Latest fromSouth Waikato

Second Waikato councillor resigns ahead of election
First-term councillor who secured 1795 votes at the 2022 election.

Number of wildfires on the rise, Fire and Emergency says
In New Zealand, 99% of wildfires are caused by people.

‘Best decision of my life’: Tokoroa local enthuses about joining Navy
Montana Hartley has just completed junior officer and basic training at Devonport.

‘Please come home’: Desperate mother begs her missing son to make contact
Police say a man sighted on Sunday matching Langford's description was not him.

Police reveal possible new sightings of missing man whose burned-out car was found in January
Police are searching for Travis Langford, missing since January 17.

'Onwards and upwards': Wildlife sanctuary out of the woods for now
In June, SMM said it was struggling financially and could be forced to close.

MP to meet ministry over 230 job losses at Kinleith Mill
The mill will cease all paper production before July 2025.

‘Forever in your debt’: Family speak out after man died saving brother on Lake Taupō
Vincent, 36, died at Acacia Bay while saving his brother’s life in January.

'Best days of my life': NZ Forest Products Ltd workers reunite for last time
More than 260 people travelled from across New Zealand and Australia to Tokoroa.

Two people seriously injured in truck and caravan crash
SH39 is closed in both directions at Ōtorohanga.

The final reunion: Former NZ Forest Products workers set to gather
Forest workers to descend on Tokoroa from far and wide.

Hot air balloon festival returns to South Waikato
The balloons will also visit the Waipā District this year.

100 cats need new homes after owner’s cancer diagnosis
The family of a man diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer is determined to rehome his cats.

Fast-food proposal decision slowed down as council requests more info
The hearings on the Tīrau Starbucks and Burger King proposal are yet to be scheduled.

Truck and trailer roll: Person airlifted to hospital in serious condition
The incident happened on a private road off State Highway 3.

Police name victims of fatal crash at Acacia Bay
Both victims were 19 years old and from Taupō.

'Long gone': Fugitive escaped locked area outside courthouse, swimming in lake
The man swam through part of Lake Taupō in his attempt to evade police.

Police continue search for missing owner of burned-out vehicle
Travis, 24, was last seen on January 17. Police found his vehicle burnt out in Ngāroma.

Maritime NZ to investigate fatal jetski incident
It comes as Coastguard NZ and the harbourmaster issued safety reminders to water users.

Watch: Logs fly after trailer dramatically detaches on highway
The video shows cars swerving to avoid flying timber and debris.