Hawke's Bay News launches

The former Hawke’s Bay App has relaunched as Hawke’s Bay News, with a new website now live and a mobile app to follow.

The independent, locally owned platform hawkesbaynews.co.nz has been established to provide dedicated coverage of local news across Hawke’s Bay.

The new platform builds on the legacy of the former Hawke’s Bay App and its editor Andrew Austin, who died in February 2025.

The App ceased publishing the previous month.

Hawke’s Bay News Editor Astrid Austin says the outlet will focus on providing news that is important to people across the region.

“We will cover local news and national issues with a local angle. That includes reporting on council decisions, breaking news and the people and events that shape our communities.

“We have a small team whose entire focus is Hawke’s Bay. We are locally owned and operated and report on the communities that we live in.”

Alongside written news articles, Hawke’s Bay News will publish interviews and videos through its website and social media platforms.

The launch comes as campaigning builds ahead of the 2026 General Election in November, with Hawke’s Bay News planning to cover local candidates and the issues affecting voters across the region.