Latest FromNZH Local Focus
![Local Focus: NZ First candidate for Bay of Plenty, Kirsten Murfitt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_p.png?d=785)
Local Focus: NZ First candidate for Bay of Plenty, Kirsten Murfitt
Infrastructure, potholes and healthcare are the big issues for first-time candidate.
![Local Focus: Independent candidate for Tauranga Larry Baldock on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_p.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Independent candidate for Tauranga Larry Baldock on Candidate Camera
Transport, home loans and an independent voice in Parliament are Baldock's aims.
![Local Focus: Leighton Baker Party Candidate for Bay of Plenty, Wendy Gillespie on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Leighton Baker Party Candidate for Bay of Plenty, Wendy Gillespie on Candidate Camera
Ōropi local discusses why she's running for the Leighton Baker Party.
![Local Focus: Vision NZ's Leon Samuels on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Vision NZ's Leon Samuels on Candidate Camera
Democracy, crime and homelessness are big issues for Tauranga's Vision candidate.
![Local Focus: Act's Bay of Plenty candidate Cameron Luxton on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Act's Bay of Plenty candidate Cameron Luxton on Candidate Camera
The cost of living and crime are the big issues for Act's Pāpāmoa-based candidate.
![Local Focus: National's Tom Rutherford on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: National's Tom Rutherford on Candidate Camera
National's Bay of Plenty candidate discusses the electorate's big issues.
![Local Focus: Labour's Jan Tinetti on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Labour's Jan Tinetti on Candidate Camera
Transport, skill shortages and equal access to Tauranga are important issues for Tinetti.
![Local Focus: National's Sam Uffindell on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: National's Sam Uffindell on Candidate Camera
Crime, cost of living, and a new highway are top of mind for Uffindell.
![Local Focus: Catering for the community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Catering for the community
Katikati College students help feed the community through Kura Kai.
![Local Focus: Labour's Pare Taikato on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Labour's Pare Taikato on Candidate Camera
Infrastructure, housing and climate change top of mind for the new Labour candidate.
![Local Focus: Live for More getting troubled youths back on track](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Live for More getting troubled youths back on track
Charitable trust helps young people leave their troubled pasts behind.
NZ Herald Local Focus
More from Local Focus
![Local Focus: Labour candidate for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Labour candidate for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty on Candidate Camera
Wairarapa's Labour candidate answers questions put forward by the local electorate.
![Local Focus: National candidate for Wairarapa Mike Butterick on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: National candidate for Wairarapa Mike Butterick on Candidate Camera
Wairarapa's National candidate answers questions put forward by the local electorate.
![Local Focus: Green candidate for Wairarapa Celia Wade-Brown on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Green candidate for Wairarapa Celia Wade-Brown on Candidate Camera
Wairarapa's Green candidate answers questions put forward by the local electorate.
![Local Focus: Act candidate for Wairarapa Simon Casey on Candidate Camera](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Act candidate for Wairarapa Simon Casey on Candidate Camera
Act's Wairarapa candidate discusses the electorate's big issues.
![Local Focus: The Kiwi charity helping thousands of children in the Philippines](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: The Kiwi charity helping thousands of children in the Philippines
Tauranga's Mae Cunningham, 16, and her family share her adoption story.
![Local Focus: Nurses choose surgery to save their own lives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Nurses choose surgery to save their own lives
Three Gisborne friends lost over 200kgs between them following weight loss surgery.
![Local Focus: Off the rails](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Off the rails
The Judds Road proposed closure is causing concern for local residents.
![Local Focus: Inspirational teacher and para-athlete takes on the Taupō Cycle Challenge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Inspirational teacher and para-athlete takes on the Taupō Cycle Challenge
'Don’t let them tell you you can’t. Show them you can.'
![Local Focus: A simple goal to build the most sustainable surfboards in New Zealand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: A simple goal to build the most sustainable surfboards in New Zealand
Surfing, furniture-maker Peter Claydon now shapes wooden surfboards.
