Doug Laing, Multimedia Journalist at Hawke’s Bay Today, covers all aspects of provincial journalism including local government, sports, major events, social and justice issues.
I’m Doug Laing – Multimedia Journalist at Hawke’s Bay Today. You could say journalism ran in my blood - my father, Les Laing, was a journalist who while working for the NZBC and then Radio New Zealand mentored and helped train broadcasters on-station throughout New Zealand. Journalism is a life-long 24/7 calling for me. I followed in Dad’s footsteps from a young age, writing stories for the local weekly rugby programme while at primary school in the 1960s, and Junior Kiwi - a newspaper for schools. As a 14 year old, I worked as a reporter at the Wairarapa Times-Age during school holidays and began my fulltime career at the Central Hawke’s Bay Press, Waipukurau, in July 1973. I’ve also worked at the Daily Telegraph, had a short stint in public relations in Auckland, worked at The Dominion/Sunday and New Zealand Times, before returning to the Daily Telegraph in May 1987 as Chief Reporter. In 1999 the Daily Telegraph merged with the Hawke’s Bay Herald Tribune to create Hawke’s Bay Today, and I’ve been here ever since. I continue covering all aspects of provincial journalism, including local government, sports, major events, social and justice matters. I've been involved in two books, "Cavaliers in South Africa 1986" (rebel rugby tour) and "Shear History" (Golden Shears 50 years). Finalist Qantas Awards breaking news category (Flaxmere police shooting 1996), Napier Pilot City Trust Awards for "Outstanding Contribution to the Quality of Life for all Napier Citizens" and 2020 NZ Rural Sports Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Sports
![Foundation gives $200k grant to Wairoa flood recovery, others urged to support the town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Foundation gives $200k grant to Wairoa flood recovery, others urged to support the town
The Auckland funder established links with the town after Cyclone Gabrielle.
![David Buick wins open final at Lochearnhead Shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
David Buick wins open final at Lochearnhead Shears
Buick wins the open final but Scotland takes the Joe Te Kapa Memorial Trophy.
![Hawke’s Bay A&P Show loses a day, new features to be added](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hawke’s Bay A&P Show loses a day, new features to be added
A&P shows throughout the country are facing hard times.
![Canterbury Shears gets the go-ahead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Canterbury Shears gets the go-ahead
Champs on November 14-15 — the Thursday and Friday of the traditional show week.
![The busiest man in the game has a lucky Bounce](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The busiest man in the game has a lucky Bounce
Ned George got a push into sheepdog trialling from his grandad and hasn't looked back.
![Sweating through school: Welcome to shearing class at Wairoa College](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sweating through school: Welcome to shearing class at Wairoa College
'It keeps the kids in school, and it’s definitely keeping the kids in tow.'
![Hopes for Corriedale Shears amid NZ Agricultural Show cancellation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hopes for Corriedale Shears amid NZ Agricultural Show cancellation
The Corriedale shears, established almost 60 years ago, has never had a cancellation.
![Central Otago shearer first to shear 500 Merino ewes in eight hours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Central Otago shearer first to shear 500 Merino ewes in eight hours
Not a bad effort for someone who reckoned he shore 'like s***'.
!['The miracle man': David Buick wins NZ Shears open final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The miracle man': David Buick wins NZ Shears open final
A 2021 farm accident left Wairarapa shearer wondering if he'd even walk again.
![Kiwis win second shearing test against Wales](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwis win second shearing test against Wales
NZ may have the lead but Wales is closing the points gap.
![Leon Samuels keeps his lambs shearing title - just](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Leon Samuels keeps his lambs shearing title - just
Samuels had a winning margin of only 0.062 points.
![Cyclone emergency management staff resigned due to public ‘backlash’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cyclone emergency management staff resigned due to public ‘backlash’
The Bush report calls for improved resourcing and training across emergency management.
![Cyclone review: Hawke's Bay Civil Defence staff told those concerned about flooding they were 'over-reacting'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cyclone review: Hawke's Bay Civil Defence staff told those concerned about flooding they were 'over-reacting'
The cyclone's speed 'quite simply overwhelmed the officials involved in the response'.
