Latest fromTauranga

Capturing the true spirit of young Kiwis
Alison Shanks has stood on the dais to receive world championship and Commonwealth Games gold medals. But she remembers just as vividly standing at the helm of the Spirit of New Zealand.

Owner horrified at castration of prized pedigree
The mysterious and totally unauthorised neutering of pedigree cat Buddy has infuriated his Tauranga owner, who can no longer lease him out as a stud cat.

Board riders saved from rip in wild surf
One of the two men plucked from rough surf last night would have survived only minutes longer, says the firefighter who mounted the speedy jetski rescue on the Bay of Plenty coast last night.

Soldier killed in horror smash
A decorated soldier's family have spoken of their grief at his death in a crash that broke every rule.

Bay of Plenty: Finding perfection in Papamoa
This small Bay of Plenty settlement is a great destination for a long weekend away, finds Diana Clement.

Get the kids into action
This year's Weet-Bix Tryathlon series kicks off on February 6 in Hamilton. Diana Clement, whose own children took part last year, offers advice aimed at both young and older readers on how to get the best out of the event.

SPCA prepares case over cutting of puppy's ears
The SPCA is is preparing a case against a person believed to have cut off an eight-week-old Tauranga puppy's ears with a pair of scissors.

Our food, Our way (+recipe)
An English couple who now call New Zealand home present a grown-up jelly with a berry and rosé twist.