Taranaki Iwi and environmental groups are bitterly disappointed. "The failings of our government and the failings of DOC especially, means we have to go out and fight these corporations off". Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Scientists at the Scion Research Institute in Rotorua have developed a way to use sawdust to produce biofuel for the transportation sector. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

When Wheelchair Football becomes a Paralympic Sport, these Cambridge sportsmen will be Paralympians. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

100% Pure Taranaki want to use alternatives to 1080 poison to keep pest numbers low. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The Waverley A&P Show has been going for 86 years. People come from around the region to experience what is one of the last old style farming events around.

Music teacher Jamie Strange has launched his campaign to win Hamilton East from sitting National MP David Bennett at next year's general election. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Hastings ice cream parlour Rush Munro's is celebrating 90 years in business. They're also gearing up to expand into the international market. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Learning to drive can be hard, but learning it in a new language is almost impossible. But that's changing for refugees in Hamilton. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Some Flaxmere residents will soon be the proud owners of new bikes gifted by Menzshed Hastings. And the gesture couldn't have come at a better time. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Plans for a ferry between Whanganui and Port Motueka have been revisited. And pending a feasibility study by the council, could have the Mayor's support. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Tourism is booming in Whakatane. Latest statistics show travellers to the region injected 115 million dollars into the local economy last year. That's an increase of 20 percent over the last three years. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui locals went a little quackers on Saturday, in the name of charity. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Te Whanau-a-Apanui land trustees have set up a forest road engineering company on the East Cape, employing twenty locals, including ex-pats. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The biennial Wildflower Sculpture Exhibition in Hastings is back for a fifth year. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Waikato farmers say if Donald Trump scuttles the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement it will be a setback. But, they believe any US withdrawal from free trade may ultimately open up opportunities for Kiwi exporters. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Te Aroha Museum is celebrating 110 years of electricity in the region with an exhibition that will trigger powerful memories for older people. Among the items on display, vintage vacuum cleaners and heaters. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

While the world watched the US election results unfold last night, Local Focus met Napier residents and some visitors who chose the soak in the sun instead. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Opotiki Artist Jamie Boynton has unveiled his latest work, at Waiotahe Valley School centenary celebrations. The artwork reflects Mr Boynton's personal to uncover his identity, a mix of Maori and Pakeha heritage. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

PledgeMe is hosting workshops in the regions, with plenty of tips and tricks for successful crowdfunding. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

WATCH: Jayde Penney was an Aucklander, born and bred. But in August this year she abandoned the City of Sails with her two children to start a new life in Rotorua.

Motorsport fans rejoice, a new attraction at Feilding's Manfield Racetrack, gets you as close as possible to the world of a professional race car driver. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Gisborne Real Estate agent George Horsfall, 23, is helping other young people buy their first home, as he has just done. The region has New Zealand's second highest proportion of mortgage holders under 30. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

It's a battle of the finest for Lye Farm and Scott Farm on the outskirts of Hamilton - all in the name charity. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Federated Farmers is urging farmers to tackle the issue of methamphetamine in the workplace. Experts say new Health and Safety regulations mean employers are now legally obligated to take steps to mitigate the risk. Made with funding from NZ On AIr

Gisborne catering company, Black Fig, have created their own, local meal delivery service. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The Motu Trails fundraising event, highlighted a section of SH2 that could be improved to provide a safer 'coast to coast' ride, linking Opotiki to Gisborne. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Welcome to the Hunterville Shemozzle, the race that really puts shepherds to the test-icle! Made with funding from NZ On Air.

NZTA say SH4 will be repaired in time for the 2nd anniversary of the huge storms that virtually swept it away. Meanwhile motorists and truckies must wait and count the costs. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Raising two kids and battling cancer - Juliet Mawley had to rely on Legal Aid in a recent hearing. But she feels shortchanged because of tightening budgets for legal aid across the country. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Most girls play with dolls but 12 year old Tayla Hansen would rather be outside playing with Zeus, a bull that is 15 times her size. Made with funding from NZ On Air.