Multimedia journalist writing for the Te Awamutu Courier and NZME.
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.
![New club rugby trophy honours legacy of Waikato All Blacks greats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New club rugby trophy honours legacy of Waikato All Blacks greats
The first match for the Clarke Family Cup took place in Morrinsville last weekend.
![Future of rural Waikato lake under review](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Future of rural Waikato lake under review
The reserve attracted 44,689 users to its walking and cycling track last year.
![Club rugby: Ōhaupō put Putāruru to sword](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Club rugby: Ōhaupō put Putāruru to sword
Putāruru B claim an away victory in the Division 1B clash.
![Waikato and Chiefs gain spots in the big teams](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato and Chiefs gain spots in the big teams
Ōtorohanga Sports Club's Cortez Ratima is one of five new All Blacks.
![Chiefs fans 'loud', 'loyal' and ready for war as Blues clash awaits](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Chiefs fans 'loud', 'loyal' and ready for war as Blues clash awaits
How do you strike fear into the opposing team? Slow roasted marshmallows of course.
![Muay Thai machine wins King in the Ring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Muay Thai machine wins King in the Ring
Michael Isaac went from watching the King in the Ring tournament on TV, to winning it.
![Waikato-designed robots take over Fieldays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato-designed robots take over Fieldays
Machines to help horticulture industry and its struggles are being exhibited at Fieldays.
![Kiwis set to take on the best young rodeo competitors in the US](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.
![Waikato club rugby: Mixed results for Ōhaupō at Suburbs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato club rugby: Mixed results for Ōhaupō at Suburbs
Ōhaupō players showed resilience to score in overtime at Flagstaff Park.
![Te Awamutu Marist Rugby Football Club turns 75](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Awamutu Marist Rugby Football Club turns 75
Former All Blacks Frank Bunce and Bill Birtwistle celebrated with the club.
![Stephen Cox recognised for service to cycling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stephen Cox recognised for service to cycling
Stephen Cox has been involved in cycling continuously since 1968.
![Waikato polo ace to make New Zealand debut in England](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato polo ace to make New Zealand debut in England
New Zealand will challenge England for the historic Golden Jubilee trophy.
![Girls' rugby pilot programme gains NZ Rugby's attention](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Girls' rugby pilot programme gains NZ Rugby's attention
The programme aims to increase girls’ participation in rugby across five local clubs.
![Food Forest project: Community reap the fruit of their labour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Food Forest project: Community reap the fruit of their labour
Everyone is invited to take what they need from the garden.
![Wellness Workshop in Waipā](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wellness Workshop in Waipā
Local duo hope to teach people to understand they can take control of their own health.
![Chiefs and Magic swap sports ahead of home games](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Chiefs and Magic swap sports ahead of home games
The captain’s run saw Chiefs players take on the Magic ahead of their home matches.
![Cambridge school hosts Chiefs player trio](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cambridge school hosts Chiefs player trio
Students at Goodwood School found out that Chiefs rep Hamilton Burr can eat 12 Weet-Bix.
![Orient Express to take Te Awamutu locals on culinary journey](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Orient Express to take Te Awamutu locals on culinary journey
Head chef Anshul Sethi decided he wanted to be chef in 10th grade.
![Tahāroa duo leads Warriors to victory over Panthers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tahāroa duo leads Warriors to victory over Panthers
A rugby league weekend of magic sees the Warriors take down the defending premier champs.
![Waikato lacrosse players off to Hong Kong for world champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato lacrosse players off to Hong Kong for world champs
Time for spotlight to shine on Te Awamutu's Anita Blakely and Holly Harris.
![Group walk from Te Kūiti to Te Awamutu for a special cause](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Group walk from Te Kūiti to Te Awamutu for a special cause
Over $1500 raised so far by group for incurable breast cancer.
![Sean Maitland's long rugby career comes to a close](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sean Maitland's long rugby career comes to a close
The former Hamilton Boys' student retires after an illustrious rugby career.
![Women walk from Te Kūiti to Te Awamutu for a special cause](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Women walk from Te Kūiti to Te Awamutu for a special cause
The Walk 50K this May 2024 campaign is the inspiration for the six women rugby players.
![Pirongia herd manager named New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pirongia herd manager named New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year
Kirwyn Ellis was described by the judges as relaxed, thoughtful and mature.
![War Memorial Park playground opens to community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
War Memorial Park playground opens to community
New playgorund puzzles incorporate and relate to Te Awamutu War Memorial Park’s heritage.
![Hamilton boxer writes New Zealand history as first women’s cruiserweight champ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hamilton boxer writes New Zealand history as first women’s cruiserweight champ
Tinta Smith defeated Sequita Hemingway on Saturday.
