Doug Laing, Multimedia Journalist at Hawke’s Bay Today, covers all aspects of provincial journalism including local government, sports, major events, social and justice issues.
I’m Doug Laing – Multimedia Journalist at Hawke’s Bay Today. You could say journalism ran in my blood - my father, Les Laing, was a journalist who while working for the NZBC and then Radio New Zealand mentored and helped train broadcasters on-station throughout New Zealand. Journalism is a life-long 24/7 calling for me. I followed in Dad’s footsteps from a young age, writing stories for the local weekly rugby programme while at primary school in the 1960s, and Junior Kiwi - a newspaper for schools. As a 14 year old, I worked as a reporter at the Wairarapa Times-Age during school holidays and began my fulltime career at the Central Hawke’s Bay Press, Waipukurau, in July 1973. I’ve also worked at the Daily Telegraph, had a short stint in public relations in Auckland, worked at The Dominion/Sunday and New Zealand Times, before returning to the Daily Telegraph in May 1987 as Chief Reporter. In 1999 the Daily Telegraph merged with the Hawke’s Bay Herald Tribune to create Hawke’s Bay Today, and I’ve been here ever since. I continue covering all aspects of provincial journalism, including local government, sports, major events, social and justice matters. I've been involved in two books, "Cavaliers in South Africa 1986" (rebel rugby tour) and "Shear History" (Golden Shears 50 years). Finalist Qantas Awards breaking news category (Flaxmere police shooting 1996), Napier Pilot City Trust Awards for "Outstanding Contribution to the Quality of Life for all Napier Citizens" and 2020 NZ Rural Sports Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Sports
Absolutely outstanding in their field, and butchery
A specialised Hawke's Bay meat producer gets the big one despite the cyclone.
Bike and bus riders get their day
Bike racks were pulled from Hawke's Bay buses five months ago.
Joseph Parker invited to celebrate HB boxing club's anniversary
The boxer's world title hopes could affect hopes to be in Hastings.
Surprise game for Super Rugby star in Napier game
Five games of Premier rugby saw 411 points, including 63 tries.
On The Up - 'Knight in high-vis': Truckie stops busy traffic to help woman in mobility scooter
Leon Thompson thought he might 'cop a bit of abuse'. Now he's a social media hero.
The mountain ahead: Fight to buy back Kahurānaki maunga starts by climbing it
Hīkoi to Kahūranaki aims to show it's 'possible to reclaim whenua, one maunga at a time'.
Hawke’s Bay butcher a cut above almost all the rest
'I never would have thought picking up a knife would get me close to the Eiffel Tower.'
Rugby: Rookie Magpie gets Under-20s NZ call-up
Will Cole came from Wairarapa to Hawke's Bay to play premier rugby.
Perfume thieves in Napier caught on CCTV and phone cameras
They took some scents, but there wasn't much sense to it, shop owners say.
Annual concert last held in 2007 returns to Hawke’s Bay
Collapse of the Timeless Summer Tour has led to the return of a gig full of 'nostalgia'.
Week of acclaim for Hawke's Bay's farmers of the year
A Central Hawke's Bay farming couple win the big one – Farmer of the Year.
Tapuae mentor to coach Poverty Bay in Heartland Rugby
He coached Tapuae unbeaten to win the Poverty Bay title last year.
On top of the world: Laura Bradley claims record number of wins by a female shearer
From Papatawa to the big time - Laura Bradley's remarkable 16 wins.
Cavalry arrives as Hawks shoot for next win
Four players from the Illawarra Hawks camp have arrived in Napier.
Entries sought for 2025 Export Awards
The Hawke's Bay Export Awards are in their 11th year.
Auto extravaganza - up to 500 machines expected at showgrounds
The Auto Extravaganza hit Hawke's Bay for the first time last year, raising $10k+.
Hastings racecourse redevelopment plans coming in ‘next few weeks’
It's now six months since the one slip that stopped racing in Hastings.
NZ Champs and Golden Shears double for Toa Henderson
Results from the 39th New Zealand Shearing Championships at Te Kūiti on March 27-29.
Paerata Abraham regains NZ Shears open speed shear title
Wairarapa shearing contractor Paerata Abraham beat his employee, Llyr Jones.
