Multimedia journalist, Waikato Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
What the inaugural Jetstar flight from Hamilton to Sydney was really like
International flights returned to Hamilton for the first time since 2012.
Waikato distillery on mission to create 'iconic' New Zealand whiskies
The team had a very busy last year and also started 2025 with a few unique releases.
Fieldays 2025 attracts strong international interest
The event will include Germany's most significant exhibition at Fieldays to date.
Former Fieldays CEO made Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Peter Nation has contributed to the rural sector since the 1980s.
Waikato community stalwarts receive Kings Birthday Honours
There are at least 15 people with connections to the region named in the 2025 list.
Taupō's 'accidental art hero' on adventures around town - and further afield
Parts of the Taupō community seem to be starting to embrace Boom Boom the dinosaur.
'Game-changer' domestic jet flights return to Hamilton after 25 years
Air New Zealand announced it would operate a 171-seat Airbus A320 on a key route.
'Huge opportunity': Hamilton Airport goes international
Flights to Australia start soon, but there could be other destinations in the future.
Hobbiton Movie Set receives Guinness World Record
Peter Jackson's Waikato film set has claimed a big record.
'Eyesaur'? Controversial new sculpture in Waikato
'Boom Boom' is the sculpture trail's 13th artwork and the first in a new sculpture park.
New Zealand arts community mourns 'larger than life artist, mentor and trailblazer'
He passed away on Friday aged 96, surrounded by his whanau.
'Significant win': New Homegrown host city confident in pulling it off
Homegrown is returning to its roots and being welcomed with open arms.
'Ready and excited': New location for Homegrown festival revealed
Homegrown is returning to its roots, dubbed an 'unbeatable location' by the local mayor.
'Significant milestone': Kākāpō boom in Waikato
It's been the first time in more than a century that the sound has been heard in Waikato.
'Working towards abundance': Record-breaker kiwi translocation complete
Since the end of February, 232 birds were moved to new homes.
On The Up: He's 100 – and the world's oldest motorcycle racer
Leslie Harris has no intention of hanging up his leathers.
'Gift that keeps on giving': Gardens receive tourism award
Last year, the attraction was named in Tripadvisor’s top 1% of things to do in the world.
'Transformational' joint venture to unlock Superhub's full potential
Tainui Group Holding's Ruakura Superhub receives major international investment.
Taupō catches Supercars fever as town amps up for racing weekend
The third round of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship, the ITM Taupō Super440, is here.
Person in serious condition after crash near Ōhaupō
Hato Hone St John were notified of the incident at 07.46am.
Rescue helicopter charity celebrates double-milestone
PSRT is the charity that owns, maintains and kits out six rescue helicopters.
‘Serious injuries’: Emergency services respond to Hamilton crash
Police arrived on Wairere Dr in Queenwood at around 7.12am.
Not a ‘popularity contest’: Top- and bottom-ranked Waikato mayors revealed
One Waikato mayor is ranked New Zealand's worst, only two local mayors are in top 10.
Vessels run aground in Coromandel after channel disappears
Waikato Regional Council said it knew of four vessels that grounded.
'Onwards and upwards': Wildlife sanctuary out of the woods for now
In June, SMM said it was struggling financially and could be forced to close.
Boon boom pow: Community to celebrate street art milestones
The annual festival will mark its 10th anniversary this year.
Up the Wwahs: Hamilton 'lures' in three NRLW matches
After a five-year absence, the Warriors return to the NRLW.
‘Seymour’s slop’: Lunch programme issues worry school
The primary school will get lunches from a local cafe until the end of the year. And then?
Hot air balloon festival returns to South Waikato
The balloons will also visit the Waipā District this year.
Fast-food proposal decision slowed down as council requests more info
The hearings on the Tīrau Starbucks and Burger King proposal are yet to be scheduled.
Kiwi translocation season to start with special visitor experience
To date, 346 kiwi have been translocated from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
Waikato pretty 'choice' place, new competition shows
People vote for choicest suburb, playground, bush, dairy, toilet, landmark and legend.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in December 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
Waikato region home to 25 New Year Honours recipients
Among them are a businessman, a former All Blacks coach, an artist and a wood turner.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in November 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in October 2024?
As the year draws to a close, the Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in September 2024?
