Matamata & Piako news
Teen's track death: Transport bosses reject call to ban or slow trains after school
Fencing will be installed to deter people from entering the rail corridor.
Hobbiton Movie Set receives Guinness World Record
Peter Jackson's Waikato film set has claimed a big record.
Couple bought 125-year-old church on a whim - put their bed next to the pulpit
“We would be driving past a church and Suzanne would go, ‘Stop, stop, stop.'"
Tomodachi delivers milestone win for Andrew Scott in Rotorua mud
Matamata trainer one of the few to reach 1000 career wins in New Zealand.
Punters should be on weather watch ahead of Rotorua feature
It is that time of the year when the weather forecast becomes as important as race form.
Solar panels slash farmer's power bills
Malcolm Jones' milking shed is entirely solar-powered, comprising 380 panels.
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.
Vehicle hits gas main in Morrinsville, road reopened
The road was closed between Anderson and Thames streets but has reopened.
‘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.
KiwiRail didn't follow Coroner recommendation after 2012 train fatality in Matamata
The news comes after Matamata College student Sarie Morton died last week.
‘You owe money’: Ex-inmate robbed at gunpoint by former prison buddies
The victim had no idea why he was being robbed or attacked.
Vehicle hits gas main in Morrinsville, road reopened
The road was closed between Anderson and Thames streets but has reopened.
Waikato News
Waikato firewood injuries rack up $2.4m ACC bill
Nationally, 8374 firewood injury claims cost the country $19.9m in 2024.
Forgetful pizza store robber leaves police scanner - with his DNA all over it - at the scene
Charles Wilson was on electronic monitoring bail for a series of burglaries at the time.
Father, son share recovery update after tragic ATV crash that killed 10yo
The accident claimed the life of 10-year-old Jimmy Schick on May 11.
More Matamata-Piako News
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.