Waikato
Whopper battle: The town weighing up Burger King and Starbucks
A David and Goliath battle is brewing in the 'Corrugated Capital of the World', with mixed feelings about proposals to open a Burger King and a Starbucks. Audio
Six arrests after reports of shoplifting and assault at Waikato supermarkets
One shoplifting incident reportedly involved teenagers and another of an adult allegedly assaulting supermarket staff.
'Transporting a giraffe is really tricky'
A bespoke trailer with an extendable canopy has successfully delivered Jabali the giraffe from Auckland to his new home in Hamilton. Audio
Hamilton man urinates on supermarket shelves in front of shocked shoppers
The incident was one in a spate of shoplifting incidents, but likely the most bizarre of them all - and with no apparent reason for his behaviour.
Patient slept on mattress in windowless room before death
Joe Carter had been sleeping on a mattress on the floor of a windowless room and likely hadn't taken his medication for a month before he died.
Parole declined for teacher Lois Dear's killer, Whetu Te Hiko
The man who murdered the Tokoroa school teacher 18 years ago will remain behind bars for another two years.
Hospital says urgent cancer cases still top priority for treatment
Waikato Hospital says all urgent cancer cases are getting radiation treatment on time, but admits others may face delays.
Funding to reinstate walking access to Cathedral Cove announced
The Conservation Minister announced a $25 million boost for conservation projects, including $5m to plan, build and maintain a track at the favourite tourist attraction.
Councillor's expletive-laden rant prompts calls for rule change
Two Waikato mayors have asked the local government minister for the establishment of an independent arbiter to deal with council code of conduct complaints.
Father of Ross Bremner dies before inquest into 2016 stabbing
There is still no date set for a coronial inquest into the multiple stabbings in Ōtorohanga and Kawhia in 2016, in which Keith Bremner was stabbed by his son and left unconscious.
Matthew Chanwai, spoilt for choice
Spoilt for choice: Hamilton based Matthew Chanwai is about to become an organ scholar at Cambridge University, but he's already principal cellist with the NZSO National Youth Orchestra. Audio
New principal for embattled school - despite current one set to return
The school has been marred by violent student brawls and a regular police presence since it opened at the beginning of the year.
Investigation launched into councillor who wrote expletive-laden rant
The independent investigation follows 24 complaints being laid over Andrew Bydder's comments - from members of two councils and the general public.
Driver in fatal crash was overtaking, speeding with another car, police say
A Toyota Landcruiser had been attempting to overtake an Audi A3 when it smashed into the oncoming Mazda, and killed a 49-year-old man.
Sneak peek of new $166m bridge across Waikato River
It is hoped the four-lane bridge will open to traffic in August, when it will be officially named.
Fight breaks out in court, defendant attacked in dock
Supporters of a woman fatally bashed by her partner jumped over a glass partition during her killer's sentencing.
'Matariki means being on our whenua'
There was only one place that an RNZ presenter wanted to be this Matariki: her hometown Whāingaroa Raglan.
'Words matter': Minister rebukes councillor for use of 'derogatory terms'
Louise Upston says it's unacceptable for Andrew Bydder to use ableist slurs in an expletive-laden rant to a neighbouring council.
One dead after hit and run in Hamilton
The person on a mobility scooter was hit by a vehicle that then fled the scene this afternoon.
Councillor should apologise for 'offensive ableist slur' - advocate
Andrew Bydder needs to publicly apologise - and make a sizeable donation - a disability advocate says.
