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Linda Hall
LDR reporter - Hawke's Bay
Hastings

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.

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.

Check out Linda’s latest content
'Small token of gratitude': $30k council Christmas breakfast explained
Hawkes Bay Today

'Small token of gratitude': $30k council Christmas breakfast explained

13 Jun 06:00 PM
Smoke or fog? Former chairman fumes at council's pollution doubt
Hawkes Bay Today

Smoke or fog? Former chairman fumes at council's pollution doubt

12 Jun 04:42 AM

The council said it found little evidence for his orchard burnoff claims.

The race for Wairoa: Long-serving deputy taking on mayor for top job
Hawkes Bay Today

The race for Wairoa: Long-serving deputy taking on mayor for top job

12 Jun 01:52 AM

Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome-Karekare has had five terms – now she wants the top job.

From motel owner to mayoral candidate: Steve Gibson vows to curb Hastings rate rises
Hawkes Bay Today

From motel owner to mayoral candidate: Steve Gibson vows to curb Hastings rate rises

10 Jun 08:12 PM

One woman he visited in Hastings 'burst into tears' over how hard it was to pay.

Why Hawke's Bay households will pay more for water by 2026
Hawkes Bay Today

Why Hawke's Bay households will pay more for water by 2026

09 Jun 02:22 AM

Separate water bills will replace current rates bills.

'The city deserves better': Councillor Nigel Simpson runs for Napier Mayor again
Hawkes Bay Today

'The city deserves better': Councillor Nigel Simpson runs for Napier Mayor again

08 Jun 03:04 AM

Napier let down by costly distractions and a 'long list of broken promises', he says.

Councillor: If your name’s on illegally dumped rubbish, a fine could be coming your way
Hawkes Bay Today

Councillor: If your name’s on illegally dumped rubbish, a fine could be coming your way

04 Jun 06:00 PM

'This is exactly the kind of smart, enforceable change our communities need.'

'Distasteful': Last-ditch legal bid to stop crematorium beside supermarket
Hawkes Bay Today

'Distasteful': Last-ditch legal bid to stop crematorium beside supermarket

02 Jun 11:24 PM

A crematorium in the middle of the village is a burning issue for some in Havelock North.

Challenger for Central Hawke's Bay mayor
Hawkes Bay Today

Challenger for Central Hawke's Bay mayor

30 May 06:00 PM

Will Foley aims to strengthen urban-rural connections in Central Hawke’s Bay.

'Loud and proud': The charismatic mayor who turned up to every event for nine years
Hawkes Bay Today

'Loud and proud': The charismatic mayor who turned up to every event for nine years

29 May 10:23 PM

'In hindsight, I should have shared the load with councillors.'

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council rates will rise by 9.9%
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council rates will rise by 9.9%

29 May 03:50 AM

A new targeted rate for Mangarau Stream also impacts 27,000 Hastings ratepayers.

HBRC unveils new flood management plan for Wairoa River
Hawkes Bay Today

HBRC unveils new flood management plan for Wairoa River

28 May 12:58 AM

Mayor Craig Little stresses the importance of mitigating flooding risks.

Staffing costs at Hawke’s Bay councils - are they reasonable?
Hawkes Bay Today

Staffing costs at Hawke’s Bay councils - are they reasonable?

22 May 11:05 PM

Economist Brad Olsen says there's a tendency to “vilify” the spending.

'Treating us like sheep': Why Napier fisherman plans to skirt around beach barriers
Hawkes Bay Today

'Treating us like sheep': Why Napier fisherman plans to skirt around beach barriers

22 May 04:27 AM

Steve Dean says he’ll be driving the long way along the beach to his usual fishing spot.

'Rewarding journey': Long-serving Hastings councillor steps down
Hawkes Bay Today

'Rewarding journey': Long-serving Hastings councillor steps down

22 May 02:28 AM

Hastings councillor Malcolm Dixon retires after 12 years to spend more time with family.

'No longer feels like the organisation I loved': Napier council staff bristle at job-loss plan
Hawkes Bay Today

'No longer feels like the organisation I loved': Napier council staff bristle at job-loss plan

21 May 08:08 AM

'We were told we're a family and we look after our own.'