![Kiwi duo last standing at Dead Cow Gully endurance race](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi duo last standing at Dead Cow Gully endurance race
McAlpine hopes other women can be inspired to give backyard ultra running a go.
![Waikato player set for Wallaroos debut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato player set for Wallaroos debut
Wood helped the Western Force to their maiden finals appearance in 2024.
![Connecting Te Awamutu College to the community through sport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Connecting Te Awamutu College to the community through sport
Coaches preparing players for life and immersing them in the community.
![Rugby flashback: The story of Ron Lockwood](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby flashback: The story of Ron Lockwood
Waikato locals may remember Lockwood for his decades of service as a property valuer.
![Hoping to survive the Dead Cow Gully ultra marathon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hoping to survive the Dead Cow Gully ultra marathon
Runner Jane McAlpine is stronger, fitter and wiser than she's ever been.
![Ouwehand to become an Olympian](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ouwehand to become an Olympian
Ouwehand is one of six athletes who will make their Olympic debuts in Paris.
![TA fire brigade receives energy boost ahead of Firefighter Challenge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
TA fire brigade receives energy boost ahead of Firefighter Challenge
The Ōhaupō Ngāhinapōuri Lions Club just donated a $6100 training dummy.
![Te Awamutu's Rosetown Print opens new chapter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Awamutu's Rosetown Print opens new chapter
The Morrises want to reassure the community that the business has sold, not closed.
![Big-hitting golfer Chris Charlton sets eyes on long drive world championships](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big-hitting golfer Chris Charlton sets eyes on long drive world championships
Hamilton golfer leads Australian Long Drive Championship Order of Merit.
![Waikato rugby champ selects squad for new international competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato rugby champ selects squad for new international competition
The inaugural Rugby Championship Under 20 Tournament will take place in Australia.
![Hamilton's The Keg Room stands out in national awards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hamilton's The Keg Room stands out in national awards
Waikato pubs made it into the Top 50 New Zealand Gastropubs awards.
![Council backs down over third Cambridge bridge location](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council backs down over third Cambridge bridge location
The location for the new bridge is something that will need community input.
![Two former Waikato boys departing for overseas rugby gigs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two former Waikato boys departing for overseas rugby gigs
After returning from injury, Fergus Burke will play out rest of 2024 season.
![Ian Foster gives back to his Te Awamutu sports community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ian Foster gives back to his Te Awamutu sports community
Foster returned to his former rugby club as the world awaits his next career move.
![Ōhaupō demolish Frankton in pre-season rugby match](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ōhaupō demolish Frankton in pre-season rugby match
Ōhaupō rewarded with a clean sheet after standing up defensively against Frankton.
![The story of Waikato's first NPC title](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The story of Waikato's first NPC title
1992, 16 years after the start of the NPC, saw Waikato rugby claim their first title.
![Small but mighty - the story of Waikato rugby's Wayne Annan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Small but mighty - the story of Waikato rugby's Wayne Annan
Annan loved playing for Te Awamutu in a great historic period of Peace Cup rugby.
![The story of Waikato's first NPC title](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The story of Waikato's first NPC title
1992, 16 years after the start of the NPC, saw Waikato rugby claim their first title.
![Fears new Central Hamilton parking charge will encourage workers to stay at home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fears new Central Hamilton parking charge will encourage workers to stay at home
Business association says more paid parking could have a knock-on effect for the economy.
![Cambridge jetski racer to test new waters at overseas competitions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cambridge jetski racer to test new waters at overseas competitions
The 19-year-old has been racing for only 15 months.
![Crusaders call in 36-year-old former sevens star on short-term contract](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crusaders call in 36-year-old former sevens star on short-term contract
Several seasoned rugby players are in the Crusaders 2024 Super Rugby Pacific squad.
![Bibbidi, bobbidi boo: Waikato kindy holds pumpkin challenge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bibbidi, bobbidi boo: Waikato kindy holds pumpkin challenge
This year's Giant Pumpkin Challenge saw a 64kg pumpkin take out a top spot.
![Waikato teen selected for international softball challenge team](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato teen selected for international softball challenge team
Te Awamutu Softball chief executive Manu Jones put Kylck Austin forward for selection.
![Former Chiefs' players line up for the Force](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former Chiefs' players line up for the Force
Loosehead prop Josh Bartlett is testing the waters in Perth.
![Levi Reweti returns to Taranaki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Levi Reweti returns to Taranaki
'Win-win' for CMK Club Rugby and the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls NPC team.
![Savea becomes all-time leading Super Rugby try-scorer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Savea becomes all-time leading Super Rugby try-scorer
The record-breaking back scored in the second half, during his side's 29-23 loss.
