Latest from Waikato

Crews to monitor Taupo bush fire for days

A bush fire near a Taupo native forest is well under control but it will take crews another few days to make sure it's completely out.

Mazda Demios becoming a thief magnet

Mazda Demio owners are being warned to keep their "pint-sized pride and joy" locked and alarmed after dozens were stolen in Waikato in the past two months.

Dream closer for crash 'victor'

Four years ago Abby Benge was as good as dead after a drunk driver ploughed into the car she was driving. Now she's one step closer to her dream.

Seven offenders go on Hamilton crime spree

A brazen crime rampage has ripped through Hamilton after seven offenders stole cars and robbed shops threatening employees with a hammer and a crowbar.

Motorcyclist badly hurt in Waikato crash

Two people were injured, one seriously, in a motorcycle crash in Waikato this afternoon.

Man injured after crashing into cow

Crashing into a cow resulted in serious injuries for an Auckland man.

Fleeing driver arrested in Waikato

A 22-year-old man has been arrested after fleeing police and driving dangerously in a stolen vehicle through Waikato.

Watch NZH Local Focus: Resident blames Waikato River dam fluctuations for wetland destruction

A Broadlands Forest resident blames fluctuating river levels on the Waikato River - caused by practices at the dam upstream - for destroying the natural habitat. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Watch NZH Local Focus: Resident blames man-made Waikato River fluctuations for wetland degredation.

A Broadlands Forest resident blames fluctuating river levels on the Waikato River - caused by practices at the dam upstream - for destroying the natural habitat. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Tramper missing from Waikato track

Police said the man, in his 30s, had failed to meet up with a friend.

Armed robbers hit Ngaruawahia dairy

The owner of Waingaro Dairy had only been running his store for four months when he became the victim of an armed robbery this week.

Tourists' agony at Waitangi Day river tragedy

The swimmers tried to jump to safety in front of horrified witnesses.

Abandoned kitten born with no eyes

A kitten found abandoned in Hamilton bush was born with no eyes, its new owners have discovered.

River victim knew missing woman

The young woman swept to her death when floodgates opened on Waikato River was a young Aucklander with an infectious smile that could "cheer anyone up".

Thousands turn out for Flochella

Thousands of fans turned out for New Zealand's first floating music festival at Great Lake Taupo yesterday, with the free event reaching capacity by midday.

Police name woman swept away in river

Police have named a young woman who died when she was swept down the Waikato River yesterday.

Taupo mayor on drowning: 'A tragedy'

Drowning a tragedy but dam flood to remain open as an attraction, says Taupo mayor.

Swimmer death an 'absolute tragedy'

Mercury Energy is reviewing its procedures to see if there is a way of improving safety after a woman was swept to her death on the Waikato River.