Latest from Waikato

Increasing prison beds will not reduce crime, say experts
'Using prisons to deter crime or reoffending doesn’t work.'

Homicide investigation launched after 10-month-old baby dies
'We believe these injuries were not accidental.'

'Anybody got fights?': Bullies film violent attack on junior student at Hamilton school
'For God's sake, that's not what should be happening at our kids' schools.'

Tractor pull, fencing and excavator comp: What's on at Fieldays?
It's less than a week to go until Fieldays kicks off for the 56th time.

Seven tickets share mega-rich $50 million Lotto Powerball prize
The seven lucky winners each get to bank more than $7 million.

‘I won’t be able to make it to Germany’: Young law student’s plea for surgery in NZ
Not everyone has the means to raise $180,000 to travel overseas for surgery, student says.

Hamilton rates rise reduced after councillors deliberate LTP
Mayor Paula Southgate said it had been “the most challenging and complex" LTP.

A burden to bear: Mum's angst after Snapchat predator jailed for sex act with girl
The 46-year-old added the teen on social media and said he wanted to be her 'sugar daddy'.

Passers-by pull person from car after it crashes into Lake Taupō
“There was a group of young guys who went in and grabbed him straight out of the car.”

French flair is in the air: Film festival back in Waikato
The French Film Festival takes place in Hamilton and Whitianga.

'Death sentence' living in NZ: Mum paying $180k for surgery in Germany
'If we didn’t go ... within the next five years I’ll die.'

Waikato club rugby: Premier teams split for round two
Hamilton Marist are to host neighbours and 2024 Premiership dark horses University.

Have you seen Allah-Belle and Petra?
The two 12-year-olds were last seen on Thursday, May 30.

Kiwis set to take on the best young rodeo competitors in the US
A team of five has been selected for the National High School Finals Rodeo in the USA.

Waikeria Prison riot inquiry: Staff failed to deal with armed, drug-smoking inmates
Mongols MC members were together in a prison unit, and had a strong influence on the riot.

$4b fund to fix 62,000 road potholes nationwide
More than $2 billion in funding will go towards fixing state highway potholes.

Chiefs hoping for another sell-out for knockout match
Chiefs aiming for back-to-back sell-out at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Thames-Coromandel townships set to start using water meters
A user-pays system for water will be in place from July 1.

Waikato councils speak out against Māori Ward polls
"It reflects poorly on central government’s .. respect for the role of local government."

Thieves cut hole in gun club's safe, climb inside and steal rifles, cash and ammo
The whereabouts of some of the stolen guns remains unknown.

Election hopeful already a councillor elsewhere
Sarah-Jane Bourne grew up in Mount Maunganui, and is keen to return despite Waikato role.

Te Awamutu Intermediate ‘shines’ at Waikato round of Showquest
Showquest a chance for students to shine at the performing arts.

Magic netball team celebrates 25th anniversary
Commemorative dress pays tribute to the team’s legacy and symbolises the spirit of Magic.

'Not a pretty story': Doctor tackles Dry July after losing six family members to cancer
Dr Kevin Pringle will take part in the annual fundraiser for a second time.

Inmates camp on prison roof for over five hours
The inmates voluntarily climbed down about 9.30pm.

Grief, aroha and unity in small town NZ: Community vigil for eight killed on roads in three weeks
Vigil is for anyone who needs it - whether they knew those killed, or not, says organiser.

Night works scheduled for SH1 near Cambridge
Finishing touches are being applied to a fifth turnaround bay.