Latest fromTauranga

Power outages after car crashes into pole, goes down bank
Emergency services were called around 7.20am.

National's BOP transport plans could create 6500+ jobs, says Tolley
And it's proposed to benefit Tauranga "significantly faster" than what's already promised.

'Just a footpath': Union speaks out over rail crossing where child died
'That crossing doesn’t seem to have a hell of a lot of protection on it.'

Mystery of pole cemented into teacher’s driveway solved
'People are only human and mistakes do happen.'

Premium subscribers react to Sir Paul Adams’ take on poverty and NZ’s growing social divide
OPINION: Premium subscribers have their say.

Former rugby star accused of buying guns for Comancheros, faking burglary heads to trial
The man is a retired professional player.

'There to save lives': Plea to respect new life rings after one 'tossed' on rocks
The life rings were installed after a Tauranga dad drowned at the spot last year.

Funeral home fined $85k after cremation smoke 'invaded' homes, bodies
Judge says despite ruling, no amount of money can make the matter right.

Limiting the fallout when businesses fail
Opinion: Other countries approach failing businesses more proactively than we do in NZ.

Anchored freight ship lost its rudder, detention notice issued
The vessel remains anchored off Mount Maunganui.

Police appeal for witnesses after young person killed by train
Emergency services responded to the incident on Hewletts Rd around 2.55pm.

Bay of Plenty councils identify projects involving man accused of forgery
Nationwide, potentially 1000 building consents and 40 local authorities could be impacted.

Young person dies after being hit by train
Police say the railway death will be referred to the Coroner.

Bunnings blocked from opening: Mitre 10-linked company hammered with $500k penalty
Watchdog hopes penalty will deter others after operator tried thwarting rival.

Maritime NZ investigating freight ship unable to move anchors off Mount Maunganui coast
An exclusion zone has been placed around the ship, which has been there since last week.

Traditional Cook Islands dance fitness classes keeping culture alive
Cook Islands Language Week's theme: Connect me to my homeland's traditions and culture.

New group aims to make space for trans people to 'be their authentic selves'
'We’re workers. We’re students. We’re active members of society with everyday jobs'

‘Totally unacceptable’: Sir Paul Adams on poverty, homelessness and NZ’s growing social divide
"The only way to succeed financially was to become well-qualified professionally."

'Misconception': This woman owns a home and business but still needs a benefit to survive
The cost-of-living crisis is hitting people across the board.

Pole mystery deepens: 'The more I look at it, the more random it’s starting to look'
'Is this a sign?' Teacher tosses up what to do with pole someone cemented in her driveway.

Sonya Bateson: Our city centre is grim. We need change, progress and personality
Opinion: The chance to build something great is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Locals have their say: Should the Tauranga to Auckland passenger train return?
An investigation suggested scoping studies for routes including Tauranga to Auckland.

He didn't know he was having a heart attack. Luckily, he was in 'one of the best places' for it
Fate or coincidence? The community stalwart doesn't know which helped save him.

Death after workplace incident in Mount Maunganui
Next of kin are being notified and the death will be referred to WorkSafe and the coroner.

'I have no idea what this is doing here': Mystery pole appears in woman's driveway
She says the community is as invested as she is in discovering how it got there - and why.

'Showing up everywhere': Concerns as homeless exempt from freedom camping rules
A fed-up Pāpāmoa man claims a house bus stayed a year, on and off, in a 'pristine' spot.

The Premium Debate: Online subscribers react to $26m a year Civic Precinct running costs
Opinion: Premium online subscribers have their say.

Author Dawn Picken's legacy honoured by Tell Me Tauranga event
"It’s about a legacy that’s felt deeply and a story that is crying out to be told.”

Take what they need: Why this humble Tauranga op-shop doesn't price its items
”There’s good things there for them, regardless of how much of a donation they give."