Latest fromWhakatane
‘Don’t fit culture’: Calls for jet ski ban at holiday spot
A group of residents say jet skis are a safety risk and a menace to wildlife.
'Flooding nightmare' for early childhood centre
The centre has suffered three floods in three years.
Man appears in court over hunter's death
Sean Kavanagh appeared in the Rotorua District Court today.
Whakatāne man looking for owner of British war medal
There must be a family out there looking for the medal.
Mayor rejects conspiracy theory claims
Rising rates and increased council spending proved a hot topic at a public meeting.
Emily Longley's murder: A father's fight for justice revealed
Emily Longley, 17, was found dead in her boyfriend's bedroom 13 years ago.
House fire connected to gang-related shooting, police say
One person was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Small-town backdrop frames the bigger picture
Jared Donkin speaks with Tom Raynel about his journey to founding Radlab.
Residents say solar farm changes a 'threat' to rural lifestyle
Putiki Rd residents who agreed to a solar farm in 2021 are having second thoughts.
Grey nomads: Plea to attract mobile spenders
Grey nomads make up the biggest number of motorhome owners in the country says a local.
Freedom campers: 'Don't palm them off' on us, say locals
Several councillors indicated their wish to remove the dump site from Edgecumbe Domain.
Road naming decision finally made after five years
The name did not reflect the culture or natural features of the area, a councillor says.
Cultural breakthrough in prisons: MP's tribute to Sir Norman Perry's legacy
Former MP's book recognises the prison reform leader's unacknowledged contributions.
One dead and two injured in Whakatāne crash
A person was airlifted to hospital but sadly died later, police said.
'History of harm': Relief as liquor store application withdrawn
A hearing was scheduled to take place this month.
'Final piece of the puzzle': Marina and industrial park consents granted
Main focus for the development is to 'support the aquaculture industry'.
'It’s supported me in so much': Nursing student wins scholarship
She wants to make it 'easier' for people living in rural communities to get healthcare.
Leaders seeking a slice of $1.2b Govt infrastructure fund to meet Jones, Peters
The Regional Growth Summit will take place in Whakatāne on Friday.
'How can this be real?' Two sisters diagnosed with breast cancer two years apart
'I just want to do everything I can to obviously prolong time and quality of life.'
Ōpōtiki ratepayers face bigger rates bill before Christmas
'It's going to be overwhelming for people, especially at that time of the year.'
Councillor braces for more anti-Māori rhetoric
Toni Boynton believes rhetoric will increase as Māori ward referendum approaches.
One person dead after car goes off road in BoP
Emergency services responded to the scene around 9.15am on Grieve Rd in Otakiri.
‘Kick in the guts’: Rates bill shock for commercial property owner
'In one year? What are they thinking?'
Boatie warned after altercation on Whakatāne wharf
Steve Wright laid an assault complaint after an altercation at the boat ramp.
Three months of big rates bills
One councillor says a lot of locals are worried about their rates bills.
'Mighty dream': Bid to build cancer lodge near hospital hits hurdles
Some people 'compromising' on cancer fight due to costs, logistics of getting to Tauranga.