New Zealand
Local govt shake-up: Mayors welcome deadline to design simpler council model
'It’s absurd and childish to have so many councils.'
Latest from Wairoa
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Arrest after shot fired towards vehicle in Wairoa
A shot was fired at a vehicle at an address on April 2. Other firearms offences followed.
'Anyone involved should be ashamed': Mohaka River safety system stolen during cyclone
The river monitoring system was stolen from the Mohaka River's Raupunga site.
‘Cry wolf’ declarations risk diminishing future states of emergencies – Craig Little
OPINION: Much has been reported on my comment that I fear NZ may be becoming 'woke'.
Christopher Luxon hits back at Wairoa mayor over 'woke' comment
'I’ll happily wear a woke label this time if it means we didn’t lose anyone’s lives' - PM.
Hawke’s Bay mayor refused state of emergency for Cyclone Vaianu, calls it ‘woke’
'We didn’t need a state of emergency ... I think it takes away the importance of one.'
Hawke's Bay and Tararua's cyclone extremes – a 194km/h gust, 253mm of rain
Highest gust in an area where people live was 126km/h in Mahia, where power is now out.
Trust calls for minister’s removal from Treaty role over Waikaremoana decision
Trust says it effectively reinvents grievances and sets a path for unnecessary conflict.
Napier mayor says water deal is ‘amalgamation by stealth’ as councillors push it to next step
Richard McGrath was outvoted 9-4 on a plan he sees as 'amalgamation by stealth'.
'Could be very impactful': Cyclone Vaianu tracks towards Hawke’s Bay
MetService has issued heavy rain and strong wind watches for Sunday.
Hawke’s Bay council prepares rivermouths amid cyclone storm surge concern
Swells could be a concern as PM encourages people to prepare and stock up.
Pressure on health services as cocaine use doubles in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne
The region also has the second-highest meth use in NZ and low prices at $306 a gram.
'Divided' communities brought back together after four years with new bridge
Built with a 90.5m steel arch, Te Rēinga Bridge spans the river with no piers.
Napier mayor gets onto his e-scooter as councils brace for fuel crisis
'On a nice day, you can’t beat it,' Richard McGrath says.
Sport and community clubs targeted in spate of Hawke’s Bay burglaries
Since February, police have investigated nine burglaries at clubs across the region.
'Huge milestone': Cyclone repair works finished on SH2 in Hawke’s Bay
A major milestone for Hawke's Bay has been reached after years of road works.
Hawke's Bay's Easter forecast: A tale of two holidays
Expect Good Friday to be great. Expect Easter Monday to be anything but.
Councils of flood hit areas invest in flood barriers as extra security
Each 14.5m Ark tube replaces about 160 traditional sandbags.
115-year-old Hawke's Bay cottage sold for just $57,000
It was the third-cheapest freestanding home sale nationwide in 2025.
Watch: Fireball that streaked across Hawke’s Bay sky likely to be burning space junk
Witnesses from Wairoa to Napier saw the glowing object about 6.15am on Tuesday.
Mysterious object thought to be space junk over Hawke's Bay
The meteor, filmed here by fishermen in Awatoto, was seen from Napier and Wairoa. Video / Codey Montgomerie
Napier’s squabbling councillors got the region’s biggest pay bump
The four mayors’ average increase was 8.50%.
Welcome to Wairoa – this new training hub aims to attract frontline health staff
'People are dying out of town, families are imploding trying to look after loved ones.'
Small town welcomes second supermarket - an independent - to compete with Foodstuffs
Baskete will revamp the old New World site and open in late June or July.
How a Hawke’s Bay golf day helps turn landfill waste into lifelines
Players will chip balls into sets of drawers before they are recycled for a local family.
Fine Hawke’s Bay weekend ahead as scooter riders hit the highway to Wellington
MetService expects sun and mid-20s highs across Hawke's Bay all weekend.
Autumn arrives with a bang as Hawke’s Bay gets first dusting of snow
It didn't last long, but it was a sight for cold eyes.
Family's world shattered as baby dies in school bus crash. How a dad is trying to heal
Donations flooded in after Jordan Biddle's baby son died. He wants to give some back.
‘Intolerable risk to life’: Crown manager kept on to oversee $70m Wairoa flood works
A Cabinet paper expressed concern about the project, citing disputes between councils.
Regional airline loans welcomed after soaring costs batter operators
Carriers around the country may need a lifeline for the lifelines they provide.