East Coast
Govt approves funding for flood resilience work in Tai Rāwhiti
The government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding - more than half of them in the Tai Rāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka.
More than $13m in cyclone funds will not be touched until 2024
The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Fund will not be open for applications until early next year, but affected communities say that money is needed now.
Taonga species planted at Ruatōria aerodrome to increase flood protection
Two thousand native trees have been planted by Ruatōria locals to protect their aerodrome from flooding.
East Coast beach residents cut off by slip
Access to Waihau Bay, also known as Loisels, has been cut off since the weekend of 24 June.
Access to dental services, more teachers: Ruatoria on the election
Touring the East Cape to find out what's on people's minds pre-election; in Ruatoria it's better access to dental services and more teachers. Audio
Another 15,000 workers may be needed for rebuild efforts
Nearly 15,000 extra construction workers may be needed to repair infrastructure damage from this year's wild weather, experts say.
Roads, petrol prices and kaimoana: Te Araroa on the election
First Up reporter Leonard Powell has taken a tour around the East Cape, to check what's on people's minds pre-election. In Te Araroa they're talking roads, petrol prices, and protecting kaimoana. Audio
On the campaign trail in Ikaroa-Rāwhiti
The race for East Coast electorate Ikaroa-Rāwhiti was flung wide open after Meka Whaitiri's shock defection to Te Pāti Māori. Audio
'It's going to be OK': Confidence vulnerable water supply will handle summer demand
The Gisborne council is in a race against time to make important upgrades to its water network to meet a possible drought.
Hot and dry spring forecast for Gisborne welcomed
Te Tai Rāwhiti is likely in for a hot, dry spring after months of wet weather - a welcome relief for locals.
Skull washed up on beach believed to be about 340 years old
A human skull that washed up on a beach near Gisborne last year is believed to be about 340 years old.
Contentious lease granted on sacred East Coast land
A lease application for culturally significant land at Tokomaru Bay has been given final approval, against the wishes of some who say they are descendants of the original owners.
Person dies after incident at Tūranganui River in Gisborne
A person has died after an incident in Gisborne's Tūranganui River on Thursday night.
From slash to cash: Finding innovative ways to fertilise and heal the land
Innovators across New Zealand are working on solutions for the huge amount of silt and woody debris that is clogging beaches and riverbanks on the East Coast.
Gisborne council staff bitten, 'spat on, shoved'
The Gisborne District Council has seen a hike in abuse and threats against staff since the beginning of the year - punches, scratches, threats of violence and more. Audio
Gisborne council's main scientist posts anti-government views on social media
A top Gisborne scientist has retained the support of the council he represents despite posting vitriol about the government.
Government's Tai Rāwhiti and Wairoa forestry plan 'too little too late'
The government's plan to shake up forestry in Tai Rāwhiti and Wairoa has been met with frustration and disappointment by locals, with some members of the public meeting storming out in protest.
Ombudsman calls for 'more trust and empowerment of iwi' after cyclone visit
Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is calling on the government and local councils to empower iwi on the back of a visit to cyclone-hit areas.
Criticism of residents being denied a voice in Cyclone Gabrielle recovery
Residents told the chief Human Rights Commissioner they felt they had been shut out of making decisions that would directly affect them.
No action in East Coast two months after report demanded forestry felling be stopped
The East Coast is still waiting for action after a report released more than two months ago demanded wide-scale forestry felling in Tai Rāwhiti and Wairoa be stopped immediately.