![Local Focus: Fishing for a trophy in Slovakia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Fishing for a trophy in Slovakia
Cory Scott is heading to Slovakia next month for the 2023 World Fly Fishing Championships.
![Local Focus: Gisborne footy team experience the quarter-finals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Gisborne footy team experience the quarter-finals
Tatapouri Thistle Marist football team get treated to the World Cup quarter-finals.
![Local Focus: Meet Martinborough’s Union Square Welly Burger](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Meet Martinborough’s Union Square Welly Burger
This year's Welly Burger competition includes an 'oozy' entry from Union Bar and Bistro.
![Local Focus: Charity football raises awareness that men get breast cancer too](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Charity football raises awareness that men get breast cancer too
A football match and a close shave net $5000 in less than one week.
![Woman behind Masterton’s mysterious banners revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Woman behind Masterton’s mysterious banners revealed
Now she's creating a Wall of Courage.
![What a score: Big surprise for Gisborne football women](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
What a score: Big surprise for Gisborne football women
Gisborne is not as far away from the FIFA Women's World Cup as they thought.
![Local Focus: Taranaki paramedic on the trauma of saving lives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Taranaki paramedic on the trauma of saving lives
Mark Belchamber wrote a book to help him deal with the dark side of the job.
![Local Focus: Shifting to alternative modes of transport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Shifting to alternative modes of transport
Private cars account for 90 per cent of journeys in Tauranga and it’s causing headaches.
![Local Focus: Building a better mountain bike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Building a better mountain bike
Freddy Salgado is using bamboo, flax and carbon fibre to build a unique bike.
![Safety concerns after Masterton rail crossing crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Safety concerns after Masterton rail crossing crash
The rail crossing accident on Norfolk Road opens up a safety discussion.
![Local Focus: Gisborne weightlifter finds strength at home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Gisborne weightlifter finds strength at home
Kitini Taihuka prepares for the Oceania Junior Championships in Samoa this October.
![Local Focus: Taking the plunge at Matariki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Taking the plunge at Matariki
Matariki in Wairarapa unveils a modern pou honouring a Māori chief and a midwinter dip.
![Welcome Orange Lionesses: How Bay Oval transformed to host World Cup team](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Welcome Orange Lionesses: How Bay Oval transformed to host World Cup team
'We want them to be able to train on the best facility possible,' the groundskeeper says.
![Deer farm now a traditional Thai temple](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Deer farm now a traditional Thai temple
Take a tour of the traditional Thai temple tucked away in Welcome Bay.
![Local Focus: Going native in a Masterton forest reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Going native in a Masterton forest reserve
The 30-year story of how an urban wasteland became Masterton's native forest reserve.
![Local Focus: Freshwater policy changes are coming](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Freshwater policy changes are coming
Katikati growers, farmers and residents discuss water quality with the regional council.
![Local Focus: Who should pay for this destroyed Gisborne bridge?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Who should pay for this destroyed Gisborne bridge?
Gisborne farmer Sam Gemmell completely cut off after Cyclone Gabrielle destroys bridge.
![Local Focus: Three decades of hard mahi making a difference to the coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Three decades of hard mahi making a difference to the coast
Students are taking time out of their school holidays to help protect the dune system.
![Take a tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Take a tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa
How a replica of the English Stonehenge was built in a Carterton paddock.
![Local Focus: Hanging out at the Men’s Shed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Hanging out at the Men’s Shed
We work towards it all our lives, but adjusting to retirement can take time.
![Local Focus: More rain for flooded Gisborne](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: More rain for flooded Gisborne
The state of emergency has been lifted in Tairāwhiti but the rain continues to fall.
![Local Focus: Big rates hike for Hawke’s Bay residents](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Big rates hike for Hawke’s Bay residents
With inflation and recovery bills going up, rates rises are happening around the region.
