Latest fromWhakatane
Armed police incident: Charges after police station windows smashed
Police allege a pickaxe was found nearby; the suspect is due in court today.
Air Chathams faces $1m loss, may exit Whakatāne route without support
The airline has lost over $1 million on the Whakatāne route since April 2023.
Farmers fined $77k for discharging effluent into stream
Judge Tepania noted both defendants were careless for different reasons.
‘Part of me died’: Sole survivor of triple-fatal crash says goodbye to three mates
Jeremy Capper lost an arm, a leg and three friends in a triple-fatal motorbike crash.
‘Treated like an animal’: Gang member involved in mob killing kept in kennel as a baby
The three-day sentencing came to an end with lengthy jail terms handed down.
Eruptions, quakes, tsunamis: Barry's journey to policing legend
His contributions include work on the Christchurch earthquake and the Whakaari eruption.
Man accused of axe attack on police station faces court
Mark Christiansen, 55, faces charges including burglary with a weapon.
Man charged with murder after Kawerau death
The accused will appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
Man charged after alleged break-in at Murupara police station
A man broke into the unmanned Murupara police station at 6:45am yesterday.
Man in custody after allegedly forcing his way into unmanned police station
Armed police were called to the scene but police say there was no public danger.
New automated gate to guard Lake Ōkataina against gold clam
The gate cost $32,669, and was funded by local councils and Biosecurity NZ.
‘I am a strong person but I am scared’: Food charity volunteer attacked
She and her husband run a food service that feeds up to 3500 people a week.
‘Explosive activity’ at Whakaari: Ballistic blocks ejected 600m
Vent temperatures rose from 220C in January to 360C recently.
Man charged with manslaughter, unlawful hunting after Kawerau man’s death
A man will appear in the Rotorua District Court accused of Stuart Stobie's manslaughter.
'Tragically taken': Tributes flow for 'beautiful man' killed on hunting trip
Stuart Stobie was 'tragically taken in a hunting accident'.
Police seek witness to fatal motorbike crash
A motorbike collided with a car, causing the car to flip.
One dead after two-vehicle Whakatāne crash
Police were called to the scene around 4.50pm.
‘Loads of maggots’: Woman traumatised by alleged treatment of brother’s dead body
'I thought I could grieve my baby brother and let them take over ... I feel so dumb.'
Whakatāne council sets 11.7% rate rise in draft budget compromise
Only two councillors, Andrew Iles and John Pullar, voted against the increase.
‘Impotent talkfest’: Debate over council’s proposed health advisory group
Councillors support investigating the group but fear it becoming a 'talkfest'.
Doctor shortage: How long could it take to recruit for Whakatāne’s maternity ward?
Plus, how many overseas doctors are being considered for the positions.
Rare Bay of Plenty postal note and stamps in $1.5m auction
A Whakatāne postal note from 1893 is valued at $500 for the auction.
‘Not an early St Patrick’s Day’: Resident on dog poo bag antics
Woman's fence frequently ends up covered in green bags.
Heroic rescue: Man saves neighbours from burning house
One person was sleeping, and another was gaming with his door shut and headphones on.
‘World’s first’: NZ mill’s tissue machine to run on geothermal steam
The mill invested $20m to upgrade its paper machine.
Whakaari-White Island memorial project requires further hapū engagement
$90,000 was raised this year, with hopes for central government funding.
News in brief: New public transport fare system
Rotorua news snippets: Māori circus theatre, new bus fare system, new regional flights.