Latest fromBay of Plenty Times

Changes to surf lifeguard patrols prompt warning for beachgoers
Swimmers are advised to swim where patrols are and not alone.

Severe thunderstorm watch for Bay of Plenty
The MetService warns of potential severe thunderstorms for the Bay of Plenty today.

Tommy Wilson: Te Matatini serves as a benchmark and a beacon
OPINION: Te Matatini showcases another avenue for our kids to explore their identity.

'Quietly starving' elderly who ask for help just 'tip of the iceberg'
Elderly are struggling to get by as the cost of living keeps rising.

Five out of six Te Arawa groups make it to Te Matatini finals
Five out of six Te Arawa rōpū make to Te Matatini finals

This is how long reopening vital Coromandel route could take
Cost of work to reinstate SH25a “in the tens of millions".

Public Health issues warnings for Ohau Channel and part of Kaituna River
Public health warning has been issued for Lake Ohau channel.

Generators, satellite phones, and more: Red Cross thanks Kiwis, updates on how money is being spent
Donation follows huge community support for fundraiser.

'Totally storm fatigued': Residents told to stay vigilant as more rain bears down
The peninsula is under a heavy rain warning until tomorrow morning.

Live: 'Absolutely bucketing down' - Esk Valley may evacuate; 23 'uncontactable' in HB; Mobster arrested in Napier
More wild weather forecast for regions battered by Gabrielle.

Colourful cabinet artworks in Waihi
Waihi locals are spreading the word that there are two new artworks in town

Port of Tauranga rides rough trade swells to lift profit
Despite Kiwifruit slump, port posts improved performance.

Opinion: Our already anxious country is about to come under a lot more pressure
OPINION: We will do what we can to get through this hard time together.

All you need to know: Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Aupiki
All you need to know ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Aupiki seasons.

Te Matatini: What you wear on-stage is as important as the uniform off-stage
Showing your colours at Te Matatini is as important as kapa haka

This 'gentle' hound was mauled on the beach - why his owner is 'grateful' to the attacking dog's owners
The dog will be put down after the owner “voluntarily surrendered ownership” to council.

Orange rain warning for Hawke's Bay, Coromandel, Gisborne; alert for Auckland rain, possible thunderstorms before dawn
'People in these areas are advised to prepare as best they can in case of a downpour'.

Waitakaruru Arboretum reopens after cylone closed park
The park also has the opening of its very own cafe in the pipeline.

WorkSafe opens investigation into fatality at kiwifruit orchard
The investigation could take up to 12 months.

Regional council moves quickly to protect gas line
River flow damages banks on Ohineangaanga Stream.

Live: Bad weather ends PM's planned Wairoa flight; forestry slash inquiry announced; access closed to Auckland’s West Coast beaches
MetService warns of slips and road closures in hard-hit areas as the rain continues.

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Bay of Plenty and Coromandel
Thunderstorms have developed about the Hauraki Plains.

Waka Kotahi targets SH2 slip and re-sealing works
Roading crews will be taking advantage of fine weather to undertake remedial work

Live: New cyclone threat from tropics; heavy rain threat for Hawke's Bay, Auckland for next 2 days
Flood-ravaged centres across the North Island are in for more rain.

Plea for separate Whakaari/White Island trial rejected by judge
'Everyone has already waited far too long,' the judge said.

Tree belt blaze a burning mystery
Fire not suspicious but arborist will check on trees, report back.

Brassed off: ‘Idiot’ steals and damages Barmy Army's iconic trumpet
The group wants help locating other sentimental belongings, too.

Graeme Riesterer: 'We will be in a position to invest in our people'
Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little confirms Whakatōhea wish to settle.

'High level of brutality and callousness': Double homicide appeal dismissed
Samuel Fane's lawyer appealed both the convictions and sentence.