Latest fromTauranga

'Stoked': Commissioners push back on plans to restrict mobile traders
"We can't make it so restrictive that new innovation can't happen."

Conversion therapy banned: MP explains vote switch
'Conversion therapy is a form of torture - mentally, physically and emotionally'

Jo Raphael: Loss of Rainbow Springs would leave a big hole in Rotorua
OPINION: When tourism does eventually return, these visitors need places to visit.

Struggling cafe 'paying it forward' to other hospitality businesses
The cafe is holding a fundraising event tonight from 5.30pm to 8pm.

'Pouring petrol on inflation fire': Business leaders fear minimum wage rise could be 'last straw'
But some business owners believe employers should be paying the Living Wage of $22.75.

Covid cases highlight concerns for school bus users
There were 33 new cases of Covid-19 in the Bay of Plenty on Wednesday.

Power restoration effort continues, 'huge relief' as some able to switch on
More 500 properties in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty still without power.

Tāneatua homicide: Police hunt group wanted for trio of assaults
A 57-year-old man was assaulted in Tāneatua on Monday and died in hospital yesterday.

Rates relief: commissioners question proposed new rules
The commissioners expressed concerns around equity while debating rates remission policy.

Seventeen schools in Bay of Plenty manage Covid-19 cases
A Tauranga school will continue to learn off-site this week due to an increase in cases.

'Shut the doors': Tauranga businesses fear impact on staff as Omicron spreads
One business said losing staff to sickness would put 'a huge strain' on it.

Power cuts: Farmers can't milk cows, orchards damaged by winds
Powerco cannot say when they can reconnect power to thousands of customers.

Subscriber views on Tauranga council costs, Rainbow Springs' potential closure
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'Huge disruption': Power still out, businesses affected after Dovi
Thousands were impacted by power cuts across Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty.

'Crazy', 'confusing': New, four-month cul de sac trial approved for Links Ave
'We'd be ecstatic but the fact that the cul-de-sac is part of the deal, I'm ... confused.'

Cheques out, community grants in: High Court signs off on TECT restructure
Despite some opposition, the path is now clear for TECT to proceed with its restructuring.

Muffins, scones and cups of tea: Bay of Plenty leaders gobble almost $118k in a year
One council spent almost $40,000 on catering.

'Majestic maunga' Mount Misery could get name to match
Locals are proposing the name be restored to its original te reo place name.

Should te reo Māori be made compulsory in schools?
"We want to build towards a bicultural foundation of a nation," says a local MP.

Cyclone Dovi: Thousands still without power across region, top gusts revealed
Thousands of homes are without power.

Truck and trailer rolled into river at Waioeka Gorge injuring one person seriously
One person was taken to Gisborne Hospital with serious injuries.

Dementia unit worker self-isolating after positive test
It comes as Covid-19 community cases reach a record high.

Couple married 70 years share their success secrets
Plus ideas for how to celebrate Valentine's Day with your special someone

'Priceless': New hope for shrouded Tauranga heritage collection
Tauranga's history is largely stored out of sight, out of mind. But that could change.

Dawn Picken: A message for singles before V-day
OPINION: Some of us are giving Cupid a break this Valentine's Day.

Carmen Hall: Let's make period undies available in schools free
Poor access to period products can affect students' attendance and engagement at school.

'Incredible story of survival': Swimmer's brush with death, out-of-body experience
The 21-year-old was swimming alone at Omanu Beach when he had a seizure and passed out.

'Keep an eye on the African wildebeest': Sacked hospital worker to appeal latest ruling
Former hospital worker who kept patient records as proof of bullying fails high court bid

'Big boost in the Bay': DHB pushing for increase in booster vaccinations
Boosters will be made easily accessible all weekend through pop-ups and drive-throughs.