Latest from Waikato

Hamilton hot days a risk to public health

Heat alerts aren't triggered, but heat stress risks remain high.

Hot air balloon festival returns to South Waikato

The balloons will also visit the Waipā District this year.

NZ Army award caps stellar year for local fencer and recruit

Gisborne fencer Tim Garrick goes from top fencer to top soldier.

Society Insider: First photos of revamped SPQR; heir’s hens' party eviction

Exclusive look at Jacuzzi, formerly SPQR, which has its launch party next week.

Napier prepares for first Super Rugby game in four years

The last Super Rugby game in Napier attracted 9226 fans. Can the Bay beat that next week?

Police name victims of weekend Ngāhinapōuri crashes

The two single-vehicle crashes happened about 13 hours apart.

Mum's drug funding hope for 3yo son with cystic fibrosis

'The earlier children receive Trikafta, the better their long-term health outcomes.'

Star mare out as Richardson eyes juvenile debuts at Te Aroha

Snazzytavi missed the Herbie Dyke Stakes due to a virus.

Police to monitor five-day gang reunion

Extra police staff will ensure safety and minimise public disruption.

‘I wanted to piss off the police’: Arsonist reveals why he torched train station

Daniel Vale has previously been jailed for torching the office of former PM Sir John Key.

$673,000 cash, 11.3kg meth found in drug searches, court hears

Crown says Sunia To'ofohe was a drug dealer; defence says he's a victim of poor policing.

Napier to Wellington scooter challenge aims to raise $200k for charity

The event supports mental health initiatives in the Hawke’s Bay region.

Midway retains Ralph Morse Shield in surf lifesaving competition

Emily Petro won the U17 ski and board, with strong finishes in iron races.

Genesis Energy's plan to reduce coal dependency

Genesis has taken another step towards reducing its reliance on coal for Huntly.

Far North woman petitions for better healthcare after 160km ambulance ride

The petition urges the Government to expand or build a new Kaitāia Hospital.

‘Awesome’: Tainui team’s triumph in Māori bowls

The tournament attracted 98 teams, up from 64 in 2015, across multiple regions.

‘Long overdue’: Year 14 rowers banned from Maadi Regatta

The new rules will take effect for this year’s regatta at Lake Karāpiro.

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.