Rachel Wise is Hawke's Bay Today associate editor
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.
![CHB traffic updates page helps keep drivers safe and on time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
CHB traffic updates page helps keep drivers safe and on time
Alerts about police checkpoints are not welcomed on the site.
![CHB's up and coming hair and beauty specialists celebrate success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
CHB's up and coming hair and beauty specialists celebrate success
EIT students host whānau day for friends and family.
![Black-billed gulls make Waipukurau their winter home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Black-billed gulls make Waipukurau their winter home
Black-billed gulls are only found in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
![High energy and huge voices at Waipawa M&D's Little Shop of Horrors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
High energy and huge voices at Waipawa M&D's Little Shop of Horrors
The sense of anticipation in the theatre was palpable...
![Hot air balloon visit inspires Pahīatua School students](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Hot air balloon visit inspires Pahīatua School students
The hot air balloon visit was courtesy of the Flying High Project.
![Residents join search for missing Central Hawke's Bay greyhounds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Residents join search for missing Central Hawke's Bay greyhounds
It is coming up for three weeks since the dogs - Maverick and Jack - vanished.
![More creative writers developing their skills in CHB](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
More creative writers developing their skills in CHB
“I’m going to start a class. I’ll text you.”
![HB Rescue Chopper funds get boost from CHB Winter Olympics](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
HB Rescue Chopper funds get boost from CHB Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics is a fundraising event that's now in its 15th year.
![Takapau Lions distribute Bookarama funds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Takapau Lions distribute Bookarama funds
Already the Takapau Lions are planning Bookarama 2025.
![CHB students start their day on a high note](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
CHB students start their day on a high note
The hot air balloon visit was courtesy of the Flying High Project.
![Dog bed entrepreneur calling time on CHB business](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Dog bed entrepreneur calling time on CHB business
VIP Dog Beds were invented 33 years ago - for very important pets.
![Trauma Aid Aotearoa spreads wellness message to Ōtāne community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Trauma Aid Aotearoa spreads wellness message to Ōtāne community
EMDR has been widely used worldwide to address symptoms following disasters.
![Otawhao-Takapau Women's Institute celebrates its centenary](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Otawhao-Takapau Women's Institute celebrates its centenary
Meetings used to be held in the Otawhao School, after school hours.
!['The eels started picking at my leg': Farmer's harrowing ordeal trapped beside creek](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'The eels started picking at my leg': Farmer's harrowing ordeal trapped beside creek
'My dogs stayed with me and they were reacting — they could hear the searchers.'
![Car fans raise the dust at CHB's first Rebel Roundup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Car fans raise the dust at CHB's first Rebel Roundup
The dust has settled and next year's Rebel Roundup is in the pipeline.
![Forbidden fires: CHB volunteers called away from Easter treats over long weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Forbidden fires: CHB volunteers called away from Easter treats over long weekend
The Ōtāne fire truck was also called to the rubbish fire.
![50 years at current site for Waipawa Golf Club](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
50 years at current site for Waipawa Golf Club
The origins of the club are further back in Waipawa’s past.
![Prohibited fire season announced for Central Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Prohibited fire season announced for Central Hawke's Bay
"Our shed was in a blazing heap and my husband was being hosed down by firefighters."
![Rural communities embrace Surfing for Farmers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Rural communities embrace Surfing for Farmers
The season’s prizegiving was held earlier this month at Pourerere Beach.
![Escapist and immersive - The Drowning Girls at Waipukurau Little Theatre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Escapist and immersive - The Drowning Girls at Waipukurau Little Theatre
Between 1908 and 1914, George Joseph Smith married eight wives ...
![Ruahine Animal Rescue: Volunteers welcome McAnulty visit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Ruahine Animal Rescue: Volunteers welcome McAnulty visit
'I feel like I got myself back when we were able to care for the animals again.'
![Waipawa Veterans' Tournament takes to the country's newest tennis courts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Waipawa Veterans' Tournament takes to the country's newest tennis courts
The water pushed the Astroturf across the court 'like a crumpled duvet'.
![Online book club for Central Hawke's Bay readers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Online book club for Central Hawke's Bay readers
'We’re talking about books, reviewing books, seeing what everyone else is reading...'
![Ruahine Animal Rescue established in CHB - and already at capacity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Ruahine Animal Rescue established in CHB - and already at capacity
A group of volunteers has established Ruahine Animal Rescue.
![End in sight for Te Paerahi Beach residents' bridge concerns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
End in sight for Te Paerahi Beach residents' bridge concerns
The much-anticipated fix will enable heavy traffic to once again use the bridge.
