Latest fromBay of Plenty Times

'This is going to kill someone': Midwife's fear after maternity service 'downgrading'
Higher-risk births were sent to a hospital more than an hour away after specialists quit.

Dug down, walls now rising for $400m Mount Maunganui retirement village
A giant sandpile sits at the centre of the site where perimeter walls have been built.

Watch: Teen repeatedly punches live octopus in ‘disgusting’ beach attack
Others can be heard yelling 'Punch him!' and 'Get him!' while filming the incident.

Allegations optometrist still practising despite being struck off register, ordered to pay $25k
The Tauranga man has been deregistered and censured for professional misconduct.

‘Nauseating’ worm farm granted consent to expand
The smelly farm has been given the green light.

'Can't do without us': Community rallies to save support hub
The Te Puke Food Hub will keep its doors open for now but still needs extra funding.

'More than mining': student showcases Waihi's history aside from gold
'A lot of students my age take this place for granted and can’t wait to move away.'

Summer Concert Tour shines through storms in Coromandel
Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Bic Runga, and Everclear played in Whitianga on the weekend.

Auckland Anniversary Day: Should the Bay of Plenty ditch it for its own day?
Why does most of the North Island celebrate Auckland Anniversary Day?

Opinion: Why NZ's interest rates may stay below US levels
The Federal Reserve is likely to keep rates unchanged next week.

'Miracle': Child abuse prevention programme expands after funding boost
The Wright Family Foundation will fund Tautoko Mai for the next three years.

‘She was gone instantly’: Birthday balloon tragedy prompts warning from family
'Just don’t do it' - family's helium warning after mum of two's death at daughter's party.

‘Unwavering commitment and compassion’: Four decades of hot meals and warm smiles
Meals on Wheels volunteer Pam Smith clocks up 40 years.

‘Unexpected, tragic’: Warning as young mum dies at daughter’s first birthday from inhaling balloon helium
Coroner says there is a 'mistaken belief' about the dangers of helium inhalation.

‘Selfish motivation’: Director’s passion for Tauranga’s museum journey
'I want to be part of building something completely new for a city that’s never had one.'

Cost of students starting high school soars - parents stung up to $800 per child
Families may face costs upwards of $800 per child for uniforms, stationery, technology.

Shootings, fires, and more: Alarming rise in cruel acts against protected birds
Nineteen incidents were recorded nationwide in the past three months.

‘The smoke is massive': Scrub fire 90% suppressed
A scrub fire has broken out in Kairua, Tauranga.

Pedestrian dies after BoP crash
The crash happened at intersection of SH30 and Thornton Rd.

'I was dressed up, he was dressed up': Festival friendship spans 15 years
The reggae fans have attended every One Love festival together – until this year.

Vietnamese plan big party for their new year
Tauranga's Vietnamese community celebrates Lunar New Year for the first time together.

Govt hints at ‘major’ mining announcement next week
Christopher Luxon acknowledged sensitivity but emphasised the need for growth.

'Unprovoked assault': Man found critically injured on SH2
A person was found on the road in a critical condition.

'Fly fishing royalty': 'Legendary’ Tauranga angler farewelled
Richard George Marquand, better known as Dick, died from a heart attack on January 2.

'I decided to do it for me': Why council boss quit
He says being in chief executive roles for 10 years “takes its toll”.

Pedestrian seriously injured in SH30 crash
A rescue helicopter was sent to the scene.

Watch: ‘It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea’: Luxon defends intention to boost mining
The Prime Minister laid into a 'culture of saying no'.

‘Heartbreaking’: Recently graduated enrolled nurses unable to find jobs
Nearly 200 graduated last year, but only 68 have found jobs.