Latest fromWhakatane

'Blown away': Auckland Harbour Bridge may close as severe winds hit rush-hour commute
Auckland faces severe gales at rush hour tomorrow, with harbour bridge closures possible.

'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.

'Milestone' solar farm: Genesis powers 13,000 homes with new site
Genesis says its new solar farm will produce enough power to supply Ashburton.

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.

Twenty new buildings planned for Takapuna campground site
Details are out with big plans for the much-loved beachfront site on the waterfront.

NZ First vows action over Waitākere Ranges 'co-governance' plan
The Waitākere Ranges belong to all Aucklanders, says NZ First and Act.

Shelling out: Audit questions hold up assessment of troubled mussel farm
Cabinet agreed to invest $16.5m more into mussel business despite ongoing losses.

Minister reveals new Northwest Rapid Transit construction start date
A busway is planned along the North Western Motorway for frequent trips.

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'.

Highway reopens after fatal crash near Rotorua
Emergency services responded with five crews, an ambulance, and a helicopter.

Brent Mountford on farming the land he grew up on
Couple's dream was to come back home, farm, and return the land to its original form.

Whakaari/White Island unrest: Alert level rises
Volcanic ash has been identified more frequently in the steam and gas plume.

'Highly careless’: Nomar Farms effluent discharge ends in big fine
A Whakatāne dairy farm owner has been fined $48, 750 for effluent discharge.

Letters: The case for acknowledging our emergency service volunteers
Volunteers make up 80% of Fire and Emergency staff in New Zealand.

National Māori netball tournament celebrates culture and pride
The AMNOHL tournament will be held in Wellington during Easter weekend.

Coromandel towns isolated by flooding, more heavy rain forecast as storm rages on
Roads have been submerged, roofs ripped from buildings and ferries and flights cancelled.

Traffic delays ahead: SH35 down to one lane for six months
SH35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha will be one lane from April 28.

'Prepare now': Cyclone Tam brings 130km/h gust, winds forecast to ramp up overnight
Forecasters warn of 120km/h gusts that may close the Auckland Harbour Bridge.