James Pocock is a Multimedia Journalist for the Hawke's Bay Today.
In school, I was one of the lucky ones who never had any trouble figuring out what I wanted to do when I grew up. I always knew I wanted to be a journalist. I went straight from high school to Massey University and graduated with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Media Studies and Journalism in 2020. I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism in 2021 and returned to my home region to write for Hawke's Bay Today, where I have remained since. I have a passion for writing and hearing people's stories, from highlighting local success to battles with bureaucracy, authority, disaster and tragedy. We have seen it all in Hawke's Bay and there are always more stories to tell. I also aim to shine a light on the lesser-known issues in the shadow of the big topics. Based in Napier, I write breaking news and features, with a focus on the environment, local government and post-cyclone issues in the region. You can contact me at james.pocock@nzme.co.nz.
!['Opened the door and out came a flood': Suburb has 36 temporary classrooms half a century old](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Opened the door and out came a flood': Suburb has 36 temporary classrooms half a century old
They were intended to last 20 years. But Govt cuts mean they'll have to last even longer.
![Timeline of a flood in Wairoa: Why didn't Hawke's Bay Regional Council act sooner?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Timeline of a flood in Wairoa: Why didn't Hawke's Bay Regional Council act sooner?
HBRC staff say river mouth opening would not have stayed in place if it was done earlier
![Watch: Seal vs eel caught on a reel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Seal vs eel caught on a reel
The moment 'really brightened everyone’s day' - apart from the eel's.
![The PM wants to double the number of RSE workers - would it help Hawke's Bay?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
The PM wants to double the number of RSE workers - would it help Hawke's Bay?
An industry body is seeking a review of parts of the RSE scheme before any cap increase.
![Fun-having Havelock North High School band The Splinters win Hawke's Bay Smokefreerockquest final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Fun-having Havelock North High School band The Splinters win Hawke's Bay Smokefreerockquest final
The band will go on to submit a video of three songs for a chance at the national finals.
![Regional Council agrees to continue to fund tourism, cuts from elsewhere to reduce rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Regional Council agrees to continue to fund tourism, cuts from elsewhere to reduce rates rise
Rates remissions will be available for some of the most impacted ratepayers.
![New name for a new era? School considers change to reflect community 'aspirations'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New name for a new era? School considers change to reflect community 'aspirations'
Name change is 'obvious next step' for the school that will soon turn 50, principal says.
!['You have to move forward quickly': Teen racing champ Tom Bewley eyeing opportunities over the ditch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'You have to move forward quickly': Teen racing champ Tom Bewley eyeing opportunities over the ditch
The Havelock North local began with karts, but now he is driving something bigger.
![Into the arms of her killer: Was OT too quick to place a 19-month-old in a new region?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Into the arms of her killer: Was OT too quick to place a 19-month-old in a new region?
'She could have stayed with us as long as required ... I can't help thinking, What if?'
![Dramatic change: Photos of much-loved but unsafe waterfall shows huge height difference](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Dramatic change: Photos of much-loved but unsafe waterfall shows huge height difference
The area is unsafe due to big damage, slips and tree falls.
!['Addiction by design': $11.5m gambled at the pokies in Hawke's Bay in three months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Addiction by design': $11.5m gambled at the pokies in Hawke's Bay in three months
'It is like trying to stop eating chocolate but you have cupboards full of it.'
!['Like a phonebook': Residents creating community directory to help emergency communication](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Like a phonebook': Residents creating community directory to help emergency communication
A group of women have set out to connect the RD9 District via a community directory.
!['Womb-to-tomb learning': Pioneering Māori-immersion school gets multimillion dollar new campus](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Womb-to-tomb learning': Pioneering Māori-immersion school gets multimillion dollar new campus
Many of the staff of this first-of-its-kind immersion school also attended it as kids.
!['Don’t take it all on yourself': Hawke's Bay farmers struggling as economic and environmental setbacks collide](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Don’t take it all on yourself': Hawke's Bay farmers struggling as economic and environmental setbacks collide
Tough economic conditions are compounding with the lasting impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.
![NZ Post apologises after dog eats man's incorrectly-delivered passport and visa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
NZ Post apologises after dog eats man's incorrectly-delivered passport and visa
'I saw the (courier) package opened, looked at it and my passport was in the dog’s mouth.'
![What would a Māori Parliament look like? 2000 strong crowd hear proposed models](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
What would a Māori Parliament look like? 2000 strong crowd hear proposed models
The Kotahitanga Movement began in 1892, but this was not history repeating.
