The Waikato Local

Wednesday - 4th February, 2026
Cover of The Waikato Local

Precious gift unites generations

A mystery gift is helping a Waikato youngster carve out her future. Hamilton’s Whitiora School recently featured in a TVNZ Seven Sharp bulletin about the its Tipu Ake carving programme run by Te Kōhao Health and taught by Whakairo Master Rei...

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Wednesday - 28th January, 2026
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Kho kho: New sport for Waikato with serious global ambitions

A relatively unknown game is hoping to break into the local sporting scene and attract players with the aim of taking part in a Commonwealth championship next month. Kho kho is a highly competitive tag game for enhancing fitness and agility that is...

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Wednesday - 21st January, 2026
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Destination park changes hands

Over the course of 34 years, a former quarry has been transformed into a place of recreation and inspiration and become a Waikato visitor attraction. John and Dorothy Wakeling created the Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum in the 17.5ha...

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Wednesday - 14th January, 2026
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Carrying Mia through hardest days

Ten-year-old Mia Irwin was a fit, active kid who loved netball and biking, until a series of unexplained symptoms led to a cancer diagnosis in July last year. Her mum, Renee Irwin, said life turned upside down overnight. She has to work remotely so...

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Wednesday - 17th December, 2025
Cover of The Waikato Local

Matamata’s taste of local goodness

Matamata is hosting the newest farmers’ market to open in Waikato with the aim of promoting local produce and giving the economy a boost. Behind the new Sunday market is Shayna Gaskell, who said when she moved to Matamata a little more than two years...

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Wednesday - 10th December, 2025
Cover of The Waikato Local

Ruru takes flight in Putāruru

A new mural on a prominent wall of Woolworths Putāruru was inspired by a 10-year-old’s musings over ice cream. Daniel Kritzinger was cycling through Putāruru with his grandmother Haidee Kritzinger in mid-2024, when they stopped for an ice cream by...

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