Latest Waikato news

Soiled, neglected toddler found wandering streets, mother was ‘disconnected from reality’
The whānau was on Oranga Tamariki's radar long before the child went missing.

Search for woman who failed to board flight stepped up
Police believe Penelope may have travelled to the Otago Peninsula area.

Revealed: Hottest place in the country for third month in a row
The region boasts both the hottest and wettest weather for February.

Man seen on CCTV footage holding weapon in Hamilton CBD
Council CCTV operators reported the man to police.

Alien Weaponry, Balloons and Turangawaewae regatta – here's what's on in the Waikato
What events are on in Waikato?

‘Prime land’: University strikes $1.38m deal to lease public reserve for 99 years
It plans to build a marine research and education facility.

Company lodges fast-track Waihī mine application
OceanaGold has submitted a project application through the fast-track approvals process.

'Can’t say no to your grandma': 75-year-old convinces daughter and grandson to do an Ironman with her
'We weren’t just racing. We were creating memories as a family.'

Four horses, two paths: $3.5m race challenge for O'Sullivan
Sethito and Checkmate are O'Sullivan's top hopes for Ellerslie's big race.

‘Helpless’ mum told toddler must continue visits with dad after sex abuse claim
The child has twice claimed her father has touched her inappropriately on the visits.

Family honours legacy of slain woman Turipapa Tukere
The Ngāruawāhia woman died after a daylight brawl in Waikato.

Hamilton city councillor resigns just months before election
He was first elected as a councillor in the 2021 byelection.

String of suspicious fires south of Auckland under investigation
The fires were lit across the first three months of this year.

‘Hang on a minute’: Couple wins $10.5m on a whim
'It just doesn’t feel real', the winner says.

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

‘Straight from the airport’: Stevenson wasting no time in Chiefs comeback
The 28-year-old has come straight back into contention after a stint in Japan.

'Has to be better': Trainer confident as Legarto heads to Ellerslie
Legarto will face Group 1 rivals including Belclare and Campionessa.

‘Best decision of my life’: Tokoroa local enthuses about joining Navy
Montana Hartley has just completed junior officer and basic training at Devonport.

Star architect’s one and only Coromandel bach for sale for first time
Striking holiday home has been enjoyed by three generations of the same family.

Have you seen Penelope? Police searching for 65yo woman who failed to board flight
She was last seen on February 28 and police have concerns for her welfare.

‘Peril to the public’: Lawyer allegedly falsified judge’s minute, court records
Ben Wong has been suspended while a tribunal investigates his conduct.

‘Please come home’: Desperate mother begs her missing son to make contact
Police say a man sighted on Sunday matching Langford's description was not him.

Pak’nSave supermarkets charged with ‘misleading specials’, inaccurate pricing
It's alleged the supermarkets engage in misleading specials and inaccurate pricing.

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

Luxon says MPs aren’t raising communication style concerns with him, faces Bayly questions
'That’s not a conversation we’ve had with our caucus at all.'

Medical schools boosted by 25 places a year
More graduates will also be trained in general practice clinics rather than hospitals.

‘Means a lot’: Toa’s record-breaking triumph at world manu champs
Maara Toa won the Z Manu World Champs adult male division in Auckland.

‘Love you Scrap Dogg’: Murder accused drops suppression bid
Chalise Tei Barton-Barbarich allegedly killed a woman during a brawl.

Luxury lodge loved by Sir Peter Jackson and Rings fans looking for $5m-plus
Other famous guests include the "foul-mouthed" star of Succession.