![Local Focus: Fred’s wonderful world of film](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Fred’s wonderful world of film
A 93-year-old film-maker, Fred Holloway, documents the people of Wairarapa.
![Celebrating Cultural DiverCity is on this Saturday in Napier](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Celebrating Cultural DiverCity is on this Saturday in Napier
Hawke’s Bay's ethnic community will take centre stage in Napier this Saturday.
!['People have all kinds of grief in their life': The art of talking about loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
'People have all kinds of grief in their life': The art of talking about loss
Local abstract artist Kelly Shrimpton talks about using art to deal with grief.
!['Once-in-a-lifetime': Trophy visit kicks off Fifa Women's World Cup buzz](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
'Once-in-a-lifetime': Trophy visit kicks off Fifa Women's World Cup buzz
Local Focus: Five games will be played at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
![Local Focus: 50 flipping years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: 50 flipping years
They've been flipping kids since 1972, so Local Focus' Renae Lolohea gave it a go too!
![Local Focus: A taste of Hawke’s Bay’s best](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: A taste of Hawke’s Bay’s best
Local food and wine festival is great news for Hawke’s Bay hospitality.
![Local Focus: Art, coffee and gin are the secrets to success for entrepreneurial couple](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Art, coffee and gin are the secrets to success for entrepreneurial couple
Horopito, kawakawaka, miro berries and stamens of pōhutukawa are fun to find and distil.
![Local Focus: Young mothers seek the light at Puawānanga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Young mothers seek the light at Puawānanga
Inside Masterton's teen parent unit.
![The club helping lay loved ones to rest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
The club helping lay loved ones to rest
Volunteers at Coffin Club Hawke’s Bay have been making baby coffins since 2015.
![Watch: Girls' High rugby team inspired by idol chat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Watch: Girls' High rugby team inspired by idol chat
Chiefs Manawa star Luka Connor believes the future is "huge" for tomorrow's players.
![Local Focus: Transforming Rotorua into a tech hub](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Transforming Rotorua into a tech hub
Rotorua’s reputation as a technology hub is attracting professionals to the region.
![Local Focus: City's first Latin Expo helps migrants 'break down the barriers'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: City's first Latin Expo helps migrants 'break down the barriers'
'It’s an opportunity to connect with organisations that we didn’t know existed.'
![Local Focus: Meet the 90+ master swimmers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Meet the 90+ master swimmers
At 91, Michael Tunnicliffe is the oldest competitor in the 2023 Masters Swimming Champs.
![Local Focus: 'Massive increase' in clothing need as cost of living bites, winter nears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: 'Massive increase' in clothing need as cost of living bites, winter nears
Koha Apparel is on a mission to help the vulnerable look good and feel great.
![Local Focus: Gisborne community rallies around family who lost it all](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Gisborne community rallies around family who lost it all
The Alexander's family home was destroyed by flooding after Cyclone Gabrielle.
![Local Focus: Sowing the seeds of love](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Sowing the seeds of love
Hundreds of ‘bucket gardens’ are being given away to rebuild cyclone-affected gardens.
![Wairarapa Film Festival showcases early Preston doco](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Wairarapa Film Festival showcases early Preston doco
Nine local films set to be showcased as part of the Wairarapa Film Festival.
![Local Focus: Charity out to serve up kindness](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Charity out to serve up kindness
Meet the volunteers who bake home-cooked treats for locals doing it tough.
![Local Focus: Where to live after losing everything?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Where to live after losing everything?
For many impacted by the cyclone, the best accommodation option has been family.
![Local Focus: Meet the Taranaki Dragons](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Meet the Taranaki Dragons
Taranaki breast cancer survivors paddle on to the world stage.
![Local Focus: Carterton's skate scene revival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Carterton's skate scene revival
Roller skaters are flocking to Carterton's A&P Showgrounds for a smooth ride.
