Alexa Cook

A Hawke's Bay fire-fighter has apologised to victims' families for failing to rescue their loved ones in time.

Witnesses at the second phase of he inquest include family of those who died and as well as civil defence, Hawke's Bay councils and police.

The new mayor of the Hastings District could be revealed on 11 October. Audio

The action alleges incompetence led to 400 properties and businesses flooding in Wairoa last year. Audio

Ella and Jack Collins have reason for new hope, after losing their two-year-old daughter, Ivy, in floodwaters. Audio

"The cost of a GP is a killer for a lot of people," says the manager of a free kaupapa Māori hauora clinic in Central Hawke's Bay. Audio

About 150 Māori and Pakeha aged from 6 years old to over 60 are picking up the taiaha to learn mau rākau in Hawke's Bay.

Police say they have been engaging with the event's organisers to limit public disruption and ensure any activity remains lawful.

As a growing number of Central Hawke's Bay residents desperately search for work, local man Bevan Thompson is helping. Audio

As meat prices soar, RNZ looks at what meat people are choosing to buy and from where. Audio

While the cost of living is seeing some residents forgoing small pleasures like real dairy, others are giving up entirely on saving for retirement. Audio

The incumbent and her rival debated the region's water woes and rates rises.

The Orange Sky van has become a safe haven for those struggling, homeless and families a like.

The original figure of $7000 has been scaled back to about $5800.

Earth Sciences New Zealand analysis estimates more than 800,000 landslides were caused by the extreme weather event.

The increasing number of farms being planted in trees for carbon farming is raising fears about the spread of pests and fire risk. Audio

The Early Childhood Council claims the 'Office of Early Childhood Education' is confusing parents. Audio

The Eastern Bay Trades Academy takes on about 15 students a year who learn on the job and gain NCEA level 3 at the same time. Audio

A major project to relocate five marae in Tairāwhiti is underway, after flooding from Cyclone Gabrielle forced them to move to safer ground. Audio

The jewel of the East Cape's coastline is under review for the first time in 25 years, with locals hoping the marine reserve will remain protected for many generations to come. Audio

Emma-Jane Kupa, 11, died after being hit by Terina Pineaha while cycling to the dairy.

"She still gets to breathe and my daughter doesn't," says the mother of Emma-Jane Kupa, who was riding to the dairy when she was hit by Terina Pineaha, who was on meth and drunk.

The region has been slammed with two major floods in the past two weeks and Earth Sciences New Zealand is forecasting more wet weather for later in July and into early August. Audio

But a forestry group has hit back saying it's not the only reason sheep numbers are declining. Audio

After 15 years, the business announced it was closing down in May.