Multimedia journalist, Waikato Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
![Person and pet budgie rescued from Hamilton motel fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person and pet budgie rescued from Hamilton motel fire
Fire and Emergency crews were alerted to the fire at 7.52am.
![Sanctuary Mountain closure a 'travesty' for biodiversity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sanctuary Mountain closure a 'travesty' for biodiversity
It's home to 2500 kiwi birds but the sanctuary's financial troubles could see it close.
![Waikato visitor destination among world's most magical places](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato visitor destination among world's most magical places
The local tourism hotspot features highly in a new international ranking.
![Hamilton's tallest buiilding being converted into 191-room hotel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hamilton's tallest buiilding being converted into 191-room hotel
'It’s well needed and brings such a positive feel to the CBD.'
![Waikato tourism organisation to make changes due to council funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato tourism organisation to make changes due to council funding
Several councils have made funding cuts to the organisation in their LTPs.
![Fieldays organisers cautiously optimistic as attendees split on event success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fieldays organisers cautiously optimistic as attendees split on event success
Fieldays has wrapped up for 2024 and visitor numbers showed a minimal upwards trend.
![Balloons over Waikato festival to be run by Wellington-based agency](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Balloons over Waikato festival to be run by Wellington-based agency
In February, Classic Events announced they would hand over the reins to somebody else.
![Fieldays 2024 kicks off with special recognition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fieldays 2024 kicks off with special recognition
Fieldays 2024 is off to a good start, NZ National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation said.
!['Instagram-worthy vistas': Tongariro Crossing one of world’s busiest hikes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Instagram-worthy vistas': Tongariro Crossing one of world’s busiest hikes
A new ranking shows the popular walk is up with the world's big guns.
![Tractor pull, fencing and excavator comp: What's on at Fieldays?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.
![French flair is in the air: Film festival back in Waikato](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
French flair is in the air: Film festival back in Waikato
The French Film Festival takes place in Hamilton and Whitianga.
![Waikato councils speak out against Māori Ward polls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato councils speak out against Māori Ward polls
"It reflects poorly on central government’s .. respect for the role of local government."
![Kākāpō escapees continue to be trailblazers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kākāpō escapees continue to be trailblazers
The former Waikato residents have been relocated to Coal Island in Fiordland.
![New Zealand’s smallest economic development agency closes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Zealand’s smallest economic development agency closes
Te Waka would cease operations on June 30.
![Electric motorcycle brand revs up for new chapter in Waikato](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Electric motorcycle brand revs up for new chapter in Waikato
FTN Motion co-founder talks about secret projects and doing business in Hamilton.
![Secrets within Te Kūiti shearer statue to be revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Secrets within Te Kūiti shearer statue to be revealed
The first of three mystery packages is due to be removed.
![Hobbit holes a winner in Waikato BOP Architecture Awards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hobbit holes a winner in Waikato BOP Architecture Awards
Three Hobbit Hole facades were excavated and transformed into authentic homes.
![Person in serious condition after pedestrian and vehicle collide](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Person in serious condition after pedestrian and vehicle collide
Emergency services were notified of the incident in rural South Waikato after 1pm.
!['Golden Oldies' club works hard to preserve Speedway history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Golden Oldies' club works hard to preserve Speedway history
The Waikato Golden Oldies will hold a showcase in Hamilton this weekend.
![Hauraki, Coromandel councils keep tourism funding rolling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hauraki, Coromandel councils keep tourism funding rolling
No changes to funding are proposed for Destination Hauraki-Coromandel.
![Environmental Protection Authority comments on Waikato incinerator proposal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Environmental Protection Authority comments on Waikato incinerator proposal
The waste-to-energy plant was first put on the cards for Te Awamutu in 2021.
!['90 is the new 70': Waikato breast surgeon hails screening-age extension](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'90 is the new 70': Waikato breast surgeon hails screening-age extension
The Government is working to offer free breast cancer screening for those aged 70-74.