![Local Focus: Meet the Nanas knitting for the Cool Kids](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Meet the Nanas knitting for the Cool Kids
Knitting for Cool Kids Rotorua will be donating over 800 packs of hand knitted clothes.
![Local Focus: The Altered Rose takes upcycling to the next level](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: The Altered Rose takes upcycling to the next level
The one-woman furniture restoration business turning something old into something new.
![The bridge that will connect Napier to Wairoa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
The bridge that will connect Napier to Wairoa
Three months after Cyclone Gabrielle, a bridge to connect Hawke's Bay is almost ready.
![Local Focus: Wading into the environment, lizard guts and all](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Wading into the environment, lizard guts and all
Former Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown restores Wairarapa land to its natural state.
![Local Focus: Helping to fix throwaway mindset](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Helping to fix throwaway mindset
Napier's Repair Cafe is fostering a fix-it culture.
![Local Focus: MasterChef for seniors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: MasterChef for seniors
Inside the programme showing seniors how to cook for themselves after losing a loved one.
![Local Focus: Taranaki water celebrates 20 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Taranaki water celebrates 20 years
When the Bonithon Petroleum Company dug for oil, it found something completely different.
![Local Focus: Residents upset after Foodstuffs cans new supermarket](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Residents upset after Foodstuffs cans new supermarket
Flaxmere residents upset plans for a new supermarket have been canned.
![Local Focus: Every town needs a village](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Every town needs a village
More than 50 young people have passed through The Village since it was set up in 2019.
![Local Focus: Rotorua BMX racer chases Olympic dream](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Rotorua BMX racer chases Olympic dream
Rotorua rider Megan Williams takes it up a gear ahead of Paris 2024.
![Local Focus: Arataki Boardriders to the rescue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Arataki Boardriders to the rescue
Community-funded water safety programme teaches families how to respect the ocean.
![Local Focus: Pickleball popularity peaks in Gisborne](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Pickleball popularity peaks in Gisborne
Pickleball Gisborne goes from a handful of players to over 150 members.
![Local Focus: Eight million tonnes of sediment still coats Esk Valley](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Eight million tonnes of sediment still coats Esk Valley
Scientists are flying in to understand how the region can better prepare for the future.
![Local Focus: CrossFit pair qualify for Brisbane championship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: CrossFit pair qualify for Brisbane championship
Gisborne master athletes, Debbie Hutchings and Tamera Nelson, prove age is just a number.
![Local Focus: Supermarket vouchers help cyclone victims recover](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Supermarket vouchers help cyclone victims recover
Hawke’s Bay residents tap into $150,000 gift card fund to restock the pantry.
![Local Focus: Manaaki Rotorua invites cyclone victims to ‘Be Our Guest’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Manaaki Rotorua invites cyclone victims to ‘Be Our Guest’
Free getaway packages to Rotorua offered to those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
![Local Focus: Divine River responds to period poverty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Divine River responds to period poverty
Wairarapa charity turns old fabrics and plastics into eco-friendly sanitary towels.
![Local Focus: Long-forgotten footage of Charles and Diana recovered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Long-forgotten footage of Charles and Diana recovered
Lost footage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana opening Baycourt in 1983 surfaces.
![Local Focus: Isolated and alone while losing his legs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Isolated and alone while losing his legs
Gisborne resident Josh Grant talks about his lonely brush with death.
![Local Focus: Lifesaving lessons for Eskdale School](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Lifesaving lessons for Eskdale School
Students from Eskdale School enjoy free water safety lessons outside the classroom.
![Local Focus: Lack of lifejackets causing problems for harbourmaster](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Lack of lifejackets causing problems for harbourmaster
Lack of lifejackets and moored boats causing headaches for the harbourmaster.
![Local Focus: Getting a greater yield from your garden](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Getting a greater yield from your garden
The Rotorua Seed Library and Kai Rotorua are helping residents become self-sustainable.