Napier councillor Richard McGrath running for mayor, says city is prioritising 'nice-to-haves'
Hawkes Bay Today

Napier councillor Richard McGrath running for mayor, says city is prioritising 'nice-to-haves'

20 May 12:41 AM

'We do need balance, but I don’t think we have that right now.'

More than 100 council jobs hit by restructure, staff told not to go to media
Hawkes Bay Today

More than 100 council jobs hit by restructure, staff told not to go to media

19 May 10:51 PM

Source: Process handled in 'an impersonal, top-down manner' with little regard for impact.

'Unique opportunity': $2.5m development for inner-city living in Hastings
Hawkes Bay Today

'Unique opportunity': $2.5m development for inner-city living in Hastings

14 May 02:17 AM

The project includes housing, commercial spaces, and a public car park.

'Scary and exciting': Deputy Mayor steps down after long tenure
Hawkes Bay Today

'Scary and exciting': Deputy Mayor steps down after long tenure

12 May 02:13 AM

'I'll be able to spend my evenings talking to my husband instead of reading papers.'

'Stifling microbusinesses': Seymour backs watercress seller facing $600 fee
Hawkes Bay Today

'Stifling microbusinesses': Seymour backs watercress seller facing $600 fee

09 May 06:00 PM

'Never thought he would support someone like me,' Jake says as Seymour takes up his case.

Farmers unite against council's water restrictions in Hawke's Bay
Hawkes Bay Today

Farmers unite against council's water restrictions in Hawke's Bay

08 May 10:32 PM

Farmers at 'one of the more definitive crossroads in the history of our region'.

Watch: Jetskier's harbour hoon 'unacceptable'
Hawkes Bay Today

Watch: Jetskier's harbour hoon 'unacceptable'

07 May 03:57 AM

Speeding in the harbour puts everyone at risk, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council says.

'Heartbreaking': 38 pōhutukawa trees mowed down by vandals
Hawkes Bay Today

'Heartbreaking': 38 pōhutukawa trees mowed down by vandals

06 May 01:15 AM

Replacing the trees is estimated to cost $20,000, says Napier's mayor.

Second council pulls out of Hawke’s Bay climate committee
Hawkes Bay Today

Second council pulls out of Hawke’s Bay climate committee

05 May 10:28 PM

'It did not involve a visit to Wairoa, that we are aware of.'

Centralines trustee resigns over $100k dam decision
Hawkes Bay Today

Centralines trustee resigns over $100k dam decision

05 May 02:56 AM

The move is 'a board decision shared by the firm as a courtesy', trust chairwoman says.

Why Eileen Lawson is leaving her council role to focus on health
Hawkes Bay Today

Why Eileen Lawson is leaving her council role to focus on health

02 May 02:00 AM

Lawson was elected in a 2018 byelection for Hastings/Havelock North.

Nobody puts Napier in a corner: Councillors stop plan to close nightclubs early
Hawkes Bay Today

Nobody puts Napier in a corner: Councillors stop plan to close nightclubs early

01 May 02:37 AM

'How are young ones going to learn about the world sitting at home playing Playstation?'

He’s sold watercress on the street for 30 years. Then a council officer spotted him
Hawkes Bay Today

He’s sold watercress on the street for 30 years. Then a council officer spotted him

30 Apr 06:00 PM

'All I’ve ever wanted to do was supply cheap, nutritious kai to whanau and friends.'

The cause of the milky stream at Guthrie Park
Hawkes Bay Today

The cause of the milky stream at Guthrie Park

29 Apr 03:51 AM

 'The repair was completed on Monday afternoon by a Hastings council contractor.'

'There was a breakout': Herd of cows go for a dip in Napier estuary
Hawkes Bay Today

'There was a breakout': Herd of cows go for a dip in Napier estuary

25 Apr 06:00 PM

Farm staff used kayaks to bring the curious heifers back, after they lifted a gate hinge.

Napier council's new barriers frustrating fishermen: 'The beachfront is being closed off'
Hawkes Bay Today

Napier council's new barriers frustrating fishermen: 'The beachfront is being closed off'

25 Apr 12:00 AM

Timber barriers are appearing along Marine Parade to stop vehicles.

It's not the owning of a cannon that's important, it's what you choose to do with it
Hawkes Bay Today

It's not the owning of a cannon that's important, it's what you choose to do with it

23 Apr 11:10 PM

When a council's rare cannon fell into disrepair, the community stepped up.