![Kiwis open shearing series with win over Wales](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwis open shearing series with win over Wales
David Gordon and brother-in-law Paerata Abraham have taken a 1-0 lead over Wales.
![New bridge plans at Puketapu revealed, Waikare bridge hopes still on ice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New bridge plans at Puketapu revealed, Waikare bridge hopes still on ice
A resource consent decision for the Waikare Gorge appears likely to be made in July.
![Sheep dogs: From storm to form - Wairoa recovers at dog trials](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sheep dogs: From storm to form - Wairoa recovers at dog trials
It was a battle to get the farm ready - but when it was Wairoa celebrated in style
!['They’re both great shearers': Wales ready for test series against Kiwis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They’re both great shearers': Wales ready for test series against Kiwis
Wales is on top of world shearing - but can they win in New Zealand?
![Grandstand empty but no shortage of seating](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Grandstand empty but no shortage of seating
Thousands are expected in the last days of the Horse of the Year Show.
![Trev Terry Marine boat business trades on in receivership](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trev Terry Marine boat business trades on in receivership
Potential buyers are showing interest in Trev Terry Marine
![Leon Samuels wins Golden Shears open shearing final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Leon Samuels wins Golden Shears open shearing final
Results from the 62nd Golden Shears International Shearing and Woolhandling Championships.
![Wairoa schoolgirl wins as youth dominate first day of Golden Shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wairoa schoolgirl wins as youth dominate first day of Golden Shears
Results from day one of competition in Masterton.
![Big numbers for the Wimbledon of shearing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big numbers for the Wimbledon of shearing
'We are particularly pleased with the numbers of novice and junior entries.'
![Injury forces shearing champion Rowland Smith out of Golden Shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Injury forces shearing champion Rowland Smith out of Golden Shears
The reigning Golden Shears open shearing champion is out.
![Toa Henderson wins at Pahīatua Shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Toa Henderson wins at Pahīatua Shears
Toa Henderson has now won three major North Island titles before the Golden Shears.
![Jack Fagan qualifies for shearing circuit showdown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jack Fagan qualifies for shearing circuit showdown
Jack Fagan has qualified in second place behind favourite Nathan Stratford.
![Big weekend for Toa Henderson in lead-up to the Golden Shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big weekend for Toa Henderson in lead-up to the Golden Shears
Results from the Taumarunui and Āpiti Sport Shears.
![Stratford on target for third national shearing circuit title](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stratford on target for third national shearing circuit title
Southland shearer the favourite to win the PGG Wrightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit.
![Competition heats up on the road to Golden Shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Competition heats up on the road to Golden Shears
Five events last weekend as hundreds hit the road heading for the 'Wimbledon of Shearing'.
![Biggest annual event in Pahīatua expected to attract 150 competitors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Biggest annual event in Pahīatua expected to attract 150 competitors
Competitors are expected from New Zealand, Australia and as far as Scotland.
!['I’m so happy': Pagan Rimene crowned top Otago woolhandler](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I’m so happy': Pagan Rimene crowned top Otago woolhandler
Rimene gets the crown after coming second to Henare six times in a row at the event.
![Farmers in their 70s keep shearing competition alive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Farmers in their 70s keep shearing competition alive
Ralph Smith, 76, and Jim Comrie, 79, come to the rescue at the Arapohue Show Shears.
![Kiwi wins world's richest speed shear](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi wins world's richest speed shear
Floyde Neil wins the world's richest speed shear prize.
![Kiwis ready for world's richest quick shear](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwis ready for world's richest quick shear
Four of New Zealand’s fastest shearers are making a flying trip to Australia.
!['Bug never leaves you': Woolhandler Miri Haig's first win in over two decades](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Bug never leaves you': Woolhandler Miri Haig's first win in over two decades
“I thought I’d just blow a few cobwebs out. I’m not sure how I pulled that one off."
