247 days ago

Watts points to a brighter future for solar energy

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Soon to be New Zealand’s largest solar farm, the first sod has been turned at the Tauhei Solar site near Te Aroha, a project that promises jobs for locals and sustainable energy for the nation.

Beneath Mt Te Aroha, and on ancestral land belonging to Ngāti Haua and Ngāti Tumutumu, around 80 people witnessed the start of construction on Wednesday, including Minister for Energy Simon Watts, the projects directors and Matamata-Piako mayor Adrienne Wilcock.

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More messages from your neighbours
4 hours ago

Roadworks on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA)

From 7 to 18 December, there will be night-time closures on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am) to carry out wire rope barrier maintenance. Please expect delays when travelling through this area. Find out more

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6 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.1% Yes
    53.1% Complete
  • 46.9% No
    46.9% Complete
1877 votes
1 day ago

Hospital ED new location of interest in measles spread

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department is the latest location of interest for measles.

Two separate days in the last week were listed on Health NZ’s website on Friday morning as a place where someone with measles was known to have visited.

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