!['As good as Bathurst': Fans celebrate start of ITM Taupō Super400](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'As good as Bathurst': Fans celebrate start of ITM Taupō Super400
The Track to Town event was a big success as Supercars start practice today.
![What are Waikato councils proposing in their LTPs?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What are Waikato councils proposing in their LTPs?
Councils across New Zealand started their Long Term Plan discussions.
![Emergency services respond to stabbing near Morrinsville](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Emergency services respond to stabbing near Morrinsville
Police were notified of an incident around 1.15pm.
![Fonterra closes plants in Hamilton and Waitoa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra closes plants in Hamilton and Waitoa
The move was made to focus on more ‘high-value products’.
![Waikato initiatives win at NZ Biosecurity Awards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato initiatives win at NZ Biosecurity Awards
The awards celebrate inspiring and diverse biosecurity initiatives in New Zealand.
![Supercars champ announces return to racing in New Zealand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Supercars champ announces return to racing in New Zealand
The inaugural Taupō Super400 is coming closer as NZTA warns people of heavy traffic.
![Classic bike racers warm up track for Supercars](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Classic bike racers warm up track for Supercars
The New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Racing Register raced in Taupo last weekend.
![Tourism funding on the chopping block as Waikato councils face 'tough times'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tourism funding on the chopping block as Waikato councils face 'tough times'
Several local councils proposed major funding cuts for the regional body.
![Hunters brace for busy weekend as roar season amps up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hunters brace for busy weekend as roar season amps up
Several organisations have asked for vigilance in the outdoors this long weekend.
![Kiwi road trip: How to drive with the national bird in the back seat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi road trip: How to drive with the national bird in the back seat
Reporting on a kiwi translocation wasn't enough, so our reporter rolled up her sleeves.
![Balloons over Waikato who? 19 kiwi take to Hamilton skies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Balloons over Waikato who? 19 kiwi take to Hamilton skies
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari kickstarted its biggest kiwi translocation this week.
![Supercars to convoy through Taupō ahead of racing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Supercars to convoy through Taupō ahead of racing
The Track to Town event will see all 24 racers descend on CBD for meet and greet.
![Special boxing match in Hamilton to go down in history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Special boxing match in Hamilton to go down in history
It will be New Zealand's first female cruiserweight boxing match.
![Hundreds of special vehicles rev up at Frankton Thunder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hundreds of special vehicles rev up at Frankton Thunder
The annual festival, first held in 2016, saw Hamilton’s suburb of Frankton packed today.
![Hamilton's new luxury hotel 'great' news for Waikato](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hamilton's new luxury hotel 'great' news for Waikato
Tourism and business leaders are excited about the $120 million development in the CBD.
![Frankton in for rail revival as Glenbrook train joins Frankton Thunder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Frankton in for rail revival as Glenbrook train joins Frankton Thunder
The much-loved community event announced its steamy star as part of 2024 line-up.
![Historic South Waikato active space sees glorious revival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Historic South Waikato active space sees glorious revival
Tīrau Domain project recognised at the recent Waikato Sport & Active Recreation Awards.
![Wairere Falls walking track closed until May](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wairere Falls walking track closed until May
The popular walking track will close during the week.
![Cathedral Cove walking tracks to reopen before next summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cathedral Cove walking tracks to reopen before next summer
DoC announced the first steps needed to restore walking access.
![New Zealand's most 'Instagrammable' locations revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Zealand's most 'Instagrammable' locations revealed
A newly released ranking, based on Instagram data, shows the country's most popular spots.
![Balloons over Waikato in search of a new festival organiser](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Balloons over Waikato in search of a new festival organiser
This is the final year that Classic Event will run Balloons over Waikato.
![Haggis and highland dancing lifts the spirits at Paeroa's Scottish party](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Haggis and highland dancing lifts the spirits at Paeroa's Scottish party
Paeroa celebrated the best of Scotland last weekend.
