The Gisborne Herald
New $31.3m indoor sports hub on the cards
The site of a long-standing community venue could be part of a proposed indoor multipurpose sports centre in Gisborne. Gisborne District Council received a report at a full council meeting yesterday on designs for a $31.39 million three-court indoor...
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What incentives do first-home buyers get?
Find out how the KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal, First Home Loan and First Home Partner schemes can boost your deposit and make it easier for you to buy your first home. Schemes that can contribute toward your deposit Buying a first home isn’t easy....
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RMA overhaul stalls Wainui coastal plan
More than a year after the last community workshop, Gisborne District Council has paused work on the Wainui Coastal Adaptation Plan. The plan was set to update the 2014 Wainui Erosion Management Strategy with a community-guided approach for coastal...
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Possible deregistration for charity’s late filing
Acharity was facing possible deregistration for its failure to file annual returns on time when it was awarded a $1 million Government tender to open a mental health support cafe in Gisborne. Te Kupenga Net Trust’s chief executive says the charity has...
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‘Pretty bleak’
Thousands of grapevines have been uprooted around the Gisborne district after a decision by Indevin Group to cease operations in the region. Local growers described the move as “a significant blow”, with more than half of the district’s vineyards...
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‘Do better’ Roaming dogs spark fears for kids, pets
Gisborne dog owners are being urged to “do better” after residents expressed frustration over roaming dogs on their properties. Elgin resident Sue (not her real name) spoke to the Gisborne Herald about multiple incidents of roaming dogs in the last...
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Facilitator appointed
Forestry Minister Todd McClay says he wants the “fractured” relationship between foresters, iwi, other stakeholders, and Gisborne District Council “reset” by his appointment of a forestry facilitator in Tairāwhiti. The minister told the council on...
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‘Here to win’
Haley Maxwell is “confident” in her campaign for the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti seat as Te Pāti Māori officially launched its 2026 election campaign in Gisborne. The launch was held at Te Pohoo-Rāwiri marae, which belongs to the Ngāti Oneone hapū. Te Pāti Māori...
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Finlayson to chair review
Gisborne District Council has commissioned an independent review of its forestry consenting and compliance systems. The review will investigate whether current standards are fit for Tairāwhiti’s environmental risks and workable for industry. Barrister...
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Sun shines for 13 schools
Thirteen Gisborne schools are to be included in a government-funded $30 million solar panel project. The Solar on Schools project will provide panels to 500 schools nationwide over three years. In Tairāwhiti, Lytton and Gisborne Boys’ high schools...
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Natural burial sites pitched for region
A proposal to establish natural burial sites will offer Tairāwhiti whānau more options for laying loved ones to rest. The Natural Burials Tairāwhiti Advocacy group has proposed the Ormond and Pā tū tahi cemeteries for natural burial use, where plants,...
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Iconic business sold
Gisborne’s oldest funeral service has been bought from local owners by a publicly listed Australian company. Evans Funeral Services and Gisborne Tairā whiti Cremation Services will join Australian funeral directors Propel Funeral Partners. The...
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New Gisborne specialist school to open in 2028
Gisborne Boys’ High School will soon be home to a new school for students with special needs. Minister for Education Erica Stanford announced the build during a visit to Gisborne Boys’ High this morning. In attendance were about 60 students and...
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Solar push powers up more Tairā whiti marae
An expanded solar project in Tairāwhiti is powering up 12 more marae to improve their energy resilience. The Trust Tairāwhiti initiative has already provided solar panels to 22 marae, with the latest installations delivered in partnership with Te Puni...
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‘Gizzy hard all the way’
Gisborne’s Sydnee Andrews is a Commonwealth Games judoka champion . . . and she’s not done yet. Shortly after an emotional medal ceremony following the Gisborne Judo Club member’s victory in the women’s 78+kg final at the Glasgow Games, history-making...
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Retreat traps possums and grows local kaitiaki
Apredator control and native forest restoration project on an East Coast station is helping grow future kaitiaki (guardians) through retreat experiences. The project, Ō rua – A Place of Restoration, runs at Huiarua Station and involves the restoration...
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Public share views on denser housing plan
Gisborne District Council’s proposed zone changes to allow housing intensification have attracted divided opinions across 140 submissions. It will allow a range of housing types, such as townhouses or duplexes, to be built without resource consent in...
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Council mulls night ban to protect Titirangi
Titirangi Maunga/Kaiti Kill could end up being closed at night following frequent acts of vandalism and dumping on the iconic Tairāwhiti landmark. Gisborne District Council is seeking public feedback on a proposal to close Titirangi Maunga/Kaiti Hill...
