Mayor Tony Bonne speaks about the unfolding drama. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Red Cross teams are warning residents to keep safe overnight.

Evacuated Edgecumbe residents face the next three days out of their homes.

The order came around 8.30am - Made with funding from NZ On Air

The business has been showcasing NZ's only active marine volcano for more than 25 years.

A boy with cancer can't get to school because of a severe shortage of disability taxis.

Boy actor James Rolleston has pleaded guilty to causing a crash which left him and his friend seriously injured last July.

The skies are beginning to clear after last night's storm, but the respite may be short-lived, with thunderstorms and more heavy rain forecast for later today.

Heavy rain is expected in the region today and tomorrow.

Emergency services were alerted to the collision about 4.50pm.

Kawerau District Council staff are working as fast as they can to unblock drains after torrential rain caused flooding of over a metre.

Two women injured when armed robber fires gun during attempted hold up.

Two people have been shot in an attempted armed robbery at a berry farm in Whakatane.

A Whakatane father and his two sons are currently competing in the New Zealand Superbike Championships. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Twelve men have been arrested in relation to a gang clash on the streets of Whakatane, in which shots were fired and people scrambled for cover.

"Pop, pop, pop": A witness to an extraordinary gang clash on the streets of Whakatane has described how frightened motorists ran for their lives.

Police arrested multiple people after shots were fired at a Mongrel Mob member Tahu Kingi's funeral procession going from Kawerau to Whakatane.

Multiple arrests have been made after shots were fired at a Mongrel Mob funeral procession in Whakatane.

Man died after a truck rolled on Thornton Rd in Whakatane on January 1.

A report that someone may have used P in the toilets of Whakatane Hospital's paediatric ward a year ago resulted in a partial closure of the area.

New daughter has dad wrapped round her finger, say couple who started charity to help kids after losing their son.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is touring the country holding public consultation meetings, seeking feedback about its 'Future of our Fisheries' programme. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pregnant Opotiki woman last night.

Man suffers leg and arm injuries in machete attack.

Two fishermen spend hours in the water and are rescued by the last boat crossing the Whakatane bar.

FOCUSED: Rotorua's Mia Wardlaw impressed for her side on the weekend. PHOTO/ STEPHEN PARKER 051116sp10.JPGRuth_Dacey_MAY16_happy.epsTennis Rotorua

Uretara Island, in Ohiwa Harbour, is now free of rats, and native birds are thriving, thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Uretara Island, in Ohiwa Harbour, is now free of rats, and native birds are thriving, thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers. Made with funding from NZ on Air.

The Bay of Plenty has recorded its highest number of suicides in five years, highlighting concerns for the well-being of local teens

The junior doctors' strike which began yesterday continues until tomorrow morning, with local public support for the striking doctors