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Al Williams
Open Justice reporter
Christchurch

Al Williams is a journalist in the Open Justice team, based in Christchurch.

He has worked in daily and community titles in New Zealand and overseas for the last 16 years. Most recently he was editor of the HC Post, based in Whangamata. He was previously deputy editor of Cook Islands News

Check out Al’s latest content
Summer Concert Tour shines through storms in Coromandel
Lifestyle

Summer Concert Tour shines through storms in Coromandel

27 Jan 12:52 AM
Waihī Refuse Station targeted in ‘senseless vandalism attack’
Waikato Herald

Waihī Refuse Station targeted in ‘senseless vandalism attack’

17 Jan 01:53 AM

Hauraki District Council reports act of 'senseless vandalism'.

'Devastated by the news': Well-known musician mourns relative killed in Thames
Waikato Herald

'Devastated by the news': Well-known musician mourns relative killed in Thames

16 Jan 04:00 AM

Well-known musician pays tribute to 'a guy we all liked'.

Whangamatā community marae draft concept designs released
Waikato Herald

Whangamatā community marae draft concept designs released

15 Jan 11:33 PM

Whangamatā is a step close to getting a community marae.

‘Distressing’ rescue of young girl after 13yo fell to his death at Hāhei Beach
Waikato Herald

‘Distressing’ rescue of young girl after 13yo fell to his death at Hāhei Beach

14 Jan 04:00 PM

Two young people scrambled up a cliff path before the boy plunged down the bank.

Foul language, threats heard before man’s death sparked homicide probe
Waikato Herald

Foul language, threats heard before man’s death sparked homicide probe

14 Jan 06:15 AM

The man was taken to hospital where he died overnight.

‘Tragic’ Hāhei cliff fall: Victim was boy, 13, on holiday with family
Waikato Herald

‘Tragic’ Hāhei cliff fall: Victim was boy, 13, on holiday with family

12 Jan 10:42 PM

Two young people fell from a cliff in Hāhei; one died, the other was rescued uninjured.

'Frustrating and distressing': DoC appeals for information after seabirds killed
Waikato Herald

'Frustrating and distressing': DoC appeals for information after seabirds killed

09 Jan 02:44 AM

'Extremely frustrating and distressing to hear about this kind of wilful mistreatment.'

Majority of watercraft fatalities not wearing lifejackets
Waikato Herald

Majority of watercraft fatalities not wearing lifejackets

08 Jan 11:10 PM

“That could have been 16 lives potentially saved had they been wearing one.”

Beachgoers with no swimming skills a frustration
Waikato Herald

Beachgoers with no swimming skills a frustration

07 Jan 01:28 AM

Beachgoers at a popular Coromandel beach are proving frustrating for lifeguards.

Thames-Coromandel deputy mayor calls out ‘rich little s***s’ at troublesome holiday hotspot
Waikato Herald

Thames-Coromandel deputy mayor calls out ‘rich little s***s’ at troublesome holiday hotspot

06 Jan 01:12 AM

Terry Walker says there is a regular pattern of vandalism at Pāuanui over New Year.

Danger, frustration and rubbish dumping lead to installation of barrier arm
Waikato Herald

Danger, frustration and rubbish dumping lead to installation of barrier arm

20 Dec 10:59 PM

Danger, frustration and rubbish dumping on Whitianga Wharf.

‘They were smashed everywhere’: Teen rescues kids swept into ‘violent’ surf
Waikato Herald

‘They were smashed everywhere’: Teen rescues kids swept into ‘violent’ surf

20 Dec 05:00 AM

Keira Hayidakis, 18, fought off rough waves and strong currents to save two children.

Saying goodbye to the Hauraki-Coromandel Post
Opinion

Saying goodbye to the Hauraki-Coromandel Post

19 Dec 02:00 AM

Al Williams is forced to bid the paper farewell after only 9 months on the job.

Traffic management in place at Tairua trouble spot over peak summer period
Waikato Herald

Traffic management in place at Tairua trouble spot over peak summer period

19 Dec 12:17 AM

Tairua’s one-lane Pepe Stream bridge becomes a significant bottleneck every summer.

TCDC councillor puts hand up for mayoralty
Waikato Herald

TCDC councillor puts hand up for mayoralty

16 Dec 09:00 PM

First-term councillor believes he has the passion and skills the district needs.

Timber bridges could become 'new norm' for NZ
Waikato Herald

Timber bridges could become 'new norm' for NZ

16 Dec 03:19 AM

SH26 between Thames and Paeroa is to close for a month for a bridge build.

Popular freedom camping spot to be moved due to overcrowding
Waikato Herald

Popular freedom camping spot to be moved due to overcrowding

13 Dec 02:00 AM

The local community board had raised concerns with the council.

