Sandra Conchie is a Multimedia Journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times based in Tauranga.
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.
![How you can support Tauranga baker's next Ukraine 'tour of duty'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
How you can support Tauranga baker's next Ukraine 'tour of duty'
'Help is needed more than ever.'
![139 jobs lost as mussel processing plant in Tauranga set to close](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
139 jobs lost as mussel processing plant in Tauranga set to close
The joint venture is 'unable to profitably process mussels in Tauranga'.
![Dame Susan Devoy one of first inductees into PSA Hall of Fame](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Dame Susan Devoy one of first inductees into PSA Hall of Fame
Devoy was born in Rotorua and lives in Tauranga.
!['No blood on my hands': Man accused of Ardern death threat faces trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'No blood on my hands': Man accused of Ardern death threat faces trial
Judge-alone trial date set for BOP man rearrested 20 months after warrant issued.
!['Significant hazard’: Crashes involving roaming livestock on the rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Significant hazard’: Crashes involving roaming livestock on the rise
Police are urging livestock owners to secure their fences after a spate of crashes.
![Dentist hit by drink-driver metres from his door describes 'huge toll'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Dentist hit by drink-driver metres from his door describes 'huge toll'
'My next memory was waking up on the road in a haze with blood running down my face.'
!['Underwhelmed': What Tauranga locals and leaders say on Budget 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Underwhelmed': What Tauranga locals and leaders say on Budget 2024
One mum says Govt must do more to reduce inflation and offset the high living costs.
![Virtues of a 'simple, peaceful life' marked on 100th birthday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Virtues of a 'simple, peaceful life' marked on 100th birthday
Her secret to longevity? No smoking or drinking plus lots of fruit, veges and family time.
![Decent tax cuts, affordable groceries: What young family wants from Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Decent tax cuts, affordable groceries: What young family wants from Budget
'We are paying too much tax and the cost of living... is going up all the time.'
![Mount Maunganui assault accused appears in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mount Maunganui assault accused appears in court
Police said a man with torso injuries was recovering in hospital.
![Boatie plucked from dinghy after abandoning burning boat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Boatie plucked from dinghy after abandoning burning boat
A man was found in a rubber dinghy after abandoning a burning boat.
!['Pretty skilled gardener': Mother of eight busted for growing 300 cannabis plants](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Pretty skilled gardener': Mother of eight busted for growing 300 cannabis plants
Woman had all the necessary equipment to 'grow cannabis discreetly', police say.
!['Taking the p**s': Charity boss hits out at op shop rubbish dumpers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Taking the p**s': Charity boss hits out at op shop rubbish dumpers
Frequent clean-ups of soiled goods and rubbish are taking a toll on store team members.
![Teen accused of stabbing girl at Bayfair enters plea in Youth Court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Teen accused of stabbing girl at Bayfair enters plea in Youth Court
The incident left the victim with deep cuts to her abdomen.
!['Shocked and horrified': Pet owner fearful after second cat shot in area](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Shocked and horrified': Pet owner fearful after second cat shot in area
'We fear the person responsible for these two shootings could strike again if not caught.'
![Teen mall stabbing accused in court - police allegations revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Teen mall stabbing accused in court - police allegations revealed
The victim of the alleged incident remains in hospital.
![Dog latches on to pig's throat in public reserve, teens rush to help](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Dog latches on to pig's throat in public reserve, teens rush to help
Authorities are looking for the injured pig and advise people to avoid it.
!['Disgusted': Destiny Church member jailed for stealing $377k from employer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Disgusted': Destiny Church member jailed for stealing $377k from employer
'She was a good actor who portrayed herself as a good Christian woman.'
![Outrage as 'friendly' pig chased by dogs in park as owners look on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Outrage as 'friendly' pig chased by dogs in park as owners look on
A Welcome resident says a wild boar released into Johnson Reserve was harrassed by two dog
!['Very strong' rip at beach where man died evading police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Very strong' rip at beach where man died evading police
'It must have been a terrifying experience for this man.'
