Latest from Manawatu

Nine Lotto players win nearly $31k each in Second Division – where tickets were sold
Lotto First Division Powerball was not struck and has jackpotted to $10m on Wednesday.

Silicon Valley to NZ: Kiwi Facebook Marketplace inventor is back home to give back
Bowen Pan says NZ's tech sector is 'unrecognisable for the better' after 13 years away.

Thomas Coughlan: Govt mulls dramatic local government reform, slashing councils
News of merging ministries was just the tip of the iceberg.

Flooding closes BoP road, over 100mm of rain recorded
All heavy rain warnings have been lifted for the region, but more rain and hail possible.

Pedestrian dead after crash near Feilding
The road is closed for a Serious Crash Unit investigation.

Watch: Smokefreerockquest and Showquest's finals around the motu
The latest highlights of talented up-and-coming musicians competing around the country.

Singapore firm partners with iwi, transforming game design with $1m investment
Hidden's immersive games blend history and storytelling, inspired by Māori traditions.

'Makes a lot of sense': Bioeconomy Science Institute's new HQ
The decision comes as the science sector overhaul came into effect on Tuesday.

Why this young vet chose a rural life over city clinics
Holly Gardyne has no regrets about moving to a rural practice.

Police investigating after baby critically injured at Foxton Beach home
The 6-month-old boy remains in critical condition at Starship Hospital.

'Where I needed to be': US high school the right move for Kiwi basketballer
Elijah Fonotia committed to Harford Community College to advance his basketball career.

Giant-killers: Liston College's dramatic rise in Auckland 1A rugby
Rotorua Boys' retained the Moascar Cup, defeating Napier 29-7 in wet conditions.

Golden 16-metre Buddhist statue set to ‘tower above’ horrified community
Auckland Council art 'loophole' horrifies neighbours as giant golden statue takes shape.

Couple must pay architect $33k for house sketches they didn’t like
The pair weren't happy with the holiday home designs, so they refused to pay.

Ranfurly Shield-winning prop retires at 28 due to 'head knocks'
Joel Hintz's proudest moment was lifting the Log o' Wood as his side arrived in Napier.

Rising star: Shaun Fannin's quest for steeplechase success with Jesko
Fannin plans to target the $200,000 Grand National Steeplechase in August.

Watch: The latest highlights from this year's Smokefreerockquest and Showquest
More exciting performances from talented up-and-coming musicians around the country.

AI could add $3.4b to NZ economy – if we can address areas where we lag
New Zealand is behind in some areas, such as AI uptake and skills.

Lost their way: Auckland Grammar fall to Sacred Heart in tough contest
Christchurch Boys' High won a thrilling match against St Thomas 61-40.

Tararua District Council to install water meters
Meter installations will begin at the end of this year and will make things 'fairer'.

Survivor of triple-fatal crash on learning to walk with a prosthetic leg
He lost an arm and a leg in a crash that killed three friends.