![Seventh open win at Dannevirke for Rowland Smith](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Seventh open win at Dannevirke for Rowland Smith
The win heralded the champion Hawke's Bay shearer's return to competition.
![Men plucked from ocean in extreme wind as boat sinks during Megafish competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Men plucked from ocean in extreme wind as boat sinks during Megafish competition
'It all happened very fast', says the fishing club manager of boaties' rescue.
![Close race for top places in National shearing circuit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Close race for top places in National shearing circuit
So far, the series is led by Southland shearer Nathan Stratford, who won in 2014 and 2022.
![Toa Henderson travels six hours to win at Taihape Shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Toa Henderson travels six hours to win at Taihape Shears
Henderson left Kaiwaka at 4.30am to make sure he arrived in time - 550km away.
![Emergency nurse wins big at Tapawera Shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Emergency nurse wins big at Tapawera Shears
Kimberley MacLean shore sheep mainly to pay her way through her studies.
![Six shows, three days - a huge weekend for shearing sports](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Six shows, three days - a huge weekend for shearing sports
Results from the shows in Lumsden, Wairoa, Golden Bay, Winton and Levin.
![World shearing record smashed near Dannevirke](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
World shearing record smashed near Dannevirke
The target was 1611 - it was broken with more than half an hour to go.
![Six-decade old firm closes, workers get new jobs within 'a few hours'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Six-decade old firm closes, workers get new jobs within 'a few hours'
With huge industry demand for skilled staff, employees had nothing to worry about.
![Big weekend for shearing sports](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big weekend for shearing sports
A tenth of all Shearing Sports NZ competitions are on from Friday to Sunday.
![Shearing: Back chasing the records in southern Hawke’s Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shearing: Back chasing the records in southern Hawke’s Bay
Rod Sutton set four world records. Now he's helping others chase their dreams.
![Upper Mohaka Rodeo in 40th year, brought forward to Saturday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Upper Mohaka Rodeo in 40th year, brought forward to Saturday
The Upper Mohaka Rodeo has been a fixture on the Hawke's Bay events scene for 40 years
![Kaitāia shearer part of three-man world record attempt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kaitāia shearer part of three-man world record attempt
World record attempt for Kaitāia shearer Flynn Harvey.
![Three-stand record bid heralds big weekend in shearing sports](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Three-stand record bid heralds big weekend in shearing sports
Hemi Braddick, Ray Kinsman and Flynn Harvey are getting ready for the big event on Friday.
![Seventeen hooked this summer: Is a warming Hawke Bay now officially a marlin capital?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Seventeen hooked this summer: Is a warming Hawke Bay now officially a marlin capital?
Unprecedented marlin and yellowfin tuna catches across the Bay as 'marine heatwave' hits.
![A five-year wait but Lionel finally gets his shear](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A five-year wait but Lionel finally gets his shear
Former No 1-ranked senior shearer has finally cracked a win in the open class.
![Shearing world record smashed in Southland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shearing world record smashed in Southland
Forde Winders shearing crew broke former record by 326 lambs.
![Shearer from Tararua smashes record: first woman in the world to shear 700 sheep](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shearer from Tararua smashes record: first woman in the world to shear 700 sheep
'We haven’t seen the last of these girls yet.'
![Shearing: Sacha Bond breaks 9-hour World Record](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shearing: Sacha Bond breaks 9-hour World Record
Sacha Bond has shattered the women's nine-hour strong wool lambs record.
![Sacha Bond remains on target for shearing world record](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sacha Bond remains on target for shearing world record
King Country shearer Sacha Bond has hit the lunch break well in charge.
![Sacha Bond on target to be first woman to shear 700 sheep in 9 hours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sacha Bond on target to be first woman to shear 700 sheep in 9 hours
Bond is attempting the nine-hour strong wool lamb world record.
![Cousins smash two shearing world records](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cousins smash two shearing world records
Pair shattered the women’s eight-hour solo and two-stand strong wool lamb records.
![From boardroom to shearing board — James Parsons is a winner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From boardroom to shearing board — James Parsons is a winner
Parsons took a break from the boardroom to win the senior shearing final.