![Identity of man who denies murdering Mob boss revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Identity of man who denies murdering Mob boss revealed
A trial date has been set for 2025.
!['Unbreakable spirit': Why this Kiwi baker is braving missile strikes in Ukraine](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Unbreakable spirit': Why this Kiwi baker is braving missile strikes in Ukraine
A Tauranga woman and her partner's fundraising mission for Ukraine.
!['Porker invasion': Family of pigs terrorise picnickers in city park](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Porker invasion': Family of pigs terrorise picnickers in city park
'Mama pig came at us trying to eat our snacks.'
!['Saving a life' was his only thought - until 'old habits' crept in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Saving a life' was his only thought - until 'old habits' crept in
Man who stopped to help with CPR then stole a purse from the victims can now be named.
![10-year city deals: The spot PM says will 'likely' be one of the first](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
10-year city deals: The spot PM says will 'likely' be one of the first
Govt wants 30-year infrastructure project pipeline – 'not just ideas but proper projects'.
![Jailed serial groper who did indecent act on parole to be released again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Jailed serial groper who did indecent act on parole to be released again
Disgraced former senior representative cricket player 'will not pose an undue risk'.
![Hospital lockdown: Man accused of gun-related call appears in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hospital lockdown: Man accused of gun-related call appears in court
Police allege he said he was 'going to Tauranga Hospital with guns to get answers'.
![Judge finds murder-accused fit to stand trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Judge finds murder-accused fit to stand trial
Police found a man dead at a Tauranga address on the evening of September 7.
!['Vicious attack': Bashed girl's parents say school 'failed to protect' her](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Vicious attack': Bashed girl's parents say school 'failed to protect' her
The school is investigating and 'unequivocally condemned' violence in its community.
!['Flak' and 'shenanigans': Truckie tells how she fought her way to the top](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Flak' and 'shenanigans': Truckie tells how she fought her way to the top
It was a bumpy road but now she's in the 'best job ever'.
!['Huge impact': Bottle-O owner 'angry' and 'frustrated' after ram-raid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Huge impact': Bottle-O owner 'angry' and 'frustrated' after ram-raid
Police are investigating a ram-raid burglary at the Bottle-O Te Puke store
![Police probe incident at Tauranga college, deputy principal describes 'scuffle'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Police probe incident at Tauranga college, deputy principal describes 'scuffle'
Staff intervene after trio come to college wanting to 'confront' student.
![200 arrests in six months: How this CBD is turning the tide on crime](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
200 arrests in six months: How this CBD is turning the tide on crime
'We feel well supported. In the past, we felt that no one even cared.'
!['Flying high in heaven': Tributes flow for pilot and speedway identity who died in crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Flying high in heaven': Tributes flow for pilot and speedway identity who died in crash
'We nicknamed him Waterboy. But he was no boy. He was da man.'
!['Make them help clean up the mess': Upset ram-raid victim wants tougher penalties](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Make them help clean up the mess': Upset ram-raid victim wants tougher penalties
'We shouldn't let young offenders off scot-free just because of their age'.
![Chicken shed fire 'not flagged as suspicious'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Chicken shed fire 'not flagged as suspicious'
Forty firefighters battled the blaze for about six hours.
!['Very difficult': Fire destroys Inghams farm chicken shed in Matamata](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Very difficult': Fire destroys Inghams farm chicken shed in Matamata
Forty firefighters battled the blaze.
![11m-wide tomo: SH29A to close two nights this week for repair work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
11m-wide tomo: SH29A to close two nights this week for repair work
The cause of the large opening in the ground has also been revealed.
![11m wide tomo: SH29A to close two nights this week for repair work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
11m wide tomo: SH29A to close two nights this week for repair work
Totara St was expected to reopen today.
![Check your tickets: Tauranga Lotto punter $700k richer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Check your tickets: Tauranga Lotto punter $700k richer
A Tauranga Lotto punter won $700,000 with lucky Lotto strike ticket.
