Latest fromWaiouru

Six-year-old named as fatal crash victim
The crash, involving a car and a truck, happened on State Highway 1 near Waiōuru.

‘Don’t have a loved one coming home’: North Island communities in shock after four deaths in crashes
'My heart goes out to those people and families.'

Four dead in two 'horrific' North Island crashes
Four people have died on North Island roads today, in two separate crashes.

Fears mill closures could create ‘ghost towns’
Raetihi residents say the negative flow-on effect is already being felt.

NZTA advises Auckland to Wellington motorists to avoid SH1
A detour of 23km or about 16mins will be in place.

A NZ spy, massacres, and a daring rescue - a tiny nation's bloody road to peace
A violent backlash killed hundreds and left thousands displaced.

Truck carrying 'dangerous goods' catches fire
Fire crews returned to the scene to make sure the fire wasn’t going to reignite.

'No one is going to want to live here': Proposed mill closure threatens town
The proposed closure of two large North Island mills is already hurting the local economy.

Desert Rd reopens as polar vortex clips NZ
'Yo-yo weather': A spell of calmer weather is forecast midweek.

16 months of diversions: Major State Highway 1 roadworks begin next month
Maintenance work will be done on a large proportion of SH1 in Waikato by the end of 2025.

Long days and freezing nights in search of the perfect photo
The magic happens in the 'blue hour' just before dawn.

Water funding remains problem for councils
A rural mayor says there’s no incentive for councils to band together in new entities.

'Mountain keeps getting higher': Operational pause at Ruapehu mills
WPI chief executive Mike Ryan says 'some sort of government intervention' may be required.

Council calls public meetings on future of Māori ward
Ruapehu District Council will have meetings in Ohakune and Taumarunui.

'The community had its say'
Ruapehu District Council wants an exemption from new legislation on Māori wards.

Kiwi racing legend appointed MotoGP chief steward
Simon Crafar takes over from Freddie Spencer, aka Fast Freddie.

New facility for Central Plateau emergency operations
It will provide a central point for search and rescue operations and emergency management.

Defence Force plans $490m upgrade of Waiōuru housing stock
Fifty new homes will be built in the first $75m stage of the Homes for Families project.

Waiouru exercises important in 'volatile, uncertain and complex world'
Realistic scenarios help soldiers keep ready for any eventuality.

New motorbike impounded, owner faces charges after clocked doing more than 200km/h
A man has been charged with three driving-related offences.

Name change proposed for Rangitikei district
Public feedback is invited on the proposal and another to name a new suburb in Feilding.