Latest Waikato news

What the inaugural Jetstar flight from Hamilton to Sydney was really like
International flights returned to Hamilton for the first time since 2012.

Wintec welder leading the way for women in trades
Sasha Devia offers advice after winning a Bunnings Women in Apprenticeships Award.

Waihī house fire: Probe into cause of man's death
What started a fatal house blaze in Waihī is still being investigated.

'Quite fun': Hamish's quail egg business takes flight
Hamish began rearing quails for their eggs at age 11.

'Invitation to connect': Matariki Festival brings events to Waikato
The programme will see events take place in Hamilton, South Waikato and Kāwhia.

Police find gun, drugs in stolen van
The van was stolen in April and found on White St in Whitianga last week, police say.

'I will forever hate you': Victims' torment after 'friend' sexually abused them as boys
Glen Wright continues to deny the offending and claims the victims conspired against him.

Waikato Steeplechase win caps chaotic day for Matthews
Portia Matthews won both of the steeplechase races on the card.

Chiefs beat Brumbies to book spot in Super Rugby Pacific final
The Chiefs will head to Christchurch to meet the Crusaders next weekend.

Major emergency response under way after Paeroa crash leaves one critical and one badly hurt
'There are a number of people down a bank from a vehicle.'

Book extract: Ian Foster on keeping his job as All Blacks coach
'There was not a lot of trust between us anymore. In fact ... there was zero trust.'

Young Farmers visit Fieldays as they gear up for grand final
A couple of top Young Farmers popped in to talk to The Country's Jamie Mackay too.

The Country: Shane Jones holds court at Fieldays
A cast of 1000s including Shane Jones, Te Radar, George Dodson, and Rick Ladd.

Call for more rural psychologists to help farmers
Experts warn there's high demand for mental health support in rural areas.

'We still have that risk': Thunderstorm chance remains in north, skifields to open in south
The wet weather has also caused a mudslide that's blocking a North Island highway.

Traffic disruption: Three-vehicle crash hits Fieldays-bound commuters
Traffic delays are affecting those heading to the event at Mystery Creek.

The best cosy cabins in New Zealand for a winter getaway
There’s no better time to go off-grid than in the midst of a New Zealand winter.

Waikato distillery on mission to create 'iconic' New Zealand whiskies
The team had a very busy last year and also started 2025 with a few unique releases.

Favouritism v loyalty in $75k Waikato Steeples
'I can't tip against The Cossack': Nelson's heartfelt admission.

Delays on SH1 near Taupō after slip
NZTA says SH1 between Taupō and Tūrangi is under stop/go traffic management.

'Fuel in the tank': Ruapehu Mayor announces re-election bid
'I don’t race to Facebook. I deal with it, get advice and work through the issue.'

Truck hits overbridge in Hamilton, causes Fieldays delays
Police said the truck had been removed, but traffic management was still in place.

Defence Force's Waiōuru housing project fails to break ground
Budget 2023 earmarked the thick end of $75 million for 50 new houses.

Thunderstorm threat looms over NZ, downpours for the south
A heavy rain watch is in place for North Otago until this evening.

Matariki events and sports – here's what's on in Waikato
What events are on in Waikato?

Dr Lesley Rameka honoured for 30-year service to Māori
“They were sharing a real taonga with us, and it was important that their words be heard."

How driving a ‘s*** car’ helped welder buy his first home at 19
Zack Kendrick saved $27,000 in two years.

'We're here to grow value': Govt announces grass-fed cert scheme, $17m resilient pasture programme
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said agriculture was leading NZ out of a recession.