The chair of the multi-agency Waikato Regional Transport Committee says the Government's announcement today of the contract for the Te Rapa section of the Waikato Expressway is great news for the regional economy and road safety.

The Te Rapa section of the Waikato Expressway will be under construction by September this year, providing a near $170 million boost to the Waikato economy and unlocking the growth potential of northwestern Hamilton and Horotiu.

Temperature: Cold start, hot finish - extreme temperatures along the way. Rainfall: Very wet in Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Gisborne, Southland and the West Coast. Extremely dry in Northland, below normal rainfall in Auckland and east of the South Island.

Wellington, Feb 23 NZPA - A driver faces charges after failing to stop for police and then crashing into a Hamilton West house this morning.

Hamilton Police are urging motorists encountering emergency services vehicles to keep to the left after a crash in the west of the City this morning that left a dog handler's vehicle seriously damaged.

Hamilton residents will receive some budgeting pearls of wisdom as part of an upcoming series of author talks at Hamilton City Libraries.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) advises that night works will be starting next week at the State Highway 1/3 intersection of Kahikatea Drive, Lorne Street, and Ohaupo Road in Hamilton City.

A precautionary action to ensure the safety of Police, power workers and the public is how Police describe the seizing of several firearms at the centre of land access dispute yesterday.

Wellington, Jan 8 NZPA - Four men were arrested in Hamilton overnight after a series of alcohol-fuelled incidents.

In the worst of them, a man was seriously injured after being hit with a bottle on Victoria St about 1.15am.

Hamilton Police are crediting the benefits of strong partnerships with other agencies as playing a major part in the arrest of four men involved in several alcohol related violent incidents in Hamilton City early this morning.