Shauni James is the Rotorua Weekender reporter
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Envirohub BOP welcoming entries for sustainable challenges
A Sustainable Wearable Arts Challenge and a 48-Hour Fashion Challenge is coming up.
Elections 2022: Ron Julian runs for Thames-Coromandel mayor
Ron Julian is among the candidates in the Thames-Coromandel mayoralty race.
Klepto-cat with shoe fetish collects treasures
Sox is a cat who loves shoes and bringing home his shoe finds to show off to family.
'It's been an absolute honour': Kevin Marsh stepping down
Te Puke-Maketu ward councillor Kevin Marsh will not be standing for council this year
Te Puke to turn yellow for town march
The Te Puke Community March & Stand is on August 26 and everyone is welcome to join in
Enterprising students get down to business
Te Puke High School students are bringing their business ideas and products to an expo
World-stage: Dreams come true for hard-working dance crew
Hip hop crew Outkast, has been selected to represent NZ at the International World Champs.
Maggots, flies a risk under reduced rubbish collection service
The collection service has been affected by Covid-related driver shortages.
Missing doctor a 'lovely soul' - hundreds join search to find him
Hundreds of volunteers join search for Pāpāmoa 31-year-old.
Hot temperatures and pests keeping services on their toes
Hot temperatures are boosting the activity of pests.
The new festival coming to Mount Maunganui in March
Waterbourne is a sustainable beach festival which will be held in Mt Maunganui in March.
Installations, gingerbread hunts to make city centre festive
Tauranga's city centre will play host to new Christmas installations rather than a parade.
Hollie Smith 'bursting at the seams' to showcase her new album
Hollie Smith discusses her new solo album and its tour in the works.
Tauranga, no need to fret over October school holidays
There are plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained these October school holidays.
Paint the town pink: Hot Pink Walk for breast cancer
Breast Cancer Support Service Trust Tauranga is holding its Hot Pink Walk on October 20.
Mental health and wellbeing assistance is all-encompassing
One in five Kiwis experience a mental illness each year.
Boredom busters: Fun things to do in level 3 this weekend
There are plenty of ways to enjoy recreational activities while keeping it safe and local.
Lockdown help: Assistance available for elderly in need
There are difficulties but also assistance available for the elderly during lockdown
Boredom Busters: Plenty to do these school holidays
There is something for all to enjoy during the July school holidays.
Foodbank bracing for demands of winter season
Tauranga Community Foodbank is expecting to see demand pick up in June/July.
Opinion: Mother's Day a time to reflect on all mothers do
Opinion: Why my mum has been the most important person in my life.
Plethora of events and activities on for school holidays
There is no shortage of things to do these April school holidays.
Community Fun Days a chance for feedback
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has recently held a series of Community Fun Days.
New youth employment coach ready to make a difference
Melody Lamb is the youth employment coach for Katikati.
Wholesome day of discovery with Easter Egg Hunt
The Katikati Bird Gardens Annual Great Easter Egg Hunt is coming up on Sunday, April 4.
Suicide and grief: 'Six months after we lost Mike, I couldn't stop bloody crying'
Rotorua man John Richards shares his story about his son's suicide.
Green living: Sustainable Backyards back for March
A month-long calendar of events is being held for Envirohub's Sustainable Backyards.
Bargain hunting: Tauranga Rotary Book Sale offers 'huge variety'
The annual Rotary Tauranga book sale is on from March 5-7.
Guide dog puppy raiser right behind Red Puppy Appeal
Luci Carter has raised 15 guide dog puppies in her 21 years as a volunteer puppy raiser.
Schools' scholarship success despite lockdown disruptions
A number of Tauranga students were awarded New Zealand Scholarships.
Array of Volkswagens to be on show for charity
Run to the Sun is a Volkswagen event and raising money for Vada's Angels Animal Rescue.
How Tauranga can celebrate Waitangi Day together
There is plenty to enjoy and be involved in on Waitangi Day this weekend in Tauranga.
Free app-based public art walk shares stories
CITY ART WALK is a free new app-based public art walk.
Beach safety: Learn how to look out for rips
Learning how to identify rips could save lives.
Whakatāne and East Coast: 10 gems to explore in the area
Whakatāne and the East Coast have an abundance of activities to enjoy.
Kitten season keeps SPCA busy
"On the other hand ... kittens don't stay available for adoption more than a day."
Pest controllers working to keep creepy crawlies at bay
Local pest controllers have had a busy start to the summer season.
Sharing the sand: Why you should watch your step on the beach
Dotterels are an endangered bird currently nesting at the Mount Maunganui main beach.
