Do you know how many Kāinga Ora homes were vacant late last year?
While 1698 people waited for public housing in Hamilton, there were 147 empty Kāinga Ora homes in the city.
The figures from late 2023 “astounded” Hamilton West National MP Tama Potaka - who labelled the city “the epicentre of emergency housing” - and Mayor Paula Southgate is calling for urgent government action.
But Kāinga Ora says the number of vacant homes has since dropped to 34, and there’s a focus on replacing older houses on big sections with multiple homes.
What events have stood out for you this year?
It was another big year for the region’s number one news outlet the Waikato Times. From man-hunts to monarchs new and old, rates rises, international flights, hobbits, councillors behaving badly and almost everything in between, Matthew Martin's article takes you back through the news that captured the region during the first half of the year.
What events have stood out for you this year - either in your life or in the news? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
Best way to use leftovers?
I'm sure you've got some excess ham at home or cold roast potatoes.
What are some of your favourite ways to use leftover food from Christmas day? Share below.