Latest from Matamata-Piako District

Auckland man named as victim in Wairere Falls death
A walker saw him fall into the river at 11.50am on Saturday.

One person dead after falling into river near Wairere Falls
Police, search and rescue staff located the man’s body late this afternoon.

Matamata mare seeking Holy Grail – a Group 1 win in Australia
Major race wins across the Tasman have been hard to come by for NZ's best horses in 2025.

'Unacceptable': Police crack down on reckless dirt bike riding
Three stolen dirt bikes were recovered in Matamata after a police warrant.

‘You owe money’: Ex-inmate robbed at gunpoint by former prison buddies
The victim had no idea why he was being robbed or attacked.

‘I didn’t deserve it’: Cancer victim’s words from grave after violent patu attack
'This is not how I wanted to spend my last six months alive,' the victim wrote.

SH29 reopens follow truck breakdown
The truck's cargo of chlorine was 'reacting due to the inclement weather'.

'Do not do it': Coroner's plea to drivers after three alcohol-related crash deaths
Sahil Prasad was driving home when he was struck by Jack Halliday, driving a work ute.

‘I just feel sick’: Woman who rescued kids off Matamata train tracks feared death ‘inevitable’
A local woman said she had pulled five toddlers off the same stretch of train tracks.

Tragedy: Young female student dies after being hit by train near school
Police said the young female died at the scene despite receiving medical attention.

Not a ‘popularity contest’: Top- and bottom-ranked Waikato mayors revealed
One Waikato mayor is ranked New Zealand's worst, only two local mayors are in top 10.

Record-priced $1.65m juvenile set to make debut
Hostility was bought for $1.65 million last November.

Why this farmer is a 'beacon of community spirit'
Sharemilker Danielle Hovmand had no idea she'd been put up for an award.

Fire ban: All permits revoked for North Waikato and Coromandel
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season in the area.

Car and rail maintenance vehicle collide in Matamata
Police say the collision between two vehicles on a railway crossing happened at 8.50am.

Section of SH29 to close 24/7 for two weeks
NZTA say the closure is due to pavement rehabilitation works.

Waikato farmer cautiously optimistic about visa rule changes
“It’s not a game-changer, but is going in the right direction."

Rural community still cherishes their hall
The Hunga Hunga Hall has been part of the Waikato rural community since 1954.

48 firefighters, 1 helicopter battling digger and vegetation fire
The fire was reported after 3pm.

La Dorada claims local victory in Matamata feature
Filly backed up her stunning victory at Karaka with another success.

Walker heads home to Matamata
It was easy for Mark Walker to choose Matamata over Flemington as his racing destination.