The Grinch visits Waihī as festive flags fail
Waikato Herald

The Grinch visits Waihī as festive flags fail

12 Dec 07:07 PM

The town’s festive flags have been taken down.

Paeroa's big bottle gets put on ice
Waikato Herald

Paeroa's big bottle gets put on ice

12 Dec 02:00 AM

Paeroa's famous bottle is getting a temporary makeover for a frozen L&P promotion.

New $15m wharf underutilised but still off-limits to the public
Waikato Herald

New $15m wharf underutilised but still off-limits to the public

11 Dec 02:30 AM

It is not getting heavy commercial use but the council voted to keep the gates locked.

Scientists explore seabed in Hauraki Gulf to study human impacts
Waikato Herald

Scientists explore seabed in Hauraki Gulf to study human impacts

09 Dec 09:08 PM

Scientists from around the world are looking to the Hauraki Gulf for answers.

Pāuanui gets active with inaugural parkrun
Waikato Herald

Pāuanui gets active with inaugural parkrun

09 Dec 08:24 PM

Pāuanui put its running shoes on for the inaugural parkrun.

Kiwi deaths in leg-hold traps 'doesn't need to happen' DoC says
Waikato Herald

Kiwi deaths in leg-hold traps 'doesn't need to happen' DoC says

09 Dec 12:56 AM

Leg-hold traps should be installed off the ground to avoid catching birds like kiwis.

Kerepehi in line for significant playground upgrade
Waikato Herald

Kerepehi in line for significant playground upgrade

04 Dec 11:55 PM

Hauraki town called on to contribute to a public space improvement project.

War memorial proposed for Hāhei
Waikato Herald

War memorial proposed for Hāhei

03 Dec 12:35 AM

Ratepayers and residents preparing to build a war memorial in the Coromandel settlement.

Rainbow crossings are not pedestrian crossings, council says
Waikato Herald

Rainbow crossings are not pedestrian crossings, council says

02 Dec 04:24 AM

Rainbow crossings not pedestrian crossings, council says.

Couple breathe new life into former Freemasons lodge
Waikato Herald

Couple breathe new life into former Freemasons lodge

02 Dec 02:20 AM

New owners to open a pop-up art gallery at former Freemasons lodge.

Going deeper and darker: Why 'noctourism' is tipped as next travel trend
Waikato Herald

Going deeper and darker: Why 'noctourism' is tipped as next travel trend

29 Nov 04:01 PM

Starbathing is a fast-growing travel trend, thanks to NZ's dark skies.

Road cone fills temporary spot for tekoteko
Waikato Herald

Road cone fills temporary spot for tekoteko

28 Nov 05:30 PM

Ratepayers have been asked to help replace one of three tekoteko at Memorial Reserve.

Community pool reopened after delays and added expenses
Waikato Herald

Community pool reopened after delays and added expenses

27 Nov 07:42 PM

Whangamatā swimming pool refurbishment project balloons to $430k.

More delays expected as Pauanui bridge works continue
Waikato Herald

More delays expected as Pauanui bridge works continue

27 Nov 02:54 AM

Damage has been caused by high tides and heavy rain.

Whitianga waterfront project now up for discussion
Waikato Herald

Whitianga waterfront project now up for discussion

25 Nov 02:41 AM

New wharf, recreational and commercial fishing facilities form part of the proposal.

Humble jandal celebrated in Coromandel festival
Waikato Herald

Humble jandal celebrated in Coromandel festival

25 Nov 01:41 AM

The summer jandal is to be celebrated in Tairua.

Tairua-Pāuanui Community Board member Cath Wightman resigns
Waikato Herald

Tairua-Pāuanui Community Board member Cath Wightman resigns

22 Nov 03:35 AM

There are several options after Wightman's departure.

Odours among key concerns about new food scraps bins
Waikato Herald

Odours among key concerns about new food scraps bins

22 Nov 01:46 AM

Odours, broken handles and lids are among immediate concerns.

Only road in and out of Pāuanui to close overnight for repairs
Waikato Herald

Only road in and out of Pāuanui to close overnight for repairs

21 Nov 04:06 AM

The defect is common with bridges of its type right across the country.

Operator cautious as Thames welcomes new information centre
Waikato Herald

Operator cautious as Thames welcomes new information centre

21 Nov 02:33 AM

Thames has a new information centre but there are challenges ahead, its operator says.

Sinkhole threatens main artery road to Pāuanui
Waikato Herald

Sinkhole threatens main artery road to Pāuanui

20 Nov 04:00 AM

The tomo is being monitored 24/7, Thames-Coromandel District Council says.

