Latest fromWairarapa

NZ fire risk soars with summer heat
As temperatures soar above 30C across parts of the country, so has demand for firefighters as tinder-dry conditions create the perfect environment for forest and scrub fires.

Five of the best: Coastal walks
Fingers crossed, you will be blessed with a refreshing sea breeze as you tackle these top walks.

Martinborough: Sweet summer wine
Three-wheel pedal power can lead to a perfect pinot noir, writes Paul Rush.

Man rescued on chopper's debut mission
The Air Force says crew on a new helicopter rescued a missing tramper on the chopper's debut mission.

Austrian tramper missing in Tararuas
Police and volunteer search and rescue teams are looking for a missing 21 year-old tramper.

Small quake shakes lower North Island
A small earthquake shook the lower North Island this morning.

Community service for train death
A young man who was behind the wheel of a ute that hit a commuter train in Wairarapa, killing his 15-year-old girlfriend, has been sentenced to 200 hours' community service.

Inside Toast Martinborough
Life & Style Editor Nicky Park shares her insider tips for making the most of Toast Martinborough ahead of ticket sales for this year's food and wine festival.

Man crashes car into tree
A man has been seriously injured after his car crashed into a tree in Wairarapa overnight.

Fatal crash: No punishment
Nearly two years after an Australian tourist died in a quad bike accident, the negligent operator has walked away without a conviction or having to pay a cent.

Sir Peter's vintage warbird dogfight
The vintage-aircraft market was once divided between pilots and aviation museums, but Peter Jackson represents a new breed of collector.

Martinborough: Well oiled in olive country
It isn't just wine that Martinborough excels at, discovers Sharon Stephenson.

Mum, daughter trampers found safe
Two trampers missing in Tararua Forest Park in Wairarapa overnight have been found this morning after being trapped by a slip.

Wharekauhau Country Estate, Wairarapa
The astonishingly wild setting of this Palliser Bay lodge belies the extreme luxury of its accommodation spaces.
For further information see: wharekauhau.co.nz.

James Cameron buys more land
Hollywood film tycoon James Cameron has made two further Wairarapa farm purchases but how much he paid has been kept secret.

Group jailed for disabled man's murder
A group that savagely bashed a disabled man who had been the subject of a false rape rumour will each spend at least 17 years in jail.

Quad bike rider flees after police pursuit
A quad bike rider has fled after leading police on a pursuit through the city this morning.

Wintry weekend, especially in south
Severe rain and wind warnings and a drop in temperatures have been issued for parts of the South Island and lower North Island this weekend.