Latest fromWhakatane

‘Pure heartlessness’: Man laundered $44k, from 22 victims, for scammers based in Kenya
Patrick Neho claimed he did it to feed his children. 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.

Critical injuries after SH30 crash involving truck
Emergency services were called to State Highway 30 at Rotoiti Forest.

'Deeply disappointing': Proposed job cuts will worsen access to palliative care - doctor
Public money would be spent on hospital admissions for people with 'nowhere else to go'.

Honda’s father-son duo dominate opening NZ Superbike round
Mitch and Tony Rees dominated the opening round of the NZSBK in Southland.

Woman 'really lucky' obstetrician available for emergency caesarean
‘Baby could die – those were her words.'

'Critical decisions need to be made quickly': Iwi concerned about maternity service change
Bay of Plenty iwi met with Health NZ to discuss 'urgent challenges' for Māori.

'Forever 8': Women deny killing young boy in alleged assault
The pair accused of killing Rickah'Shae Keefe-Haerewa plan to take the charges to trial.

'Not sustainable': Tauranga worker would earn extra $30k for same job in Hamilton
'We do the same job as the Te Whatu Ora labs, but we’re paid significantly less.'

'This is going to kill someone': Midwife's fear after maternity service 'downgrading'
Higher-risk births were sent to a hospital more than an hour away after specialists quit.

‘Nauseating’ worm farm granted consent to expand
The smelly farm has been given the green light.

Pedestrian dies after BoP crash
The crash happened at intersection of SH30 and Thornton Rd.

Pedestrian seriously injured in SH30 crash
A rescue helicopter was sent to the scene.

Person critically injured in BoP house fire
Fire and Emergency received a call to the Arawa Rd fire around 4pm.

How surfer Ollie Dobbin bought three Ōhope businesses before the age of 24
His first business was a surf school which he bought when he was still in high school.

Edgecumbe flood lawsuits may burden ratepayers with $7m cost
Edgecumbe was flooded due to the breach of a Rangitaiki River floodwall in 2017.