![Hair, makeup and rongoā Māori medicine](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Hair, makeup and rongoā Māori medicine
The healing journey of former Māori Television head of hair and makeup, Bianca Fallon.
![Local Focus: Feeding the hungry from South Wairarapa to the Tararua District](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Feeding the hungry from South Wairarapa to the Tararua District
Community kitchen volunteers master the art of scraping together whatever.
![Local Focus: Hawke’s Bay Toy Drive races into action](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Hawke’s Bay Toy Drive races into action
Community effort goes flat out to put smiles on children’s faces.
![Local Focus: Black Label BBQ sizzles with skills](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Black Label BBQ sizzles with skills
Shaun and Alia Branson have taken their passion for BBQ to a higher level.
![Local Focus: Inside Tauranga’s new water treatment plant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Inside Tauranga’s new water treatment plant
See the membranes that stand between you and nasty bugs in your drinking water.
![Hawke's Bay 'hero': Neela dishes up thousands of free meals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Hawke's Bay 'hero': Neela dishes up thousands of free meals
Up to a thousand free meals a day come from Neela's makeshift kitchen in Napier.
![Local Focus: Miss NZ finalist goes from gumboots to high heels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Miss NZ finalist goes from gumboots to high heels
Tolaga Bay local has had quite a journey to the Miss New Zealand pageant.
![Motel generation: What it's like raising kids in emergency housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Motel generation: What it's like raising kids in emergency housing
Nearly half those living in emergency housing in Hawke's Bay are children.
![Local Focus: Masterton’s pick of the litter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Masterton’s pick of the litter
Local hero, Adam Anderson has been collecting litter off Masterton's streets for 20 years.
![Local Focus: Multicultural Festival marks ‘Race Relations Day’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Multicultural Festival marks ‘Race Relations Day’
Tauranga’s multicultural community is preparing to showcase music, food and fashion.
![Local Focus: How's mayoralty treating former Minister of Defence Ron Mark?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: How's mayoralty treating former Minister of Defence Ron Mark?
Carterton Mayor Ron Mark spoke to Local Focus about running local government.
![Local Focus: Dartmoor residents ready to reconnect](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Dartmoor residents ready to reconnect
Construction of a temporary bridge is under way for cut-off Dartmoor residents.
![Local Focus: 'It has no future here' - colonial statue under fire again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: 'It has no future here' - colonial statue under fire again
Whanganui hapū and iwi have 'major concerns' regarding Aotearoa's first war memorial.
![Local Focus: 'Big Brothers Big Sisters' changing children's lives in Hawke’s Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: 'Big Brothers Big Sisters' changing children's lives in Hawke’s Bay
Meet the youth mentors helping young people navigate life's big challenges.
![Up to 5000 expected at Wairarapa festival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Up to 5000 expected at Wairarapa festival
Top tips for 121 festival-goers: Bring water and snacks, put on sunblock and be friendly.
![Local Focus: Rotorua charities airdrop donated goods to Hawke’s Bay residents](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Rotorua charities airdrop donated goods to Hawke’s Bay residents
What started with a single request for help quickly turned into something much bigger.
![Local Focus: Wingfoil World Tour descends on Mt Maunganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Wingfoil World Tour descends on Mt Maunganui
A major event of this fast-growing sport hits New Zealand’s shores for the first time.
!['The Tide' is changing how people get around Whanganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
'The Tide' is changing how people get around Whanganui
Whanganui's new high frequency bus service is changing habits.
![Local Focus: Waka ama saved my life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Waka ama saved my life
Champion speaks frankly on her battle with long Covid, depression and survival.
![Watch: The power of a community after a cyclone - ‘we’re not strangers, we’re family’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Watch: The power of a community after a cyclone - ‘we’re not strangers, we’re family’
Powerful emotional reaction from Hastings residents overwhelmed by help from strangers.
![Local Focus: Piha surf comp relocated to Mt Maunganui](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Piha surf comp relocated to Mt Maunganui
Junior surf comp relocated after damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in Piha.
