Latest fromWhakatane
Man who died after jumping into harbour during Christmas police callout named
Police have said he was evading arrest, but a family member disputed that.
New Year Honours: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Taupō recipients named
Plus - we ask why one city, unusually, has no honourees on this year's list.
Authorities investigate Mount Putauaki blaze
Crews monitored hotspots on Mt Edgecumbe near Kawerau overnight.
'More rescues': Swells spark rip warning for holiday hotspots
It comes as holidaymakers begin flocking to eastern beaches.
Pregnant women forced to travel 87km for emergency C-sections due to maternity care shortage
Some in the community were 'devastated' by the change, which will begin in mid-January.
Whakaari/White Island may be heading into 'new eruptive episode'
The aviation colour code for White Island has been raised to orange.
'Tragic weekend': Four water deaths in 24 hours across NZ
The rise in deaths is a worry, Water Safety chief executive says.
Man dies after jumping from side of boat near Moutohora Island, Whakatāne
The man was pulled unresponsive from the water after the jump.
Police should not have pursued biker who later crashed and died - IPCA
The officer was pursuing a motorcyclist in Whakatāne on March 16 this year.
Families gather to mark fifth anniversary of Whakaari eruption
A service was attended by more than 180 people, at least 40 of whom were from overseas.
'Forever 8': Sobs as duo accused of killing boy appear in court
People wore T-shirts bearing Rickah’Shae’s image and the words 'Forever 8'.
A shark sighting, a missing kite surfer and a plane crash
All in a weekend's work for Eastern Region surf lifeguards.
Woman charged with murder over death of 8yo in Bay of Plenty
The young boy died in Whakatāne Hospital following an alleged assault last month.
'Fleeting creatures': Rural artist inspired by beauty of birds
Jenny’s art is influenced by her rural surroundings in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Shelling out: How taxpayer spent $52m buying into a loss-making mussel farm
Shane Jones defends Crown investments into struggling Ōpōtiki aquaculture firm.
Need 'never stops': Bay needs 2500+ blood and plasma donations by Christmas
Mobile donation drives will be 'making it as easy as possible for people to donate'.
‘Excruciating fight’: Out-of-court settlement for family bereaved by White Island tragedy
With their lives shattered in the event, the family can now rebuild after the settlement.
The Great NZ Road Trip: Whakatāne to Gisborne
Shayne Currie continues his Great New Zealand Road Trip, travelling from Whakatāne to Gisborne. Video / NZ Herald
Solar farm, terminal extension: Airport plan sets out ambitious future
The airport is built on land confiscated by the Crown in 1866.
How a 'horrific' hunting accident in 1982 led to a terminal cancer diagnosis
A patient is 'disgusted' National didn't fund 13 cancer drugs it promised.
Homicide investigation: Boy, 8, dies in hospital; woman charged with assault
A woman, 25, has been charged with assault.
Shellfish collection ban in BoP harbour in force now
A two-year ban on taking the shellfish came into force today.
Dr Monty Soutar's Kāwai series captivates New Zealand readers with history
Soutar's Kāwai series blends fiction and Aotearoa's history
'They are going to f***ing kill us': Woman's final words on 111 call
Credence Malcolm and another man who can't be named say they didn't murder Korrey Whyman.
Staffer assaulted at hot springs near Whakatāne
One person has been taken into custody after an assault.
Rugby star's head-knocks blamed for 'fall from grace' after he onsold guns, faked burglary
Rugby and former TV star Matua Parkinson has been sentenced on firearms charges.