Latest from Tauranga

Councillors plan to stand for mayor as another considers quitting
"We need to take a good look at all the pieces that created this situation."

Bay of Plenty paw-lice pup heads into retirement
Amazing Asta queen of the streets for seven years.

Jo Raphael: The age-old conflict between landlords and tenants
OPINION: Who is the villain - the landlord or the tenant?

Your ultimate guide to summer music festivals in the Bay of Plenty
The events will be drawing thousands to the region and millions in economic boosts.

Local Focus: 'The hardship has got harder'
Demand greater than ever at Tauranga Community Foodbank. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Taxpayer bill for housing homeless in Tauranga revealed
A new housing reports reveals just how much was spent on housing homeless in Tauranga.

Lighting open-air fires banned in Thames-Coromandel
A ban on the lighting open-air fires is in force for Thames-Coromandel area.

Man seriously injured at Tauranga bus stop, nine arrested
Police make 9 arrests after a man was allegedly assaulted at a Tauranga bus stop.

Lotto players from Papamoa and Bay of Plenty $29K richer
Two Lotto players from Papamoa and Bay of Plenty received early Christmas wins.

Samantha Motion: A holly, jolly, news parody of the best Christmas song ever
OPINION: Is it even Christmas without the drunk tank or the boys of the NYPD choir?

Can you light your barbecue this summer? New tool will tell you
The new Fire and Emergency New Zealand online tool was launched today.

Fijian-born Bay residents praying loved ones safe
Cyclone Yasa wreaking havoc on Fiji, and Bay of Plenty relatives share their concerns,

'Disgusting': The Christmas work lunch that left DHB staff feeling 'devalued'
Some health board workers threw their boxed Christmas lunches in the bin.

'Gutted': City councillors react after learning they will be fired
The decision to appoint a commission was announced on Friday but opinions are divided.

Christmas spirit: Port of Tauranga take ships full of retail goods
November and December have been busy months for the Port of Tauranga.

'The nuclear option': Minister confirms commission for Tauranga City Council
The decision comes two weeks after the minister's initial announcement.

New Year's plans? Look no further
Tauranga City Council has a range of events on this New Year's Eve.

Mowbray billionaires call in lawyers over leaky building repairs
Mowbrays threaten litigation against fellow apartment owners.

Man shot by police was using children as 'human shield': Rescuer
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found police actions were justified.

Kiri Gillespie: Wharf St upgrade just what city needs right now
Opinion: Could the dining precinct come to rival Rotorua's popular Eat Streat?

Avoiding 'disaster': Many plans made, but can Smartgrowth partnership deliver?
That's the question the partnership's leaders explored in a meeting on Wednesday.

'I feel so grateful': Tetraplegic scales Mauao thanks to Trailrider
Trailrider a "game-changer for the elderly and people with disabilities".

Letters to the editor: No reason for the proposed 6.5% rates rise
LETTERS: Our readers have their say

Don't appoint a commission: All bar one councillor signs letter to minister
One councillor did not sign the letter and he won't say why - yet.

Minister Nanaia Mahuta to meet with council collective
The Minister will meet with Smartgrowth as she mulls commission for Tauranga

'Skilful' 82yo cannabis grower avoids jail
Police found 364 well-tended cannabis plants and multiple growing operations in a search.

'Amazing' concept plans for Pāpāmoa Hills get green light
'Pāpāmoa Hills is becoming a real viable alternative to Mauao.'

Christmas Appeal: Bureta Physio stretches out helping hand for Foodbank
For the fourth year running, the team at Bureta Physiotherapy has the community in mind.

Centenarian who survived polio, war, depression and quake dies
Despite enduring hardship, Willa Crews had a positive attitude until the day she died.