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Rugby Park reborn in $12.6m project revival
“John would be overwhelmed at how marvellous it is and to have his name on it again.” That was how the wife of respected sports broadcaster and journalist, the late John Heikell, reacted at the opening ceremony of the $12.6 million redeveloped Rugby...
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‘Marked inequities’
Patients are having to travel six hours to receive specialist dental care because of the lack of an onsite dental department at Gisborne Hospital, new research has revealed. Gisborne dental specialist Dr Joanna Ngo’s research, titled “Nontraumatic...
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New clinic aims to break barriers
Anew women’s health clinic hopes to remove barriers and improve health outcomes for diverse populations in Tairāwhiti. Te Ara Puāwai free clinic had a soft opening at Three Rivers Medical in May, and has now officially opened its doors to...
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‘FINAL DANCE’
Rhythm and Vines organisers have confirmed this year’s festival will be the final edition held at Waiohika Estate in Gisborne, bringing its historic 24-year chapter in the region to a close. “The move will support the festival’s long-term future and...
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‘Exponential demand’
Afree dental care initiative in Gisborne more than tripled its reach after “exponential” demand from the community. Iwi-led health provider Turanga Health partnered with mobile dental clinic Trinity Koha to deliver free dental services across Gisborne...
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Free surgery for Tairā whiti kids
Eight children from Tairā whiti will receive free ear, nose and throat surgery at Southern Cross Rotorua Hospital on Saturday. Among them is 5-yearold Hunter Brown for whom the surgery will hopefully improve his hearing as he starts school. Gisborne...
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Cruise ship comeback fuels economic hope
Local businesses can look forward to a busy summer as cruise ship visits to Gisborne are set to increase by 50%. Recent data from the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) shows Gisborne leading the North Island in its booking percentage increase for...
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‘Systemic failure’
Aman’s elective bowel surgery proved straightforward, but three days after the procedure he deteriorated rapidly and died. The 62-year-old’s death was linked to a “systemic failure” in his care and a failure to recognise his deteriorating condition on...
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Te Kā uta cafe brings new path to support
Stormy weather couldn’t dull spirits as Gisborne rallied for the official opening of a new kind of mental health support space. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey officially opened Te Kāuta cafe’s doors on Gladstone Rd, in the city centre, yesterday...
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Plan for a drought El Nino to bring heat, wind and water shortages
It might not feel like it right now, but this year’s El Nino will bring dry and windy conditions to the East Coast over the next few months. East Coast farmers are considering how to plan for potential water shortages. El Nino was officially declared...
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‘Hard landing’
Emergency services responded to an incident involving a helicopter at Gisborne Airport just after 2pm yesterday. A police spokesperson described the incident as a “hard landing”. The helicopter came down on the grass alongside the western side of the...
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Kennedy secures world junior gold and NZ first
Gisborne teenager Jacqueline Kennedy made New Zealand canoeing history at the weekend when she won this country’s first gold medal at the world junior championships. She did it in the women’s K1 500m event at the 2026 International Canoe Federation...
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Tairā whiti misses out
Local leaders have called a $14.5 million government investment in support for rough sleepers “deeply disappointing” after Tairāwhiti was left out of the funding. Minister for Housing Chris Bishop and Associate Minister for Housing Tama Potaka...
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KAITI’S BIG IMPACT
Gisborne’s Kaiti School has won the Excellence in Student Engagement and Attendance category at the inaugural New Zealand Education Excellence Awards. Principal Billie-Jean Potaka-Ayton said she was proud of the achievement and inspired by all of the...
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Vacancy rate not affecting care quality
A28% senior doctor vacancy rate is not reflected in the quality of healthcare at Gisborne Hospital, chief medical officer Dr Nejat Zeyneloglu says. His comment comes after recent reports that the vacancy rate would be down to 10% by the end of the...
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‘Incredible season’
The hammer fell on nearly $11 million in sales as the 2026 Gisborne East Coast combined breeds bull season shattered the previous record set last year. Just over 620 rising 2-year-old bulls were sold at Tairāwhiti and Wairoa Angus, Simmental and...
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200 properties still stickered after storms
Properties across Tairāwhiti continue to feel the effects of severe weather, with 40 remaining red-stickered and 194 yellow-stickered. Of those, 16 red and 25 yellow are from the storm in January, while the remaining 24 red and 169 yellow stickers date...
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Supreme Court blocks local man’s extradition
AGisborne man wanted by police for more than 10 years after an alleged assault in a Perth carpark will not be forced to return to face Australian courts. His barrister this week said the man is “very grateful and relieved” to have the prospect of...
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Suspicious blaze strikes Gisborne church again
AGisborne church site with a history of fires has been hit again and the latest is being treated as suspicious. Fire damaged the rear of St David’s Church at the Rutene Rd and De Latour Rd corner early this morning. A police inquiry is under way. It...
