Latest Bay of Plenty news

'Wanton disregard' or 'human fallibility'? Jury to decide rider's culpability in double fatal
Geoffrey and Karen Boucher were killed when they were struck by a motorcyclist in 2022.

‘We’re going to give it everything’: Tauranga dance crew’s world bid
The Space Pro Team will debut a new, fun routine at the WDCC in Auckland.

Armed police incident: Charges after police station windows smashed
Police allege a pickaxe was found nearby; the suspect is due in court today.

Peter Burling parts ways with Team NZ
Burling was at the helm for the past three America's Cup wins.

Air Chathams faces $1m loss, may exit Whakatāne route without support
The airline has lost over $1 million on the Whakatāne route since April 2023.

Homeless summit in Tauranga to tackle housing crisis
About 4000 people in Tauranga experience some form of homelessness.

'Cool experiences': How one organisation transforms young lives
The charity, formed in 2002, supports more than 500 people annually.

On The Up - Auckland private school buys multimillion-dollar waterfront farm
Saint Kentigern students will grow food and study ecosystems on the land.

Paid Grindr meet-up with teen in public toilet reported when relationship ended
The man, in his mid-20s, started a relationship with the teen after their first encounter.

'It hasn’t failed': Seymour defiant as Treaty bill voted down, hints at referendum
'What it has done is put an uneasy conversation on the table' - Act leader

15yo charged with murder over Kawerau death
The teenager was taken into custody after a search in Ōtara, Auckland.

Fatal dog attack: Community begins 'healing process' after child's death
A blessing has been given at Katikati Medical Centre, where staff tried to save Timoti, 4.

Bottle store and tavern close after being stripped of liquor licences
The closures have some Welcome Bay locals and businesses concerned.

Sex crimes case: Why an entertainment figure’s identity is still secret
It has been six months since a Court of Appeal hearing about name suppression.

Mānuka honey producer buzzing after bee-autiful season
A local honey producer says they have seen a strong 2024/2025 season.

How good! Two Tauranga players win big in Lotto
Tauranga tickets won big in Wednesday night’s Lotto draw.

Comancheros bust: Influential gang member charged with 200kg drug import
The Comanchero was charged months after two men allegedly broke into a shipping container.

Taupō catches Supercars fever as town amps up for racing weekend
The third round of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship, the ITM Taupō Super440, is here.

Nervous for survival: Māori ward councillors prepare for critical elections
Forty-two councils will hold a poll for Māori wards in 2025 elections.

Who's the best apprentice? Builders hammer away for top spot
Up to 22 regional winners will compete in the national final in Hamilton in June.

Teen's 160km hīkoi backing Māori wards referendum
Jack Karetai-Barrett's inviting others to join the walk, aiming to raise awareness.

The Chase is on: TVNZ commissions four-episode quiz show special Downunder
Successful applicants will have to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.

Fertiliser company ‘committed to learning’ from worker’s tragic death
WorkSafe says safety practices at the factory failed to account for workers' reality.

On The Up: Air Chathams and Air NZ in partnership talks
'Smaller operators play a critical role and do an excellent job.'

Police lay charges over three fatal summer crashes
Two women, aged 70 and 47, are charged alongside a 20-year-old man.

Freight train, rail maintenance truck collision sparks investigations
Staff managed to jump out of the truck before the collision.

Fake cop: Teen impersonates police officer at hospital
He parked his ex-cop car in a police spot and probed staff for a security guard's details.

Changes to bus routes as new city centre bus stops open
Scheduled trips on one route cancelled, other routes to be combined and replaced.

‘Real win for Tauranga’: Bay Oval to host Black Caps series against old foe
The Tauranga Mayor expects 'significant economic benefits'.