![Local Focus: ‘Dead livestock everywhere’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: ‘Dead livestock everywhere’
Volunteers have spent days cleaning up dead animals in Hastings after Cyclone Gabrielle.
![Cyclone Gabrielle: Mucking in to get the muck out of Te Karaka, Gisborne](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Cyclone Gabrielle: Mucking in to get the muck out of Te Karaka, Gisborne
Over 200 volunteers help with the Te Karaka clean-up project after Cyclone Gabrielle.
![WaiWaste food when you can feed people with it?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
WaiWaste food when you can feed people with it?
Masterton’s WaiWaste takes food from landfill and distribute it to hungry whānau.
![Sir Howard Morrison Centre: Whānau Day a success after Friday night’s gala event cancelled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Sir Howard Morrison Centre: Whānau Day a success after Friday night’s gala event cancelled
And the Rotorua mayor said she was "humbled" to see the centre "come back to life".
![Local Focus: Donations flow into Tomoana Showgrounds in Hawke’s Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Donations flow into Tomoana Showgrounds in Hawke’s Bay
A lot of goods have been donated and volunteers are busy sorting it out.
![Local Focus: Farming versus sustainability](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Farming versus sustainability
Wairarapa farmers discuss climate change and explain how they're tackling it.
![Local Focus: Grateful campers keen to help with cleanup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Grateful campers keen to help with cleanup
Freedom camper Wade Mannell wants to return the favour.
![Local Focus: ‘Tea is like art’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: ‘Tea is like art’
China Friendship Society invites Tauranga locals to learn about Chinese culture.
![Local Focus: 24 people rescued after being stuck for two days](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: 24 people rescued after being stuck for two days
12 Fernhill residents and 12 Samoa RSE workers have been rescued by helicopter.
![Local Focus: 'We’ve had people turn up in sheets and underwear'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: 'We’ve had people turn up in sheets and underwear'
Sally Ann Pritchard says Te Aranga Marae requires towels and blankets but has enough kai.
![Local Focus: RSEs evacuated safely in Fernhill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: RSEs evacuated safely in Fernhill
49 Samoan RSEs had to abandon their belongings after camp flooded.
![Local Focus: Hobby horsing rides fun factor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Hobby horsing rides fun factor
The inaugural Hooves on Drews hobby horsing extravaganza was a hit with locals.
!['We've been through hell': Harrowing stories of floods survivors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
'We've been through hell': Harrowing stories of floods survivors
Alastair Needes and other survivors tell of their close calls with rising flood waters.
![Local Focus: Is Whanganui ready for floods?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Is Whanganui ready for floods?
Mayor Andrew Tripe and WDC emergency manager Tim Crowe discuss civil defence.
![Cyclone Gabrielle live: Thousands still without power in BoP, fallen trees block roads, schools closed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Cyclone Gabrielle live: Thousands still without power in BoP, fallen trees block roads, schools closed
Latest on Cyclone Gabrielle in the region.
![Local Focus: Cyclone Gabrielle brings huge swells to Mt Maunganui and Pāpāmoa beaches](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Cyclone Gabrielle brings huge swells to Mt Maunganui and Pāpāmoa beaches
Mauao base track and Moturiki (Leisure Island) are closed due to high swells.
![Local Focus: Delicious dumplings boost cultural exchanges in prison](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Delicious dumplings boost cultural exchanges in prison
Dumpling class brings inmates and staff together at Hawke's Bay Regional Prison.
![Local Focus: 'Window' opens in Hawke's Bay property market for first-home buyers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: 'Window' opens in Hawke's Bay property market for first-home buyers
'When the market does turn, it will happen really quickly. Right now, there's a window.'
![12 workers sleeping in living room: Four-bedroom house earning $3500 rent a week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
12 workers sleeping in living room: Four-bedroom house earning $3500 rent a week
Local Focus: 28 RSE workers share one kitchen - we went to have a look.