Central Hawke's Bay athlete into world's top 50 after three national titles in a fortnight
'I know I am more than capable of scoring 6000 points and beyond.'
Jack Fagan eyes NZ Shears Circuit defence
Te Kūiti shearer is well-placed for a successful New Zealand Shears Circuit title defence.
Festival with a difference as Pakistani community rallies for Napier cricket
The ODI in Napier coincides with the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Flying high and in all directions: Hawks top NBL
The cavalry is arriving, with the Hawks currently sitting pretty.
Napier healthcare protest: 'Almost nothing left'
Just over 200 people rallied to support the call for better Napier Health Centre services.
'Your record's smoked': Runner needs 'divine intervention' to keep his 36-year NZ record
Richard Potts ran an NZ schools 1500m record in 1989. It still stands, but for how long?
No backing down for Napier health services protest
A Napier health services protest rally will start on Sunday at 1pm, at the Sound Shell.
After 16 national titles, 33-year-old runner gets her world championship call-up
It's been a 15-year wait for Laura Nagel, who ran at the world junior champs in 2010.
Big three set for Napier NPC games in 2025
Three big city teams will face the Magpies at McLean Park. All the best!
Golden Shears champ shines at Warkworth A&P Show
All the shearing action from the Warkworth and Methven A & P Shows.
Hawks and Ball the talk of the NBL as they aim for three from three
Jackson Ball, 17, has scored 76 points for the Hawks in his two starts this year.
Obituary: Nigel Marple - one of NZ’s finest photojournalists
Nigel Marple went from Napier to Sarajevo, confronting tragedy, triumph through his lens.
Hawke’s Bay Sports Awards postponed indefinitely
The Hawke's Bay Sports Awards have been an annual event since the mid-1960s.
Kiwis beat Wales in first shearing test
Kiwis David Buick and Jack Fagan defeated Gethin Lewis and Llyr Jones.
Mayor encourages public protest at Napier Health Centre over overnight health care
Over 100 signed a health services 'Buller Declaration', and the mayor urged them to rally.
'A star is born': Teenager scores 40 points for the Hawks in NBL opener
Jackson Ball turned 17 this week.
Kiwi shearers chase revenge in Welsh test match
David Buick and Jack Fagan to go head-to-head with Gethin Lewis and Llyr Jones.
Kahurānaki for sale - Iwi and hapū look at options to buy ancestral maunga
'Everyone agrees it’s very important, so we’ll work through it all and see where we get.'
Napier healthcare services in the spotlight at public meeting
An opposition MP and city leaders are expected at Thursday night's meeting.
Takapau puts its hand up to save rugby club
The Takapau rugby club has a history of 140 years, but was on the verge of folding.
Hawke’s Bay women take historic 100m national relay title
The depth of Hawke's Bay sprinting talent was on show at the national championships.
Rural Games success for Toa Henderson
Henderson pipped shearing gun Jack Fagan twice over the weekend at two events.
Triple treat: Cruise trio brings 5200 visitors
Scores of passengers off the three ships thronged into the Emerson St shopping precinct.
Mountain for sale: Iconic station has been in family for more than 100 years
'Time for someone else to have a go' with one of Hawke's Bay's most outstanding features.
Young guns set to soar as new-look Hawks ready to take flight
The Hawks start a new season on Wednesday, aiming for the first title in 20 years.
'Not the time for pitching visionary projects': Councils suggest a strategic regional deal with Govt
The Cabinet plans to decide in May the first regions to progress.
High waves hit Hawke’s Bay, Napier closes viewing platform
A low pressure system east of the North Island is causing large swells.
Plenty of players, but no committee: Rugby club could 'fold' after 140 years
'It has become unsustainable for the few still involved.'
Hawke’s Bay’s shearers' golden moments at the Golden Shears
Hawke's Bay may have missed the biggie, but the region didn't walk away empty-handed.
'I used to dream of this moment': Toa Henderson's Golden Shears triumph
Results from the 23rd Golden Shears International Shearing and Woolhandling Championships.
Young guns day at Golden Shears
Finals results in the day sessions on the first day of the Golden Shears in Masterton.
Big local win in Golden Shears speed shear
The first night of the 2025 Golden Shears closed with a local speed shear success.
