Latest fromWhakatane

Fisherman's boat may have sunk, say police as search suspended
'There is concern the fisherman's boat may have been submerged.'

Two people charged following Edgecumbe serious assault
One suffered facial injuries after the alleged assault.

Missing fisherman Jason Kauta: Chilly bin found washed up on island
The bin was spotted in an aerial search and located by drone.

Missing fisherman: Relative clings to hope man with 'massive heart' will be found
Police reassess plans as bad weather looks set to continue to hamper the search.

Shocked property owners set to lose parts of sections
The regional council's plan to build a stopbank along the river has upset local residents.

Rain warning lifted, high winds still a threat
An orange strong wind warning remained in place

'They took my son', mother's heartache after accused appear in court over alleged historic kidnapping
The accused all entered not guilty pleas before Judge Robert Spear.

Two brothers have the same condition. But only one can get $330k 'miracle' drug
One brother says it's a 'kick in the guts' knowing he could not get the drug.

Jewellery store owner says burglary is more grief on top of hard times
Whakatāne business owner is "absolutely gutted" by break-in.

Open fire season, but be responsible
Bay of Plenty district is now in an open fire season.

'We're open. We're safe. Keep coming': Sector's message as restrictions ease
Meanwhile, accommodation providers believe there is still a hard slog ahead of them.

Cooking drunk and high on meth cost 'adored father' his life
Sky Carson adored her father despite his addictions and 'ratbag ways'.

Decade-long flooding problem plagues Edgecumbe residents
The townsfolk say they have been asking for a solution to the issue for 10 years.

What the PM's mandate announcement means for the Bay
A Bay mum said vaccination passes had become a "big issue" for her children.

'Bloody tragic': Whakatāne fishing community saddened by Far North charter sinking
'It is not a nice day for Whakatāne and the fishing community.'

Q&A with Dr Johnnie Walker: What to expect if you're going to hospital with Covid-19
Dr Johnnie Walker has treated hundreds of Covid-19 patients in the UK and New Zealand.

Sir Wira Gardiner leaves 'a legacy that cannot be measured'
"Not many...will ever make the kind of contribution to this country that Sir Wira did."

How Whakatāne Mill opened the door for local industry
OPINION: It's time to shake things up a bit and take inspiration from the old days.

Ōpōtiki mayor 'excited' to see voter numbers on the rise
Mayor Lyn Riesterer says the increase in voters indicates population growth.

Barry Howe breached council's code of conduct, investigation reveals
Mayor Lyn Riesterer withdrew her complaint at the beginning of council meeting.

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake felt in Ōpōtiki
GeoNet says the quake may have been felt in Rotorua and Tauranga as well.

A billion bottles a year: Whakatāne iwi challenges water bottling consent
A Chinese water giant's consent to bottle water is being legally challenged once again.

Bucket list: 3-year-old's dying wishes as he battles 'relentless monster'
"The last bit of our boy's life will be spent enjoying things he's always wanted to do."

Delighted! Mayors welcome mill expansion a year after potential closure
Mayors tell us what the mill's expansion means for their communities.

Mother's bid to have child removed from 'anti-vax' father declined by Family Court
A 12-year-old told his parents that he didn't want to be vaccinated. His mother disagreed.

'Results speak for themselves': Bay's regional council puts abuse, ageism claims to bed
Councillors have been thanked for their professionalism after claims of abuse and ageism.

'Anomaly': Small town's house prices leap almost 50 per cent in a month
Bay of Plenty towns hit record-high house prices.

No trial location yet determined for those charged after White Island disaster
Possible trial locations include a Whakatāne Marae and a number of convention centres.

Covid-19: 20 new BOP cases, 12 in Lakes, one in intensive care
The Coffee Club in Taupō has today been named a close contact location of interest.