Tony Bonne believes strong marketing was behind winning the mayoralty with less votes, so he is determined to communicate better this term. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

Tracey Collis vows to hit the ground running as she steps up the challenge of Tararua District’s new mayor. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

He started as an outside chance, but Neil Holdom’s strong campaign won him the New Plymouth mayoralty by 500 votes. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Lawrence Yule talks to Local Focus about his 6th mayoral term and insists this will be the last. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Greg Brownless talks to Local Focus for the first time about winning the mayoralty and plans for Tauranga. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Hamish McDouall is Whanganui’s new mayor winning almost 40 per cent of the vote and nearly the twice the number of his nearest rival. Made with funding for NZ on Air.

The Government is injecting $50,000 into steering young people away from Hawke’s Bay’s gang scene, but many say it would be better invested in whānau and parenting skills. Youth worker Adrian Pritchard says a holistic approach needs to be taken, and targeting youth alone won’t work. Made with funding from NZ on Air

For the first time in 32 years the Waikato Home and Garden Show is in new hands. Made with finding from NZ on Air

Whanganui senior firefighter Tanja Grunwald is off to the World Firefighter Combat Challenge in the United States. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Anna Roiall says her Huntly property on Riverview Road was flooded because of the local council's lack of regular maintenance. Made with funding by NZ on Air.

There’s plenty of more fish in the sea, but for 86 year old Huntly resident Eunice, there’s one less fish in her pond following flooding in Huntly over the weekend. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Feral sheep are under threat but Wimbledon farmer Brian Hales is showcasing what these exotic breeds have to offer. Made with funding from NZ on Air

WATCH: Successful New Zealand fashion designer, Kharl WiRepa from Rotorua opens up about his life before and after his addiction to meth.

Successful New Zealand fashion designer, Kharl WiRepa from Rotorua opens up about his life before and after his addiction to meth. Made with funding from NZ on Air

It’s a beautiful game that creates friendships between cultures. Made with funding from NZ on Air

It's a beautiful game that creates friendships between cultures. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Whanganui District Council opened New Zealand Glassworks to bring together professional glass artists and the community.

Software engineer Donald Gordon moved to Whanganui because of the local council's investment in fibre broadband. Now other councils are being urged to take lead in boosting regional economies. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Regional vegetable supplies could be at risk under the Waikato Regional Councils ‘Healthy Rivers’ plan according to vegetable growers in Northern Waikato. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Banned from sailing further until authorities deem him safe to travel, renegade South African yachtie, is apologetic for the inconvenience he has caused everyone involved. made with funding from NZ on Air

Residents living near the Levin Landfill are putting up a fight against Horowhenua District Council to have the dump closed. They say it is a short-sited, money-making venture and the council has neglected social, cultural and environmental aspects of the dump and the surrounding community. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Steve the cat has gained quite a following and not just on the internet.

Steve the cat has gained quite a following and not just on the internet. Made with funding from NZ on Air

World Car-Free Day comes to Tauranga with surprising results. Made with funding from NZ on Air

The East Coast Lab has been launched to research New Zealand’s least understood subduction zone, the Hikurangi Trough. Made with funding from NZ on Air

The East Coast Lab has been launched to research New Zealand's least understood subduction zone, the Hikurangi Trough.

Te Aroha locals are losing their local Westpac and ANZ branches which could force them to drive 20 minutes just to bank a cheque.

Te Aroha locals are losing their local Westpac and ANZ branches which could force them to drive 20 minutes just to bank a cheque.

Hawke's Bay iwi Ngāti Kahungunu say it warned authorities for decades about the risk of water contamination.

Hawke's Bay iwi Ngāti Kahungunu say they warned authorities for decades about the risk of water contamination.