Latest fromNapier

New partners sought after sudden closure of Napier bar and restaurant
Good George parts ways with its Napier site owner, which is in voluntary liquidation.

Improving Māori health could boost Hawke’s Bay economy by $120m a year: study
'Hawke’s Bay’s working-age Māori aren’t accessing health care early enough.'

Rep cricketer emailed club to play social footy, becomes National League sensation
Meet the footballer who smashed Beauden Barrett's Bronco fitness test record.

HBRC unveils new flood management plan for Wairoa River
Mayor Craig Little stresses the importance of mitigating flooding risks.

'Vital role': Napier Library saved; plan to demolish aquarium hits snag
Napier Library will remain open following community pushback at a shock plan to close it.

Napier facing a decline in cruise bookings - why?
Napier is expecting a 25% dip in cruise visits compared to the booming 2023/24 season.

From prison to gospel rap: Napier influencer Gzilla turns pain into purpose
'Nobody’s too far gone ... If God can save me, he can save anyone.'

Editorial: If freezing works close, rural towns die. We need a plan to save them
OPINION: The shape of traditional sheep and beef country has changed over the past decade.

'She is not going to prison': Woman avoids jail after cousin's fatal mattress fall from car roof
Judge: 'You clearly are a good person who has done something you'll regret.'

Opposition MPs among 250 pay equity protesters in Napier
Among the crowd were some of the opposition MPs in town for a Labour Party conference.

Basketball: Two big wins in the deep south for Hawks
Seven games to go, and the Hawks are 5th in the rush for the top six for the playoffs.

Murder accused claims cyclist threw first punch: 'We never intended for him to die'
Isaiah Buchanan says those involved in fatal fight exchanged handshakes afterwards.

On The Up: 'Very proud' 94yo credits staff and customers for service station success
'It's something different for a Chinese mechanic to start a garage.'

'One hesitation and you're history': Plea to lower speed limit in Bay View
There have been 127 crashes on Main North Rd since 2015, with five fatalities.

The $40m difference - why Napier council has $110m budget for $70m project
Napier's mayor is hopeful the civic centre and library work will be finished under budget.

'Incredible role': The pioneering nurse helping victims of sexual violence
Lei Johnson was the first nurse practitioner to become an accredited forensic examiner.

Arrested man claims police beat him, then released him to walk 20km back to Napier
Cops say John Heremaia “actively and violently” resisted arrest, and assaulted an officer.

'Do the right thing': Mother's plea for justice in son's stabbing
Heartbreak continues for Kaea Karauria's family as teen's killer remains free.

Staffing costs at Hawke’s Bay councils - are they reasonable?
Economist Brad Olsen says there's a tendency to “vilify” the spending.

‘Not telling us the truth’: Investigation into slaying of Napier teen outside party being hampered
'We know who is not telling us the truth. They need to reconsider what they have told us.'

'Treating us like sheep': Why Napier fisherman plans to skirt around beach barriers
Steve Dean says he’ll be driving the long way along the beach to his usual fishing spot.