Latest fromTauranga

'Challenging times': Social workers see spike in meth, mental health issues
'We’re trying ... but at times it feels like we are chasing our tails.'

The Doctors Bayfair opens new 'purpose-built' medical practice
The new space allows staff to better support the needs of the 'rapidly growing' community.

Protesters tell council to 'stop the spend' as they face 12% rates hike
About 250 people attended a rally in Tauranga on Sunday.

'Won the battle': How a community pool could be saved from closure
Tauranga City Council will review options for the Ōtūmoetai Pool in June.

Salvage divers face wind, waves and sharks - sunken launch recovered
Salvage divers used air lift bags to raise the vessel, working in choppy conditions.

From Ikea to Kmart: The biggest building projects taking shape in Auckland
Huge new retail outlets opening this year and next are set to change Auckland's shops.

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.

On The Up: The 'iconic' Mount Maunganui building getting 'a makeover'
'I would love something to go in here that is an asset to the town ... '

Police response to family violence questioned: NGOs considering ‘stab vests’ for staff
Minister Karen Chhour's advisory group is flagging serious risks of injury or death.

'A superstar in the making': The First XV star carving up in Moascar Cup
Nathan Stephens, a Year 13 student, impressed with a stunning fullback performance.

'I'm the outcast': Niece speaks of how uncle's sexual assault made her the villain
'I feel as if I’ve lost so much more from your actions than you did,' she told him.

'Worst it's been': How cafes are adjusting to soaring butter prices
'Butter-wise, we haven't passed the buck on to the consumer yet.'

Opinion: US-China tariff truce sparks major market rebound
US and China agreed to a 90-day tariff truce, reducing tensions significantly.

Luxon announces $164m for new 24/7 urgent care services
The Prime Minister made the pre-Budget health announcement in Botany this afternoon.

How NZ beaches inspired UK author's debut novel
Claire Frances visited the Bay of Plenty in 2003, camping on Omanu Beach.

Severe weather warnings: 120km/h gales, thunderstorms possible
MetService has forecast heavy rain and strong northwest winds.

Weather onslaught: Rain, damaging gales, thunderstorms to sweep over NZ
The stormy conditions have already started in the south and will spread north Sunday.

Teen claims she was kicked in the head for not handing over her $700 hoodie
But the other teen claims she ended up with the hoodie after a mutual clothing swap.

Centenarian celebrates 103rd birthday with family and friends
Joan has two children alive, 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Sir Roger Hall at 86: Can the man with the Midas touch still spin box-office gold?
A love letter to Auckland, End of Summer Time brings Dickie Hart back to the stage.

'Frightened all the time': Inside a $3m kiwifruit tax evasion scam
'Money mule' was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted after threatening to blow the whistle.