Hauraki District Mayor John Tregidga is optimistic about the future of his region - despite dire predictions. But - he wants Government agencies bought back to the district. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Stratford mayor Neil Volzke, says he disagrees with the Maxim Insititute's regional population decline report. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick discusses the release of the Maxim Institute population decline report today, and what the Rotorua Lakes Council are doing to buck the trend. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall has rejected a report by the Maxim Institute suggesting many regions like his will drop or stagnate within three decades. Made with funding from NZ On Air

It's an expensive exercise for Kapa haka teams to get themselves onto the stage at Te Matatini - organisers say they want to help more with that cost as well as becoming an autonomous business. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The hard work, uniforms and final kapa haka performance at Te Matatini is what represents Te Reanga Morehu o Ratana as an iwi. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Te Matatini is a favoured attraction not only among Kiwi's, but tourists are planning their holidays so they can join in the festivities of the world's biggest Kapa Haka event. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Can't understand Te Reo? Hakarongo Mai will help you out. This year, the live translation service for Te Matatini launched an app to help non-Te Reo speakers keep up with performances. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Plumber Dan has done it again, with a raft race down the Wanganui river to raise money for Plunket. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A $5 million dollar proposal to build a state-of-the-art tourist information centre has been approved by Tauranga City Council, but in a digital age could there have been a different way of supporting tourists. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The last-surviving member of the trio of women who created the Tino Rangatiratanga flag speaks out about that important time in New Zealand's history. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

It may be the digital age but libraries are coming to a street near you, and they need your books. Made with Funding from NZ On Air.

Not only are performers putting their best feet forward for Te Matatini 2017 - but several are using it as a chance to progress their education by earning NCEA credits and even tertiary. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Masses of Kapa Haka competitors and enthusiasts from both near and far descended on Napier's McLean Park to join the pōwhiri welcoming manuhiri to Hawke's Bay for Te Matatini 2017. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Greenpeace and KASM give evidence about the potential impacts on marine mammals at the EPA seabed mining hearing in Wellington. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

How many languages can you speak? Hamilton resident Christian Damba knows eight languages and is now adding Te Reo as his ninth. - Made with funding from NZ on Air

Students at Otaki's Te Kura-ā-Iwi O Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, study NCEA, and tertiary papers at the same time. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Residents in Otorohanga are coming together to get through the tough economic times. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Trans-Tasman Resources is proposing to mine 50 million tonnes of iron ore per year off the coast of Patea in south Taranaki. Made with funding from NZ On AIr.

Liv Fountain is desperately raising funds for life-changing spinal surgery in the US which will not only improve her spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, but could make her dream to walk up steps a reality. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A local property owner in Waihi Beach is at odds with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council over the management of an erosion control project that affects his land. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

11 year old Renee Eager is about to undergo brain surgery in the US state of Texas, which surgeons hope will allieviate seizures and fits of rage caused by a rare tumour. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

There is a seasonal influx of homeless in Napier thanks to the long hours of sunshine and dry weather this summer. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

After the passing of his father Ian, Kim Harrison is auctioning off almost his entire vintage tractor collection. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A state of emergency has been declared in the Hastings District as emergency services battle several fires across the area. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A Whangarei orchardist is hoping to emulate the success of his mentor, who took out the 2014 Young Fruit Grower of the Year in the Bay of Plenty. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A Broadlands Forest resident blames fluctuating river levels on the Waikato River - caused by practices at the dam upstream - for destroying the natural habitat. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Out come the jewellery, the fashion and the cars of the 1930s - but Art Deco wouldn't be what it is without the architecture. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A traditional Buddhist sand mandala is being constructed by two Tibetan-born monks in Tauranga Art Gallery. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The decision to close a Taupo District Council reserve in Kinloch to cars has been revoked - as debate rages about the causes of erosion in the area. Made with funding from NZ On Air.