King Country residents are worried a proposed deal between the local power trust and Trustpower could drain community funds. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

11 year old Renee Eagar is about to undergo brain surgery in the US state of Texas, which surgeons hope will allieviate seizures and fits of rage caused by a rare tumour. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A Broadlands Forest resident blames fluctuating river levels on the Waikato River - caused by practices at the dam upstream - for destroying the natural habitat. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Should Waitomo businesses be allowed to open on Easter Sunday? It’s a question currently being considered by the council Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A rare 1945 Douglas DC3, owned by Air Chathams, and touched down at Whanganui Airport. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Neighbours of Whitianga residents who lost their homes in this week's bushfires have been rallying around - donating food, clothing and time to support the recovery effort. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

At least six properties were destroyed - but there was no loss of life during the Whitianga bushfire. And locals say they know it could have been much worse. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson reflects on the damage caused by a devastating fire, which destroyed at least six homes. The Wilderland Sustainable Community was hit hard - with buildings, equipment and crops destroyed. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Meet the Tauranga dragonboat team with a special bond. All the women have had partial or full mastectomies. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Almost 100 young people will get free restricted licences in Taumarunui, getting them off the street and into employment. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The town of Ashhurst, northeast of Palmerston North, is using its own currency as a way of stimulating discussion about the local economy. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A new mascot for Waitomo has been unveiled. Sam the Moa sits on the side of State Highway 37 in Hangatiki. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Redundancies are an economic reality facing both businesses, the companies told the Commerce Commission.

Michael Moran has held the position in the interim since June.

Around 100 athletic Whanganui Santas have staged a fun run in support of charity Kidscan. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

New Zealand's media landscape is "massively changing", the Commerce Commission's public conference into the proposed merger of NZME and Fairfax has heard.

This year's annual Tough Kids competition was the biggest yet, attracting schools from around the region. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Havelock North artist David Trubridge is appalled at council for urging residents to conserve water while permitting commercial bottling and export of local water supplies. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is touring the country holding public consultation meetings, seeking feedback about its 'Future of our Fisheries' programme.

The media companies have filed a submission in response to the Commerce Commission's draft determination to decline them merging operations.

Two media diversity specialists have been commissioned to produce a paper on the concentration of news in New Zealand.

Scientists at the Scion Research Institute in Rotorua have developed a way to use sawdust to produce biofuel for the transportation sector. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Music teacher Jamie Strange has launched his campaign to win Hamilton East from sitting National MP David Bennett at next year's general election. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Officials are urging residents around the Firth of Thames to take photos of King Tides to help them chart the impact of possible sea level rises. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Tourism is booming in Whakatane. Latest statistics show travellers to the region injected 115 million dollars into the local economy last year. That's an increase of 20 percent over the last three years. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The biennial Wildflower Sculpture Exhibition in Hastings is back for a fifth year. Since it started the event has raised more than $150,000 for Cranford Hospice. Made with assistance from NZ On Air.

Paul Henry's radio ratings have flat lined, with the broadcaster gaining just 900 new listeners and remaining firmly behind Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking Breakfast.

Waikato farmers say if Donald Trump scuttles the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement it will be a setback. But, they believe any US withdrawal from free trade may ultimately open up opportunities for Kiwi exporters. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Te Aroha Museum is celebrating 110 years of electricity in the region with an exhibition that will trigger powerful memories for older people. Among the items on display, vintage vacuum cleaners and heaters. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

COMMENT: The Commerce Commission indicating that it may decline the NZME and Fairfax merger is hardly what the leaders of either company would have wanted.