Thames & Coromandel District Mayor Sandra Goudie discusses the state of the region after wild weather hit overnight. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

He went to university at 14 to study music and now 17-year-old Matthias Balzat has won the grand prize at the National Concerto Competition

Ever wanted to own a castle with flag-flying turrets, a stag hall, moat, New Zealand's largest toy collection - and name it after yourself?

Boat loses steering in 75km/hour winds.

A large slip has closed State Highway 25 between Waihi and Whiritoa. It is one of a sting of closures around the region following heavy rain overnight. Made with funding from NZ On Air

A woman in labour had to be flown from flood-stricken Coromandel.

Barbara Stewart is hurting after the death of her husband in January.

Coromandel residents left homeless after being evacuated due to flooding.

New Zealand universities have again scored high rankings in the annual QS World University Subject Rankings.

A 46-year-old was not told of results which found she had a tumour that eventually killed her.

A man who fled police custody at Waikato Hospital wearing a blue gown and handcuffs faces two charges including escaping from police custody and stealing handcuffs.

WorkSafe NZ is investigating the death of a 60-year-old man with farming equipment in Waikato last week.

Piripi Springhall will appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.

"Professional" Auckland man loses car after being clocked travelling more than 200kph.

A Hamilton woman reported missing since late this week has been found this evening.

Matamata residents look back on their memories of the Matamata Memorial Centre which is set to be demolished at the end of the month making way for a new multi-purpose facility. - Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Matamata residents look back on their memories of the Matamata Memorial Centre which is set to be demolished at the end of the month - making way for a new multi-purpose facility. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Some Auckland suburbs have dropped in value, according to a new report - but is it enough for first time buyers?

South Waikato has had 1.3% population rise in the last year - boosting confidence a regional decline is not on the cards. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Driver who killed Kerry Gunn had been drinking, but only sentenced to home detention.

Recent report predictions that rural districts may see a population decline in years to come is being rebutted by the South Waikato which has had 1.3% population rise in the last year. - Made with funding from NZ On Air

Travel is safer now, so fewer of us are dying in large-scale disasters, but climate change could reverse the trend.

A man has died after an accident with farming equipment in Waikato.

Two cars and a truck have been involved in a "massive crash" near Tirau.

Hauraki District Mayor John Tregidga is optimistic about the future of his region - despite dire predictions. But - he wants Government agencies bought back to the district. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Hauraki District Mayor John Tregidga is optimistic about the future of his region - but wants government agencies bought back to the district. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A truck wash operating on a reserve has been shut down after a resident discovered polluted water was running into a stream leading to the Waikato River and the regional council had done nothing about it until he complained.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick discusses the release of the Maxim Institute population decline report today, and what the Rotorua Lakes Council are doing to buck the trend. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Four people have been taken to Waikato Hospital after car crash today.

Watch: A dramatic video of a fight on Hamilton's main street has emerged.