Latest Waikato news

Chiefs beat Brumbies to book spot in Super Rugby Pacific final
The Chiefs will head to Christchurch to meet the Crusaders next weekend.

Major emergency response under way after Paeroa crash leaves one critical and one badly hurt
'There are a number of people down a bank from a vehicle.'

'One fatality', three injured in Te Aroha crash
Diversions are in place as police attend the scene of a two-car accident.

Young Farmers visit Fieldays as they gear up for grand final
A couple of top Young Farmers popped in to talk to The Country's Jamie Mackay too.

The Country: Shane Jones holds court at Fieldays
A cast of 1000s including Shane Jones, Te Radar, George Dodson, and Rick Ladd.

Call for more rural psychologists to help farmers
Experts warn there's high demand for mental health support in rural areas.

'We still have that risk': Thunderstorm chance remains in north, skifields to open in south
The wet weather has also caused a mudslide that's blocking a North Island highway.

Traffic disruption: Three-vehicle crash hits Fieldays-bound commuters
Traffic delays are affecting those heading to the event at Mystery Creek.

The best cosy cabins in New Zealand for a winter getaway
There’s no better time to go off-grid than in the midst of a New Zealand winter.

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.

'Fuel in the tank': Ruapehu Mayor announces re-election bid
'I don’t race to Facebook. I deal with it, get advice and work through the issue.'

Truck hits overbridge in Hamilton, causes Fieldays delays
Police said the truck had been removed, but traffic management was still in place.

Defence Force's Waiōuru housing project fails to break ground
Budget 2023 earmarked the thick end of $75 million for 50 new houses.

Thunderstorm threat looms over NZ, downpours for the south
A heavy rain watch is in place for North Otago until this evening.

Matariki events and sports – here's what's on in Waikato
What events are on in Waikato?

Dr Lesley Rameka honoured for 30-year service to Māori
“They were sharing a real taonga with us, and it was important that their words be heard."

How driving a ‘s*** car’ helped welder buy his first home at 19
Zack Kendrick saved $27,000 in two years.

'We're here to grow value': Govt announces grass-fed cert scheme, $17m resilient pasture programme
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said agriculture was leading NZ out of a recession.

Super Rugby teams: Key changes highlight semifinal squads
How the teams will line up in the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals.

Truck rolls in Waitomo, one lane closed on SH3
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand heavy rescue crew was dispatched from Hamilton.

Sheepskin collagen powder makers up for Fieldays award
Tertiary Extracts Ōtautahi creates collagen powder from sheepskins, reducing waste.

Gates open for Fieldays 2025
Fog, family, fun and gumboots abound at Mystery Creek, just outside Hamilton.

'Real excited vibe': Fieldays returns amid booming agri-sector
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the sector was pulling the country out of recession.

Whakapapa 'geared up' ahead of new season
More than 1600 people applied for jobs for the winter season.

Vandals remove third chicane as Tamahere road safety row intensifies
Residents complained the chicanes were dangerous and installed without consultation.

Shoplifter who reoffended after being bailed 13 times ‘stole to survive’
'The only way we could stop you from stealing was to remand you in custody,' says judge.

Magic take home second win in a row against Stars
Hot on the heels of last week's home win, the Magic won 71-54 in Auckland on Monday.

University's kiwifruit gripper built to help combat labour shortage
The University of Waikato entered two prototypes into the Fieldays Innovation Awards.