Maddisyn Jeffares is Editor of the Hastings Leader and Napier Courier.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![Young piper hears the call from Canada](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Young piper hears the call from Canada
Teen bagpiper needs help to raise funds for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
![The American yogi who is bring more than downward-dog to Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
The American yogi who is bring more than downward-dog to Hawke's Bay
American yoga teacher left her fast-paced life in LA to settle in Havelock North.
![CHB teen inspired by BLAKE Inspire programme](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
CHB teen inspired by BLAKE Inspire programme
Hannah Webster is keen to change the world after attending the programme.
!['Thought the boat would turn around': The 18-year-old conscripted to occupy nuclear-bombed Japan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Thought the boat would turn around': The 18-year-old conscripted to occupy nuclear-bombed Japan
'Everything the bomb touched had died and there was hardly anything left standing.'
![Florist business blooming as it celebrates 10 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Florist business blooming as it celebrates 10 years
The owner of Napier florist beauKayes loves to make someone's day with flowers.
![Father of two needs financial help in stage 4 bowel cancer battle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Father of two needs financial help in stage 4 bowel cancer battle
Central Hawke's Bay man needs more than $50,000 for additional life-saving medications.
![Taradale Pottery Group reflects on love and support after Cyclone Gabrielle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Taradale Pottery Group reflects on love and support after Cyclone Gabrielle
Pottery group finds the silver clay in the silt as it reopens cyclone-hit clubroom.
![Could Henry Houdini be Hawke’s Bay’s Hairy Maclary?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Could Henry Houdini be Hawke’s Bay’s Hairy Maclary?
The true story of a little dog named Henry and his Houdini-like escapes.
![Sir John Kirwan mental health speech brings tradies to tears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Sir John Kirwan mental health speech brings tradies to tears
TW Group brings Sir John Kirwan in to talk mental health and wellbeing in the work place.
![Core blimey! Hastings apple art installation vandalised](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Core blimey! Hastings apple art installation vandalised
$25,000 public artwork in the CBD now in two pieces.
![Auto Extravaganza and Swap Meet to raise big bucks for local St John](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Auto Extravaganza and Swap Meet to raise big bucks for local St John
Car expo icon moves to the Bay and brings his Auto Extravaganza fundraiser with him.
![Students raise more that $600 for cancer society in one night](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Students raise more that $600 for cancer society in one night
Flaxmere College host relay for life event after Hawke's Bay relay event was cancelled.
![Boy genius begins university after completing high school at 16, with back-to-back Dux awards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Boy genius begins university after completing high school at 16, with back-to-back Dux awards
Havelock North High's Tapas Kant enjoys scholarship success.
![Te Whānau Puoro rising up into NZ music scene](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Te Whānau Puoro rising up into NZ music scene
Hawke's Bay teen band Te Whānau Puoro releases their first music video.
![Lorelei Powell's long life and secret to turning 100](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Lorelei Powell's long life and secret to turning 100
Daughter makes sure mum celebrates 100th birthday with a week full of events.
![Three beautiful female dogs up for adoption in Napier](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Three beautiful female dogs up for adoption in Napier
Fur-ever homes wanted for three very different but very friendly dogs.
![Bay Espresso's life saving coffee for a good cause](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Bay Espresso's life saving coffee for a good cause
Bay Espresso partners with Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter via a special blend of coffee.
![Hawke’s Bay Tui player starts portable sauna business with dad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hawke’s Bay Tui player starts portable sauna business with dad
Hurricanes Poua player teams up with dad to bring a different kinda of sauna to the Bay.
![Bay Batucada bringing batucada to the bay for 10 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Bay Batucada bringing batucada to the bay for 10 years
Bay Batucada band celebrate a 10th birthday by dancing to the beat of their own drums.
![Inside Pan Pac's step-by-step cyclone recovery, and the workers who got it this far](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Inside Pan Pac's step-by-step cyclone recovery, and the workers who got it this far
"We had a marathon in front of us, not even a 10k run.”
![UK polo player says nothing else like the Birchleigh polo in schools programme exists overseas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
UK polo player says nothing else like the Birchleigh polo in schools programme exists overseas
UK polo player who dreams of going professional spends summer in Hawke's Bay.
![Check out these four pretty pups, ready to be adopted](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Check out these four pretty pups, ready to be adopted
Four friendly pups are looking for a permanent place to park their paws.
![Orange team win Napier Libraries' first Amazing Race](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Orange team win Napier Libraries' first Amazing Race
Summer school holiday programme amazing time for families.
![Taradale Primary School robotics team off to Houston for World Champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Taradale Primary School robotics team off to Houston for World Champs
NZ Blackbots with Taradale Primary School kids take on the world in 'sport of the mind'.
![Centenarian celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Centenarian celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends
Family and friends say 100-year-old Lady Margaret Harrison is ageing backwards.
![Couple bringing Christmas spirit to Maraenui every year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Couple bringing Christmas spirit to Maraenui every year
Local Santa sets up a small grotto in Maraenui every year to help spread Christmas spirit.
