Latest fromWhakatane
St Patrick's Day rape-accused claims woman flirted, talked 'dirty' with him
He claims they had consensual sex while the Crown says the woman was asleep.
$20k triumph: How Taniwha Chasers captivated judges at portrait awards
An Ōpōtiki local's photograph Taniwha Chasers was chosen from 41 finalists.
'This is for Willy': Partner honours fisherman who died at sea
Her team has raised over $3700 for Coastguard, surpassing their $2000 goal.
Police station axe attack-accused denies charges
The attack incident sparked an armed police response.
Concern 'patients will suffer' as practices with 46,000 enrolled switch funder
The centres say changing their primary health organisation will help avoid fee increases.
Ash cloud from Whakaari/White Island cancels flights
Flights from Auckland and Wellington were among those cancelled.
'We are not an airline': Council waives airport fees, denies loan request
The council rejected Air Chathams' request to write off a $350,000 loan.
Police name man who died in Bay of Plenty crash
The crash happened on January 23 at Coastlands.
Top charting Kiwi artists announce North Island tour
The tour kicks off June 26 in Gisborne and ends August 9 in Wellington.
Residents shaken as roaming dogs kills cats
Eight dogs have been impounded in Whakatāne over the past 10 days.
How sergeant's Antarctic posting became the experience of a lifetime
Defence Force Sergeant Cam Sproull of Ōhope watched orcas hunting just metres from shore.
Hunting death: Minginui man denies manslaughter charge
Mark Jefferson, 46, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in the High Court at Rotorua.
Trio deny murdering man found dead on a Kawerau doorstep
One of the three can be named after suppression lapsed.
'They've taken my soul': Burglary strips man of father's WWII medals, heirlooms
Coppell urged the thieves to return his belongings anonymously if needed.
Motorists back to 100km/h speed limit on SH30 Whakatāne-Rotorua
A widower has mixed feelings about the change after losing his wife in a 2019 crash.
SH2 now clear after truck tips
Emergency services were called about 6.30am to SH2 at Pikowai.
Shelling out: Audit questions hold up assessment of troubled mussel farm
Cabinet agreed to invest $16.5m more into mussel business despite ongoing losses.
Speed limit proposal dropped on Rotorua highway after community push
Other successful reversals to 100km/h include the journey to Whakatāne.
Blisters force Jack on to bike for Māori wards journey
He plans to cycle back after blisters halted his walk.
How Whakatāne Hospital plans to restore full maternity services
Since January, 88 Eastern Bay women have had their babies at Tauranga Hospital.
'Cherished': Taupō farm vehicle victim described as 'beautiful pou'
A long-time friend said they are 'extremely broken'.
Highway reopens after fatal crash near Rotorua
Emergency services responded with five crews, an ambulance, and a helicopter.
Whakaari/White Island unrest: Alert level rises
Volcanic ash has been identified more frequently in the steam and gas plume.
'Highly careless’: Nomar Farms effluent discharge ends in big fine
A Whakatāne dairy farm owner has been fined $48, 750 for effluent discharge.
National Māori netball tournament celebrates culture and pride
The AMNOHL tournament will be held in Wellington during Easter weekend.
'Strong heart': Teen's hikoi for Māori wards inspires supporters
'He’s just got such a strong sense of honour and duty.'
Ex-cyclone Tam in BoP Waikato: Boaties advised to cancel Easter plans
Bay of Plenty faces up to 250mm of rain, with warnings in Rotorua and Kaimai Range.