Diana Paekau told her four-old son that they'll now be making a canvas roof tent their home for the summer because there is a shortage of rentals.

The chairman of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Doug Leeder explains that the water quality issue is a problem everybody needs to get their heads around, whether they live in a rural or urban environment. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Port Ahuriri Playcentre has stunning new carvings for the kids to enjoy. But they're not from a gallery or marae, they're from prison. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Port Ahuriri Playcentre has stunning new carvings for the kids to enjoy. But they're not from a gallery or marae, they're from prison. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall wants a debate around how local government is funded in the future. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall wants a debate around how local government is funded in the future. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Both sides of an ugly stand-off over abortions in Thames are vowing to continue their weekly protests, despite growing concern from women who want terminations. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust's annual Pink Walk was also a Pink Zumba and a Pink Massage. All of which helps raise money, awareness and enjoyment for breast cancer sufferers. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Joyful Ministries in Hamilton is giving people with intellectual disabilities a chance to connect with faith in their own way. Made with funding by New Zealand on Air.

Joyful Ministries in Hamilton is giving people with intellectual disabilities a chance to connect with faith in their own way. Made with funding by New Zealand on Air.

A Government funded feasibility study is looking at the future use of the Whanganui Port. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A Government funded feasibility study is looking at the future use of the Whanganui Port. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Uretara Island, in Ohiwa Harbour, is now free of rats, and native birds are thriving, thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Uretara Island, in Ohiwa Harbour, is now free of rats, and native birds are thriving, thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

A petition to have one of Wairoa's main alternative roads sealed has attracted more than 240 signatures. Kiwi Road residents want it sealed to decrease dust nuisance, improve their health and overall lifestyle. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A petition to have one of Wairoa’s main alternative roads sealed has attracted more than 240 signatures. Kiwi Road is just one of several rural roads residents want sealed to decrease dust nuisance, improve their health and overall lifestyle. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Hamiltonian Dorris Ratcliffe is 98 years old but has the lifestyle of a woman much younger. She says keeping busy and volunteering makes her life worthwhile.

Andrew King's majority has dropped again, down to just nine votes after special votes were counted. He speaks to Local Focus about his win. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

A terminally ill Hamilton mother has thanked NewsTalkZB listeners for donating to help grant her dying wish. Heather Smith has just weeks to live and thanks to the kindness of strangers she's been able to see her daughter. Made with funding from NZ on Air

A terminally ill Hamilton mother has thanked NewsTalkZB listeners for donating to help grant her dying wish. Heather Smith has just weeks to live, and thanks to the kindness of strangers she’s been able to see her daughter and take part in a very special photo shoot. Made with funding for NZ on Air.

Check out these mussels! New Zealand's first commercial open ocean marine farm, off the coast of Opotiki brings in its first harvest. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Check out these mussels, from New Zealand’s first commercial open ocean marine farm, off the coast of Opotiki. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

The annual race is encouraging high school students to take on engineering as a subject. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

The annual race is encouraging high school students to take on engineering as a subject. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

The Woodville community is coming together for the sake of an old railway station under threat. And Kiwi Rail seems likely to agree. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

A complete absence of strategic voting has given Hamilton it's most interesting mayoral election in decades. And the final two hopefuls represent very different futures for the city. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Cruise ships coming to Napier Port are on the up, with 10 more expected this season. Local businesses are expected to reap the benefits with nearly 100,000 passengers expected to visit. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Newly elected Horowhenua mayor Michael Feyen is promising to include the community in decision making. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

John Forbes' early blunder didn't diminish his election result. And he admits his opponent Les Keane ran a good campaign after all. Made with funding from NZ on Air.