Latest fromBay of Plenty Times

Christmas Appeal: Foodbank worker's passion for making a difference
“We try to give our clients as much choice as we can.”

Kiwicoast Lions’ health night raises money for Rural Support Trust
Fashion show creates laughter amid serious message

'Absolutely amazing': She was born with a brain injury. Her latest achievements made her mum cry
Greer is 'functionally blind' and will probably need to use a wheelchair or walking aids.

'I overcame it': The three life tips that helped grieving son beat his depression
Brendon Johnston says he now wakes up every day feeling 'excited'.

Whakatāne homicide: Man who died after 'gang-related' disorder named
A 'gang-related disorder' occurred in the lead-up to the death, police say.

Bupa Te Puke Country Lodge gains chair thanks to Movember
The auction didn't meet its reserve, so the local PPTA stepped in.

'We continue to celebrate te reo': Willis defends policy for Māori-speaking public servants
"It is one of New Zealand’s official languages ... We will continue to support that."

Police appeal for sightings of two missing people
Police are asking for help to solve two separate missing people cases.

Is pensioner area unsafe for vehicles?
Letter writer asks is area safe for parking

Scott Simpson: Looking forward to getting stuck in
OPINION: It’s been an exciting few weeks in politics.

Local hero receives fitting award
Angela Wallace is a finalist in the national Local Hero Awards.

Trampoline star on a high after fishing and golf event
Trampoline star catches 13.5kg kingfish and has eight handicap golf swing.

Te reo being 'ripped away': Iwi trust files Waitangi Tribunal claim against Govt
'A dismissal of the reo is essentially a dismissal of the whole idea of Māori itself.'

They see me rolling: The scooter club giving back to the community
The Greenwood Retirement Village group challenges other villages to collect as well.

'Bring it on' says market to possible big Port of Tauranga shares sale by council
Bay of Plenty council's big stake makes port shares harder to buy.

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

Why New Zealand's crackdown on vaping needs to go further
OPINION: By next week, disposable vapes need to have nicotine limits and safety features.

Tauranga needs 5000 more homes, but 'critical' development still years away
Tolley 'frustrated' as long timelines continue for project that could house 15,550.

'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.

Will cloud cover spoil the rare meteor-shower spectacle?
'This clump will exist for this one pass and we are going to plough through it.'

Greerton road closed after car crash, one person taken to hospital
The crash was reported to the police around 1.40pm.

Western Bay artists come together for Christmas exhibition
Christmas artworks and crafts for sales.

Burglaries keeping Katikati cops busy
Katikati Police report November 30 - December 11.

'We love to be able to do our bit': Hundreds turn out of Zorb's can-for-a-ride day
More than 1750 cans were collected for the local foodbank.

Who beat who in this weekend’s Western Bay of Plenty Cricket comp
There was a full programme of cricket in the Western Bay at the weekend.

Cricket: Te Puke clinch final berth in Bay Cup
Tasman Carsons returns season-best figures with 7 wickets for 27 runs against Taupō.

Homicide investigation under way after injured man dies in hospital
Police have appealed to the public for any information.

Triple the limit at 10am: Drink drivers blowing 'ridiculous' levels
'These people are sharing the roads with our family, our friends, and our colleagues.'

Town, country and community unite for A&P Show
Hopes are high after recent years Katikati A&P show cancellations.