![Unity at heart of historic hui and rally in Hawke’s Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Unity at heart of historic hui and rally in Hawke’s Bay
The action coincides with a Te Pāti Māori protest, but organisers say it is separate.
![NZ para-taekwondo duty for Hastings coach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
NZ para-taekwondo duty for Hastings coach
The Koryo Taekwondo team took home 41 medals from the Gold Coast Open.
![Cyclone survivor Gabrielle Mei, 89, to move back into her destroyed Wairoa house after 15 months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Cyclone survivor Gabrielle Mei, 89, to move back into her destroyed Wairoa house after 15 months
A year and a half on from the devastation of her namesake, Gabrielle Mei can return home.
![Police investigate allegations of inappropriate behaviour by school staff member](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Police investigate allegations of inappropriate behaviour by school staff member
The school's Board of Trustees has declined to comment, citing a police investigation.
![Havelock North ratepayer could pay $700 annually for public transport they don't use](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Havelock North ratepayer could pay $700 annually for public transport they don't use
Nearly one-fifth of Greg Reynolds' proposed rates are for public transport he doesn't get.
![Of Love We Are Made: Original song wins 11-year-old national prize](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Of Love We Are Made: Original song wins 11-year-old national prize
Lydia Clark will perform her song with the Auckland Philharmonia in two concerts.
![Free shower and laundry charity for Hawke's Bay needs 50 volunteers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Free shower and laundry charity for Hawke's Bay needs 50 volunteers
A non-profit organisation is expanding in response to growing demand after cyclone.
![Young boxers from Samoa and across North Island showcase talent in Hastings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Young boxers from Samoa and across North Island showcase talent in Hastings
The amateur boxing event featured well-known locals and Samoans near Olympic level.
![Rock barrier outside Cape Coast Four Square to deter ram raids](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rock barrier outside Cape Coast Four Square to deter ram raids
Cape Coast's second rock barrier stops cars, not waves.
![Inside bare-knuckle fights: Amid a police crackdown, hopes of fame and fortune remain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Inside bare-knuckle fights: Amid a police crackdown, hopes of fame and fortune remain
What's the first rule of fight club? These guys are breaking it, to plead their case.
!['We miss our families': Returning seasonal workers stranded for at least a month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'We miss our families': Returning seasonal workers stranded for at least a month
With the closure of Vanuatu Air, these men don't know when they will see their loved ones.
![Grille stops attempt at vape store ram raid, two youths in stolen car arrested](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Grille stops attempt at vape store ram raid, two youths in stolen car arrested
Their car smashed through the glass doors. But there was a hidden obstacle behind.
!['Catastrophic': 18m-deep gully leaves community on a road to nowhere](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Catastrophic': 18m-deep gully leaves community on a road to nowhere
Gabrielle wiped out 50m of the main road to Kererū. 15 months later, it's still cut off.
!['Caught out': Councillor's surprise at 500 per cent hikes for small number of ratepayers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Caught out': Councillor's surprise at 500 per cent hikes for small number of ratepayers
'We need to look long and hard at our cost structures and what we can do to help.'
![Power substation swamped by Cyclone Gabrielle set to be lifted 1.7 metres higher](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Power substation swamped by Cyclone Gabrielle set to be lifted 1.7 metres higher
$35m rebuild to cope with 1-in-450-year floods would be paid for out of power bills.
!['Green' firewood sold to unassuming customers; call for industry regulation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Green' firewood sold to unassuming customers; call for industry regulation
'It is up to the Government and the Environment Minister to get going on this.'
!['Close the windows': Stink from Hastings business increasing every year, neighbours say](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Close the windows': Stink from Hastings business increasing every year, neighbours say
For nearly 60 years it was bearable, neighbours say. Then the fellmongery was expanded.
![Double byelection in Hastings: Who are the candidates and what are their priorities?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Double byelection in Hastings: Who are the candidates and what are their priorities?
Some high-profile candidates are pushing for your vote in two Hastings wards.
![EuroCity liquidation: 148 creditors want a piece of nearly $1.2 million owed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
EuroCity liquidation: 148 creditors want a piece of nearly $1.2 million owed
Creditors include businesses in the auto industry, liquor stores, staff and IRD.
![Four-lane Hawke’s Bay Expressway to lose funding if Government axes $6b infrastructure plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Four-lane Hawke’s Bay Expressway to lose funding if Government axes $6b infrastructure plan
Three major roading projects were set to be funded by the $6b National Resilience Plan.
![Insurance premium hikes not all cyclone related](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Insurance premium hikes not all cyclone related
People in parts of Hawke's Bay have seen their insurance premiums go up 60pc this year.