![Woolhandler Monica Potae wins open final at Agrodome Shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woolhandler Monica Potae wins open final at Agrodome Shears
Third win for Potae, who has been an open-class competitor for 21 years.
![Show shearing competitions start in the north](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Show shearing competitions start in the north
Eight A&P show shearing competitions kick off this Saturday.
![Gavin Mutch wins Taranaki Shears open final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gavin Mutch wins Taranaki Shears open final
Gavin Mutch has now won 26 open finals in New Zealand.
![Blake Crooks travels 800km to win shearing competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Blake Crooks travels 800km to win shearing competition
Blake Crooks drove 400km each way just to shear at the Nelson A and P Show on Saturday.
![The Wairoa River - when the mouth opened, it all went](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Wairoa River - when the mouth opened, it all went
Police knocked on doors to wake families to alert them to the dangers of the rising river.
![Let’s be fair — the Wairoa show is cancelled, but town gets a big day out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Let’s be fair — the Wairoa show is cancelled, but town gets a big day out
Cyclone damage at the showgrounds means a fair to be held in the main street instead.
![Gore's Lionel Taumata wins third speed shear in a row](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gore's Lionel Taumata wins third speed shear in a row
Lionel Taumata could be crowned the “Unofficial Speed Shear King of the South".
![Shearing legend Nathan Stratford wins Keith Fincham Memorial Trophy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shearing legend Nathan Stratford wins Keith Fincham Memorial Trophy
Trophy awarded for most outstanding contribution to the shearing section at NZ Ag Show.
![Canterbury Shears: Joel Henare bags 136th open woolhandling win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Canterbury Shears: Joel Henare bags 136th open woolhandling win
Henare won the NZ Corriedales open woolhandling champs for the seventh time.
![Esk River Bridge slow-down on SH2 for cracks to be repaired](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Esk River Bridge slow-down on SH2 for cracks to be repaired
Hawke's Bay's Esk River Bridge is 80 years old and it will take 3 weeks to repair it.
![Canterbury Shears organisers seek entries for women’s event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Canterbury Shears organisers seek entries for women’s event
National Corriedale Shearing and Woolhandling Champs held at NZ Ag Show.
![A and P Show: Tie-breaker needed in rare shearing dead-heat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A and P Show: Tie-breaker needed in rare shearing dead-heat
How it was sorted out when two shearers got the same points at CHB show.
![North Canterbury shearers win back Colin King Shield](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
North Canterbury shearers win back Colin King Shield
Results from the Get to the Point Pleasant Point Gymkhana Shears.
![Success for brother-sister duo at the Manawatū shears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Success for brother-sister duo at the Manawatū shears
Brother-and-sister duo Joseph Gordon (shearing) and Cushla Abraham (woolhandling) won big.
![Manawatū Show shearing champs return](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Manawatū Show shearing champs return
Organisers are hoping for a full field of entries in Feilding on Saturday.
![Kiwi woolhandlers save the day in transtasman shears tests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi woolhandlers save the day in transtasman shears tests
Cushla Abraham and Tia Potae to the rescue.
![Nathan Stratford on target for 20th national shearing circuit final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Nathan Stratford on target for 20th national shearing circuit final
Stratford has maximum points in first two rounds of 2023-2024 PGG Wrightson/Vetmed series.
![Shearing: Southland wins Colin King Shield](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shearing: Southland wins Colin King Shield
All four members of the Southland team work for the same Gore contractor.
!['I had a mean run': First open win for woolhandler Jasmin Tipoki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I had a mean run': First open win for woolhandler Jasmin Tipoki
Napier woolhandler still finds it difficult to believe she’s cracked an open win.
![Hawke’s Bay Show: Close call in Shears final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hawke’s Bay Show: Close call in Shears final
Great Raihania Shears, sheep dog trials and farm fencing on show.
![Shearing legend's death: DHB 'obfuscated search for truth'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shearing legend's death: DHB 'obfuscated search for truth'
Coroner's report criticises authorities over death of shearing identity Koro Mullins.