As the year draws to a close, the Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in August 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in July 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in June 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in May 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in April 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in March 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in February 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
Glimmer of hope for NZME's Waikato community newspapers
The Taupō & Tūrangi Herald will continue in the new year – what about the rest?
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in January 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
HC Post closure marks end of 45-year-journey
There is more history to the Hauraki-Coromandel Post than meets the eye.
Waikato kākāpō goes on a surprise off-grid adventure
The endangered flightless parrot took an unplanned break from technology.
Inaugural food festival a real treat for Taupō
Over 40 food and drink businesses participated in the 9-day event.
Waikato amps up for massive festival and concert season
One of the gigs is Sublime with Rome who are on their final tour.
What Christmas events are on in the Waikato?
Christmas is (almost) here, bringing good cheer, to young and old, meek and the bold.
'Not enough evidence' that incinerator would be positive for community, mayor says
Waipā District Council prepares feedback on Te Awamutu waste-to-energy plant.
NZ's first non-binary MP presents maiden speech
Benjamin Doyle became a list MP based in Hamilton after Darleen Tana was ousted.
How grandad used to farm: Vintage club to host annual crank up day
The Hauraki Vintage Machinery Club showcases blast from the past.
Coromandel musician hand-picked by Everclear for Summer Concert Tour
All local support acts have been selected by Everclear founder Art Alexakis.
Sore, sunburnt but stoked: Taupō emergency services return from charity walk
The Waikato Herald shared their story last month. Now, they've completed the challenge.
'Good warm up for Anzac Day'; Army cadets stand guard for first time
The unit was on the brink of closing down a few years back.
Local cadets to stand guard on Armistice Day for first time in over 10 years
The Army cadet unit was on the brink of closure.
Waikato motorbike racer hangs up his leathers - for real this time
He vowed to retire from racing a few times. A recent crash made it real.
Pounamu gallery with star clientele to open in Hamilton
Sands Carving Studio has Jason Momoa and Jack Black on its client list.
New Zealand ranks in global travel trends for 2025 - thanks to Waikato
The Unpack report, an annual outlook on global travel trends, never featured NZ before.
Walk of life: Emergency services tackle lake for youth mental health charity
A team of 14 first responders join forces for special fundraiser for I am Hope.
Kindergarten on the way for a little town that's growing up fast
What used to be a quiet holiday and retirement spot is growing into a big town.
NZ's biggest fenced wildlife sanctuary cuts staff to make ends meet
The Waikato eco-sanctuary still needs much-needed financial support.
Funding cuts force Waikato Tourism to pull the pin on international marketing
Hamilton and Waikato Tourism won't promote the region overseas anymore.
Major cricket test match to draw "significant" number of visitors to Waikato
The match will take place at Seddon Park from December 14-18.
Tourism spots out in the cold after two councils split with regional tourism organisation
'Waitomo and Ōtorohanga won’t be recommended anymore,' says RTO chief.
Keeping up with the kākāpō: In the bushes with a New Zealand taonga
Since the kākāpō returned to the Waikato last year, they have been keeping rangers busy.
Tīrau Starbucks, Burger King proposal gains nationwide attention
Even South Island residents made submissions on the proposal.
Hamilton City Council scraps two hours free parking in CBD
Visitors can now park in the CBD for free for one hour.
Waikato food producers the focus of five-course degustation dinner
The Taste of Waikato will be held in October.
Critically endangered kākāpō population hit by three deaths this month
One of the birds that died was the 'treasured' poster boy for his former sanctuary.
'Machine that constantly tunes itself': Waikato tourism operators stand out
Three local operators are in line for a Tourism Industry Award.
Taupō tourism operator makes splash on national stage
Resilient tourist operator gains award, two decades on.
Hamilton Gardens turn over a new leaf as entry fee comes into effect
The visitor attraction also celebrated the opening of its Gallagher Visitor Centre.
Popular Hamilton food spot celebrates milestone
In the past 15 years it has enjoyed a growing popularity - not only from locals.
Waste-to-energy plant application called in by Environment Minister
The plant is proposed to be built in Te Awamutu.
Waikato's best pies found in Hamilton, Tīrau, Tuakau, Taupō
The recent Bakels NZ Pie Awards featured creations from six local bakeries.