In brief - Nawton stabbings leave two in hospital, SH3 bridge down to one lane

Sunday, 28 June 2026

Police and emergency services were called to a double stabbing in Nawton overnight Saturday. Two people remain in hospital with serious injuries. Photo/File

Arrest made after serious assaults in Nawton

One man is in custody after alleged assaults on Saturday night in Nawton left two people in hospital with serious injuries.

Police were called about 10pm to Avalon Drive after a report of people fighting at a nearby service station.

When emergency services arrived, two people were found with injuries the Waikato Times understands were stab wounds.

They were both transported to hospital in serious condition where they both remain, and are now stable.

A scene guard was in place overnight and a scene examination was carried out on Sunday morning.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the scene, and has been charged with wounding with intent to injure, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Mangaorongo Bridge on State Highway 3 near Ōtorohanga will be reduced to one lane from Monday.

He is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on Monday.

SH3 Mangaorongo Bridge stop/go from Monday

The Mangaorongo Bridge on State Highway 3 (SH3) will be reduced to one lane with stop/go traffic management in place from Monday.

Taupō District Council won the Morrison Low Advisory Award for Excellence in Collaborating for Results. From left are Dan Bonifant (Morrison Low Advisory), with council CEO Julie Gardyne, Penny Homes director John Penny, Sarah Matthews, and Penny Homes’ manager Matt Faulkner.

The bridge, approximately 7km north of Ōtorohanga, is having its abutments repaired while the nearby riverbanks are undergoing erosion control following a storm in February.

Work is expected to take up a month, and traffic over the bridge will remain at one lane until the work is complete.

Taupō’s council wins innovation award for affordable housing

Taupō District Council has won the Morrison Low Advisory Award for Excellence in Collaborating for Results at the 2026 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards.

The award recognises collaborations with government, community or private organisations that deliver strong outcomes for communities and demonstrate the value of working together.

The council, and a consortium made up of Penny Homes, Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust and Classic Builders partnered to deliver a 116-home development at Oroko Rise with a mix of market value and affordable homes priced from $550,000.