![‘They were just laughing’: Man was chased 700m then 'bashed with scooter by youths'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
‘They were just laughing’: Man was chased 700m then 'bashed with scooter by youths'
Reece Hingaia went out for a walk to get a pie. He would end up in a critical condition.
![Several Havelock North fires suspicious, two youths arrested](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Several Havelock North fires suspicious, two youths arrested
Police are investigating other suspicious scrub fires in the area and considering charges.
!['It hurts the people who are already grieving': Thousands worth of rebuild material stolen from Hawke's Bay school and pre-school](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It hurts the people who are already grieving': Thousands worth of rebuild material stolen from Hawke's Bay school and pre-school
Nuhaka School and a pre-school on-site have suffered a series of break-ins and thefts.
![EuroCity car dealership in voluntary liquidation, owner promises staff will be taken care of](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
EuroCity car dealership in voluntary liquidation, owner promises staff will be taken care of
Owner Terry Elmsly says existing staff will be looked after as part of the sale agreement.
!['Best practice': Hastings mayor stands by noise restrictions after closure of bar's outdoor stage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Best practice': Hastings mayor stands by noise restrictions after closure of bar's outdoor stage
The 50-decibel limit has been called into question, but similar policies exist around NZ.
!['It is no more': Outdoor music venue mothballed after noise complaint from new hotel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It is no more': Outdoor music venue mothballed after noise complaint from new hotel
The hotel doesn't want the stage to be shut but the bar owner says he now has no choice.
![Loss of Hawke's Bay Tourism funding would be a 'disaster': Black Barn co-owner Kim Thorp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Loss of Hawke's Bay Tourism funding would be a 'disaster': Black Barn co-owner Kim Thorp
Kim Thorp says the region struggled to promote itself before Hawke's Bay Tourism.
![Rural school bus cuts: Residents fear the end of Te Pohue School](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rural school bus cuts: Residents fear the end of Te Pohue School
Residents of Te Pōhue want more time to present alternatives to the Ministry of Education.
![Robber flees with nothing after BB gun breaks during assault on Hastings dairy owner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Robber flees with nothing after BB gun breaks during assault on Hastings dairy owner
The mask wearer fled after his BB gun broke while hitting the dairy owner.
!['I kind of just fell into it': How a solo mum in Havelock North became a record holding powerlifter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'I kind of just fell into it': How a solo mum in Havelock North became a record holding powerlifter
Lesley Hames wants to break another powerlifting record in her category.
![Wairoa flood investigation: Slipping more significant risk than slash, poplar tree risk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Wairoa flood investigation: Slipping more significant risk than slash, poplar tree risk
Forwarning of flooding should be predictable now, but time for action will remain short.
![Like a pub but without booze: Barbershop offers men a safe space](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Like a pub but without booze: Barbershop offers men a safe space
Brad Warren's Boxed Out Barbershop has built an atmosphere full of chatting and laughter.
![Bystanders keep the magic alive after 'trolls' wreck Park Island fairy garden](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Bystanders keep the magic alive after 'trolls' wreck Park Island fairy garden
The actions of bystanders have kept the magic alive at Park Island's fairy garden.
![Loss of regional council funding would ‘set Te Mata Park back by a decade’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Loss of regional council funding would ‘set Te Mata Park back by a decade’
Would you pay 65 cents more in rates per year on average to keep Te Mata Park funding?
![Two arrests so far, gang leaders to meet, YMP wants points for match after Hastings rugby van shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Two arrests so far, gang leaders to meet, YMP wants points for match after Hastings rugby van shooting
'Their people were lucky to come out of that alive and unhurt'.
![Playground and commercial centre planned on Bull Hill for new Havelock North subdivision](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Playground and commercial centre planned on Bull Hill for new Havelock North subdivision
Huge Havelock North development won't touch the bull.
![Council proposes 19.6 per cent rate increase, as well as cuts to parks, tourism and sustainable homes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Council proposes 19.6 per cent rate increase, as well as cuts to parks, tourism and sustainable homes
Rates will increase 54 per cent over three years - without cuts it would be 69.1 per cent.
![Rugby union shifts club's home games after team van shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rugby union shifts club's home games after team van shooting
Games will be moved to Tremain Field in Napier for the 'foreseeable future'.
!['Same behaviour': Photos show holes in sports team's van in earlier Hawke's Bay incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Same behaviour': Photos show holes in sports team's van in earlier Hawke's Bay incident
'How someone didn’t get killed I just don’t know.'
![Climate vs fluoridation: A tale of two protests in the same city at the same time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Climate vs fluoridation: A tale of two protests in the same city at the same time
It was set to be a fascinating case study. But illness meant it wasn't a fair fight.