![Kids from a Napier Fairhaven school fly to Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Kids from a Napier Fairhaven school fly to Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Local business owners helped fund an Auckland trip for a Napier Fairhaven school.
![Napier dogs in need of a Merry Woofmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Napier dogs in need of a Merry Woofmas
Three local pups have a fur-ever family and home on their Christmas list.
![A tasty tribute to the Art Deco heritage of Napier up for auction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
A tasty tribute to the Art Deco heritage of Napier up for auction
Art Deco Trust in the Christmas mood, with an iconic gingerbread building up for auction.
![Hawke’s Bay kids excited as Weet-Bix TRYathlon returns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hawke’s Bay kids excited as Weet-Bix TRYathlon returns
11-year-old Napier boy excited to finally take part in the Weet-Bix kids TRYathlon.
![Hundreds turn out for Punjabi language celebration in Hastings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hundreds turn out for Punjabi language celebration in Hastings
More than 450 people attended the Hawke's Bay Punjabi language celebration held at Toitoi.
![A shack that became an unofficial landmark is slowly falling apart](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
A shack that became an unofficial landmark is slowly falling apart
My 23-year-long love affair with a faraway house is about to come to an end.
![Tom Husband celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Tom Husband celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family
Napier man Tom Husband looks back on his long life.
![Following in her mothers footsteps, daughter picks up a brush and helps conserve Hastings war mural](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Following in her mothers footsteps, daughter picks up a brush and helps conserve Hastings war mural
Like mother like daughter: artistic duo help save Hastings War Memorial Library war mural.
![Hawke’s Bay bikers turn out in droves to support Birthright HB Twin City Ulysses Toy Run](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hawke’s Bay bikers turn out in droves to support Birthright HB Twin City Ulysses Toy Run
Hawke's Bay bikers gather to give to those in need
![With 258 kids on the waiting list Omni Gymnastics Centre needs to expand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
With 258 kids on the waiting list Omni Gymnastics Centre needs to expand
Napier's Omni Gymnastics club asking the community for help to fund new gym expansion.
![Couple's garden care extends beyond their own home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Couple's garden care extends beyond their own home
Pirimai couple have been spreading plants throughout public spaces for the past 11 years.
![Hastings wins Recreation Aotearoa awards thanks to Flaxmere facilities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hastings wins Recreation Aotearoa awards thanks to Flaxmere facilities
Flaxmere Park and the skate plaza pick up more Recreation Aotearoa awards.
![New Kiwiana-themed decals a big hit at Hawke’s Bay Hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
New Kiwiana-themed decals a big hit at Hawke’s Bay Hospital
Your Decal Shop works with Hawke's Bay Hospital to brighten up the children's ward.
![Could one of these four pups be your new best friend?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Could one of these four pups be your new best friend?
Four lively Napier canines are seeking a permanent place to call home.
![Kai Co-op rooted in Māori traditions to help build people's relationships with food](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Kai Co-op rooted in Māori traditions to help build people's relationships with food
Kai Co-op food box looks to support and educate whānau to grow and cook nutritious food.
![This car lottery set to fund six months of free helicopter rescues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
This car lottery set to fund six months of free helicopter rescues
Every lottery ticket brought helps Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter save HB lives.
![Hastings Spinning Apple core off for repairs before next temporary spot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hastings Spinning Apple core off for repairs before next temporary spot
When the Apple stopped spinning, HDC knew it was time to move the art piece to a new spot.
![Rugby: Kids fundraise for Bangkok 10s tournament](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Rugby: Kids fundraise for Bangkok 10s tournament
Group of up-and-coming Hawke's Bay rugby kids of to Bangkok for international tournament.
![Nursing student says 'cost of living is costing us our health checks'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Nursing student says 'cost of living is costing us our health checks'
A nursing student struggling with eyesight chooses rent and groceries over glasses.
![Could one of these pups find a home with you?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Could one of these pups find a home with you?
Three Napier dogs looking for a new family and a forever home.
![Locals help save a cat dumped and left for dead with serious injuries on Marine Parade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Locals help save a cat dumped and left for dead with serious injuries on Marine Parade
Kitten named Beach Boy set to make a full recovery after being abandoned on Marine Parade.
![Theia x TE KAAHU to take the stage at Hawke's Bay Arts Fest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Theia x TE KAAHU to take the stage at Hawke's Bay Arts Fest
Hawke's Bay Art Festival set to be Theia's first New Zealand headline show in five years.
![HB woman receives Cancer Society's Distinguished Service Award](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
HB woman receives Cancer Society's Distinguished Service Award
Janice Klinkhamer has spent her life helping others and was recently awarded the accolade.
![The Piano Man vs the Rocket Man: Who do you think won?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
The Piano Man vs the Rocket Man: Who do you think won?
Dancing the night away at the sold-out Elton John vs Billy Joel show in Napier.
![Rescue helicopter pilot doesn't know what he would do if he couldn't fly](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Rescue helicopter pilot doesn't know what he would do if he couldn't fly
New Hawke's Bay rescue chopper pilot has been eager for that spot since childhood.