'Too important to fail': Govt, regional council commit millions to protect Whirinaki from floods
Hawkes Bay Today

'Too important to fail': Govt, regional council commit millions to protect Whirinaki from floods

23 Apr 04:03 AM

The redesigned project now costs $23m, down from over $34m, allowing progress.

Residents protest at rates on cyclone-affected lands
Hawkes Bay Today

Residents protest at rates on cyclone-affected lands

19 Apr 06:00 PM

Wairoa residents see property values halved, yet face higher rates.

Driver frustration as Napier roadworks cause car damage
Hawkes Bay Today

Driver frustration as Napier roadworks cause car damage

17 Apr 12:01 AM

Rob Tranter faced delays after his van was damaged on Meeanee Rd.

How a new stopbank will protect Waiohiki from future floods
Hawkes Bay Today

How a new stopbank will protect Waiohiki from future floods

16 Apr 06:00 AM

The new stopbank will run from Redclyffe Bridge to Napier Golf Course.

Why this Hawke’s Bay gas seep is sparking global scientific interest
Hawkes Bay Today

Why this Hawke’s Bay gas seep is sparking global scientific interest

15 Apr 06:00 PM

Samples help study geological processes along the Hikurangi subduction zone.

‘That’s cowardice’: Councillor condemns gendered online threats
Hawkes Bay Today

‘That’s cowardice’: Councillor condemns gendered online threats

14 Apr 07:00 PM

Hawke's Bay mayors urge respect, condemning personal attacks on social media.

Concept for new $20m regional park in Hawke's Bay revealed after 'challenges'
Hawkes Bay Today

Concept for new $20m regional park in Hawke's Bay revealed after 'challenges'

08 Apr 04:07 AM

The park would be developed on Lagoon Farm, under an airport flight path.

Waipukurau housing project on track, mayor worries plans don’t reflect identity
Hawkes Bay Today

Waipukurau housing project on track, mayor worries plans don’t reflect identity

08 Apr 01:28 AM

The project aims to build 950 homes on 50ha over 20 years.

Offal dumped in river could be what’s left of A&P Society’s stolen sheep
Hawkes Bay Today

Offal dumped in river could be what’s left of A&P Society’s stolen sheep

04 Apr 12:54 AM

'While we can’t say for certain ... its close proximity raises serious concerns.'

Cyclone victim estimates land value dropped $1m - yet rates bill the same
Hawkes Bay Today

Cyclone victim estimates land value dropped $1m - yet rates bill the same

03 Apr 05:00 PM

'The land is worth around $300,000 to $400,000, if that, and they are rating us on $1.4m.'

How a midlife volunteer found purpose in Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence
Hawkes Bay Today

How a midlife volunteer found purpose in Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence

03 Apr 12:13 AM

'I thought maybe I could get involved ... maybe I could be of some use.'

Napier Mayor outlines her vision for savings: ‘It all comes at a cost’
Hawkes Bay Today

Napier Mayor outlines her vision for savings: ‘It all comes at a cost’

01 Apr 02:44 AM

The Civic Precinct project will house the library and governance facilities.

Why Napier council believes local focus trumps ‘ineffective’ joint climate effort
Hawkes Bay Today

Why Napier council believes local focus trumps ‘ineffective’ joint climate effort

28 Mar 07:00 PM

Napier City Council left the Joint Climate Action Committee after an 8/5 vote.

Wairoa’s updated flood plan protects more homes and Māori land, showgrounds still to go
Hawkes Bay Today

Wairoa’s updated flood plan protects more homes and Māori land, showgrounds still to go

28 Mar 05:00 AM

The Government contributed $70 million for Wairoa’s flood protection.

Hastings CBD railway plan: Business says it's time to bring cars back
Hawkes Bay Today

Hastings CBD railway plan: Business says it's time to bring cars back

26 Mar 11:25 PM

The total cost of the project will be $3.45m, with $2.8m paid by the council.

‘Worst I’ve seen’: Tyre specialist stunned at damage from roadworks, dozens of cars affected
Hawkes Bay Today

‘Worst I’ve seen’: Tyre specialist stunned at damage from roadworks, dozens of cars affected

24 Mar 11:54 PM

More than 30 people have already called the council to request help.

