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Shannon Johnstone
Multimedia Journalist, Newstalk ZB

Multimedia Journalist, Newstalk ZB

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 Shannon’s latest content
Wairoa flooding shows need for long-term mental health support after Cyclone Gabrielle
Hawkes Bay Today

Wairoa flooding shows need for long-term mental health support after Cyclone Gabrielle

09 Nov 04:00 PM
Closed Hawke’s Bay schools welcomed by other schools in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle
Hawkes Bay Today

Closed Hawke’s Bay schools welcomed by other schools in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle

10 Apr 05:41 PM

Of the 151 schools in the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regions, 80 sustained damage.

Loo's clue alerts couple to flooding
Hawkes Bay Today

Loo's clue alerts couple to flooding

21 Feb 08:51 PM

Couple surprised all 17 of the horses made it through.

'We are very lucky': Tangoio Marae takes the brunt of the storm
Hawkes Bay Today

'We are very lucky': Tangoio Marae takes the brunt of the storm

20 Feb 03:41 AM

Its floors have been coated in a knee-deep sea of mud.

Premium
'Our diversity is our strength': Asian community of Hawke's Bay celebrated at awards
Hawkes Bay Today

'Our diversity is our strength': Asian community of Hawke's Bay celebrated at awards

10 Aug 11:48 PM

Sajeela Ismail completed a Masters in Health Science at EIT, all while volunteering.

Premium
Air NZ backs Hawke's Bay with 17,000 extra seats as visitor spending soars
Hawkes Bay Today

Air NZ backs Hawke's Bay with 17,000 extra seats as visitor spending soars

05 Aug 02:21 AM

Visitor spending records, despite lack of international tourists - Air NZ's taken notice.

New Hawke's Bay airport terminal open to passengers
Hawkes Bay Today

New Hawke's Bay airport terminal open to passengers

04 Aug 06:00 PM

There are a few special and hidden features to keep an eye out for.

Premium
Napier backpackers turned escape rooms a success a year on from Covid
Hawkes Bay Today

Napier backpackers turned escape rooms a success a year on from Covid

04 Aug 03:27 AM

Some accommodation providers are faring well, while others had to reinvent themselves.

Premium
Apple giant to create 150 new permanent roles
Hawkes Bay Today

Apple giant to create 150 new permanent roles

02 Aug 01:46 AM

Despite hiring close to a 1000 Kiwis in place of RSE workers, they were still 300 short.

Book quiz a fundraiser for The Acorn Project
Hawkes Bay Today

Book quiz a fundraiser for The Acorn Project

30 Jul 01:47 AM

'It's all about books but it's meant to be fun, it's not a dry dusty book quiz.'

Premium
Baby on board: Boy born on a plane now wants to be pilot
Hawkes Bay Today

Baby on board: Boy born on a plane now wants to be pilot

27 Jul 11:00 PM

"I was trying to hold him in, I was like 'oh no, this baby is coming out'."

Premium
Hawke's Bay has a housing crisis. Can retirement village developments ease it?
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay has a housing crisis. Can retirement village developments ease it?

26 Jul 03:08 AM

Houses "of all shapes and sizes" coming to the property market as villages are built.

Hawke's Bay's top spot for everyday eating is...
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay's top spot for everyday eating is...

26 Jul 01:43 AM

"If it wasn't for our great team we certainly wouldn't be there."

Shiver me timbers: Huge oak slabs stolen from property
Hawkes Bay Today

Shiver me timbers: Huge oak slabs stolen from property

23 Jul 01:48 AM

Calver says the slabs would have taken at least four strong people to be moved

The Hawke's Bay man set to revive Goldie Oldies sport events
Hawkes Bay Today

The Hawke's Bay man set to revive Goldie Oldies sport events

20 Jul 03:54 AM

The new owner hopes a major Golden Oldies festival could be held in Hawke's Bay.

Premium
The matriarch driven to build Bayswater from scratch
Hawkes Bay Today

The matriarch driven to build Bayswater from scratch

20 Jul 02:44 AM

From a woman scorned by sexism, to a bonafide Hawke's Bay success story.