![Longstanding Coromandel community journalist dies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Longstanding Coromandel community journalist dies
The local community says goodbye to "a lovely person" and "exceptional editor".
![Remembering Gabrielle: Coromandel still recovering from cyclone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Remembering Gabrielle: Coromandel still recovering from cyclone
Summer has finally arrived in New Zealand - unlike a year ago.
![Graduates help combat rural vet shortage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Graduates help combat rural vet shortage
Rural practices are not often the first choice for young vets.
![Waikato Anniversary Day? Not anytime soon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato Anniversary Day? Not anytime soon
Local councils say they have more important priorities than a separate holiday.
![Waikato racers ready to move on from Pukekohe - in Feilding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato racers ready to move on from Pukekohe - in Feilding
Local racers happy with longer ride to attend national Classic Motorbike Festival.
![What's the deal with Auckland Anniversary?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What's the deal with Auckland Anniversary?
Six regions celebrate Auckland Anniversary. What's that about and is it time for a change?
![More kākāpō exiled from Waikato sanctuary](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
More kākāpō exiled from Waikato sanctuary
The birds arrived at Sanctuary Mountain in July and September last year.
![All eyes to the sky as floating pig joins puffed-up polar bear](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All eyes to the sky as floating pig joins puffed-up polar bear
Balloons over Waikato to celebrate 25th anniversary with fun floating figures.
![He's running for council, but doesn't want your vote](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
He's running for council, but doesn't want your vote
The candidate has taken unusual measures to advocate for an important topic.
!['Recovery has truly begun': Waikato buzzing this summer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Recovery has truly begun': Waikato buzzing this summer
Summer has been treating the Waikato well - and there is still more to come.
![Te Aroha and Paeroa in the spotlight for reality TV series](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Aroha and Paeroa in the spotlight for reality TV series
The towns are set to feature on Country House Hunters NZ this week.
![Not 'a turkey': Tanker driver helps kākāpō dodge death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Not 'a turkey': Tanker driver helps kākāpō dodge death
Motorist who saved a kākāpō from a Waikato highway initially thought it was a turkey.
![Hamilton tiger cubs turning into chunky monkeys](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hamilton tiger cubs turning into chunky monkeys
Hamilton Zoo's new additions have just turned a week old.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in December 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in December 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in November 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in November 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in October 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in October 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in September 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in September 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in August 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in August 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in July 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in July 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in June 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in June 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in May 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in May 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in April 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in April 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![What Summer festivals are happening in the Waikato in 2024?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What Summer festivals are happening in the Waikato in 2024?
The region will be abuzz with lots of music festivals.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in March 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in March 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in February 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in February 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
![A year in review: What moved the Waikato in January 2023?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in January 2023?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2023.
!['True community hall' burns down in rural Waikato](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'True community hall' burns down in rural Waikato
The fire completely destroyed the building.
![Minister asked to step in over proposed rubbish burning plant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Minister asked to step in over proposed rubbish burning plant
A waste-to-energy plant near Te Awamutu received a record number of submissions.
![May the paws be with you - Waikato Police dog Obi-Wan ready for action](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
May the paws be with you - Waikato Police dog Obi-Wan ready for action
The Waikato dog patrol unit receives its tenth canine-human duo.
![Te Aroha Spa development put on hold](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Aroha Spa development put on hold
Investor interest in Te Aroha spa development has cooled.
![Waikato amongst the top regions for tourism spending](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato amongst the top regions for tourism spending
Waikato is in the top areas in New Zealand where visitors spend their money.
![Construction of key $40 million roundabout at Piarere gets underway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Construction of key $40 million roundabout at Piarere gets underway
A site blessing was held this week on the dangerous Waikato intersection.
![Watch: 'I will die for you': Hauraki-Waikato MP's promise to community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: 'I will die for you': Hauraki-Waikato MP's promise to community
New Zealand's youngest MP since 1853 delivered her maiden speech yesterday.