Local Focus Summer Hacks: Paperless christmas wrapping

PPTA strike action

PPTA Te Wehengarua warned the strike would cause widespread disruption and argued the Government’s pay offer failed to address worsening staff shortages and soaring workloads.

Crews battle major overnight blaze at Hamilton commercial building

Crews were called to a fire at a block of shops on Masters Ave in Hillcrest, Hamilton overnight.

Orca seen at a Whitianga beach

Three orca were spotted swimming only 3 metres away from two women at a Whitianga beach. Video / Hayley Jones

One in serious condition after ute collides with train in Tokoroa

Emergency services were called to the scene on Bridge St, where a train collided with a vehicle, just after 4am. Video / John Van de Ven

Drones could be coming to farm sheds and beaches near you

At Fieldays’ first Drone Zone, manufacturers and businesses had the chance to showcase how drones are revolutionising farming and fishing. Video / Maryana Garcia

2025 King's Birthday Honours List

Celebrating the Knights and Dames appointed in this year's King's Birthday Honours list. Video / NZ Herald

On the Up: Meet the world's oldest motorcycle racer

100-year-old racer Les Harris leads a final lap from a ute, surrounded by family and fellow riders.

Fire on Ellis St, Frankton, Hamilton

Fire and Emergency New Zealand are responding to a large building fire on Ellis St, in Frankton, Hamilton. Video / Troy Graham / Maryana Garcia

80ha scrub fire at around 10.30am this morning burning swampland in North Waikato, near Meremere

Island Block Rd is currently closed to public access with safety cordons in place. Video / Laird Little

20-hectare scrub fire burning swampland in North Waikato

Firefighters are expected to be at the scene overnight. Video / Malisha Kumar

Taupō man spends five years building boat from scratch

Taupō man Mark Dumble has spent the past five years building this 4m clinker boat from scratch and recently launched it at Two Mile Bay, Lake Taupō. Video / Dan Hutchinson

Coastguard Tairua/Pāuanui unit story

Coastguard, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and local fishing/boating clubs have teamed up to deliver nationwide bar awareness. Video / Coastguard New Zealand

A rare glimpse of New Zealand's precious kākāpō

Staff at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, near Cambridge, make a health check on Bunker, one of three precious flightless kākāpō living on the maunga.

Three-vehicle accident in Te Awamutu

A serious three-vehicle accident in Te Awamutu has left one person in critical condition. Video / Jesse Wood

Unexplained death in Waikato

Police and forensics are at the scene of an unexplained death in Te Kauwhata, Waikato.Video / Malisha Kumar

Vascular surgeon wants to introduce a new surgery to New Zealand

Dr Chris Holdaway says the surgery will treat patients with a rare and debilitating abdominal condition.

Waihī couple celebrate 65 years of marriage

David and Sheila Callaghan were married on May 16, 1959. Video / Allan Williams

House fire in Taupō

Fire and Emergency NZ crews at the scene of a house fire in Taupō.

From zero to hero

Hamilton businessman and Robbie Allen is a colourful character living his best life after rising from crime and alcoholism. Video / Mike Scott

Dutch elm disease reported in Waipā District

The first case of Dutch elm disease was reported in the Waipā District last week. Video / Dean Taylor

Incredible footage of Coromandel whale shark encounter

Stunning footage has been captured of a group of people swimming with a whale shark in the Coromandel. Video / Tom Bromhead, Andy Mora, Catie Mora

Protest over staffing reductions at the University of Waikato

People gathered outside the Pā at the University of Waikato, in protest of a recent announcement that would see a 10 per cent reduction in staffing for library services. Video / NZ Herald

Young insect enthusiast's pick for NZ Bug of the Year

Patrick Wilson, 10, from Taupō explains why stick insects are his choice for NZ Bug of the Year. Video / Daniel Hutchinson

Bagshot Row opens its doors

“You shall not pass” beyond the doors of the hobbit holes at the Hobbiton Movie Set - until now as iconic hobbit holes are finally open to the public. Video / Carson Bluck

Local emergency services attended a house fire in Hamilton

Fire and Emergency were called to a 2-storey residential home at 9.02am in Hillcrest, Hamilton. The fire was well involved upon arrival. Video / Malisha Kumar

All Blacks back in Paris, Gaza war intensifies and Labour on the offensive | Focus Morning Bulletin 10 October, 2023

The All Blacks arrive in Paris, Israel declares war on Hamas and Labour on the offensive in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

Watch: Robbers smash car into Huntly Four Square

Ngaruawahia man Khances Mahara-Sunnex and four co-offenders robbed the Huntly Four Square of cash, booze and groceries during a ram-raid early on March 5, 2022. Video / Supplied

Focus: Tama Potaka - six months as Hamilton West MP

Six months into his tenure as the Hamilton West MP, Tama Potaka has earned a reputation as a fitness enthusiast and push-up aficionado. Video / Mike Scott

Atiamuri farmers use less fertiliser

Jenny and Miah Smith have trialled regenerative agriculture methods that allowed them to cut back on synthetic inputs.

Focus: Marokopa mystery - A year on from disappearance of Tom Phillips and three kids

A private investigator reveals how Tom Phillips and his three children Jayda, Maverick and Ember could have remained hidden for over a year. Video / NZ Herald

Focus: Fatal crash between car and ambulance in Cambridge

Two people have died following a collision between a car and an ambulance in Cambridge. Video / Caitlan Johnston

Manhunt for killer, car abandoned at scene

Police investigate Cambridge homicide after woman found dead, search underway in Te Aroha. Video / Mike Scott

Focus: Erosion threatens homes at Port Waikato

Waikato resident Josephine Poland talks about the erosion that threatens her beachside home. Video / Mike Scott

Manhunt underway after Waikato firearms incident

A police investigation is underway after a person was seriously injured on Monday night. Video / Andrew Warner

Focus: First look at Hamilton's new section of Waikato Expressway

The 22 kilometre expressway is near completion. Video / Mike Scott

Focus: Hospitals under 'extreme pressure' as winter ills mount

As hospitals experience "extreme pressure" with "abnormally high" patient presentations, NZ Nurses Organisation co-president Kerri Nuku calls on the Government to act. Video / NZ Herald

Focus: Police Minister weighs in on recent ram raids

Police Minister Poto Williams weighs in on recent ram raids while National call for policy change. Video / NZ Herald

Waikato dairy owners share shocking burglary footage

Waikato dairy owners say burglars are becoming increasingly vicious and targeting stores during the day. Video / Supplied

Riff Raff statue re-unveiling

Hamilton's iconic Riff Raff statue was re-unveiled at its temporary home at the Waikato Museum yesterday. Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate and former National MP Tim Macindoe couldn't help it but join Sandra Jensen and Adrian Holroyd in doing the Time Warp (again). Video / Danielle Zollickhofer

Focus: Woman and baby dead in Hamilton freight train incident

A woman and a baby are dead after they were struck by a freight train in Hamilton this morning. Video / Mike Scott