Premium
Call for warning signs after wind nearly blows over horse truck
Hawkes Bay Today

Call for warning signs after wind nearly blows over horse truck

18 Jul 02:53 AM

Three vehicles were blown off the road. It could've been even worse, driver says.

Hastings' housing and Toitoi projects grab national prizes
Hawkes Bay Today

Hastings' housing and Toitoi projects grab national prizes

17 Jul 11:53 PM

The council scored two category wins and one highly commended.

Premium
Hawke's Bay homeowners not selling because there's nothing to buy - estate agents
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay homeowners not selling because there's nothing to buy - estate agents

16 Jul 06:12 AM

Hawke's Bay's acute housing shortage is having an effect on the property market.

Premium
'If our fence wasn't there, she would probably be dead'
Hawkes Bay Today

'If our fence wasn't there, she would probably be dead'

16 Jul 02:18 AM

"It's pretty ridiculous the safety barrier here is my fence": Te Mata Peak Rd resident.

Two adults, three children now in Hawke's Bay Hospital ICU with RSV
Hawkes Bay Today

Two adults, three children now in Hawke's Bay Hospital ICU with RSV

15 Jul 03:29 AM

It's a severe illness for adults with underlying lung disease or weak immune systems.

Premium
'Like a big carrot dangling': Mayors puzzled by Three Waters sweeteners
Hawkes Bay Today

'Like a big carrot dangling': Mayors puzzled by Three Waters sweeteners

15 Jul 01:50 AM

Hawke's Bay councils are set to get millions from the Govt, but fear the fishhooks.

TradeMe hits out at National's meth rehab auction mock-up
Hawkes Bay Today

TradeMe hits out at National's meth rehab auction mock-up

13 Jul 11:33 PM

"We don't want anyone messing with our brand."

Hawke's Bay Hospital postpones elective surgeries as RSV hits elderly in community
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay Hospital postpones elective surgeries as RSV hits elderly in community

13 Jul 02:54 AM

27 children now in hospital, and RSV is also affecting adults in Hawke's Bay.

Premium
Alcohol free terpene spirit that still gives a buzz
Hawkes Bay Today

Alcohol free terpene spirit that still gives a buzz

12 Jul 04:54 AM

The Napier-based company is using terpenes to make spirits instead of alcohol.

Plastic fantastic: New recycling scheme arrives in Hawke's Bay
Hawkes Bay Today

Plastic fantastic: New recycling scheme arrives in Hawke's Bay

12 Jul 03:15 AM

Community wanting soft-plastic recycling for some time.

The teen boys selling soy wax candles for Women's Refuge
Hawkes Bay Today

The teen boys selling soy wax candles for Women's Refuge

07 Jul 11:12 PM

Three Hastings boys are creating soy wax candles and donating $1 per candle.

Premium
School bus runs: Lowest tenders weren't always the winners
Hawkes Bay Today

School bus runs: Lowest tenders weren't always the winners

04 Jul 02:37 AM

Bus company did not think 'we could lose everything'. But it didn't fit ministry's model.

'Stands to reason': Hawke's Bay principal says girls around NZ face 'concerning' harassment
Hawkes Bay Today

'Stands to reason': Hawke's Bay principal says girls around NZ face 'concerning' harassment

01 Jul 03:08 AM

"It concerns us deeply if students are keeping it to themselves."

Water's the priority, to the tune of $400m, not Napier's buildings
Hawkes Bay Today

Water's the priority, to the tune of $400m, not Napier's buildings

01 Jul 02:37 AM

Off-road parking cost triples in Hastings, and regional council rates increase 19.5%.

'Very destructive': Warning as $1300 Lorde 'VIP' tickets appear on controversial website
Hawkes Bay Today

'Very destructive': Warning as $1300 Lorde 'VIP' tickets appear on controversial website

30 Jun 11:49 PM

Don't be fooled: There's no such thing as "VIP" tickets for Lorde's tour, promoter says.

