Stuart Whitaker is editor of the Te Puke Times
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
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Dr Monty Soutar's Kāwai series captivates New Zealand readers with history
Soutar's Kāwai series blends fiction and Aotearoa's history
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Horse trainer's battle with EDS: 'I want to compete again'
After years of injuries, Hayley-Grace Davis is diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
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Kaituna's first waka in a century
A pilot project looks to foster reconnection with the awa.
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Couple say goodbye to Te Puke Truffles
When they planted their trees, they’d never even tried a truffle.
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Shooting: James Sullivan on target to be the best
Calm head wins title for James Sullivan.
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Graffiti-clad former store in Pongakawa to go
The building has been used as a backdrop for many a photo.
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James Sullivan: Youngest champion in world clay shooting history
James shot a perfect 25 from 25 in the decisive shoot-off
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Koha web programme aims to marry traditional concept and today’s tech
A new web-based platform is aimed at 'taking the hōhā out of koha'.
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Te Puke win Tai Mitchell Shield without conceding a point
The team's culture stems from a school's rugby academy.
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Taonga pūoro to open Te Puke’s Matariki celebrations
House of Shem will headline Friday's festival
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Record 2024 kiwifruit harvest follows meagre 2023
Good weather and labour availability major contributors to record crop
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'It was very peaceful': Woman recalls near-death experience
'I'm sure there’s a greater plan for me,' says the nurse, who wasn't expected to live.
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Special maimai a winner for hunters who use wheelchairs
'Normally I’m a bit limited in what I can have a blast at.'
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In the doghouse! Fence-jumping feline survives canine caper
The pet's family say 'bula' to Bula after his doghouse adventure.
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Te Puke High School group’s calm response to emergency
“No one panicking, everyone was really calm."
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Anzac Day: Te Puke remembers
We seem to struggle with remembering the lessons from these conflicts.
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Novel a beacon on author Ron Murray’s cancer journey
Coromandel love story set in the 70s, a time of transition.
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Western Bay Council, Kāinga Ora slammed for lack of consultation
Council says no parties adversely affected by the development.
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School revives pest hunt
The Te Ranga School event will have more of a conservation focus than in the past.
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'House is shaking all the time': Anger and frustration in Te Puke road rehabilitation delay
Resident: 'I'll believe it when I see it.'
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Life savers prepare for the worst by throwing themselves into a rip
Reliable rip offers the perfect practise for surf lifesavers.
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Giggles owner a Māori Businesswomen Awards finalist
Shona Ua-Marsh's entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a desire to address need.
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Positive attitude helps Barbara reach 100
Barbara stopped living independently in only February.
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'It was a huge shock': Ida, 10, was a 'healthy girl'. Now she's fighting cancer
'All the support from everyone has been really overwhelming,' mum Cherelle says.
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Now hiring: Thousands of kiwifruit workers needed for harvest
'Projected lower fruit volumes meant there is likely to be a shorter post-harvest season.'
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'If we walk away, they win': Jewellers not broken by break-ins
"It’s that constant stress, that constant worry ... waiting for something to happen."
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Coaches inspired new principal to teach
Principalship at Penrose College showed how change can occur in education.
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Te Puke teen Santo's rise to Black Ferns squad
Swift rise through the rugby ranks has been overwhelming, but cool.
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Mental health and addiction support delivered by and for Māori
'Māori whānau want to access services that recognise their realities.'
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Karters looking forward to spring
The Kartsport BoP club is looking to resurface and extend its Apparelmaster Raceway track.
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And that's a wrap! Art deco cinema closes doors for last time
The Capitol Cinema hosted a world premiere in 2014 - and circus elephants back in the day.
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Rockstar Mum! Bay performer releases second single
"People don't expect this. I'm not the norm in the business."
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Bulldog believed stolen reunited with family after $5000 reward offered
Two daughters' anguish and community support drove efforts to find a missing bulldog.
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Is Roy New Zealand's oldest rugby player?
Golden Oldies rugby is as much about friendships and fun as it is about rugby.
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Boxer Te Kehu pretty driven, pretty tough
Experience is what is needed now for 14yo Te Puke boxer Te Kehu Kerr to progress.
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Levi blown away by becoming a cadet
Conservation Cadet scheme is part of the Government's Jobs for Nature programme
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Kasey and Karena cook for kaumātua
Cooking demonstration part of programme to assist with managing diabetes
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Toy tester up for the task
Te Puke 5-year-old Reid Mortensen is going to be a toy tester for Farmers.
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Thief uproots seedlings and leaves
Plucking thief takes the shine off the salad days for community garden.
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Te Puke house fire 'a tragedy' says owner
Owner of Te Puke rental property destroyed by fire grateful her tenants got out unscathed.
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Kiwibank and NZ Post set to close regional branch
Decision to close Kiwibank branch will hit older folk, community board chairman says.
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Could this be New Zealand's biggest Star Wars fan?
In a shed far far away, a collection of Star Wars memorabilia is waiting.
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Inside story: Seasoned crews behind the kiwifruit boom
Seasonal work is a fun way to top up retired couple's income
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Runaway dogs on a merry spree
Like a something out of a movie, dogs Chica and Joy gave plenty of people the slip
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Village for homeless proposed for Te Puke
Small village of temporary homes for homeless being proposed for Te Puke.
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John's tale of Triumph
Te Puke's John Feaver isn't about to let his age stop his need for speed.
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Fed up with mobility parking thieves
Disabled man calls for more consideration from drivers parking in mobility parks.
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Is this Bill English's biggest fan?
Eight-year-old Corin Jack hopes Bill English will come to his birthday party next year.
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Japanese runners dominate marathon
Classy Japanese runner Saeki Makino wins Rotorua Marathon.
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Watch: Lucky escape as race car jumps fence
WATCH: Things were going well for racer Michael Scott. Then, suddenly, he and his Toyota were flung out of the race in a frighteningly spectacular crash.
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Blade Runner at auction
New Zealand's own Blade Runner, Liam Malone, will be the guest speaker at a charity auction in Tauranga next month. Malone won two
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Doctors' strike continues - with public support
The junior doctors' strike which began yesterday continues until tomorrow morning, with local public support for the striking doctors
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Proud of what we've achieved - Julia Edward
She has had time to reflect on the disappointment of missing out on an Olympic medal, but Rotorua rower Julia Edward isn't looking