Charlotte is a Local Democracy Reporter based in Whakatane.
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Tūhoe leadership tussle: Activist Tame Iti shoved at protest
Protests within the Tūhoe nation show no sign of letting up.
The last days of the Norske Skog Tasman Mill
In its 66-year history, the mill at Kawerau has provided intergenerational employment.
Trio sentenced for massive tyre dump
The father and daughter had sought discharge without conviction.
Fears regional council move to collect own rates could cost communities
Regional council says move will save regional ratepayers $2m a year.
Councillors unimpressed with revamped road safety group
Elected members are not included in the required quorum.
Ban to curb horse numbers in Bay of Plenty town
Grazing horses in Ōpōtiki could be banned due to large numbers roaming the streets.
More than 200 jobs saved! Region thrilled with mill sale, caution expressed
"This is a welcome development for Whakatāne and the wider Bay of Plenty region."
Hope grows for Whakatāne Mill sale
Whakatane Mill staff have reached an agreement with potential new employer.
MP seeks meeting with ministers over Kawerau mill closure
The potential closure of Kawerau's paper mill is a "real blow" to the community.
Council cleans up, investigates plastic spill into Whakatāne River
The discharge of plastic particles was accompanied by a strong sulphur-like smell.
All councillors now sit on Bay of Plenty Māori committee
Before a vote earlier this month, only seven of the 14 councillors sat on the committee.
No WorkSafe investigation into Kawerau gas leak
When a gas pipe was damaged in late March several town streets had to be cordoned off.
First natural burial held in Whakatāne
The purpose is to return the body to the earth for the benefit of the environment.
'Big mess': BOP bach owners may be locked out by Treaty claims
Bach owners are concerned they will be locked out of their holiday homes.
More than $5 million spent on Whakaari investigation
13 parties have appeared in court facing charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Urupa battle: Occupation possible after subdivision granted consent
Development of wahi tapu land on Whakatāne's coast could be stalled by iwi occupation.
Tsunami warnings: Leaders pleased with response despite burglaries
Eastern Bay leaders stoked with how communities reacted to Friday's tsunami threat.
MP steps in to save Whakatāne mill
"This news is devastating for all in the Eastern Bay of Plenty community."
Ancient urupa hearing: Iwi won't participate in 'desecration of sacred lands'
Hearing's final day into the granting of a resource consent for a residential subdivision.
'No right to tear us from the land': Whanaungakore urupa at centre of resource clash
"We have not severed our whakapapa to the land and we never will."
Squatter in his own home: Change ends rights to live on coastal area
The area of Matata was devastated by a debris flow in 2005.
Iwi loses appeal to stop water bottling plant expansion
Otakiri Springs company board wants Creswell NZ, owned by Nongfu, to grow the business.
Matata residents' fight for their homes comes to an end
All Awatarariki residents bar one have now "reluctantly" signed settlement agreements.
'Only in Ōpōtiki': Walk of shame for emu after runaway escapade
First it was roaming horses. Now Ōpōtiki has its own wandering emu.
Violence from public biggest concern for council staff
Threat of violence from the public is the top concern of Kawerau District Council staff.
Opposition to Bay of Plenty petrol station goes to court
Iwi is returning to court to oppose plans for a petrol station.
Misinformation and complacency? Poor voter turnout for Waiariki
"People don't know how to engage, and they didn't feel safe to engage."
'Look at Rotorua': Fears loss of carparks means loss of business in Whakatāne
Submissions for Te Ara Hou close on Friday.
Regional councillors' expenditure revealed
Bay of Plenty Regional councillor expenditure for 2019/20.
Loud support voiced in dynamic Waiariki debate
Close to 200 people packed into the Ōpotiki College discovery centre.
Staff to double as Kawerau worm farm expands
Worm farm juggernaut Kawerau Ecocast is already New Zealand's biggest worm farm.
Regional council members would like freeze on water bottling
Bay of Plenty regional councillors have the opportunity to vote on a remit.
Lawyers round off arguments in water bottling appeal
Lawyers have rounded off their arguments in the Rotorua High Court.
Water bottling appeal: Focus turns to district council
Day three of the hearings at Rotorua High Court.
Lawyer for bottling giant heckled by gallery
Cries of 'greed' greet Creswell NZ counsel on day two of water hearing.
Water appeal: Environment Court 'did not consider local effects', high court hears
Over 100 Ngati Awa whānau gathered in Rotorua yesterday
BOP town set to boast country's 'most beautiful police station'
Draft plans for the community's new police base have been unveiled.
Tapsell's run for Parliament: Who she's up against for the East Coast seat
Three candidates have raised their hands for the East Coast electorate.
'Unfair' process so far: First step taken in Awatarariki legal fight
Awatarariki residents feeling optimistic after taking next step in their ongoing fight.
Council staff too valuable to take pay cuts – Eastern Bay mayors
Council staff are too valuable to have their pay docked, say Eastern Bay mayors.
Council submits nine projects to stave off unemployment
Aim is to get these "shovel ready" projects off the ground within the next six months.
Proposed changes: Could whitebaiting become a thing of the past?
Whitebaiters have pushed back on claims fishing is responsible for the delicacy's decline.
Regional council prepares for worst-case drought
Water restrictions are being considered.
Otakiri protesters raise $35k for water bottling appeal
Iwi and residents file appeal Environment Court decision in the Rotorua High Court.