Premium
Hawke's Bay beekeeping legend wins 'unsung hero' award
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay beekeeping legend wins 'unsung hero' award

29 Jun 12:37 AM

"Nothing really special, just long years of helping out," John Berry says of his service.

Hawke's Bay to be hit by cold blast
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay to be hit by cold blast

27 Jun 03:13 AM

A cold front of air from the Antarctic Ice Shelf will come across New Zealand

Initiative sparked to retain Hawke's Bay's 'post-Covid brain gain'
Hawkes Bay Today

Initiative sparked to retain Hawke's Bay's 'post-Covid brain gain'

26 Jun 11:24 PM

After Hours aims to provide networking and social connection opportunities in Hawke's Bay

Premium
Compostable cups: The idea's great but what's the reality?
Hawkes Bay Today

Compostable cups: The idea's great but what's the reality?

25 Jun 06:00 PM

Waste experts believe most compostable cups probably end up in landfill.

Premium
Napier-Taupō Rd: Waka Kotahi brings forward $100m safety plan
Hawkes Bay Today

Napier-Taupō Rd: Waka Kotahi brings forward $100m safety plan

25 Jun 02:21 AM

Hastings mayor says it "is some progress" but does not provide any guarantees.

Havelock North Latvian celebrates 100 years of 'easy life'
Hawkes Bay Today

Havelock North Latvian celebrates 100 years of 'easy life'

24 Jun 01:43 AM

Diana Tiller has been a refugee, travelled extensively and raised a family in 100 years

Premium
Hastings' marae zoning 'oversight' fixed
Hawkes Bay Today

Hastings' marae zoning 'oversight' fixed

23 Jun 11:11 PM

The plan change will allow for new marae on rural and plains production zoned land.

The Lorde scramble: One Hawke's Bay show only, just 1800 tickets
Hawkes Bay Today

The Lorde scramble: One Hawke's Bay show only, just 1800 tickets

21 Jun 06:00 PM

The Black Barn show is a near certain sell-out given Lorde's pop royalty status.

Hawke's Bay weather: Heavy rain warning for Wairoa
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay weather: Heavy rain warning for Wairoa

20 Jun 09:37 PM

Wairoa is now under a heavy rain warning; slips and surface flooding possible.

Premium
The end of 'streaming': How a Hawke's Bay school's addressing racism
Hawkes Bay Today

The end of 'streaming': How a Hawke's Bay school's addressing racism

18 Jun 06:00 PM

"The damage that streaming has done is dreadful."

Bat build: Houses created for Hawke's Bay's bats to hang out
Hawkes Bay Today

Bat build: Houses created for Hawke's Bay's bats to hang out

18 Jun 01:48 AM

Faster than a new build in New Zealand, the bat houses only took a month to construct.

'June Again' to screen in Waipukurau
Hawkes Bay Today

'June Again' to screen in Waipukurau

16 Jun 06:00 PM

The heartwarming movie was written and directed by a man with Waipukurau connections.

Fundraising bid: Artistic paddles to be auctioned for surf lifesaving clubs
Hawkes Bay Today

Fundraising bid: Artistic paddles to be auctioned for surf lifesaving clubs

16 Jun 03:38 AM

The paddles will be auctioned at the Harcourts ArtEx Opening Night Gala.

Premium
'Feels like a new tax': EV scheme draws mixed reviews in Hawke's Bay
Hawkes Bay Today

'Feels like a new tax': EV scheme draws mixed reviews in Hawke's Bay

14 Jun 03:05 AM

Regional transport committee chairman thinks the scheme is "fantastic"

Premium
Hawke's Bay Rowing Club names boat after Calvin Ferguson
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay Rowing Club names boat after Calvin Ferguson

14 Jun 01:24 AM

Calvin Ferguson had a new boat named after him on Sunday.

Premium
Excitement builds as Municipal Building opening nears
Hawkes Bay Today

Excitement builds as Municipal Building opening nears

13 Jun 10:23 PM

The building has retained its heritage while providing new opportunities for the city.

QV house price index shows lower rise than previous months
Hawkes Bay Today

QV house price index shows lower rise than previous months

13 Jun 09:43 PM

But the lower increases could be down to lower sales, a real estate manager says.

