Tauranga's new-look waterfront has been formally blessed amid rain this morning.

Justice served for Tauranga woman who started private prosecution against attacker.

Kraig Rimaha is impressed by the generous response to his playing outside a supermarket.

A skimming gang appears to have been operating in Tauranga during the weekend.

Residents evacuated from dry homes in the Eastern Bay have voiced their anger.

Mayor Tony Bonne speaks to Local Focus about the unfolding drama. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Some had to flee without shoes. Made with funding from NZ On Air

A section of the Mauao base track has fallen away in a large slip.

They say a culvert can't handle storm water. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Police investigate alleged illegal transfer of kiwifruit cultivars to China, says Zespri.

Motorists are urged to take care on the way home - but the worst is to come tomorrow.

The Koula collection sold for prices as high as $16,000. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Art enthusiasts attended an art auction in Tauranga, where the collection of Koula and Theo Vellinga was sold for prices as high as $16,000. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Home loan interest rates likely to continue to increase this year.

It is expected to pour with rain today.

The number of lifestyle properties in the Western Bay of Plenty has "exploded".

Offers of free rooms for Lions fans are flooding in amid anger over accommodation prices.

The Government is being urged to do right by those affected by a controversial drug.

A goat who's "like a cross between Bob Marley and Tom Jones" is looking for a new home.

A section of State Highway 29a is closed after a crash this morning.

A skipper threw away a catch of 30 ton of fish to save five dolphins.

Inner-city apartment living is picking up momentum again in Tauranga.

A boy with cancer can't get to school because of a severe shortage of disability taxis.

A small pod of dolphins were caught in a fishing net near Tauranga.

Tauranga puts in $256.1 million bid to infrastructure fund, despite concerns about debt.

A teenage trio from Tauranga prepares to go up against the world's best in robot sport.

Family and friends of a missing boatie continue their search for him in Tauranga waters.

The author of a book on the 28th Maori Battalion is looking for photographs.

Grieving families outraged at drugged driver's three-and-half years' jail sentence.

The official search for missing boatie Karl Earwaker has now been suspended.