![Napier rates climb 100pc in hill suburbs after flooding pushes buyers to higher ground](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Napier rates climb 100pc in hill suburbs after flooding pushes buyers to higher ground
A couple nearing retirement might have to sell the home they've worked their lives for.
![Bus fares to drop for youth after outcry at school trips costing six times as much](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Bus fares to drop for youth after outcry at school trips costing six times as much
'I’m pleased, it is a good thing they are listening.'
!['Lots of crying': Family reunited with cat missing after cyclone one year on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Lots of crying': Family reunited with cat missing after cyclone one year on
Phoebe lived in a colony of stray cats for a year after she bolted during the cyclone.
!['Big bill coming his way': Cattle killed after hit by truck](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Big bill coming his way': Cattle killed after hit by truck
Loose cattle near Eskdale cause chaos.
![From $380 a year to $2200: Parents stung by hike in bus fares](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
From $380 a year to $2200: Parents stung by hike in bus fares
'Every dollar a patron doesn’t pay getting on the bus falls on ratepayers or taxpayers.'
![‘Unwise’: Council raises quarry lease concerns as petition gains 1200 signatures](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
‘Unwise’: Council raises quarry lease concerns as petition gains 1200 signatures
Quarry expansion could hit land lease stumbling block.
![Inside the Hawke’s Bay company pushing to make EV charging easier](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Inside the Hawke’s Bay company pushing to make EV charging easier
Two more EV charging stations are coming to the region this year - will they be enough?
![Cyclone hero cook alleges she was 'bullied' over benefit entitlements](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Cyclone hero cook alleges she was 'bullied' over benefit entitlements
Woman who gave away tens of thousands of meals says she was escorted out of MSD offices.
![Napier woman wins $47k car, plans to replace her 20-year-old Toyota](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Napier woman wins $47k car, plans to replace her 20-year-old Toyota
'I still really can’t believe it at the moment. It hasn’t really sunk in properly.'
![Keeping the lights on after Gabrielle: Inside the Waikaremoana Power Scheme](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Keeping the lights on after Gabrielle: Inside the Waikaremoana Power Scheme
For weeks after Cyclone Gabrielle, Hawke's Bay's power nearly all came from one place.
![Four hurt in Napier crime spree: Dairy hold-up, machete attack, group brawl](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Four hurt in Napier crime spree: Dairy hold-up, machete attack, group brawl
Four were injured, three were taken to hospital, and a hold-up left a dairy worker shaken.
![Life on Rotten Row, an idyllic lakeside street with a painful history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Life on Rotten Row, an idyllic lakeside street with a painful history
Some are fine with the name Rotten Row, but others see it as a stamp of colonialism.
!['Massive recession’ likely for Hawke’s Bay, mayor says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Massive recession’ likely for Hawke’s Bay, mayor says
Economists and CEOs see light at the end of the tunnel. What about on the streets?
![Māori King, politicians expected to descend on Ngāti Kahungunu hui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Māori King, politicians expected to descend on Ngāti Kahungunu hui
The hui at Omāhu Marae follows several that drew thousands across the motu.
!['A real privilege': Stuart Nash to transform historic Napier Courthouse into family home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'A real privilege': Stuart Nash to transform historic Napier Courthouse into family home
His father and grandfather both worked in it - now Stuart Nash's family will live in it.
![PM makes Horse of the Year visit, stops by Napier social supermarket and tech company](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
PM makes Horse of the Year visit, stops by Napier social supermarket and tech company
Luxon's HB visit: From tech, to a social supermarket, before a Horse of the Year stop.
![Watch: Boat on fire at Napier marina](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Boat on fire at Napier marina
A burning boat sent fire into the skies over Ahuriri, Napier.
![Delays to two huge Hawke's Bay solar farm projects, but developers say bright future ahead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Delays to two huge Hawke's Bay solar farm projects, but developers say bright future ahead
A solar farm in Central Hawke's Bay and one near Hawke's Bay Airport both face delays.
![Hastings principal to David Seymour: There is such a thing as a beneficial free lunch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hastings principal to David Seymour: There is such a thing as a beneficial free lunch
Hawke's Bay researcher says missing one meal a week can set student learning back years.
![Charlie Chaplin impersonator to return to Napier’s Art Deco Festival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Charlie Chaplin impersonator to return to Napier’s Art Deco Festival
He has a request for a new generation - please don’t mistake him for Hitler.
![One person dead after motorcycle crashes into parked truck](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
One person dead after motorcycle crashes into parked truck
Taradale Rd has reopened after it was blocked by a separate crash.