Mystery crash: Car rolls off road, occupants disappear
Waikato Herald

Mystery crash: Car rolls off road, occupants disappear

20 Nov 03:41 AM

Police are still investigating while Fenz confirmed they attended the scene two weeks ago.

Recreation hub gets tick of approval
Waikato Herald

Recreation hub gets tick of approval

19 Nov 09:00 PM

Waihī Recreation Hub development closer to reality.

His dog returned; he didn't: Missing man's family seek answers one year on
Waikato Herald

His dog returned; he didn't: Missing man's family seek answers one year on

19 Nov 05:09 PM

Family say there are two people who may have information but are yet to be located.

Cathedral Cove track repair work hampered by visitors bypassing signs and barriers
Waikato Herald

Cathedral Cove track repair work hampered by visitors bypassing signs and barriers

19 Nov 05:00 AM

The Cathedral Cove access track is closed for repairs because of cyclone damage.

More than half of Hauraki ratepayers happy with council performance
Waikato Herald

More than half of Hauraki ratepayers happy with council performance

04 Nov 10:03 PM

The results of the council's annual satisfaction survey are out.

Tairua fisherman slams Hauraki Gulf marine legislation
Waikato Herald

Tairua fisherman slams Hauraki Gulf marine legislation

02 Nov 11:00 PM

The bill was supported by Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.

New council catamaran to expand team's maritime patrolling range
Waikato Herald

New council catamaran to expand team's maritime patrolling range

01 Nov 01:23 AM

Waikato Regional Council’s new $230,00 vessel, Tūtaia, has been launched in Whitianga.

'The books are a bit grim': Council faces $17m deficit
Waikato Herald

'The books are a bit grim': Council faces $17m deficit

31 Oct 10:37 PM

The council was presented with a dire 2023/2024 annual report.

'It’s Jason Momoa, let me in': Aquaman star hits the Coromandel on Harley
Waikato Herald

'It’s Jason Momoa, let me in': Aquaman star hits the Coromandel on Harley

29 Oct 09:08 AM

Momoa rocked up to the Coroglen Tavern, banged on the window and said 'let me in'.

Slice of Whangamatā history set to hit the road... again
Waikato Herald

Slice of Whangamatā history set to hit the road... again

29 Oct 03:30 AM

A house built in Hamilton in 1929 and moved to Whangamatā in 1930 is set to move again.

DoC staff 'stressed' by appalling visitor behaviour at tourism hot spots
Waikato Herald

DoC staff 'stressed' by appalling visitor behaviour at tourism hot spots

25 Oct 11:00 PM

Regional tourism organisations are running on 'the smell of an oily rag'.

Parking goes, visitors must use shuttle to access popular Cathedral Cove track
Waikato Herald

Parking goes, visitors must use shuttle to access popular Cathedral Cove track

25 Oct 04:00 PM

DoC says there will be no parking at Cathedral Cove when it reopens.

Coromandel bridge project wins consultancy award
Waikato Herald

Coromandel bridge project wins consultancy award

25 Oct 03:05 AM

'Reconnecting communities safely and quickly following natural disasters is critical.'

Community must splash the cash on swimming pontoon resource consent
Waikato Herald

Community must splash the cash on swimming pontoon resource consent

24 Oct 03:32 AM

Environmental assessment costs were overlooked in the original pontoon proposal.

Fun park nabs gold at Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards
Waikato Herald

Fun park nabs gold at Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards

24 Oct 03:13 AM

Fun park steals the show at Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards.

Whangamatā swimming pool project given $64k ratepayer lifeline
Waikato Herald

Whangamatā swimming pool project given $64k ratepayer lifeline

24 Oct 01:38 AM

The cost to refurbish the pool has risen significantly from the original $250k budget.

Dad and daughter bring home the medals
Waikato Herald

Dad and daughter bring home the medals

22 Oct 05:00 AM

The Kautai-King family brings their meaning to playing and staying together.

Tairua-Pāuanui Coastguard anticipating busy summer
Waikato Herald

Tairua-Pāuanui Coastguard anticipating busy summer

21 Oct 08:56 PM

Tairua-Pāuanui Coastguard looking to educate boaties.

Homeowners warned over potential flooding hot spots
Waikato Herald

Homeowners warned over potential flooding hot spots

21 Oct 03:11 AM

More than $9 million has been budgeted for stormwater improvement in Whangamatā.

Council flags support for Pāuanui-Tairua scenic trail
Waikato Herald

Council flags support for Pāuanui-Tairua scenic trail

20 Oct 09:01 PM

The new trail includes a 120m suspension bridge across the Tairua River.

Tourists causing headaches for Cathedral Cove track repair workers
Waikato Herald

Tourists causing headaches for Cathedral Cove track repair workers

18 Oct 05:00 PM

International tourists have been turning up to the must-see destination to find it closed.

