Latest fromTe Awamutu

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki facing family heartbreak
The church leader shared details online amid a week of increased attention.

Two in custody after 'erratic driving' leads to pursuit across Waikato
Reports from the public of the car being driven dangerously aided the police chase.

Prisoner who nearly died after meth bag burst inside him caught with the drug again
He had been released from prison to attend a tangi when he ingested the drugs.

Kiwi translocation season to start with special visitor experience
To date, 346 kiwi have been translocated from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.

Police continue search for missing owner of burned-out vehicle
Travis, 24, was last seen on January 17. Police found his vehicle burnt out in Ngāroma.

Search resumes for person seen struggling in Waikato River near Cambridge
At this stage, it is unconfirmed how the person came to be in the river.

‘Constantly looking over my shoulder’: Man's relief at being caught after five years on the run
The 36-year-old, who stole $47k from businesses, was finally found after drink driving.

'One careful owner': Op shop condoms might be a stretch
Commenters question safety of the contraceptives after picture shared on social media.

Deadly disease kills 100-year-old tree despite vaccination
The fatal and fast-spreading disease was found to be present in the Waikato in February.

'Solutions must be found' for lack of local journalism, Jeanz says
Loss of local news meant 'weaker communities' as the climate crisis bites.

Waikato kākāpō goes on a surprise off-grid adventure
The endangered flightless parrot took an unplanned break from technology.

Golfer clocks up 100 rounds of golf with scores under his own age
Stuart Reid, 79, wins 2024 shoot-out, scores under age 100+ times; aims for more.

Waikato road blocked after car hits power pole
Cambridge Rd expected to be blocked for several hours.

'Not enough evidence' that incinerator would be positive for community, mayor says
Waipā District Council prepares feedback on Te Awamutu waste-to-energy plant.

Meter reader critically injured as thieves looking for drug money steal his work car
Jason Wharekura maintains he doesn't know his co-offenders, despite his guilty plea.

Police respond to possible sighting of armed people on college campus
Police have since been stood down and believe there is no threat.

Prisoner captured after escape from Waikato Hospital
The incident has prompted a review of Spring Hill Corrections Facility procedure.

Waikato butchery Expleo brings home the bacon
The Te Awamutu business won four national awards recently.

Tree disaster leaves Ōpārau without power for days
Waipā Networks responded after 14 poles fell in Ōpārau.

Waikato country music duo scoop up six award nominations in US
The duo won Best New Artist at HUGS Radio Awards, nominated for six US awards.

For or against waste-to-energy plant: Submissions due by December 18
Time running out to submit to EPA on Te Awamutu's waste-to-energy plant.