David Haxton, Editor of Kapiti News, loves writing stories about people who have overcome the odds, people who have worked hard to succeed, and breaking news.
David Haxton is the editor of the Kāpiti News. The newspaper is a two-time finalist in the Voyager Media Awards community newspaper of the year category. When I was a college student, a science teacher encouraged us to read the newspaper and be informed. The advice stuck. I became interested in the news. I graduated from the Peter Arnett School of Journalism, at the Southern Institute of Technology, in 2000, before joining the Kāpiti News early in 2001 firstly as a reporter and then becoming editor. It has been a long haul but it's a great community to work in, there’s a constant supply of interesting stories to write, the commute is only a few minutes, and I live near the beach. I’ve got a young family and the coast is an awesome great place for them to grow up in. I love writing stories about people who have overcome the odds, people who have worked hard to succeed, and breaking news is still a buzz. It’s also great being part of the wider NZME whānau and seeing our stories reach national and overseas audiences.
![Meet the person who will transform into the New Zealand Olympic Team's mascot Goldie](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Meet the person who will transform into the New Zealand Olympic Team's mascot Goldie
School teacher 'overwhelmed and emotional' about upbeat role.
![Morning tea shout for special group of volunteers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Morning tea shout for special group of volunteers
Volunteers' dedication and hard work are recognised.
![Picturesque golf course suited to all levels of players](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Picturesque golf course suited to all levels of players
Kāpiti Golf Club is a hit with all levels of players.
![Shop's cheese scone sales skyrocket after customers' vote of confidence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Shop's cheese scone sales skyrocket after customers' vote of confidence
Customers are making a beeline for the scones.
!['Better times ahead', Finance Minister Nicola Willis predicts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Better times ahead', Finance Minister Nicola Willis predicts
Willis addressed a business breakfast in Kāpiti.
![Striker's 200th football game celebrated in style](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Striker's 200th football game celebrated in style
Vanessa Addy is in her 13th season in women's football.
![Brass band extraordinaire 'thrilled' with award](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Brass band extraordinaire 'thrilled' with award
Merv Allison has played in brass bands for 82 years.
![Former principal's passion for education and sports recognised](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Former principal's passion for education and sports recognised
Rex Kerr made a difference in college, community, and rugby circles.
![Tram museum medal recipient praises colleagues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Tram museum medal recipient praises colleagues
Henry Brittain is a key person at the Wellington Tramway Museum.
![Historian humbled with King's Birthday Honours accolade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Historian humbled with King's Birthday Honours accolade
Anthony Dreaver has promoted the history of Kāpiti and Horowhenua for many years.
![Massive achievement as club rugby player's 200th game looms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Massive achievement as club rugby player's 200th game looms
A large crowd is expected for the historic occasion.
![Nature reserve helps threatened plant species](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Nature reserve helps threatened plant species
The plant was described as 'a larder for our ecosystem'.
![Bulk water treatment specialist wins coveted award](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Bulk water treatment specialist wins coveted award
“I’m proud to have received this award."
![Workers' strike artwork steps back in time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Workers' strike artwork steps back in time
It took James Brewer two years to create the painting.
![White heron keeps bird watchers excited](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
White heron keeps bird watchers excited
The heron has been enjoying life in Waikanae Beach.
![Three years to create semi-underground boutique military museum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Three years to create semi-underground boutique military museum
There is lots to see in Das Bunker Kāpiti.
![Proud moment as young player joins Junior Davis Cup team](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Proud moment as young player joins Junior Davis Cup team
Tennis player Cody Atkinson continues to impress.
![Resident seeks river mouth cut to protect homes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Resident seeks river mouth cut to protect homes
Regional council intervention sought to mitigate dune erosion.
![Demolition derby dynamo gets call 'out of the blue'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Demolition derby dynamo gets call 'out of the blue'
Bevan Johnston is heading back to Canada for some car-crunching competition.
![Childcare centre embraces heroic wahine with stunning artwork](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Childcare centre embraces heroic wahine with stunning artwork
The artwork features Kahe Te Rau-o-te-rangi and her epic swim.
![Create and plate: Inside the kitchen with 50-50 head chef Helen Turnbull](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Create and plate: Inside the kitchen with 50-50 head chef Helen Turnbull
The award-winning head chef shares some insight into her culinary world.