The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes star shares young onset dementia experience
Waikato Herald

The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes star shares young onset dementia experience

18 Oct 05:01 AM

Lois Wolkers speaks candidly about her young onset dementia experience.

Emergency services exercise turns into dramatic real-life rescue
Waikato Herald

Emergency services exercise turns into dramatic real-life rescue

17 Oct 03:01 AM

Real-life search and rescue mission called in during exercise.

Four fire brigades spend four hours tackling Coromandel blaze
Waikato Herald

Four fire brigades spend four hours tackling Coromandel blaze

17 Oct 02:18 AM

“It is a very fragile eco-system; don’t leave a fire unattended.”

Adventurers hit Whangamatā for multisport race
Waikato Herald

Adventurers hit Whangamatā for multisport race

16 Oct 09:00 PM

Running, walking, mountain biking and orienteering featured in the multisport challenge.

Four Go Flatting star ‘Lil Henry’ embraces newfound fame, starts clothing label
Waikato Herald

Four Go Flatting star ‘Lil Henry’ embraces newfound fame, starts clothing label

14 Oct 03:39 AM

Henry Stilwell talks life after television series Four Go Flatting.

Tough few years for Hauraki-Coromandel tourism
Waikato Herald

Tough few years for Hauraki-Coromandel tourism

14 Oct 01:40 AM

The Coromandel tourism sector is still shaking the effects of cyclones and Covid-19.

Tiny Thames train attraction at risk from sea level rise project
Waikato Herald

Tiny Thames train attraction at risk from sea level rise project

11 Oct 05:00 PM

The track runs along a seawall that protects $1 billion in assets.

Boaties asked to stay clear of Hot Water Beach during search and rescue exercise
Waikato Herald

Boaties asked to stay clear of Hot Water Beach during search and rescue exercise

11 Oct 03:50 PM

Emergency services to converge on Coromandel for training event.

Fishery lobbyists and Fisheries NZ tangle over Coromandel dredging survey
Waikato Herald

Fishery lobbyists and Fisheries NZ tangle over Coromandel dredging survey

11 Oct 03:45 AM

Fisheries New Zealand says they will only be dredging 0.01% of the scallop beds.

Whangamatā to host 'orienteering on steroids' multisport event
Waikato Herald

Whangamatā to host 'orienteering on steroids' multisport event

11 Oct 12:46 AM

This weekend's challenge involves running, walking, mountain biking and orienteering.

Work to commence on Tairua to Pāuanui trail after consent granted
Waikato Herald

Work to commence on Tairua to Pāuanui trail after consent granted

09 Oct 09:14 PM

A long-awaited trail connecting the towns has gained resource consent.

Pāuanui a 'sea of pink'
Waikato Herald

Pāuanui a 'sea of pink'

08 Oct 09:15 PM

Hundreds gathered for the fundraising walk.

Transfer station charity shop targeted in overnight raid
Waikato Herald

Transfer station charity shop targeted in overnight raid

08 Oct 04:21 AM

Thames store missing $7000 in electrical goods after unwanted visit.

Golfers to play Coromandel three-course tournament
Waikato Herald

Golfers to play Coromandel three-course tournament

08 Oct 12:52 AM

It's been labelled the 'Paradise Coast' - a three-course golf event over three days.

Whangamatā, Onemana and Whiritoa fire crews get busy cutting
Waikato Herald

Whangamatā, Onemana and Whiritoa fire crews get busy cutting

08 Oct 12:00 AM

Whangamatā, Onemana and Whiritoa fire crews put their skills on display.

Surf club needs extra $300k for base upgrade
Waikato Herald

Surf club needs extra $300k for base upgrade

06 Oct 10:11 PM

Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Club is still $500k short of the revised target.

Thames-Coromandel retains title of oldest average age
Waikato Herald

Thames-Coromandel retains title of oldest average age

03 Oct 02:04 AM

Thames-Coromandel the oldest population with high home ownership rate.

Roading resilience projects to be announced soon
Waikato Herald

Roading resilience projects to be announced soon

02 Oct 02:58 AM

NZTA Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is set to announce $100m for resilience projects.

Record entries received for half marathon
Waikato Herald

Record entries received for half marathon

01 Oct 02:25 AM

Half marathon attracts record entries.

Council flags roaming dogs as ongoing issue
Waikato Herald

Council flags roaming dogs as ongoing issue

30 Sep 10:34 PM

Roaming dogs can "frighten, intimidate or annoy others".

Hauraki towns outline their 'better off' funding wish lists
Waikato Herald

Hauraki towns outline their 'better off' funding wish lists

30 Sep 09:00 PM

Plans are designed to reflect aspirations of iwi partners and communities.

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