Roadworks chip away at Napier cars
Hawkes Bay Today

Roadworks chip away at Napier cars

24 Mar 12:37 AM

One driver said they had eight windscreen chips and paint chips all over the bonnet.

'I want to get Wairoa back on its feet’: Mayor stands for a fifth term
Hawkes Bay Today

'I want to get Wairoa back on its feet’: Mayor stands for a fifth term

23 Mar 11:00 PM

Little says flood mitigation and roading are key priorities for the district.

Meet the weed boat driver keeping Hawke’s Bay streams flowing
Hawkes Bay Today

Meet the weed boat driver keeping Hawke’s Bay streams flowing

21 Mar 05:00 PM

'Don’t worry, the ducklings can swim faster than this thing.'

'Gone from meatloaf to caviar': Shopping centre bought by locals after 17 years in foreign ownership
Hawkes Bay Today

'Gone from meatloaf to caviar': Shopping centre bought by locals after 17 years in foreign ownership

21 Mar 02:02 AM

Flaxmere councillor Henry Heke says the purchase is a game-changer for the community.

Avian botulism the likely killer of more than 100 ducks near Napier waterways
Hawkes Bay Today

Avian botulism the likely killer of more than 100 ducks near Napier waterways

21 Mar 01:04 AM

MPI says its testing 'has excluded HPI [bird flu] as a cause' of the deaths.

Car wreck left on Havelock North hill for months: ‘Someone will get squashed’
Hawkes Bay Today

Car wreck left on Havelock North hill for months: ‘Someone will get squashed’

20 Mar 02:12 AM

The hatchback came off the road coming down the peak on December 20, 2024.

Hawke’s Bay bar owner calls council plans for earlier closing times ‘crazy’
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke’s Bay bar owner calls council plans for earlier closing times ‘crazy’

18 Mar 10:44 PM

Chris Sullivan says it’s bar operators who have to change, not opening hours.

‘We all had a ball’: Close to 5000 people taste the best meatballs in Hastings
Hawkes Bay Today

‘We all had a ball’: Close to 5000 people taste the best meatballs in Hastings

17 Mar 08:25 PM

Around 4500 to 5000 people attended the inaugural Hastings event.

Landfill lament: Region's yearly recycling mistakes could fill a cruise ship
Hawkes Bay Today

Landfill lament: Region's yearly recycling mistakes could fill a cruise ship

15 Mar 05:00 PM

Why organics are the biggest waste challenge in Hawke's Bay.

Eels returned to stream after being dumped at compost facility
Hawkes Bay Today

Eels returned to stream after being dumped at compost facility

13 Mar 02:02 AM

'Any live eels that have hitchhiked to BioRich are collected and returned to the stream.'

‘May the best man win’: Deputy to challenge Ngāti Kahungunu chair for top job
Hawkes Bay Today

‘May the best man win’: Deputy to challenge Ngāti Kahungunu chair for top job

11 Mar 09:40 PM

Thompson Hokianga has signalled his intention to run for the top spot on the board.

Wairoa council’s outgoing CEO praised as interim leader steps in
Hawkes Bay Today

Wairoa council’s outgoing CEO praised as interim leader steps in

09 Mar 11:28 PM

'He will still be in our community and we are looking forward to working with him.'

Flaxmere gym to close amid Hastings Council budget cuts
Hawkes Bay Today

Flaxmere gym to close amid Hastings Council budget cuts

06 Mar 11:34 PM

A petition with 137 signatures urges the council to keep the gym open.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council wants $225m water storage facility on Ngāruroro River tributary
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council wants $225m water storage facility on Ngāruroro River tributary

05 Mar 04:00 PM

The cost of the feasibility study will be about $3.2m, shared by HBRC and the Government.

‘Short-sighted’: Mayor criticises gap in Govt’s four-year term proposal
Hawkes Bay Today

‘Short-sighted’: Mayor criticises gap in Govt’s four-year term proposal

05 Mar 12:29 AM

'Over the last few years, the flip-flopping of policy direction has cost our communities.'

