Our top stories online for 2012

We take a look back at our biggest stories online for 2012.

Our number one story for 2012 was a call for local lasses to compete for the title of Miss Tui 2012. Eight Wairarapa girls entering the competition.

Our second most viewed story was the target="_blank">Carterton hot air balloon tragedy.

We followed the tragedy from the moment it unfolded through to the subsequent investigation.

In May we published our fourth biggest story about a Wairarapa mother who was angry her son was given only instant noodles to eat while in custody at Masterton Police Station. The story created a slew of comments on our website.

In the number five slot was the tragic story of Gabrielle Meyrick who was allegedly the target of bullies before her sudden death. Her grieving father initially lashed out at the bullies but later said he forgave them.

Staff and students at Makoura college were shocked and saddened by the incident.

Our seventh most viewed story was the news that Dave Anderson Motorcycles had gone into liquidation.

At number eight was the plight of a homeless young solvent abuser.

Another local business going under was our ninth biggest story of the year. Masterton's Gateway Motor Inn owed more than $3 million.

Rounding out the top ten was the news that Masterton musician Ladyhawke had been named a double finalist at the 2012 New Zealand Music Awards.