!['I just about fell over': Elderly dog found after 60 days missing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'I just about fell over': Elderly dog found after 60 days missing
Golden labrador Sydney went missing after being spooked by fireworks.
!['Sleeping giant' football club important for youth retention](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Sleeping giant' football club important for youth retention
Te Kotahitanga FC is the collaboration of five clubs.
![Young poet has work featured in influential series](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Young poet has work featured in influential series
Sadie Lawrence has 25 poems in the book.
![Newlyweds perform in theatre for first time together](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Newlyweds perform in theatre for first time together
Simon and Eryn Cannell are part of the Ordinary Days cast.
![End of an era as Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club custodian departs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
End of an era as Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club custodian departs
Leo Barber has loved his time at the spiritual home of golf.
![Artist humbled with residency in famous potter's environment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Artist humbled with residency in famous potter's environment
Adrienne Riseley was the first resident artist at The Kilns at Te Horo.
![Centre provides important support for people in their cancer journey](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Centre provides important support for people in their cancer journey
The centre has been a success since opening in October 2020.
![Ancient cannonball found in Waikanae Beach urupa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Ancient cannonball found in Waikanae Beach urupa
Mystery surrounds item after chance discovery.
![Bridge clip-on shared path open for users](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Bridge clip-on shared path open for users
The project was completed quicker than expected.
![Trade Aid shop going gangbusters before doors shut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Trade Aid shop going gangbusters before doors shut
Pallets of goods are arriving at the store.
![Animal charity shop hits 500k milestone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Animal charity shop hits 500k milestone
Double celebration for Friends of Animal Charities shop.
![Shuttle service takes stress out of hospital appointment journeys](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Shuttle service takes stress out of hospital appointment journeys
Good options for Kāpiti people needing hospital appointments.
![Cyclist ready to pedal from China to Greece](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Cyclist ready to pedal from China to Greece
Raising funds for cancer research is key to long-distance ride.
![Hands on: Prime Minister takes control of 14-tonne digger](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Hands on: Prime Minister takes control of 14-tonne digger
Christopher Luxon had some fun during a visit to an award-winning Kāpiti business.
![Special dawn service honours two fallen Vietnam veterans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Special dawn service honours two fallen Vietnam veterans
New joint plaque placed on War Memorial Arch.
![Mountain bike club's long-term farm project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Mountain bike club's long-term farm project
“You couldn’t find a better place to put a mountain bike park.”
![Cancer survivor marks special anniversary by raising funds for others](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Cancer survivor marks special anniversary by raising funds for others
Rhiannon Nottage was 14 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia.
![Shin splints leads to sprints for speedy youth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Shin splints leads to sprints for speedy youth
Lucas Lambert's speed has led to national selection.
![Principal bids farewell, paves way for new leadership era](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Principal bids farewell, paves way for new leadership era
New adventures for Paraparaumu College principal Craig Steed.
!['Extreme care' needed for popular beach access](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Extreme care' needed for popular beach access
Carol Lingard hopes the situation will be remedied soon.
![Couple get stuck into historic Paekākāriki building restoration project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Couple get stuck into historic Paekākāriki building restoration project
Sharon and Stephen Bryant are restoring the building back to its former glory.
![Special publication concludes series of books about Paekākāriki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Special publication concludes series of books about Paekākāriki
Last book is the 'best one we've done'.
![Long search continues for golden labrador spooked by fireworks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Long search continues for golden labrador spooked by fireworks
The family is doing everything they can to find the beloved dog.
![Why Tuatara's long Kāpiti connection is coming to an end](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Why Tuatara's long Kāpiti connection is coming to an end
The brewery, which started 24 years ago in rural Reikorangi, is shifting to Brewtown.
![Beloved great-uncle's war history chronicled by RSA](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Beloved great-uncle's war history chronicled by RSA
Julie Stubbs contacted the RSA to find out about her great-uncle's wartime history.
![Creek-embedded tricycle's amazing transformation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Creek-embedded tricycle's amazing transformation
The rebuilt tricycle is being donated to Ronald McDonald House.
