
Napier RSA's boss says the trailer was empty and was used mainly for dump runs.
'True leader': Hawke's Bay's young leaders set for Youth Parliament
Chris Proctor, Neeve Smith, and Mariah Wakefield-Otene will represent Hawke's Bay.
Mystery of March 28: Why dozens of parcels sent from one region went missing at NZ Post
'NZ Post wishes to thank the Hawke’s Bay Today for bringing this issue to our attention.'
Anzac Day commemorations: Your guide to the services planned for Hawke's Bay
More than 30 Anzac Day services will be held across Hawke’s Bay this Friday.
'Remarkable courage': Hawke's Bay priests honour Pope Francis
'He was a man that was really keen on dying with his boots on and that’s what he did.'
Severe thunderstorm watch for inland Hawke's Bay
Rain rates expected between 25 to 40mm an hour, with hail and lightning.
'You either meet the standards or you don't': Driver educators urge balance in licence reform
Chris Bishop announced changes hoped to make getting a full licence easier and quicker.
'Something for everyone': Napier Lego show brings creativity to life
The Hawke’s Bay Brick Show features 86 exhibitors displaying Lego creations.
'Thankful I’m still here’: Student who lost leg to cancer leads fundraiser walk
Students and staff walked over 2500km around a 500-metre track for the cause.
'Architecturally positive': Demolitions begin for new hotel for Havelock North CBD
'It does take a few months to do this, but the end product’s going to be great.'
'Very special': Glider crash pilot remembered for kindness, teaching others to fly
'I don’t believe you could get any more liked than him.'
Forecasters keeping eye on 100km/h gusts expected for Hawke’s Bay
There is a high chance the watch will be upgraded to a warning.
‘I’m in charge of the chaos’: Inside a St John’s mass casualty training event
'Tonight, you’ll have a broken femur, arm haemorrhage, and head lacerations.'
'Crouch, touch, hold’ before engaging with US: Hawke’s Bay industry wary of tariff scrum
Hawke’s Bay exports in 2023 were valued at $3.23 billion, 31% of its GDP.
‘Turning to fascism’: Napier B&B cancels bookings of American guests
'All New Zealand accommodation businesses must start to resist the Trump and Musk regime.'
Hawke’s Bay couple fear neighbouring motorway extension could endanger home
A Hawke’s Bay couple say concrete safety features need to be considered.