![Department of Conservation undertakes its annual census of rare geothermal wetland ferns.](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Department of Conservation undertakes its annual census of rare geothermal wetland ferns.
Rotorua Department of Conservation team is undertaking its annual census.
![Local Focus: Tarawera's honeysuckle trail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Tarawera's honeysuckle trail
Japanese honeysuckle is beautiful and sweet-smelling, but deadly to native bush.
![Local Focus: Is pay the reason for hospo staffing shortages?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Is pay the reason for hospo staffing shortages?
Differing opinions on hospo pay rates and whether training is needed to wait tables.
![Local Focus: Beach volleyball event to bring millions into local economy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Beach volleyball event to bring millions into local economy
Mount Maunganui hailed as “the perfect place” for beach volleyball in New Zealand.
![Local Focus: My obsession with inflatables](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: My obsession with inflatables
Entrepreneurial Gisborne mum reveals her obsession with inflatables.
!['Go Dad!' Firefighters compete in the Waterway Challenge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
'Go Dad!' Firefighters compete in the Waterway Challenge
The water was flying and the kids were cheering.
![Floodgates still open in Riversdale](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Floodgates still open in Riversdale
Cyclone Hale left Riversdale farms with metre-deep river sediment covering entire paddocks
![Fun in the sun for whānau in Rotorua’s East for next 10 weeks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Fun in the sun for whānau in Rotorua’s East for next 10 weeks
Rotorua's East Side residents are being encouraged to go to their local parks.
![Local Focus: Xanadu Book Exchange home to 10 million books](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Xanadu Book Exchange home to 10 million books
Inside the second-hand book store where people lose track of time.
![Local Focus: Destination skatepark funding hits $3.2 million](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Destination skatepark funding hits $3.2 million
Dramatic increase in funding means big things for skateboarding in Tauranga.
![Upcycling centre getting upcycled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Upcycling centre getting upcycled
The Junction in New Plymouth will soon expand and sort through skips of commercial waste.
![What will happen to the coastline in the next 100 years?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
What will happen to the coastline in the next 100 years?
Managed or planned retreat in some areas is likely an eventual outcome in the long term.
![Local Focus: Jars Cafe is open and serving not just planespotters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Jars Cafe is open and serving not just planespotters
The Airport Cafe is back and Loulou Krebs hopes to make it a reason to go to the airport.
![Migrant families embrace Kiwi Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Migrant families embrace Kiwi Christmas
The Bunne-Namdaris, Arpanaeis, Calderons and Iwasakis will be celebrating a Kiwi Christmas
![Gisborne musicians singing to win $10,000 on 5 Minutes of Fame](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Gisborne musicians singing to win $10,000 on 5 Minutes of Fame
Gisborne's Five Minutes of Fame finalists.
![Xmas bonus: Brand new skatepark for Flaxmere](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Xmas bonus: Brand new skatepark for Flaxmere
The 1400 sq m skatepark features more than 20 skate elements.
![Rotorua's SPCA is already at capacity, but is bracing for a summer influx](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Rotorua's SPCA is already at capacity, but is bracing for a summer influx
Rotorua's SPCA is at capacity, and is expecting an influx of animals over summer.
![Good timing! Four Square Te Mata reopens for Christmas.](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Good timing! Four Square Te Mata reopens for Christmas.
"It's a great part of our community. I'm glad it's back."
![Local Focus: Gisborne school bringing history to life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Local Focus: Gisborne school bringing history to life
Tūranga Tangata Rite's new school building to become school syllabus.
![Watch: 'They could have tried killing me' - terror spreading among dairy owners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Watch: 'They could have tried killing me' - terror spreading among dairy owners
Napier dairy was ram raided just one day before the owner's family holiday to Fiji.
![Watch: Spare a thought for our dairy owners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Watch: Spare a thought for our dairy owners
Raj Patel says spare a thought for dairy owners.