![Former Blossom queens return to Hastings Blossom Parade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Former Blossom queens return to Hastings Blossom Parade
Past Hastings Blossom queens meet for a high tea at Mangapapa ahead of Blossom Fest.
![Church Road says wine making and art have more in common then you think](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Church Road says wine making and art have more in common then you think
Church Road Winery and MTG Hawke's Bay join for a nationwide Art Initiative.
![Motorcycle safety event to fill Splash Planet car park](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Motorcycle safety event to fill Splash Planet car park
Hawke's Bay Classic Motorcycle Club joins RoadSafe for a family-friendly safety event.
![Bill Bailey loved performing in Hawke's Bay so much he had to come back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Bill Bailey loved performing in Hawke's Bay so much he had to come back
Bill Bailey is set to bring his new show Thoughtfier to Toitoi in November.
![Hastings art installation to stay in the core of the city](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hastings art installation to stay in the core of the city
Hastings District Council has bought a local artist's large Apple Core art installation.
![Could Kit and Kat be the puppy you have been looking for?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Could Kit and Kat be the puppy you have been looking for?
Hastings District Council Pound has a pair of sister pups in need of a new home.
![Two fostered canines ready for adoption](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Two fostered canines ready for adoption
Napier City Council have two keen pups looking for their forever homes.
![Hereworth kids saving the ocean, one piece of plastic at a time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hereworth kids saving the ocean, one piece of plastic at a time
Hereworth School students learn about the environmental impact of rubbish at Pandora Pond.
![Hastings Community Patrol needs new volunteers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hastings Community Patrol needs new volunteers
After dropping from 40 to 8 members, Hastings Community Patrol is recruiting fresh faces.
![Hastings textile fabricator wipes out the competition with dog-friendly design](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hastings textile fabricator wipes out the competition with dog-friendly design
Hawke’s Bay Upholstery Apprentice Wins Apprentice of the Year
![Celebrating a Havelock North community's hard work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Celebrating a Havelock North community's hard work
A function centre built by the community and for the community celebrates 25 years.
![All you need to know about wills](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
All you need to know about wills
The Public Trust is working hard to spread awareness about the importance of Wills.
![Hawke's Bay pop star to debut new single back home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hawke's Bay pop star to debut new single back home
Hawke's Bay born artist returns home to debut new single at the Common Room.
![Walkers tackle Te Mata Peak for wellbeing and the Cancer Society](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Walkers tackle Te Mata Peak for wellbeing and the Cancer Society
A local man walks for Daffodil Day to raise money to help with cancer counselling.
![10-year-old cuts off 42cm of hair to help local cat rescue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
10-year-old cuts off 42cm of hair to help local cat rescue
A 10-year-old cuts her hair to help rescue cats, raising more than $2000 on givealittle.
![More bikes equals more rides for Cycling Without Age Napier](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
More bikes equals more rides for Cycling Without Age Napier
Cycling Without Age Napier names new bike after late rider Nola Edmundson.
![The Puketapu’s fresh new face after Cyclone Gabrielle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
The Puketapu’s fresh new face after Cyclone Gabrielle
Popular community pub reopens after suffering damages from Cyclone Gabrielle.
![Hawke's Bay orchard moves remaining fruit with Wonky Box](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hawke's Bay orchard moves remaining fruit with Wonky Box
A Hawke's Bay orchard was delighted to find a company willing to take 'wonky' fruit.
![Hawke's Bay Top Dogs take on the rest of New Zealand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hawke's Bay Top Dogs take on the rest of New Zealand
Hawke's Bay canines put their paws forward to win the prestigious top dog titles.
![Marley and Lucy are looking for new homes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Marley and Lucy are looking for new homes
Could one of these two Hastings pound pups be the dog of your dreams?
![Could Tyson be the puppy for you?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Could Tyson be the puppy for you?
Tyson the lovely-natured bull terrier cross is ready for his forever home.
![Lifesaving pup entered into the SPCA's Pet of the Year comp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Lifesaving pup entered into the SPCA's Pet of the Year comp
SPCA raises money while on the hunt for New Zealand's Pets of the Year.
![Cam and Sam bring Elton John vs Billy Joel to Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Cam and Sam bring Elton John vs Billy Joel to Hawke's Bay
Cam and Sam hit the road with award-winning hit tribute show, Elton John vs. Billy Joel.
![Local man goes blonde for mental health](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Local man goes blonde for mental health
Local man grows out and dyes his mullet blonde for the Blonde Mullet Brigade fundraiser.
![Grab your cowboy hats, rodeo is riding into town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Grab your cowboy hats, rodeo is riding into town
The last open division rodeo on a national circuit in Hawke’s Bay was held back in 2008.
![Hawke's Bay plumber shocked to win local branch of Young Plumber of the Year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hawke's Bay plumber shocked to win local branch of Young Plumber of the Year
Local plumber beats out Hawke's Bay competition to advance to regional plumbing event.
![13 might just be a lucky number for Napier SPCA](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
13 might just be a lucky number for Napier SPCA
13 felines adopted in one night almost set a record at Napier SPCA.