Latest from Waikato

Drought trouble: More regions ask for help

Most of the North Island could be declared a drought zone by the end of the week, but Prime Minister John Key says the impact on the Government's books remains to be seen.

Tough, but not as bad as 2008

Waikato dairy farmer Peter Brown rates his anxiety levels "about a 7.5" out of 10 as he endures his second drought in just five years.

North Island's worst drought in 70 years

A climate expert believes summers like this one will become the new norm for New Zealand. Droughts have already been declared across much of the North Island.

Firefighters battling scrub fire in rural Waikato

Firefighters are battling a scrub fire in a remote part of rural Waikato this morning.

Sprinkler ban across Wellington

A shortage of water across the Wellington region means there is now a ban on garden sprinklers and irrigation systems.

Drought spreads down NZ

The drought is working its way down the country, and with with no change predicted until at least mid-March, farmers from Northland to Southland are suffering.

Mates failed to save teen from drowning

Two teenagers have been commended by police for their desperate efforts to save their friend after he failed to surface while swimming in the Waikato River.

Teen dies after jumping from cliff into Waikato River

Farmers in crisis as city fills pools

Big dry forces stock selloffs, but Aucklanders can still water gardens, wash cars thanks to Waikato River supplies

Committee calls on Govt to declare Waikato drought

Woman killed as vehicle rolls on Waikato farm

A woman was killed on a Waikato farm yesterday when the vehicle she was driving rolled down a bank.

Hamilton stand-off: Man questioned

A man threatened to open fire on a group of police officers at a Hamilton house this morning.

Tainui still in division over $70m

Tainui Group Holdings won't be receiving $70 million worth of new government cash from Waikato-Tainui despite calls from ex-Fonterra leader Sir Henry van der Heyden for that to happen.

Drought risk group formed in Waikato

Waikato 'can take city's overflow'

Waikato town planners are bracing for an overflow of Aucklanders from the Super City as it seeks to find living space for its booming population.

Waikato: Psyched on cycling

Bike trails on the Waikato River led Elisabeth Easther to bush, bridges and a five-star boudoir

Axe iwi parliament, says king's man

Teen killed in police chase

Waikato police say the consequences of poor decision making are readily apparent as officers investigate the death of a young man early this morning.