A wetland of national significance on Papamoa's doorstep is planned to increase to provide more habitat for threatened plants and animals.

Only a small proportion of houses in Tauranga's biggest suburbs are going for under $450,000.

A woman died after trying to do a U-turn when a logging truck struck her vehicle outside of Te Puke this morning, police say.

Te Puke was decked out in pink as locals came out in force to congratulate MasterChef winners Kasey and Karena Bird.