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Tributes flow for beloved crash victim
Aman just days away from celebrating his 35th birthday is being remembered as a loving father, son, brother and friend after a fatal crash. Family tributes online have named William Zane Hori Te Rangi as the victim of a van crash near Gisborne. “He...
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More than just strength
“It’s like a game of chess, and very technical. The way you set up your hand has a lot to do with whether you win or lose. It’s more than just strength.” Gisborne personal trainer Alivia Groves, 28, is talking about armwrestling. She has won the New...
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Woman beats odds to reach 65th birthday
Fifteen years ago, East Coast woman Delys Hooper was given three months to live. This week, she celebrated her 65th birthday. Hooper was diagnosed with an ultra-rare form of cancer of the appendix, pseudomyxoma peritonei, in 2011. Hers was the second...
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Final girders in place
The $50 million rebuild of the cyclone-devastated Hikuwai No 1 Bridge on State Highway 35 reached a major milestone yesterday with the installation of its final girder. The bridge, 20 kilometres north of Tolaga Bay, was washed away during Cyclone...
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‘I love my band’
Gisborne’s War Memorial Theatre came alive on Friday night as the region’s most promising young bands took the stage for the 2026 Smokefreerockquest East Coast Tairāwhiti regional final. It was a case of best to last as Copium, a seven-piece band from...
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‘I’d have been toast’
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and New Zealanders are being urged to educate themselves on the symptoms of bowel cancer. Survivor Wendy Linton spoke with Gisborne Herald reporter Zoe Mills about the importance of screening and living life to the...
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‘Bloody devastating’
Residents and landowners who have spent three years believing a replacement bridge over a river near Tokomaru Bay are devastated at being told funding for the project has been declined by NZ Transport Agency. Pauariki Bridge, originally built in 1937,...
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East Cape midwife stole $100k for ‘fantasy’ plan
As the only midwife on the East Cape, Corrina Parata walked for an hour during Cyclone Gabrielle to give supplies to a pregnant woman in distress. But being the only midwife within 200km, working long hours and feeling professionally isolated saw...
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Proposal to close Titirangi at night
Illegal dumping and vandalism on Titirangi/Kaiti Hill have prompted a proposal to restrict vehicle access overnight. Titirangi has been a regular dumping spot for such items as household rubbish, bedding and animal carcasses. The general proposal is...
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‘Huge breach of trust’
A former Oranga Tamariki caregiver who sexually abused three vulnerable boys threatened to selfharm when one of them chose to stay with a family member rather than return to his care. John Raye Tamanui, 71, appeared for sentencing in Gisborne District...
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Young fisher nets national honour
Gisborne local Elly Lincoln has been named the 2026 Sunderland Young Fisher of the Year. She was announced the winner at a ceremony held as part of the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen Conference and AGM in Wellington last week. It’s the...
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Honour for clay pioneer
Tokomaru Bay artist Baye Riddell has been honoured for his services to Mā ori clay art. Riddell was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday weekend honours. The renowned potter (Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare)...
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‘Just trying to get by’
Income-related rent will increase from next year as part of a social housing overhaul. Minister of Housing Chris Bishop says reforms are necessary to improve fairness, but social housing tenants say it puts further strain on already struggling...
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A gift from the sea
Gisborne artist Torri Stewart has won the People’s Choice Award for a creation made of moulded bull kelp at the 2026 Small Sculpture Prize in Waiheke, Auckland. The Small Sculpture Prize is a national award for an original freestanding or wall...
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Machine safety ‘watershed’
AGisborne company has been ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars following the death of a worker in an industrial waste shredder incident. M.E. Jukes & Son was prosecuted by WorkSafe after the death of worker Maurice Dooling, 47, at the...
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Killing our economy
Unpredictable closures of State Highway 2 in the Waiō weka Gorge are straining business and “killing our local economy”, a new Trust Tairāwhiti report says. Trust Tairāwhiti found closures disrupted an estimated $190 million in annual tradeable gross...
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Dump sign blunder on Awapuni Rd
The national transport agency has apologised and taken down signs erroneously pointing people to a liquid waste dump station no longer in operation in Gisborne. The Awapuni Rd site, run by Brian Hall, was closed in January after providing the service...
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State-of-the-art maize mill rises from ashes
ACorson Grain rebuild in Gisborne’s industrial subdivision is well advanced and set to open in early 2027 – four years after fire destroyed the company’s original maize processing plant. Seven Gisborne fire crews, with volunteer brigades, fought the...
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From ‘scared’ child to legendary mountaineer
Before ascending mountains from Antarctica to the Andes to Himalaya, Sir Graeme Dingle was once a “painfully shy” child from Gisborne. The acclaimed Kiwi explorer has shared memories from a childhood in Gisborne as he launches a fundraising initiative...
