Locals fear for the future of the area's iconic holiday homes.

Rival mayors say people are going to Hamilton for the events, and not much else.

COMMENT: The great fear in this climate change debate is it's been hijacked by zealots.

Councillor said there was too much media attention and social media bullying on the issue.

Locals of the low-lying town motivated to make change. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

COMMENT: Auckland's council is run by bureaucrats, not the elected members.

Instead of pointing at holidaymakers, Jan McEwen said the fault was of DOC and Council.

Residents of Hahei appear largely in favour of charging visitors up to $10 for parking.

Popular climbing spot in the Coromandel closed following two deaths.

"Something is killing our dogs" - mystery illness killing dogs on Thames coast.

Road closed north of Tairua after two-vehicle crash on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Slim chance of more destruction to the coast when the next king tide comes: Scientist

Thames-Coromandel produces the most recycling over the festive period.

Thames Coast Rd residents are pleased the road is able to open today.

The lane will open around 9am, with escorted convoys along the full length of the road.

They were cooling off on a hot summer's day but a shark alert put paid to holiday plans.

The crash happened about 5.30pm, police said.

Proposals for a marina at Coromandel Harbour have raised fears of environmental impacts.

Thames can be a place of opportunity, residents say.

Dr Nick Smith makes ELA harder to access. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

And it might not be over yet. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The next Parliament will be tasked with deciding whether NZ legalises euthanasia.

"Where's the money honey," asks one mayor over the cost of preparing for sea level rises.

Get out now, Coromandel Peninsula coastal residents told.

Here are the latest weather updates, region by region as Cyclone Cook bears down.

The skies are beginning to clear after last night's storm, but the respite may be short-lived, with thunderstorms and more heavy rain forecast for later today.

Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga met with locals in Whiritoa, as they band together after being hit with 260mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Police are cracking down on freedom campers who are parking their caravans at holiday homes while the owners are out of town.

Find out what place will be 31C on Auckland Anniversary weekend and read our list of the top five places to bask in the sun.

WATCH: A beach-goer says he was amazed to watch a group of young fishers haul in and release a "bloody great" bronze whaler shark.