Hawke's Bay - Latest News and Headlines

Prisoner on the run after being let out to attend father's funeral

Police are still trying to track down Sam Sulusi, who has his name tattooed across his face.

Kiwifruit industry warns of multi-billion-dollar hit if officials ban controversial chemical

Growers say hydrogen cyanamide is crucial to the industry - but there are fears it's making people sick.

Complaints against National MP's 'misleading' ads dismissed

The ads claimed Yule had secured millions of dollars in funding.

National MP's ad under investigation after complaints it's misleading

The billboards claim: "$500 million new build of Hawke's Bay Hospital commencing 2025".

Hawke's Bay farmer drought fund set for $200,000 underspend

A mayoral fund to help Hawke's Bay farmers cope with one of the worst droughts ever will likely be underspent.

Combination of drought and COVID 'one of the greatest economic shocks Hawke’s Bay has seen'

A new report shows the first full glimpse of how the region has been economically affected.

'Air pressure sandwich' to bring drier-than-average spring for farmers

"You've got high pressure to the north of New Zealand, low pressure to the south of New Zealand and the filling in the middle is the windy westerlies."

'Tonga needs to look after its own citizens': Concern mounts for stranded RSE workers

A large Hawke's Bay fruit grower fears for the well being of Pacific Island workers still unable to return home and says Tongan authorities must help out.

How one Kiwi family is sharing the human side of farming

"It just started as a fun thing to do really."

Hawke's Bay council maintains it's not pushing 'farming versus forestry approach'

The Hawke's Bay Regional Council insists it's not pursuing a "farming versus forestry" strategy, as a Wairoa farmer fears a report commissioned by the council is a nail in the coffin.

Fruit growers concerned lack of workers could mean 'labour crisis' on the way

The Government claims unemployed Kiwis can pick up the slack but the industry says that'll be a challenge.

More farmers to be covered by regional drought relief fund

The Hawke's Bay Rural Advisory Group has broadened the eligibility criteria of the regional drought relief fund to support more farmers.

Kiwi company works to uncover horticulture worker exploitation

A Hawke's Bay company believes it will be the first in the world to develop a mobile friendly survey to uncover serious workers rights problems in horticulture.

Concerns COVID-19 patients could hide where they've been out of shame

"There may be a myriad of reasons for a subject to be less than truthful about contact with others if diagnosed positive."

Pet dog accidentally dragged behind owner's car

"She must've closed the boot and the dog has just jumped out."

Fewer farmers than expected apply for drought funds

A fund to help relieve Hawke's Bay farmers during a serious drought is not likely to reach its target of $2 million.

Kiwi vineyards crack world's top 50 list for wine tourism

For the second year running, Argentina's Zuccardi Valle de Uco clinched the top spot.

Farmers warn 'cancerous' urban spread could destroy productive growing land

Councils agree that something must be done, but say it's not an overnight fix.

Rare shore plover chick lucky to be alive after nine months on mainland

They are usually only found on predator-free islands.

'Happy news': Rare shorebird successfully bred at Hawke's Bay sanctuary

At nine months old, this chick is lucky to be alive.