What to do in Tauranga and the Western Bay
There are plenty of hidden gems in the region to occupy all ages these holidays.
Rotorua-bound? Here are some of the area's hidden gems
Summer is the perfect time to check them out.
Whakamā-free festive day for families in need
It was a day when Tauranga's most in need just got to be happy.
Great start to spring on Tauranga's waters
Despite a good start to spring there are still safety messages for boaties to remember.
Tauranga part of cycling tour to raise HIV awareness
India's Somen Debnath is in Tauranga as he travels the world to raise HIV awareness.
71 years: Couple reveal the secret to a long and happy marriage
John and Joyce Barnard were joined by friends to celebrate 71 years of marriage.
Festival brings people together for good vibes
Thousands enjoyed the Good Vibes Mount Maunganui Winter Festival this evening.
School holiday events beyond our bubbles
There is plenty on offer in Tauranga for the July school holidays.
Tauranga encouraged to celebrate 'unsung heroes'
National Volunteer Week is running from June 21-27.
Increase in 'financial abuse' towards elderly
Elder Abuse Awareness Week is running from June 15 to 22.
Robert McGowan recognised for hard work and passion
Queen's Service Medal acknowledges long-time service to Māori and conservation.
Chrome Cafe appreciates support from local customers
Katikati's Chrome Cafe has been seeing customers visit as alert levels move down.
'They are like family': Butcher encourages local business support
Village Butchery Katikati is enjoying interacting with customers again in level 2.
Katikati Library welcomes borrowers back last week
Borrowers return 1400 books to reopened library
Comedic show to showcase Mount Maunganui
The pilot for Mount Maunganui-based show Chloe And The drops on June 11.
Recycling Centre has queues as it reopens
Katikati Recycling Centre experienced a heavy flow of traffic on three days of reopening.
Schools navigate through alert level 3
Schools have been navigating the new ways of teaching during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Local businesses ask for support from communities
Coromandel Peninsula and Waihi businesses are adapting to level 3 limitations
Mural aims to bring environmental awareness
Charlotte Rose transformed a water tank by painting a mural for an international festival.
'Important not to forget': Veteran reflects on Anzac Day
Tauranga's Bryan Cox, 95, was a Pacific World War II fighter pilot.
We will remember them: Anzac Day in lockdown
There are many ways Bay of Plenty communities can still commemorate Anzac Day this year.
Life in lockdown: keeping busy and working
Te Puke's John Scrimgeour and Ashley Peat share snippets of lockdown life.
Police keep watch over freedom campers
Designated freedom camping sites are being well utilised by campers under lockdown.
How Tauranga churches are staying connected and worshipping in lockdown
Local churches are overcoming Covid 19 challenges.
Covid-19: Creative project to keep occupied in lockdown
Prizes are up for grabs for a design and build competition with recyclable materials.
Dressing up and training despite Covid 19 lockdown
Te Puke's Mitsi Weyers takes lockdown one day at a time with crazy fun and staying active.
Connection and positivity aiming to be spread
Te Puke Community Board has activated its Te Puke Community Response team.
Police give Te Puke lockdown reminders
Te Puke gets used to lockdown restrictions.
Neighbourly connection encouraged
Neighbours Day Aotearoa is encouraging people to have conversations with their neighbours.
Firefighters ask people to be extra careful
With more callouts and facing Covid-19, 2020 has busy so far for firefighters.
Pest control and bugs dealing with dryness and heat
Pests come inside looking for water.
Valentine's Day deliveries disrupted by road closures
Delays in Valentine's Day deliveries.
Warm and dry weather continues in Tauranga
There have been warm temperatures this summer with many taking to the water.
Shauni James: Have fun in the sun but don't neglect your skin
It's great to have fun in the sun, but important to be sun smart at the same time.
Tauranga gearing up for back to school
January of 2020 is already coming to a close with back to school just around the corner.
Great Wall of China trek for Hospice funds
A trekking adventure on the Great Wall of China is raising money for Rotorua Hospice.
Relief Keg to raise funds for bush fires
Papamoa's Papa Mos is holding a Relief Keg for Australian bush fires on January 17.
Couple stoked with strawberry success
Paul and Andrea Hammington's strawberry patch is going great with business.
'Unacceptable' response time to medical alert
Katikati resident says it took too long for ambulance to get to his house.
Fringe Village brings people together
The Tauranga Fringe Village 2019 was bustling with people and creativity.
Katikati Horticulture project excited about strides
A Katikati trust is excited about the strides it has taken, but still appealing for help.
Cruise ship season just around the corner for Tauranga
Tauranga's cruise ship season begins on Sunday, with benefits for the whole region.