Latest from Otaki

Council receives 370 submissions on Long-Term Plan
Individuals and groups made submissions on plans for the coming 10 years.

Funding for new roading restricted, ministers pass buck to NZTA, Ō2NL still on list
The minister cites years of budget blowouts and cancellations for the change.

Council opts to reopen Ōtaki Gorge Rd
'Opening the road is the best option,' Mayor Janet Holborow says.

One dead after stolen ute flees police, crashes head-on with innocent motorist
Police investigating after late-night incident on SH1 in Ōtaki.

Bucket list horse has hobby trainer daring to dream
Retired seaman Jim Sweetensen would love to see his mare gain black-type.

Ōtaki industrial fire rages as crews work to extinguish flames
It is not yet clear how the fire started.

'Scary s***’: Dozens battling large vegetation fire near former health camp
Dozens of firefighters have been sent, along with a helicopter.

From Sundance to Ōtaki: How the tiny beach town became a hub for creativity
Māoriland is a little film festival with big dreams - meet the young woman behind it.

Ōtaki woman honoured for services to community-led development, governance and education
Mary-Jane Rivers says founding Inspiring Communities has been the highlight of her career.

'No clues' two months after kayaker's mysterious disappearance
Michaela Leger was last seen paddling out to sea from Raumati Beach on October 21.

'Jig the numbers': Lawyer charged dyslexic client $1000 an hour
Quentin Haines was also convicted in 2018 for hiring two underage prostitutes.

In darkness, avoiding a sting, a million bees cross the Hawke's Bay border
This was what beekeepers had been desperate for after the cyclone flooded many hives.

Extensive searches: Police scour four islands in hunt for missing kayaker
Michaela Leger hasn't been seen since she vanished into the night 17 days ago.

New Ōtaki MP Tim Costley humbled by result
'I don't know if all the emotions have sunk in.'

Police seek witnesses to fatal Ōtaki crash
The crash happened about 8pm on Friday, August 18.

Iwi prepares for Waitangi Tribunal to hear Ngāti Tukorehe claim
Issues involved include land loss, economic disadvantages and education policies.

'Negligent': Booze baron caused delays in improving worker conditions
A liquor baron must pay $87,000 for failing to action improved worker conditions.

New motorways reduce serious injury or death by more than a third
An existing state highway north of Wellington has been labelled a 'killing field'.

Hybrid electric trains seen as 'game-changer' for Ōtaki
The funding for the new passenger trains for Wairarapa and Manawatū has been welcomed.

Passenger rail ripe for revival after hybrid trains announced
The announcement has sparked advocates' hopes of a nationwide rail revival.

Ram raids: Thieves target vape shop, bottle store
A liquor store and a vape shop were targeted overnight.

SH1 reopens after 'nasty' crash leaves four injured, one critical
A serious multi-vehicle crash on SH1 Ōtaki is causing major delays early this morning.

Man charged with wounding after Ōtaki firearm incident
Police said the victim managed to escape through a window.

Māoriland Film Festival to screen during Matariki
The festival will showcase 106 films from indigenous filmmakers around the world.

Bumper-to-bumper: Motorists told to allow extra time in heavy holiday traffic
AA says 100 lives could be saved each year if road improvements were made.

Ōtaki MP says GP given options before decision to return to UK
The young Ōtaki GP left the country last month after a year in residency limbo.

Rural GP with 1300 patients quits NZ after a year in residency limbo
More than 1300 people have lost their skilled young doctor at Ōtaki Medical Centre.

Opening of major Kāpiti expressway delayed until late 2022
The Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway is now expected to be open to traffic late next year.

SH1 reopens after double fatality crash at Manakau, south of Levin
A two-vehicle crash occurred between Whakahoro Rd and Kuku East Rd about 5.35am.