Latest fromMatamata-Piako District

Fire ban: All permits revoked for North Waikato and Coromandel
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season in the area.

Car and rail maintenance vehicle collide in Matamata
Police say the collision between two vehicles on a railway crossing happened at 8.50am.

Section of SH29 to close 24/7 for two weeks
NZTA say the closure is due to pavement rehabilitation works.

Waikato farmer cautiously optimistic about visa rule changes
“It’s not a game-changer, but is going in the right direction."

Rural community still cherishes their hall
The Hunga Hunga Hall has been part of the Waikato rural community since 1954.

48 firefighters, 1 helicopter battling digger and vegetation fire
The fire was reported after 3pm.

La Dorada claims local victory in Matamata feature
Filly backed up her stunning victory at Karaka with another success.

Walker heads home to Matamata
It was easy for Mark Walker to choose Matamata over Flemington as his racing destination.

Morrinsville A&P Show goes from strength to strength
The town's population is less than 10,000. Last year 8000 people attended its A&P Show.

Opinion: Why can’t we stop watching Find My Country House NZ?
OPINION: Nothing much happens in this property series, but it’s rating through the roof.

Truck driver charged after 'shocking' overtaking on Kaimāī Range captured on dashcam
The man has been charged by police with dangerous driving.

Waikato pretty 'choice' place, new competition shows
People vote for choicest suburb, playground, bush, dairy, toilet, landmark and legend.

SH27 Waharoa Rd to be closed for four weeks
The works are a part of the Government’s $2 billion investment.

‘Driver error’ the cause of a car crash that killed three people
A couple from Hamilton and a man from Auckland died in the 2022 crash.

Police name New Plymouth cyclist as Matamata fatal crash victim
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Restricted fire season for Waikato Districts from Friday
Restricted fire season in Waikato begins at 9am on January 10.

Watch: Truck’s 'shocking' overtaking on Kaimāī Range prompts investigations
'Pretty bloody scary,' said one comment.

Cyclist dies in SH29 crash with vehicle near Matamata
Emergency services weren't able to resuscitate the person.

McDonald’s worker injured after arm gets stuck in rubbish compactor
Emergency services were called to the scene about 1.30am.

Farmer, soldier, vet: The man behind Comley Green
Nichol Ashton Larney arrived in NZ in 1875 and became prominent in the Piako District.

A look at the new Hobbiton Movie Set behind the scenes tour
Reporter Mitchell Hageman experiences a previously unseen glimpse of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, with a new behind-the-scenes tour now open. Video / Mitchell Hageman