16 September 2008 - Hamilton Police believe an aggravated robbery of a city service station this morning could have been avoided if safety and security advice given to business owners two weeks ago had been followed.

16 September 2008 - A 17-year-old Okaihau College student's study on mangroves in the Hokianga Harbour has earned James Bergman this year's Northland Regional Council 'Excellence Award' at the Top Energy Far North Science and Technology Fair.

16 September 2008 - Outstanding individuals who selflessly contribute to making Thames-Coromandel a better place are what the Community Service Awards are all about - and four such people are to be celebrated next week at a special ceremony at the War Memorial Civic Centre in Thames.

16 September 2008 - Recycling volumes have increased by 27 per cent in Manukau following the introduction of the new recycling service.

16 September 2008 - Last month there was a national media controversy over the stance of the Wanganui District Council banning pets from its council-owned pensioner housing complexes.

The Minister of Health David Cunliffe today announced a further year's funding for the programme promoting Nurse Practitioners. 'These are highly advanced nurses who have proven themselves to be a significant new force in New Zealand health care' the Minister said.

TCDC taking steps to remove Grahams Creek bridge in Tairua

A Tairua walkway bridge is posing a danger to the public and Thames-Coromandel District Council is taking steps to remove it.

15 September 2008 - New Zealand Defence Force personnel took part in the unveiling of a special plaque to honour Christchurch VC holder, Sergeant Henry James Nicholas VC, in Belgium on Sunday 14 September.

15 September 2008 - Central North Island residents and residents of Central Otago and the West Coast of the South Island should not be alarmed at the sight of Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft flying as low as 250 ft over the region from 15 - 26 September.

15 September 2008 - Acting Environment Waikato chairman John Fisher has announced today the appointment of New Zealander Bob Laing as the regional council's new chief executive.