Latest fromTauranga

Pothole claims: Drivers seek more than $4000 in compo for car damages
Drivers made claims after hitting potholes and damaging their tyres and exhausts.

'I want his name to be spoken': Parents raise funds for Lifeline after losing son
Ethan Broomhead, aged 18, died six years ago on August 31.

'Great experience and mana': New District Commander starts in the Bay of Plenty
Superintendent Tim Anderson has outlined his key priorities.

Picnic tables and a gym: New pop-up park in Gate Pā
There are also free one-hour fitness sessions on offer.

'Inadequate': Pathlab temporarily closes two clinics in the Bay
The disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the year.

'Very special': Tennis teen looking forward to playing in front of home crowd
The EVES Open – World Tennis Tour: Tauranga will be held from December 18-24.

'Rest in power': Tributes flow after popular Kiwi DJ dies from brain bleed
Friends, family and fans are mourning the loss of the Kiwi drum and bass pioneer.

Therapy can be fun: Art therapists share tips and tricks for looking after your mental health
"We use metaphors but it's all about the meaning behind the picture."

Push to shift 20pc of commuters from cars to public transport in 10 years
BOPRC will decide today whether to adopt a regional transport plan with an ambitious goal.

Te Puna rally driver Jordan Grant hoping for swift run at championship
Jordan Grant has been hooked on going sideways on gravel for years.

Man who allegedly threatened to kill PM on the run six months after arrest
Sivell was released on bail after an initial court appearance in March.

Chatting and problem-solving: The free mental health service anyone can use
One patient said the difference it had made in his life had been like "chalk and cheese".

Fire risk fears: Apartment owners, Argosy suing aluminium panel makers, suppliers
Claddings now mostly removed from buildings at centre of court case.

'Bloody cool': Orca make splash in Tauranga Harbour
The orca were seen swimming in the harbour near the Chapel St bridge.

Hundreds to visit region for National Bridge Congress
After a three-year gap the Congress returns but in a new location.

Bay businesses optimistic for summer after busy long weekend
The "amazing" long weekend made locals feel like summer had arrived.

Bigger venue named for Juicy Fest Tauranga
Nelly, Ne-Yo, Ja Rule and others headline the festival.

Bus passenger numbers drop more than 20 per cent as driver shortage plagues city
But work is being done to improve training, rewards and recognition for drivers.

Letters to the editor: There's an alternative to congestion charges
OPINION: Bay of Plenty readers have their say.

Should cancer drugs be GST-free? Patient who has spent $200k to survive says yes
"I still feel I've got everything going for me," the 76-year-old says.

Local Focus: Indigenous tattoos showcased in Bay
Indigenous artists descend on Whareroa Marae for a unique cultural tattoo showcase.

Water leak in Red Square repaired
It is expected the water shutdown will be in place overnight as contractors fix problem.

Air pollution, climate change and empty buses: What regional council candidates say
The panel was a mix of seasoned politicians and fresh-faced newbies, all vying for votes.

Hiking the Kaimai backcountry
It is blissfully quiet and has the feel of a remote getaway.

Opinion: Sam Uffindell cleared but true test will be re-selection
OPINION: The decision to not release the report will not help Uffindell in the long term.

Opinion: Survivors should not be made to feel attackers' lives are worth more
Opinion: It is easy to get away with rape and sexual assault in our beautiful country.

What DHBS spent incentivising jabs - and why an expert says it was the right move
Incentives were a "positive way" of encouraging people to get vaccinated, an expert said.

Centenarian brothers-in-law back together after two years
Laurence and Ron have been kept apart by Covid-19, but now these old friends are back.

'Give us back our views': 'Giant mound' of dirt angers residents
The developer says the sand mound is temporary but will be replaced with higher buildings.