Latest fromWhakatane
Mayor urges Govt support to keep Air Chathams flights
The airline may drop its Whakatāne-Auckland route without financial help.
Signatures sought for new State HIghway 2 bridge
The petition highlights congestion and the seismic risks of the current bridge.
Private ambulance operators accused of doctoring records to obtain morphine and fentanyl
The couple claimed to treat a man who had been dead for three years.
Regional councillor Toi Iti seeks Doug Leeder's seat
He aims to bridge Māori and non-Māori communities on the council.
Rusting car dumped in popular Bay of Plenty swimming hole
Last year, 28 vehicles were reported abandoned in waterways across the region.
Child airlifted after being hit by car in Bay of Plenty
Police were notified of the incident at 8.40am.
Whakatāne residents oppose council partnership with Tauranga, Western Bay
Submitters prefer Whakatāne manage water services alone, citing autonomy.
'Questions we need to answer': School trip to backcountry hut ends in group being airlifted out
The group set off despite a weather watch, which turned into a warning en route.
Watch: 'It's just what we do' - Horseback hero's daring flood rescue
A horse tied to a post in floodwaters would likely have drowned if not for Chase Gage.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms set to impact Bay of Plenty
An orange rain warning is in place for Bay of Plenty, east of Whakatāne.
Rotorua grassroots recycling milestone plants 1000 trees
Monthly collections reach 1300 cans, supporting 400 plus tree plantings annually.
Three strikes: Bins confiscated for repeat recycling errors
Whakatāne plans strict penalties for incorrect recycling in bins.
Why Whakatāne's mayor is cautious about new homes in Matatā
The council spent over $300,000 clearing debris from Matatā catch-pits.
Bay of Plenty All Black, Olympian, philanthropist and master fly-tier make honours list
The King's Birthday honours include famous names and community heroes.
Former cop's dying regret over 50yo Mona Blades mystery
Mona Blades disappeared while hitch-hiking from Hamilton to Hastings on May 31, 1975.
Whakatāne homicide: Women accused of killing 8-year-old boy face additional charges
Rickah'Shae Keefe-Haerewa died after an alleged assault in Te Teko in 2024.
Heavy rain advisories for BoP, thunderstorms possible
Periods of heavy rain could approach warning criteria, says MetService
Culmination of St Patrick's Day drunken flirting, or opportunistic rape while woman slept?
Jurors were unable to reach a verdict in a Tauranga District Court rape trial.
'Symbol of hope': Winning photo 'reclaims Māori narrative' amid cultural unrest
The "powerful" photo allowed people to see their tūpuna in the face of a child.
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.
'Rapid rate': US demand grows for Kiwi beverage product
Wai Mānuka launched in Citarella Gourmet Market's seven New York locations.
Harbour project scrapped after millions spent
The boat harbour project was cancelled due to rising costs and soil issues.
Man says he walked into a room to see his fiancee being raped
'It's not what it looks like,' the man accused of rape allegedly told her fiance.
'Cap in hand': Mayor pushes for second bridge for town
The proposal highlights strain on the 1962 Landing Rd Bridge.
Teen campaigner to deliver letters to Luxon by bike
Fifteen-year-old Jack plans to bike to Wellington for Māori wards awareness.
SH2 bridge replacement scrapped despite road damaging new tyres
The Pekatahi Bridge's surface chews up brand new tyres, causing frustration.