Flood spillway in Wairoa: Save the drama for Shortland St, wāhine who is set to lose land says
Hawkes Bay Today

Flood spillway in Wairoa: Save the drama for Shortland St, wāhine who is set to lose land says

02 Mar 11:53 PM

'There was so much water. We are glad to have the opportunity to relocate.'

Hastings Civic Square revamp to cost close to $1m
Hawkes Bay Today

Hastings Civic Square revamp to cost close to $1m

27 Feb 12:30 AM

New pavers will feature designs by tribal artists, celebrating Hastings' diversity.

How smart water meters uncovered unseen leaks in Hastings
Hawkes Bay Today

How smart water meters uncovered unseen leaks in Hastings

26 Feb 12:10 AM

The meters helped identify undetected leaks under houses and streets.

'What a load of BS': Councillor clashes with mayoral hopeful, makes jibe about European holiday
Hawkes Bay Today

'What a load of BS': Councillor clashes with mayoral hopeful, makes jibe about European holiday

25 Feb 02:12 AM

Hastings man running for mayor has brushed off a jibe from one of his fellow councillors.

Farmer puts his hand up for Hastings mayor, says HB Tourism is not a priority
Hawkes Bay Today

Farmer puts his hand up for Hastings mayor, says HB Tourism is not a priority

24 Feb 03:04 AM

Staff have found savings, but councillors have voted to spend, Buddo says.

CHB tries to lower rates hike to 10% as cyclone-hit Hastings sticks with 15%
Hawkes Bay Today

CHB tries to lower rates hike to 10% as cyclone-hit Hastings sticks with 15%

20 Feb 05:04 AM

Hastings can't accommodate any new projects in 2024/25.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism secures its $1m lifeline
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke’s Bay Tourism secures its $1m lifeline

20 Feb 02:14 AM

Napier City Council is backing $450k in funding for Hawke’s Bay Tourism's lifeline.

Splash Planet pulling the plug early to cover costs
Hawkes Bay Today

Splash Planet pulling the plug early to cover costs

18 Feb 02:29 AM

Visitor numbers to the water park are down more than 15,000 on the previous season.

Claim part-timers won’t solve Hawke’s Bay’s problems
Hawkes Bay Today

Claim part-timers won’t solve Hawke’s Bay’s problems

18 Feb 12:20 AM

A departing councillor says amalgamation to create fulltimers could fix the issues.

'Environmental and cultural crisis': Legal fight looms over Wairoa's freshwater
Hawkes Bay Today

'Environmental and cultural crisis': Legal fight looms over Wairoa's freshwater

16 Feb 11:36 PM

'The degradation of these waterways is both an environmental and cultural crisis.'

Walkout at meeting over Wairoa flood spillway
Hawkes Bay Today

Walkout at meeting over Wairoa flood spillway

14 Feb 01:31 AM

The meeting in Wairoa confirmed Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s support for the spillway.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism's survival rests with Napier council
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke’s Bay Tourism's survival rests with Napier council

13 Feb 02:59 AM

Councils voice their disappointment in Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

After floods, cyclone struck, some Wairoa property values have taken a 50% dive
Hawkes Bay Today

After floods, cyclone struck, some Wairoa property values have taken a 50% dive

13 Feb 12:33 AM

Purchasers 'cautious and reluctant' because of challenge of sourcing insurance.

Watch: Free diver’s footage reveals thriving marine life off Hawke’s Bay coast
Hawkes Bay Today

Watch: Free diver’s footage reveals thriving marine life off Hawke’s Bay coast

12 Feb 12:59 AM

'Lots of people can’t even remember when it was this good.'

16 homes in path of recommended Wairoa floodway
Hawkes Bay Today

16 homes in path of recommended Wairoa floodway

11 Feb 12:08 AM

Crown manager and Wairoa council have endorsed a 170m-wide, 2m-deep floodway.

Hawke's Bay's councillors and mayors: Who's running, and who's stepping aside
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay's councillors and mayors: Who's running, and who's stepping aside

10 Feb 07:46 PM

Twenty-two of Hawke’s Bay’s 56 councillors have confirmed they will restand this year.

Napier Aquatic Centre dives into final phase of $4m refurbishment
Hawkes Bay Today

Napier Aquatic Centre dives into final phase of $4m refurbishment

07 Feb 01:21 AM

The Ivan Wilson area and splash pad will close from February 10.

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