Rowland Smith warms up for Golden Shears with Hawke's Bay win
“They would have jumped a bit when they saw him turn up,” said one woolshed veteran.
'Very happy to have made it': Justin Meikle's shearing surprise
Meikle decided to enter the five-round circuit while supporting son Tye's junior efforts.
Leon Samuels sets the line for Golden Shears defence
Results from the Taumarunui, Apiti, Kaikoura, and Pahiatua shows over the weekend.
Waikato shearer breaks world merino shearing record
The record took place in Australia at Spring Valley Farm, Darkan, southeast of Perth.
Doubts remain over Napier Health Centre overnight service
City residents await news on what plans there are for urgent overnight healthcare.
Big entry numbers for this year’s Golden Shears
The 63rd Golden Shears will be held in Masterton from February 27 to March 1.
Usual care won’t be impacted by emergency exercise at hospital
Health NZ and ambulance service test tent's capacity in emergency shake-down.
Super Rugby Pacific: Fijian Drua descend ahead of Hurricanes clash in Napier
Strong Bay connections for two Fijian Drua coaches in Saturday's big game.
'They’ll soon get the message': Time for crackdown on pitch invaders, ex rugby boss says
Sports watchers are fed up with the antics of pitch invaders, ex rugby union boss says.
'Not ideal': Overnight Napier health care in the balance as March 1 changes loom
It's just over a week before changes begin but Health NZ can't say what they'll be.
Return of the Tri - athletes from 15 countries race their way to Napier
The World Cup event on Sunday is part of the second Napier Triathlon Festival.
Eskdale Park, gifted a century ago, is reborn after 100,000 cubic metres of silt removed
The seeds of a new future for Eskdale and its flood-ravaged valley are emerging.
Women win three of four finals at Ohura Shears
Laura Bradley, Sarah Bryant and Jodiesha Kirkpatrick dominated at the Ohura Show.
Seeing Sheila more clearly with wheelie bins banished from Napier’s main street
Bins being left on the street outside of collection hours were not a 'good look'.
Cabinet funds Napier-Wairoa highway realignment, Bailey Bridge to remain at least four more years
The cyclone sped up the need for a project in the melting pot for at least 20 years.
One conviction so far after claims of 'network of corruption' of gaming funds
Eight people were alleged to be linked in a network of gaming proceeds corruption.
Napier prepares for first Super Rugby game in four years
The last Super Rugby game in Napier attracted 9226 fans. Can the Bay beat that next week?
Art Deco Festival: Thousands set to roll in as Napier has its day in the sun, two years after cyclone
Art Deco event organisers appear set to get fine weather for the three-day festival.
Remarkable catch wins $20,000 prize – but the fish itself could be worth many thousands more
Northern bluefin tuna are a delicacy in Japan, where they sell for over $5000 a kg.
'Difficult conclusion': Irish pub announces voluntary liquidation five weeks before St Patrick’s Day
Owners say bar is a victim of Covid, the cyclone, and the other business pressures.
Toa Henderson and Pagan Rimene win big at Otago Shears
Pagan Rimene successfully defended her title of New Zealand Woolhandler of the Year.
‘One of the sharpest’: Hawke’s Bay 16yo scores Tall Blacks berth
If he gets on the court, he’ll be the third-youngest in Tall Blacks history.
Kiwi Jack Fagan wins world's richest speed shear
Te Kūiti's Fagan triumphs in a field stacked with talent.
A farm lost over cannabis plants: Could this be NZ's last case with the Privy Council?
Shaun Allen went to jail and had the farm he’d owned for just six months confiscated.
Fishing suspense: 120.8kg tuna holds first place as Megafish heads into final day
The tournament, dating back almost 50 years, has 128 boats at sea.
Green exiting Bluewater: Prominent Napier hotelier selling jewel in accommodation crown
At 76, Rodney Green says it's time for someone else to have a go.
Wings, wheels, and waves: Napier festival celebrates transport heritage
Some of the model jets sound like the real thing and can do 300km/h.
Napier overnight and weekend urgent care services centralised at health centre, for now
Staff at health centre told nurse-led overnight service might be 'delivered differently'.
Yellowfin and a 92.2kg marlin dominate first day of Megafish
At least a dozen yellowfin weighed on the first day as 128 boats compete.