Latest fromWhakatane
Man charged with manslaughter, unlawful hunting after Kawerau man’s death
A man will appear in the Rotorua District Court accused of Stuart Stobie's manslaughter.
'Tragically taken': Tributes flow for 'beautiful man' killed on hunting trip
Stuart Stobie was 'tragically taken in a hunting accident'.
Mitch Rees dominates NZ Superbikes, clinches third national title
He secured his third title in the premier 1000cc superbike class.
‘Great news’: Early ramp opening to ease Pāpāmoa traffic
The eastbound ramps at Pāpāmoa East Interchange may open in late 2025.
Doctor shortage: How long could it take to recruit for Whakatāne’s maternity ward?
Plus, how many overseas doctors are being considered for the positions.
Rare Bay of Plenty postal note and stamps in $1.5m auction
A Whakatāne postal note from 1893 is valued at $500 for the auction.
‘Not an early St Patrick’s Day’: Resident on dog poo bag antics
Woman's fence frequently ends up covered in green bags.
Heroic rescue: Man saves neighbours from burning house
One person was sleeping, and another was gaming with his door shut and headphones on.
‘World’s first’: NZ mill’s tissue machine to run on geothermal steam
The mill invested $20m to upgrade its paper machine.
Whakaari-White Island memorial project requires further hapū engagement
$90,000 was raised this year, with hopes for central government funding.
Superbike Championship goes into final rounds in Waikato
A Whakatāne rider has his eye on the top podium spot.
'Like dead carcasses': Residents demand action on persistent odour
The mussel factory was issued an abatement notice for wastewater breaches.
Whakatāne businesses ‘crippled’ by road closure
One business owner has asked for compensation. The council says 'no'.
Owners of Whakaari/White Island have company’s conviction quashed
The volcano's deadly eruption killed 22 and seriously injured 25.
Homicide probe: Man found dead on doorstep
Police urge anyone with information to call 105.
Police investigate ‘unexplained’ death in Bay of Plenty
Police urge anyone with information to call 105.
Black Hawk helicopter called in to help with logging
The Black Hawk will be hovering over Whakatāne in coming days.
‘A full and very positive life’: Funding to begin for life-extending cancer drugs
Rhys Drayson passed his given life expectancy after taking the drugs in a clinical trial.
Overnight fire in Ōpōtiki spreads through two commercial buildings
The fire started around 11:20pm on Church St.
Small town New Zealand is really upping its food and coffee game
Worthwhile places to stop on a roadie through the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.
‘Pure heartlessness’: Man laundered $44k from 22 victims for Kenya-based scammers
Patrick Neho claimed he did it to feed his children but in reality, he fed his addictions.
'Same costly mistake': Driver's warning after $150 bus-lane fine
More than 6500 tickets were issued for breaching the 50m rule last year.
Councillors support reverting speed limit to 100km/h on highway section
The 80km/h limit will probably move back to 100km/h.
Fire crews tackle house blaze in Kawerau
Fire crews have left the scene of a house fire in Kawerau.
Up to 1000 rally against hospital downgrading health services
Obstetrics and gynaecology services at Whakatāne Hospital have been downgraded.
'Intimidated': Residents sick of living in ‘motocross track’
Whakatāne locals are 'being plagued by motorbikes day and night' in the suburb of Awatapu
Artist Mr G unveils portrait of Bay mayor
A painting of Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui was revealed on social media.