David Haxton is editor of Kāpiti News
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.

Master sushi chef opens new store
"I hope people come and try and hopefully they like it."

'Came out of nowhere': Night out turns to tragedy for new dad
Nick Crosby was put in an induced coma after two men allegedly attacked him.

Student's song about Titanic becomes competition finalist
"I wrote it on my bedroom floor, when I was 14 years old, for fun..."

Neglected pianola transformed back to its former glory
Registered piano technician Stephen Powell restores old pianola

Getting ready for the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge
Conquering the Sky Tower climb is 'basically mind over matter', says a three-time entrant.

First Kāpiti Coast Youth Careers Expo attracts many
An important time for students to think about their future.

Kāpiti Carers co-founder signs off after 50 years involvement
"You meet so many interesting people."

Historic early hybrid car features in museum
"It's probably the most unusual car I've had."

Gravel-pit cop car finds new home in museum
"There has been a lot of interest in it because it is just so different."

Help is at hand for grandparents raising grandchildren
'The support group is held to share, support, and inspire each other.'

Transmission Gully motorists in good hands
"The team can be seen out on Transmission Gully every day."

One week this 14yo was playing rugby. The next he's in an induced coma after body shuts down
'Without a doubt the hardest thing we've been through.'

Hope bird-magnet tree can be saved
Expert opinion is needed for an important macrocarpa tree.

Excitement building for Hot Chocolate Challenge
Entries increasing for the Kāpiti Hot Chocolate Challenge.

Historic airport land sale was a Treaty breach
Crown backtracks on Avion Terrace land sale process.

The grand final winning LEGO Masters NZ build that nearly wasn't
Late change of concept reaps reward for winning LEGO Master NZ team.

World class: Prestigious gold medal for Totara Tunnel olive oil
'It doesn't get much better than that in the world for olive oil'

Long service in Catholic education recognised
"Receiving this honour has been both overwhelming and very humbling..."

Funeral director humbled by honour, pays tribute to others
Queen's Birthday accolade "complete surprise..."

Waikanae Beach mini tornado: 'It was like a bomb going off'
"Who would think your house would be hit by a tornado?"

LEGO Masters NZ contestant loving the challenge
Jake Roos embracing LEGO Masters NZ challenge.

Surplus apples leads to long-term business venture
The story behind a successful apple cider vinegar company.

Back-to-back wins for duo in epic horse riding endurance event
Lots can happen in 160km horse riding endurance event.

Kāpiti Carers need more drivers before 'floodgates' open
The drivers "absolutely love it" while clients are "so happy" a service like this exists.

Major hotel planned for Paraparaumu Beach
"We are incredibly excited by this opportunity."

Changing people's mindsets key to new dyslexia book
"Dyslexia is a difference, not a disability."

Black Ferns outside back delighted at selection despite toe injury
"It's my first time to be selected for an international series."

Slam dunk: Major book chronicles New Zealand's basketball history
The most authoritative book on basketball in New Zealand.

Kāpiti-to-Auckland direct flight resumes
Non-stop flights between Kāpiti and Auckland are back again

Must visit Kāpiti eateries this winter
Ethnic options are aplenty on the Kāpiti Coast, check out these options this winter.

Controversy after Paraparaumu Anzac Day service 'hijacked' by group
"...the actions of a few were clearly unacceptable."

College students' hands-on conservation experience
Students embrace four-day conservation programme at Nga Manu Nature Reserve.

Highest horticulture award 'like I had won Lotto'
Gus Evans awarded horticulture institute's highest award.

Paekākāriki Escarpment Track slip proving challenging fix
Major work continues to fix slip along popular coastal walk.

From chartered accountant to military veteran
Boxing Day tsunami trigger point for Karen Wemyss' decision to pursue a military career.

Boutique luxury lodge Atahuri ticks the boxes
One of the nicest and most inviting boutique luxury lodges you'll stay at.

Through the lens: Photographer pays homage to Sweden's kindness to refugees
Photographer highlights Sweden's kindness to Ukraine refugees.

Great mate of basketball icon reflects on long-lasting friendship
'Not one thing he told me didn't come true' - Angelo Robinson on his mate Kenny McFadden.

Waikanae man has given blood nearly 300 times
Blood donation "is about helping other people".

Hammer-wielding robber targets Paraparaumu jewellery shop
"It's like when someone breaks into your house – it's so invasive."

Walking group still clocking up the kilometres
"Walks can last anywhere from three and a half hours to five hours.'

Paraparaumu house fire treated as suspicious
House fire in Paraparaumu presented various challenges for firefighters.

Ōtaki College commemorates fateful World War II Merchant convoy
College remembers shipping convoy that was ruthlessly cut down during war.

Renowned writer's memoir among book award finalists
Patricia Grace's memoir is one of Ockham New Zealand Book Awards finalists.

College trio's first time at track and field champs
Ben Lambert, Lucas Lambert and Niamh Gedye, who were part of the Wellington team.

Airstream trailer key part of new dining experience
"It's a crazy time to be opening anything now...but I think it will work."

'Huge' sigh of relief for Kāpiti mayor as nephew flees Ukraine
Software engineer describes life in Ukraine before evacuating.

Turning former State Highway 1 into a local road
'The project is progressing well despite some minor delays.'

Enterprising youth invents vaccine pass scanning machine
Youth's vaccine pass scanning machine proves a hit.

Just the tonic: Gin company raises much-needed funds for animal charity
"So we came up with The Happy Pug gin where $25 of every bottle sold goes to Huha."

Delight as landmark Paekākāriki building gets makeover
"The owners have done a hell of a lot of work."

Beefed-up Covid mask mandate poses challenges for deaf community
The red light system creates extra challenges for people who are hard of hearing.

More information about rare sighting of black tern
"It is the first confirmed record in New Zealand."

New product aims to help break down learning and teaching barriers
All-in-one computer, coding and robotic educational system hits the market.

Council CEO recalls life-threatening heart attack
Prompt actions by wife help save husband's life as heart attack takes hold

Caravan becomes travel agent's smart new office
She's never been an attention-seeker - but her caravan is turning heads.

Important Paraparaumu Beach stream upgrade taking shape
"It's great to see this section of Tikotu Stream being redeveloped."

Present wrapping donations aid Cancer Society Kāpiti
"We just want to say a big thank you to the community..."

Foodbank a step closer to new home
Kāpiti Community Foodbank has a lot to look forward to this year

New measures bolster Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve protection
A review has led to increased protection measures in Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve.

Work in helping charities key part of award
"My work with organisations...has been to ensure their viability and sustainability."

Award recognises help in improving our resilience to natural disasters
"This is a tremendous honour and one that I'm very proud to receive."

New Year Honours: Alistair MacDougall given Queen's Service Medal
"It was such a surprise."