![Tauranga residents urged to work from home for two days due to ‘severe congestion’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tauranga residents urged to work from home for two days due to ‘severe congestion’
Motorists can expect major delays due to repairs on SH29A near Oropi
!['Significant' toll: Ram-raiders leave staff reeling after smashing into liquor store](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Significant' toll: Ram-raiders leave staff reeling after smashing into liquor store
Alcohol worth more than $10,000 was stolen and the damage was extensive.
![Thousands of people came together to mark Waitangi Day across Tauranga Moana in celebration and unity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Thousands of people came together to mark Waitangi Day across Tauranga Moana in celebration and unity
Hundreds of people gathered at Waitangi Day celebrations events in Tauranga and Katikati.
![Worker lived in garage alongside 19 others with no heating or insulation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Worker lived in garage alongside 19 others with no heating or insulation
A Tauranga labour contractor has pleaded guilty to worker exploitation charges.
!['It’s like a gut punch': Family reveals harrowing impact of son's worksite death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It’s like a gut punch': Family reveals harrowing impact of son's worksite death
"We are left with a small urn that holds Ethan’s ashes."
!['Financial hit' for Cameron Rd stores as works - now set to cost $110m - continue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Financial hit' for Cameron Rd stores as works - now set to cost $110m - continue
Construction began in 2021 with an $85m budget.
![Man who died at home after crash was 'disorientated' at the scene, says witness](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Man who died at home after crash was 'disorientated' at the scene, says witness
St John says the patient refused their staff's recommendation he be taken to hospital.
![Chaos and violence: Mobster's crimes 'inevitable' from an early age, says judge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Chaos and violence: Mobster's crimes 'inevitable' from an early age, says judge
The drug dealer fled police for more than an hour, speeding through residential areas.
![Watch: Car keeps veering into traffic in 'bloody scary' 25km drive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Car keeps veering into traffic in 'bloody scary' 25km drive
'We were all trying to get home safely and no one wanted to die on the way home.'
![Fleeing drivers ‘deliberately taunting’ police by live-streaming their escapades](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Fleeing drivers ‘deliberately taunting’ police by live-streaming their escapades
Trend emerges amid a dramatic increase in drivers fleeing police.
!['Most painful time in our lives': Family call for help after deaths of dad, mum and son](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Most painful time in our lives': Family call for help after deaths of dad, mum and son
'No one should have to lose so many people in such a short time.'
![Harley Shrimpton case: Alleged kidnapper now faces murder charge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Harley Shrimpton case: Alleged kidnapper now faces murder charge
The accused has been granted interim name suppression.
!['Such a joyful event': Annual Sikh parade draws crowds in Tauranga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Such a joyful event': Annual Sikh parade draws crowds in Tauranga
"It’s cool people are happy to embrace our culture."
!['Totally involved': Bethlehem College fire damages workshop - investigator](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Totally involved': Bethlehem College fire damages workshop - investigator
The cause of a workshop fire at Bethlehem College is under investigation.
![130km/h in a 50 zone: Drug dealer with gun, meth flees police for an hour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
130km/h in a 50 zone: Drug dealer with gun, meth flees police for an hour
Dramatic chase one of more than 800 BOP fleeing driver incidents in nine months.
![Cha-ching! Big Lotto wins for Tauranga, Rotorua punters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Cha-ching! Big Lotto wins for Tauranga, Rotorua punters
One $333K win and two $15K wins coming to the Bay of Plenty.
![Chopper case: Dog owner's son in court over abusive Facebook pages](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Chopper case: Dog owner's son in court over abusive Facebook pages
'Don’t do anything stupid like that again', says judge.
![Neighbours describe 'crazy' scene as fire ripped through Tauranga home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Neighbours describe 'crazy' scene as fire ripped through Tauranga home
Crews from three fire stations fought the blaze.
!['Traumatised' pet owner attacked twice speaks out as roaming dog reports spike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Traumatised' pet owner attacked twice speaks out as roaming dog reports spike
The number of dog-related incidents including dog attacks this year revealed.
