Latest fromWairarapa region

‘I set fire to the seven churches’: Man claims to be behind Masterton church attacks
Four church fires in Masterton all started between 4.25am and 4.35am, fire officials say.

Woman killed in horror Martinborough bike crash named
Alison Korny lived in New Zealand before moving to the UK.

UK visitor dead, three badly injured after car crashes into shared bike in Martinborough
The owner of the quadricycle told the Herald he was beside himself.

Man trapped in farm machinery, airlifted to hospital with serious injuries
The man was quickly freed by paramedics and firefighters this morning.

Volunteer firefighters accused of driving offences, clipping a pedestrian
The incidents are being investigated and firefighters may face disciplinary action.

Wrecked cafe reopens after front-end loader ram raid
The community turned out in force to help clean up the damage.

Masked ‘desperado’ terrifies diners in late-night front-end loader ram raid
The burglary at a Martinborough cafe left people 'gobsmacked'.

Schizophrenia or drug-induced psychosis? What led to man's brutal homicide on rural driveway
Defence claims schizophrenia but the Crown argues drug-induced psychosis.

Fleeing van leads police on dramatic pursuit through Wairarapa streets, racecourse
The incident started in Featherston and lasted nearly two hours.

Historic return of Wairarapa Lakes to Iwi ownership marks end of century-long dispute
'Final chapter' in a century-long dispute between the Crown, settlers, and Wairarapa Māori

Drive to get horses microchipped in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle
Disappearance and death of horses during the storm highlighted the need for microchips.

Work to begin to fix train woes, months on from disruption
The train tracks were laid too narrow at times, causing vibrations and speed restrictions.

Sculptor proposes $300k bronze statue of transgender legend Georgina Beyer
Beyer, who died last year, was the world’s first openly transgender mayor.

Serious injuries after car crashes into building in Masterton
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

Shane Reti defends lack of extra security at hospital hit by machete attack
The hospital did not have a track record of violent incidents before attack, Reti says.

Man, 62, accused of brutal machete attack inside hospital ED
It is understood the victim required emergency surgery following the attack.

Wellington’s early amalgamation plans revealed, why it won’t be a super city
Could Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Porirua councils become one?

‘Farterton’ returns: Carterton’s poo ponds cause nasty stench
A bad smell is once again wafting from Carterton’s wastewater treatment plant.

Ex-Marist Brother receives fourth sentence for sex abuse on schoolchildren
Kevin Healy argued for suppression despite being named in multiple articles already.

Boxing Day spending flat, ‘disappointing’ result for retailers
Boxing Day spending was flat on last year but pre-Christmas spending pulled through.