Tall Fern and Tall Black open Flaxmere basketball court
Hawkes Bay Today

Tall Fern and Tall Black open Flaxmere basketball court

13 Jun 02:38 AM

Tom Abercrombie, Tayla Dalton and Hawks players opened the court in Flaxmere on Sunday.

Premium
Mending broken hearts 'one teddy bear at a time'
Hawkes Bay Today

Mending broken hearts 'one teddy bear at a time'

11 Jun 02:28 AM

Memory bears and toy repairs now fill this tailor and dressmakers business

Premium
Line in the land: Couple's final serve to council after long fight to subdivide
Hawkes Bay Today

Line in the land: Couple's final serve to council after long fight to subdivide

10 Jun 10:47 PM

"The naked eye tells you that there is no physical difference between the two sides."

Reported cases of elder abuse rising
Hawkes Bay Today

Reported cases of elder abuse rising

09 Jun 06:00 PM

Most commonly cases seen in Hawke's Bay involve financial abuse.

Foodstuffs proposes moving Havelock North New World
Hawkes Bay Today

Foodstuffs proposes moving Havelock North New World

07 Jun 10:36 PM

The proposal is mentioned in a Hastings District Council agenda.

Premium
Napier man's stolen husky returned
Hawkes Bay Today

Napier man's stolen husky returned

07 Jun 02:59 AM

Lovita was found wandering in Te Haroto.

Cynthia Bowers - Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the community and local government
Hawkes Bay Today

Cynthia Bowers - Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the community and local government

06 Jun 05:00 PM

'The key thing for me was always the opportunity to make a difference.'

Iona College and Napier Boys' High School feel the spirit of Shakespeare
Hawkes Bay Today

Iona College and Napier Boys' High School feel the spirit of Shakespeare

04 Jun 02:37 AM

Iona College and Napier Boys' High School perform the Bard's plays

Artists from Hawke's Bay have contributed work to  touring exhibition
Hawkes Bay Today

Artists from Hawke's Bay have contributed work to touring exhibition

04 Jun 12:35 AM

The exhibition of printmakers work explores the idea of the artist book

Premium
'The end of local democracy as we know it'
Hawkes Bay Today

'The end of local democracy as we know it'

03 Jun 06:00 PM

"That's not democracy to me."

Dumped in duffel bag, fell in an oil drum: The Napier cats that need a home
Hawkes Bay Today

Dumped in duffel bag, fell in an oil drum: The Napier cats that need a home

03 Jun 02:39 AM

Almost 50 cats now waiting for an owner after an influx at the Napier SPCA.

Pair charged 16 months after Flaxmere 4-year-old seriously injured
Hawkes Bay Today

Pair charged 16 months after Flaxmere 4-year-old seriously injured

02 Jun 04:07 AM

Two people have been charged 16 months after a 4-year-old boy was seriously injured

AA calls for Napier-Taupō Rd investment over speed limit drop
Hawkes Bay Today

AA calls for Napier-Taupō Rd investment over speed limit drop

01 Jun 10:15 PM

Consultation on the proposed speed limit changes for SH5 and SH51 closes Sunday.

Watch: Tararua sheepdog's clever work with stubborn sheep
Hawkes Bay Today

Watch: Tararua sheepdog's clever work with stubborn sheep

01 Jun 04:43 AM

'It's good for people to see what these dogs are capable of...they're not savages.'

Premium
Napier mayor says she can't rule out future closure of National Aquarium
Hawkes Bay Today

Napier mayor says she can't rule out future closure of National Aquarium

01 Jun 03:04 AM

$8m to maintain facility in short term, but council will explore its long term options.

Premium
Going, going, vroom: You could buy Hawke's Bay's British Car Museum, and its 500 vehicles
Hawkes Bay Today

Going, going, vroom: You could buy Hawke's Bay's British Car Museum, and its 500 vehicles

31 May 05:51 AM

Fancy a free car? How about 500 free cars? You'll get them if you buy this property.

