Stories by Alexa Cook

Expect disruptions as the Mongrel Mob farewells its Napier president 'Heil Dogg' this weekend, police say. Audio

Officers have breath tested more than 500 drivers as they prepare for the funeral of Napier Mongrel Mob Barbarian chapter president 'Heil Dogg'.

Productivity in Hawke's Bay has fallen below the national average, according to a new economic study of the region. Audio

Police are expecting a large number of gang members to be in Hawke's Bay for the funeral of a Mongrel Mob leader.

The sweetcorn season has come early - with Gisborne's crops being harvested two weeks earlier than usual due to perfect growing conditions.

A new type of technology will connect Tai Rāwhiti communities to civil defence during disasters - even when all other communications are wiped out. Audio

The child and her brother were also unlawfully detained and unjustifiably handcuffed, the IPCA says.

"This sort of behaviour really can't continue," say opponents of a controversial proposal to build on productive food growing land.

"I can't see this lasting unless they have a budget to lock fullas up in jail," a Mongrel Mob chapter founder says.

A coronial inquiry is being held at Hastings District Court to decide which issues will be considered by the coroner looking into the 12 deaths caused by the cyclone.

A unique food rescue operation is feeding 800 locals a week in an effort to reduce food insecurity in the community. Audio

"Consumers should care about what they eat because that impacts upon their health."

Just two families have clocked more than 300 years of work at the Smithfield plant, but they're now among the hundreds figuring out what to do next. Audio

The loss of 600 jobs in Timaru is hitting the local economy hard, with retailers seeing a big drop in sales, sparking fears that more shops will close. Audio

For 16 years Hugh and Linda Findlay have been selling their cherries from a shed near Napier. Audio

"This is always going to be an emotional subject," but could help with water security, one councillor says. Audio

The cyclone-damaged section of the road between Napier and Wairoa won't have two lanes open until next Christmas. Audio

For 21 years, Aaron McCann and his father worked together at the mill. For the past year, his son James has been there too.

Two men, one accused of murdering an 18-year-old found in a burned-out car in a Hawke's Bay, have been given a trial date.

"They need to get on with it because we're getting more events these days," Wairoa's mayor says.

It will act on all 14 recommendations made in a damning Inquiry into last year's devastating and deadly weather events. Audio

Locals worry their home is about to turn into a ghost town as the ripple effect from the mill closure creeps into households. Audio

Hundreds of mill workers farewelled their workplace for the final time today, as Winstone Pulp International closed the doors on 45 years of operations. Audio

Zach Ryan first walked in the doors of the mill 14 years ago, fresh out of high school. Audio

Experts are urging the government to put more effort into helping the region transition to more sustainable land use and other economic opportunities. Audio