![Karakia and site blessing for new surfclub build](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Karakia and site blessing for new surfclub build
Milestone moment for Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards.
!['Disgusting and disappointing': Gun and uniform stolen from US Marines replica hut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'Disgusting and disappointing': Gun and uniform stolen from US Marines replica hut
Seven items were stolen after a window was smashed.
![Fulbright scholar to focus on work-integrated learning at world-leading university](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Fulbright scholar to focus on work-integrated learning at world-leading university
Kathryn Hay is going to Drexel University in Philadelphia.
![Classic Sting Ray muscle car part of annual show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Classic Sting Ray muscle car part of annual show
Paul Thomson's 1965 Corvette Sting Ray will turn heads.
![Stressful: Family always on rainfall red alert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Stressful: Family always on rainfall red alert
Riley family want stormwater system sorted.
![Queer liaison role created at Paraparaumu College](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Queer liaison role created at Paraparaumu College
"Elliot has been doing this work anyway but without the recognition or role title."
![Spearfishing nationals help those in need](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spearfishing nationals help those in need
Lots of fish were given to the Kāpiti Community Foodbank.
![Beachside toilet block artwork has underlying conservation message](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Beachside toilet block artwork has underlying conservation message
The Te Horo Beach toilets and changing blocks have been revamped.
![Choir looking forward to the Olympics of choral singing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Choir looking forward to the Olympics of choral singing
The choir will be one of a large number taking part in World Choir Games.
![Swimmer overcomes challenges to finish epic ocean swim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Swimmer overcomes challenges to finish epic ocean swim
It took Shalyse Murphy longer than expected. But she did it.
![Growth in Hoop Club Kāpiti ranks sparks call for sports hub](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Growth in Hoop Club Kāpiti ranks sparks call for sports hub
'We’ve got 30 to 40 kids, which is very unusual at this point in time.'
![Special moment for Life Education Trust educator](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Special moment for Life Education Trust educator
Jonny Thompson receives Ākina Tohu award for innovative thinking.
![Concepts emerge for large-scale development](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Concepts emerge for large-scale development
The Wellington Company has big plans for the site.
![Fish and prize auctions set to fundraise raise a lot of money.](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Fish and prize auctions set to fundraise raise a lot of money.
Mary Potter Hospice and Paraparaumu Fire Brigade benefit from fundraiser.
![Steady progress on river bridge clip-on project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Steady progress on river bridge clip-on project
A shared path is being created on the Waikanae River bridge along the former SH1.
![Boxer predicts 'good scrap' for his professional debut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Boxer predicts 'good scrap' for his professional debut
Michael Reynolds' professional debut gets under way next month.
![Young referee excited to be part of Touch World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Young referee excited to be part of Touch World Cup
Samuel Taylor will be blowing the whistle at the global competition.
![New biography highlights achievements of two remarkable people](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
New biography highlights achievements of two remarkable people
Byron Brown and Mary-Annette Hay featured in new book.
![Couple give monarch butterfly population a boost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Couple give monarch butterfly population a boost
'We had no idea what we were getting into.'
![New principal looks forward to starting dream job](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
New principal looks forward to starting dream job
Chance to lead Paraparaumu College "too good an opportunity to turn down”.
![International flavour at kite festival continues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
International flavour at kite festival continues
Kite flyers from Australia and Germany are heading our way.
![Life crossroads leads to thriving wedding and events venue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Life crossroads leads to thriving wedding and events venue
After a key decision was made, Janine Sudbury hasn't looked back.
![My Kāpiti: Q&A with barber Andy Ross](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
My Kāpiti: Q&A with barber Andy Ross
Time to meet the owner of Andy's Barber Shop at Paraparaumu Beach.
![Park plans on hold as costs and antisocial behaviour increase](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Park plans on hold as costs and antisocial behaviour increase
The brakes have been put on Kāpiti's Otaraua Park development.
![Royal memories book a ‘a captivating collection of experiences and perspectives’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Royal memories book a ‘a captivating collection of experiences and perspectives’
The book stemmed from write-your-story workshops.
![Caring focus key part of Spearfishing NZ contest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Caring focus key part of Spearfishing NZ contest
Two fish auctions will be held in Paraparaumu as part of the competition.