Premium
The 93-year-old business with no online presence that became a model for Covid age
Hawkes Bay Today

The 93-year-old business with no online presence that became a model for Covid age

28 May 06:00 PM

The Hastings shop is quirky. But its virtual factory is a blueprint for the future.

Premium
Beach's wall of shingle overwhelmed by swells
Hawkes Bay Today

Beach's wall of shingle overwhelmed by swells

28 May 03:20 AM

Faced with strong swells, the Napier beach's barrier bank of replenished shingle crumbled.

Premium
Austrian master stonemason creating art from stone in Flaxmere
Hawkes Bay Today

Austrian master stonemason creating art from stone in Flaxmere

27 May 10:24 PM

Susanne Rauth has started up a stonemasonry business from her Flaxmere home.

Hawke's Bay DHB's call for strike volunteers 'agitating' says union
Hawkes Bay Today

Hawke's Bay DHB's call for strike volunteers 'agitating' says union

26 May 01:55 AM

About 59 people keen to volunteer during nurses' strike

Premium
'Signing the death warrant': Budget day ends in tears for Hastings families
Hawkes Bay Today

'Signing the death warrant': Budget day ends in tears for Hastings families

24 May 02:34 AM

Hastings mother Rachel Shaw said the Budget was "another nail in the coffin for us".

'Rinse and repeat': Hawke's Bay to get persistent rain every day this week
Hawkes Bay Today

'Rinse and repeat': Hawke's Bay to get persistent rain every day this week

23 May 03:05 AM

The rain the region badly needs is finally here.

Premium
Family members forced to pay exact cash for 'DIY' cremations
Hawkes Bay Today

Family members forced to pay exact cash for 'DIY' cremations

21 May 05:38 AM

Families conducting "do-it-yourself" cremations forced to pay an exact $874 in cash.

Premium
DHB expects to 'catch up' on Covid-19 vaccination target
Hawkes Bay Today

DHB expects to 'catch up' on Covid-19 vaccination target

21 May 03:34 AM

Figures show it's currently the second lowest in the country at meeting vaccine targets.

Camberley's needy to be Nourished for Nil
Hawkes Bay Today

Camberley's needy to be Nourished for Nil

20 May 02:41 AM

Founder Christina McBeth said Camberley looked to be 'the next best step' for the charity.

City Gallery show a goal achieved for Hastings artist
Hawkes Bay Today

City Gallery show a goal achieved for Hastings artist

19 May 11:22 PM

Dali Susanto's small room of immersive work aims to help people to focus on the present.

Watch: Man takes leaf blower to 103rd party to blow out all the candles
Hawkes Bay Today

Watch: Man takes leaf blower to 103rd party to blow out all the candles

19 May 04:22 AM

Flanked by firemen (just in case) Claude Davidson whipped out a leaf blower.

Hastings - Māori wards in 2022
Hawkes Bay Today

Hastings - Māori wards in 2022

18 May 04:09 AM

Māori wards get green light in Hastings.

Premium
'The team will never forget': Hawke's Bay men recognised for Aussie bushfire fight
Hawkes Bay Today

'The team will never forget': Hawke's Bay men recognised for Aussie bushfire fight

17 May 06:00 PM

"Fires are unpredictable, the biggest fear is not going home."

Charity opens Hastings hub to help new mums
Hawkes Bay Today

Charity opens Hastings hub to help new mums

16 May 09:08 PM

Pregnancy Help provides clothing, equipment and support for new mothers.

A risky, roaring foam pit: Hawke's Bay hit by three-metre swells
Hawkes Bay Today

A risky, roaring foam pit: Hawke's Bay hit by three-metre swells

13 May 10:02 PM

"This is next level."

Premium
Napier house prices hit record $810k
Hawkes Bay Today

Napier house prices hit record $810k

13 May 06:00 PM

Their children had been forced out of rentals and were facing living in motels.

Premium
'Our kids' lives are in your hands': Protest to reform Pharmac held in Hastings
Hawkes Bay Today

'Our kids' lives are in your hands': Protest to reform Pharmac held in Hastings

12 May 03:13 AM

Kiwis are dying because medicines are not being funded, protesters say.

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