Latest fromTauranga

$43m in regional council rates yet to be paid as more than half fail to meet due date
The BOPRC rates bill has been met with surprise and 'shock' among some.

New Bay of Plenty Regional Council sworn in at Whakatāne marae
Doug Leeder has returned to his former position as chairman and Jane Nees as deputy.

Watch: Family's 'holy s*** moment' as oncoming van veers into their lane
'The video doesn't do it justice either as to how close they actually were.'

Jo Raphael: Cruise ship passengers a sight for sore eyes
OPINION: Welcome, the Bay of Plenty is open for business.

Mary Hill: Face your fears of co-governance
OPINION: If we can face our fear of co-governance and do it, we'll be richer for it.

'No expiration date on grief' but author finds hope in loss
Dawn Picken hopes her memoir will help others dealing with their own grief journey

Comment: Māori Boy from Awahou - the MBA that matters
OPINION: So how does one qualify for their honorary MBA qualification?

Final Bay of Plenty Regional Council election results released
Special votes have been counted, the final results are now in for the regional council.

Sonya Bateson: What kind of adults are impoverished children going to grow up to be?
OPINION: Things seem a lot harder now than when I was a child, writes Sonya Bateson.

Slow start to spring for housing market as prices drop, but agents optimistic
'Hopefully we're coming out of a difficult time but who knows with interest rates.'

The region where armed offenders squad callouts have spiked
A sign Government has let gun crime get out of control, or that it's taking a harder line?

'Fantastic' but 'overdue': National promises to extend breast screening
Australia, France and the UK already offer free breast cancer screening to women up to 74.

Busy month for rescue helicopter
The rescue service carried out 30 missions in September.

Felix Desmarais: My tribute to Kathy, and how to honour her memory
OPINION: In memory of Kathy, please get checked for breast cancer this month.

'Close call': 7 votes separate Māori candidates in regional council race
Progress results are in for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

'We want love, peace and unity': Local Iranians call for prayers as protests continue
"I always ask my friends to pray. It's the key to everything."

Waterlogged fields and flooded paddocks: Farmers to weather more rain next week
NIWA recorded rainfall was 149 per cent higher than normal in September.

Dr Tony Farrell: It's time to change alcohol's connection to sport in NZ
OPINION: Sponsorship and marketing must come to end.

School holiday sun: Better weather on the way for the Bay of Plenty
The weekend is looking to be more settled after a wet start to the school holidays.

Felix Desmarais: Why I'm not a pop star
Opinion: It started with Celine and ended in a carport in Tauranga.

'Equity issue' as some rural patients face six-week wait to see a doctor
"In the next 10 years about 50 per cent of our GPs are set to retire."

Pothole claims: Drivers seek more than $4000 in compo for car damages
Drivers made claims after hitting potholes and damaging their tyres and exhausts.

'Great experience and mana': New District Commander starts in the Bay of Plenty
Superintendent Tim Anderson has outlined his key priorities.

Therapy can be fun: Art therapists share tips and tricks for looking after your mental health
"We use metaphors but it's all about the meaning behind the picture."

Push to shift 20pc of commuters from cars to public transport in 10 years
BOPRC will decide today whether to adopt a regional transport plan with an ambitious goal.

Chatting and problem-solving: The free mental health service anyone can use
One patient said the difference it had made in his life had been like "chalk and cheese".

Hundreds to visit region for National Bridge Congress
After a three-year gap the Congress returns but in a new location.

Bigger venue named for Juicy Fest Tauranga
Nelly, Ne-Yo, Ja Rule and others headline the festival.

Local Focus: Indigenous tattoos showcased in Bay
Indigenous artists descend on Whareroa Marae for a unique cultural tattoo showcase.