![Beach residents call for visitor ban as concerns for damaged bridge grow](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Beach residents call for visitor ban as concerns for damaged bridge grow
'If no one does as the signs say, one day that bridge will go and no-one will get in.'
![Dark comedy comes to life at Waipukurau Little Theatre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Dark comedy comes to life at Waipukurau Little Theatre
The play explores the true story of Bessie Mundy, Alice Burnham and Margaret Lofty.
![Cyclone Gabrielle events remembered across Central Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Cyclone Gabrielle events remembered across Central Hawke's Bay
The occasion was marked by the planting of a kōwhai tree.
![Cyclone Gabrielle - effects still felt in Central Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Cyclone Gabrielle - effects still felt in Central Hawke's Bay
The rebuilding work - both physical and emotional - is ongoing.
!['The aroha, the manaaki, and the wairua': Thousands turn out to commemorate Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'The aroha, the manaaki, and the wairua': Thousands turn out to commemorate Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke's Bay
Emotions and community spirit were strong as people from all over came together.
!['They just swerved around': The whistler who saved a herd of swimming cows](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'They just swerved around': The whistler who saved a herd of swimming cows
'I was calling them out of sheer panic. They started coming towards my voice.'
![Big budget silent movie with international accompanist - in Central Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Big budget silent movie with international accompanist - in Central Hawke's Bay
Performance will contribute to fundraising for the Takapau Health Centre Building Fund.
![New CHB College policy means cellphones are "away for the day"](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
New CHB College policy means cellphones are "away for the day"
"we are reminding students that cellphones are not required at school."
![Saturday ceremonies mark 93 years since Hawke's Bay Earthquake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Saturday ceremonies mark 93 years since Hawke's Bay Earthquake
In Central Hawke’s Bay, homes and businesses suffered extensive damage.
![From barren paddocks to Google Maps: 30 years of growth for Tree Guys Nursery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
From barren paddocks to Google Maps: 30 years of growth for Tree Guys Nursery
The centrepiece of the nursery is a native forest bisected by a trickling stream.
![Immediate water restrictions imposed on Waipukurau township](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Immediate water restrictions imposed on Waipukurau township
Major leak sparks urgent Waipukurau water restrictions.
![CHB Community Op Shop's new owner launches koha app](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
CHB Community Op Shop's new owner launches koha app
The op shop will serve as a 'shopfront' for more sustainability initiatives.
![Fly into rescue chopper open day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Fly into rescue chopper open day
In remote locations helicopter rescue is often the patient’s only chance for survival.
![Spanish champs a coup for gutsy Central Hawke's Bay cyclist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Spanish champs a coup for gutsy Central Hawke's Bay cyclist
Jo had broken 14 bones on the right side of her body, from her pelvis to her head.
![Spectators welcome at Sunday’s Tour de Beautiful CHB](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Spectators welcome at Sunday’s Tour de Beautiful CHB
Riders have been training for weeks for this event.
![Starting new year with good deed – Waipukurau Mitre 10 helps out rescue chopper](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Starting new year with good deed – Waipukurau Mitre 10 helps out rescue chopper
The Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter carried out 415 life-saving missions last year.
![Cyclists pumped for 2024 Tour de Beautiful CHB](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Cyclists pumped for 2024 Tour de Beautiful CHB
The Bay Motorcycles Tour de Beautiful CHB takes place this month
![Lachie Kirk bounces back for personal best at world age group champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Lachie Kirk bounces back for personal best at world age group champs
'There are multiple judges watching each competitor’s routine.'
![Patrick Bronte made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Patrick Bronte made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
But he nearly deleted the email informing him: 'I thought it was spam.'
![Takapau's Christmas Lights House is back with a difference](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Takapau's Christmas Lights House is back with a difference
Brenda admits she just couldn’t help herself.
![Bravery awards for Central Hawke's Bay Police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Bravery awards for Central Hawke's Bay Police
The back of the house was ablaze when the three officers arrived.
![The lawyer who became a vicar: 'Nothing prepares you'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
The lawyer who became a vicar: 'Nothing prepares you'
'Nobody gave us a course in plumbing ... or told us what an unreinforced masonry was.'
![Christmas Carnival takes over Waipukurau main street](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Christmas Carnival takes over Waipukurau main street
Central Hawke's Bay is making the most of the Christmas season.
!['They're wrecked': Retiree's Christmas display hit by vandals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
'They're wrecked': Retiree's Christmas display hit by vandals
"I do it every year for the community and this is the first time I’ve had any trouble.”
