Latest fromWhakatane

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'.

'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.

Kawerau death: Second 15-year-old charged with murder
Three people have been charged with murder following the death of Michael Tokona.

'Hallelujah': Driving instructors react to proposed licence changes
Practical licence set to be scrapped described as 'a joke' and 'not good'.

'She died in my arms': Dog's death sparks road safety campaign
Surf instructor wants the speed limit on a coastal road reduced to 30km/h.

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.

Nervous for survival: Māori ward councillors prepare for critical elections
Forty-two councils will hold a poll for Māori wards in 2025 elections.

Teen's 160km hīkoi backing Māori wards referendum
Jack Karetai-Barrett's inviting others to join the walk, aiming to raise awareness.

On The Up: Air Chathams and Air NZ in partnership talks
'Smaller operators play a critical role and do an excellent job.'