Latest from Whakatane

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.

Volcanic alert level lowered at Whakaari/White Island after nine months of unrest

The decision is based on the slowly decreasing level of volcanic activity, Geonet says.

How a man's lonely death led to housing for the elderly homeless

Elderly man found four days after he died.

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.

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.