![Christmas Carnival this weekend in Waipukurau](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Christmas Carnival this weekend in Waipukurau
The carnival will spill out on to Ruataniwha St in Waipukurau from 11am to 1pm.
![Horsing around at Woburn Care Centre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Horsing around at Woburn Care Centre
Woburn staff decided to make Melbourne Cup day just a little more “horsey”.
![Connect Youth and Community Trust celebrates one year of driver licencing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Connect Youth and Community Trust celebrates one year of driver licencing
Connect Youth and Community Trust has had 407 people tested for their drivers' licence.
![Central Hawke's Bay needs more Canine Friends](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Central Hawke's Bay needs more Canine Friends
Research shows health benefits from interacting with animals.
![CHB is charging into Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
CHB is charging into Christmas
Christmas is coming and so is the CHB Christmas Market and Concert.
![CHB's iconic cycle race is back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
CHB's iconic cycle race is back
Cycling CHB is bringing back the Tour de Beautiful CHB road race.
![Pōrangahau hosts junior golf tournament](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Pōrangahau hosts junior golf tournament
Futures Hawke’s Bay events are designed to meet young players' needs and abilities.
![Family's stay in Hawke's Bay leaves lasting memories](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Family's stay in Hawke's Bay leaves lasting memories
Search for old friend who showed 'generosity, hospitality and amazing kindness'.
![Split decision but yes to Māori ward for CHB](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Split decision but yes to Māori ward for CHB
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has voted in favour of introducing Māori wards.
![Junior Pacific Warriors bring home winners' trophy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Junior Pacific Warriors bring home winners' trophy
Hawke’s Bay’s Junior Pacific Warriors U14 team have returned from Bangkok as champions.
![Ruahine rescue challenge for SAR team training](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Ruahine rescue challenge for SAR team training
Each year search and rescue teams have to undergo two exercises of at least two days each.
![Head to Hastings for Waipukurau Jockey Club Christmas at the Races](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Head to Hastings for Waipukurau Jockey Club Christmas at the Races
Members and supporters of the Waipukurau Jockey Club are off to the races this weekend.
![Free entry for the kids at this year's CHB A&P Show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Free entry for the kids at this year's CHB A&P Show
The action starts on Friday with equestrian events.
![Blackberry bush home to rare breed of skink](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Blackberry bush home to rare breed of skink
This is the first time the Hawke’s Bay skink has been found in Central Hawke’s Bay.
![CHB taken over by military - just for a couple of weeks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
CHB taken over by military - just for a couple of weeks
The officer training cadets had no warning of what they would face in each scenario.
![Customers squeeze into CHB's first juice bar](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Customers squeeze into CHB's first juice bar
“We just thought there was a gap in Waipukurau for something funky and fresh."
![This takes the cake: Memories of Waipukurau](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
This takes the cake: Memories of Waipukurau
"Come on ladies, let’s have a picture before you start work."
![Runners lap up CHB's River-Run Backyard Ultra](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Runners lap up CHB's River-Run Backyard Ultra
The format involves all runners starting together, every hour on the hour.
![Central Hawke's Bay Museum 'a microcosm of NZ’s agricultural society'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Central Hawke's Bay Museum 'a microcosm of NZ’s agricultural society'
Older visitors find the displays and collections trigger memories.
![Waipawa's iconic 'Duck Day' attracts thousands](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Waipawa's iconic 'Duck Day' attracts thousands
You had to be there early to get a parking space within waddling distance.
![Waipukurau Little Theatre takes leap back in time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Waipukurau Little Theatre takes leap back in time
Waipukurau Little Theatre is presenting a double bill with all the trimmings.
![RRT turns on a feast and fenceposts for CHB farmers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
RRT turns on a feast and fenceposts for CHB farmers
'By the time we have finished the CHB event we will have handed out about 72,000 posts.'
![Waipukurau Market damp but successful](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Waipukurau Market damp but successful
Waipukurau's inaugural market day was greeted by wet weather but happy shoppers.
![Car club raises record funds for Cancer Society](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Car club raises record funds for Cancer Society
All NZ’s Vintage Car Clubs hold their Daffodil Day rally in September.
![Funky Pūkeko settles in new roost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Funky Pūkeko settles in new roost
Opening the old bar space has brought Christine a lot of visitors keen to share stories.
![Otago turns on the treats for Pōrangahau pair](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
Otago turns on the treats for Pōrangahau pair
Adopt-a-Community flies Central Hawke’s Bay couple to Alexandra Blossom Festival.
![CHB College LSM 'heartened by motivation'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=786)
CHB College LSM 'heartened by motivation'
Kevin Palmer was appointed to CHB College last term.