![Jet skiers descend on Lake Karāpiro for national champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Jet skiers descend on Lake Karāpiro for national champs
About 40 competitors from across New Zealand will take part in the event.
![Waikato connection for two Super Rugby debutants this weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato connection for two Super Rugby debutants this weekend
Chiefs pre-season squad member has helped fill Crusaders injury void.
![Rugby book of record names Waikato midfielder as promising player](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby book of record names Waikato midfielder as promising player
The Rugby Almanack is the world’s longest-running rugby book of record.
![Bulldozers move in on former Te Awamutu church](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bulldozers move in on former Te Awamutu church
The former church building is making way for an affordable housing project.
![A course to rule them all: Hobbiton Halfling Marathon to be a sellout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A course to rule them all: Hobbiton Halfling Marathon to be a sellout
Participants will get to see some locations never-before accessed by the general public.
![Waikato youth selected for New Zealand Youth Ministock team](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato youth selected for New Zealand Youth Ministock team
Three local teenagers have been selected for the New Zealand team of six.
!['Cinderella Man' story: Darryl Takerei to take on Liam Messam in Taranaki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Cinderella Man' story: Darryl Takerei to take on Liam Messam in Taranaki
Darryl Takerei will make his professional boxing debut against the former AB.
![Waikato Rugby loses two local legends](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato Rugby loses two local legends
Waikato Rugby has lost two great players and administrators within a week.
!['Crack on and keep pushing' the key for Waikato swimmer on Cook Strait crossing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Crack on and keep pushing' the key for Waikato swimmer on Cook Strait crossing
Edgar hasn't let himself be pigeonholed by dyslexia.
![Hitchhikers blaze a trail on the 'Road to Help'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hitchhikers blaze a trail on the 'Road to Help'
A Te Awamutu pair have come up with a novel way to raise funds.
![Te Awamutu entities gain sport and recreations awards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Awamutu entities gain sport and recreations awards
Record number of nominations from around the Waikato region for 2023 Sport Waikato awards.
!['Dreaming, planning and nagging' results in impressive new sports facility](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Dreaming, planning and nagging' results in impressive new sports facility
Turf a welcome addition to Te Awamutu College’s other sports facilities.
![The Waikato rugby rep who gave up Gwynne Shield spot to play accordion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Waikato rugby rep who gave up Gwynne Shield spot to play accordion
The Te Awamutu local then swapped his rugby boots for gumboots.
![Five Waikato-born players make Māori All Stars line-up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Five Waikato-born players make Māori All Stars line-up
Xavier Willison and Te Maire Martin are in the men's squad - both whakapapa to Tahāroa.
![Manu mana on show at Hamilton's Waterworld](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Manu mana on show at Hamilton's Waterworld
The Hamilton heats of the Manu Champs last weekend were a success.
![Chiefs Manawa captain ''drives the standards and lives the values'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Chiefs Manawa captain ''drives the standards and lives the values'
Chiefs Manawa coach describes new captain as a 'weapon on the field'.
![Gambit goes 'down the rabbit hole' in search of a magic career](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gambit goes 'down the rabbit hole' in search of a magic career
He's competing with superheroes and princess parties but he does bring the magic.
![They're running the length of Scotland - in New Zealand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
They're running the length of Scotland - in New Zealand
Motor neurone disease research fundraiser spans the globe.
!['May as well go big': 70,000 sunflowers as new business blooms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'May as well go big': 70,000 sunflowers as new business blooms
For every sunflower sold, $1 will go to Gumboot Friday.
![Richard Adam - a blast from Waikato Rugby's past](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Richard Adam - a blast from Waikato Rugby's past
Both Richard Adam snr and jnr played more than 50 games for Waikato.
![Dodd beats Hinds run record](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dodd beats Hinds run record
Dodd broke the Hinds' previous record of 1208 runs in just 49 matches.
![Hinuera Rugby & Sports Club celebrates 100 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hinuera Rugby & Sports Club celebrates 100 years
After falling apart due to World War I, Hinuera RSC has been strong since 1924.
![Te Awamutu’s Scottish rugby connection and the late Doddie Weir](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Awamutu’s Scottish rugby connection and the late Doddie Weir
In 1996, the Scotland rugby team trained at Te Awamutu's Albert Park.
![Price called in for Moana Pasifika](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Price called in for Moana Pasifika
Former Waikato halfback training with Moana Pasifika Super Rugby Pacific squad.
![Kiwi Pies returns from the ashes - fans snap them up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi Pies returns from the ashes - fans snap them up
Eight months on, Kiwi Pies is back and thriving thanks to the local community.
![Waikato Rugby president named volunteer of the year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato Rugby president named volunteer of the year
A big supporter of grassroots rugby, Grainger has been involved in the game for decades.