!['Lives were saved': Lifeguards at region's holiday hotspots make 50-plus rescues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Lives were saved': Lifeguards at region's holiday hotspots make 50-plus rescues
Safety advice for swimmers also follows slew of shark sightings in the area.
![Police release names of pair who died in Kaimai crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Police release names of pair who died in Kaimai crash
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
![Crash victim's grieving brother 'enraged' by rule-breaking on roads](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Crash victim's grieving brother 'enraged' by rule-breaking on roads
Bay of Plenty road toll drops but a top cop is not celebrating.
![Orthopaedic surgeon Richard Keddell recognised in New Year's Honours list](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Orthopaedic surgeon Richard Keddell recognised in New Year's Honours list
Thirty years of outstanding service in public and private practice has been acknowledged.
![Mt Maunganui crash victim named as holiday road toll rises to 11](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mt Maunganui crash victim named as holiday road toll rises to 11
Brayden Tawa, of Pāpāmoa, died after a car and truck crashed on Hewletts Rd.
![Kaimai Range tragedy: One dead after crash between car and petrol tanker](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kaimai Range tragedy: One dead after crash between car and petrol tanker
It brings the holiday road toll to nine already.
![Black Caps hit-out at Mount beach sure to wow fans ahead of Bay Oval T20](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Black Caps hit-out at Mount beach sure to wow fans ahead of Bay Oval T20
Fans get to meet some of their Black Caps heroes at a Mount Maunganui beach cricket event
![Former PM speaks out after vandals target nesting colony of endangered birds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Former PM speaks out after vandals target nesting colony of endangered birds
'There was no sign of the newly hatched chick ‘George’ ...some of the birds were missing'.
![Dog owner bitten by man after elderly border collie mauled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Dog owner bitten by man after elderly border collie mauled
Molly has had two surgeries and may need more after her throat was 'ripped open'.
![New reports sought on Tauranga murder-accused's fitness to stand trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New reports sought on Tauranga murder-accused's fitness to stand trial
One report will explore whether she was legally insane at the time of the alleged killing.
![Bargain hunter alert: 25 neighbours combine for monster garage sale trail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Bargain hunter alert: 25 neighbours combine for monster garage sale trail
The Tauranga neighbours have something for everyone and 'loads of bargains'.
![Teen's 'amateurish' fake money scheme used home printer to make $10s, $20s, $50s](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Teen's 'amateurish' fake money scheme used home printer to make $10s, $20s, $50s
A Rotorua teenager has avoided prison after he forged banknotes and distributed them wide
!['Old, bad habit': Man helped give stranger CPR, then stole his bank cards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Old, bad habit': Man helped give stranger CPR, then stole his bank cards
The defendant has appeared in the Tauranga District Court on dishonesty charges.
![‘Absolutely tragic’: Grieving family, friend pay tribute to granddad shot while hunting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
‘Absolutely tragic’: Grieving family, friend pay tribute to granddad shot while hunting
His family say he was well-known in his local community of Paeroa, in Hauraki.
![Builder charged after letting people live in implement shed - again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Builder charged after letting people live in implement shed - again
He claimed it was just a 'smoko room' but later admitted charging a mum and kids rent.
![Name suppression for man charged with kidnapping in Harley Shrimpton disappearance case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Name suppression for man charged with kidnapping in Harley Shrimpton disappearance case
A 21yo man appeared in Tauranga District Court today, facing kidnapping and other charges.
![Two more Bay of Plenty orchardists fined for unlawful groundwater use](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Two more Bay of Plenty orchardists fined for unlawful groundwater use
The growers are among five prosecuted by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council this year.
!['The best of the best': NZ Festival of Squash attracts world-class top seeds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'The best of the best': NZ Festival of Squash attracts world-class top seeds
Tauranga is to host the NZ Festival of Squash - and some of the world's best players.
![Family whose Rottweiler ‘Chopper’ attacked vet ordered to remove ‘threatening’ FB page](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Family whose Rottweiler ‘Chopper’ attacked vet ordered to remove ‘threatening’ FB page
A judge ordered the removal of a Facebook page that posted threats against a Tauranga vet.