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‘I’d cut those things down instantly’
Residents of Gisborne’s Elsdon Best St say children have been injured by the street’s “dangerous” footpaths. The roots of liquidambar trees. commonly known as sweetgums, have uplifted sections of concrete in the street located off Campion Rd in...
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Online platform boosts te reo classrooms
The teachers behind a new classroom tool to support te reo Māori teachers want to provide “great resources” for schools across the country. Whatakai Rokiroki is an online resource platform that provides te reo Māori teachers with classroom resources...
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‘We’re really stoked that it’s been found’
Achance drive around Gisborne led to the discovery of a white 1965 Thunderbird convertible stolen from a garage last week. Keen classic car man Rick Brenchley and Mark Tilley, whose parents Ralph (the late) and Margaret Tilley owned the car, were...
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Fired port workers get partial vindication
Port workers Paul McMillan and Dion Robin had made a number of complaints about a colleague’s unsafe practices, but when they refused to work a shift with the man, they were fired. The pair took their case to the Employment Relations Authority after...
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Children addicted
One Tairā whiti health provider has observed children “as young as 8 who are addicted” as the region continues to tackle youth vaping. While youth vaping is decreasing in Gisborne and nationwide, nearly twice as many Year 10 students in the Gisborne...
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Crisis Recovery Cafe to open next month
Gisborne’s first Crisis Recovery Cafe is due to open next month as part of a national roll-out of mental health and addiction support services. A $1 million tender was awarded to Te Kupenga Net Trust in September. Crisis recovery cafes are peer-run...
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Future uncertain
East Coast residents still want answers on the future of a “significant heritage and community landmark” three years on from its closure. Gisborne District Council (GDC) says work to understand the scale of investment required to reopen the 660m-long...
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Kapa haka connection ‘Being at Tamararo is being at home’
Hundreds filled Houhoupiko/Showgrounds Park in Gisborne on the weekend for the senior Tamaroro, Tairawhiti’s regional kapa haka competition. In the event’s 74th year, 17 rōpū (teams) competed for a spot at the national finals, Te Matatini, in...
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‘The kids made the sad building happy'
Picasso-inspired self-portraits are brightening up a corner of Gisborne’s main street. Since October, multiple shopfronts have been transformed with artwork from local artists and community collaborations as part of the council’s Art in the City...
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Three flee house fire
Three people escaped a fire that damaged 80% of a home in the suburb of Riverdale yesterday morning, but the occupants lost most of their possessions. The fire, which engulfed the Kāinga Ora home in Taruheru Cres, is not being treated as...
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Female arborists gather to bridge gender gap
The national arboretum was the venue for a camp that drew participants from across the country to build the network of women in arboriculture. At the second annual Women and Trees NZ camp at Eastwoodhill Arboretum in Gisborne, 32 women took part in...
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‘No confidence’
Tairāwhiti’s tourism industry is taking a huge hit from sporadic closures across the region’s two state highways with one company down 80% in bookings for the summer. Katrina Duncan, who has been running Experience Gisborne and Cycle Gisborne for 17...
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‘Potentially it’s a lifesaver’
Abowel cancer screening project run through Gisborne-based Matai Medical Research Institute is a potential “lifesaver”, the East Coast-connected woman who will be driving it says. Dr Jordon Lima, who originates from Whāngārā and is of Ngāti Porou, Te...
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Family Start providers fear future under SIA
Family Start providers are facing uncertainty about the future of their services before an agency reshuffle takes place. The providers are contracted under Oranga Tamariki to visit whānau and offer advice on child development, mental health and...
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Cyclone inquest hears of unprecedented storm
The head of Tairāwhiti Emergency Management was the first to speak as a series of coronial inquests into the deaths of people when Cyclone Gabrielle struck in 2023 continued in Gisborne this week. The latest of the inquests, being held before Coroner...
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Council moves to tackle crater-ridden road
Gisborne District Council has taken action this week to improve safety on Tiniroto Rd after residents raised concerns about “hundreds” of “crater”-sized potholes. Works today and tomorrow will be undertaken with stop/go traffic management in place,...
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Disability crusader calls out illegal parking
Disabled resident Larni Porou is fed up with people parking illegally in mobility spaces in Gisborne. Porou, who uses a mobility scooter to get around, said she had seen instances of this at Kaiti Hub and in the city centre. The vehicles she saw were...
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Pothole ‘suicide road’
Rural Gisborne residents say “hundreds” of crater-sized potholes are causing vehicles and trucks to swerve across the centre line of what they’ve dubbed the “suicide road”. Tiniroto Rd, which runs from the Wairoa boundary into the Gisborne region,...
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