Firefighters have put out a large blaze at a Waikato sandblasting premises this evening.

An draft plan outlining a major redevelopment of Hamilton Zoo has finally been revealed after a two-and-a-half year delay - but the $80,00 document may be dumped in favour of a native wild life park with no exotic animals if the new mayor gets his way.

Police have arrested and charged a man with indecent assault and burglary after an incident at a Hamilton house on Saturday night.

Allen Inoke was oblivious to his secret little passenger when he dropped off a loan car in Hamilton yesterday.

His missing five-year-old daughter will be "scared to bits", Allen Inoke said.

Security was high in the Hamilton Coroner's Court this morning as a witness was brought in from custody to give evidence.

Hamilton City Council opened up its previously closed council workshops for the first time - except it forgot to tell anyone about it.

A truck dropped a steel beam on State Highway 1 through Hamilton this morning, causing delays for motorists.

Tensions rose near the end of day one into an inquest into the deaths of three young Hamilton people after one of the witnesses changed his evidence.

A Hamilton dairy worker who was bashed on the head with a crowbar, pushed to the floor and then dragged several metres says he is nervous and scared to be back at work.

Mazda Demio owners are being warned to keep their "pint-sized pride and joy" locked and alarmed after dozens were stolen in Waikato in the past two months.

A brazen crime rampage has ripped through Hamilton after seven offenders stole cars and robbed shops threatening employees with a hammer and a crowbar.

EXCLUSIVE: Miles McKelvy ripped off $1.4 million from vulnerable home buyers. Now, he faces a second stint in prison after importing Fantasy into NZ.

Police believe David Thompson is in Hamilton and is known to have associates across Waikato.

A kitten found abandoned in Hamilton bush was born with no eyes, its new owners have discovered.

A man is in hospital after an accident on a moped in the Waikato this morning.

Police are appealing for any sightings of a Hamilton woman they say they hold "grave concerns'' for.

A Hamilton solo mum who wants a better future for her toddler is auctioning tattoo space on her body to pay for her law degree.

A wheelchair-bound man managed to escape a high-speed Hamilton crash after his foot got stuck on the accelerator.

The Armed Offenders Squad has fired gas canisters in a suburban Hamilton street.

The expected roll-out of Ultra Fast Broadband in Morrinsville may be 18 months ahead of the original schedule - but it's not soon enough for local businesses. Made with funding from NZ On Air

The weather's going to be (finally) glorious for most of the country.

Residents are on the highest water alert level after one of its most important water mains ruptured when a large portion of the Waikato riverbank collapsed.

Police warn charges will be laid against those harbouring a wanted man.

A Huntly man stabbed his brother because he was too slow doing the laundry.

Most of the country can expect another warm, dry holiday weekend, but the West Coast is in for a wet one.

Authorities were called to a house in Hamilton after multiple reports of a firearm being shot on Sunday night, police said.

Former Hamilton high school teacher describes herself as a "Jekyll and Hyde drinker".

Name suppression has lapsed for the man charged with the manslaughter of a homeless Hamilton man.

Two teens lead police on an early morning pursuit across the Waikato.