Latest fromBay of Plenty Times

Ten new homes for working whānau: 'We can call this our forever home'
The whānau, who moved from Ōpōtiki, said the home would help provide 'a new future'.

Pauanui locals pay $4m to move one street closer to the beach
“There’s still plenty of money” at the top end of the market.

'Vital' for survival: Plea to keep dogs away from nesting dotterels
The next few weeks are considered to be vital for the birds.

Links Ave partially reopened in time for Christmas
A controversial Mount Maunganui road closure will be partially removed

Schist happens: Watch out, Santa
Santa could contend with defective schist chimneys this Christmas.

Waihi Beach School students are little blue penguin guardians
Students are learning about protecting the little blue penguins of Anzac Bay.

Extreme violence: Appeal against sentence for vigilante beating dismissed
John Aitken's vicious and violent attack cost his victim the sight in his right eye.

‘We won’t take it lying down’ - Tauranga Croquet Club
Club members are 'disturbed and concerned' they may have to relocate.

Damning review into Malachi Subecz murder finds agencies could have done more
The Government agrees to some changes, but shies away from mandatory reporting of abuse.

Watch: Moment tornado hits houses on Thames Rd, Paeroa leaves destruction behind
Houses were shattered after a tornado hit town yesterday.

'We’re going to die on our honeymoon': Netflix's new DiCaprio-produced doco on Whakaari eruption
The trailer features interviews with survivors of the 2019 disaster.

Revealed: First sabotage convict attempted to bring down national grid
New Zealand's first sabotage convict has been sent to prison.

Parade prep gets thumbs up from Santa
Santa checked out the parade route last week.

5.6 magnitude quake in central North Island - dozens of aftershocks since
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake has struck the central North Island overnight.

Bumper parade on the cards
For the Love of Vehicles is the theme of this year's Christmas float parade.

More than 200 cars expected to turn out for 20th Tauranga Toy Run
"We’re asking people to donate puzzles, books and activity games."

Don’t judge a boot camp by its cover
A letter to the editor from Katikati's Roy Cox in response to youth crime.

‘Great news’ for Tauranga’s CBD: Holland Beckett Law to move into Northern Quarter
"We hope that bringing our people into the CBD will be good news for business."

Tauranga rental prices at 'all time high' as single mum moving faces $200 increase
The mother said she will need someone else to move in to help pay the rent.

Vote here! Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Light Trail under way
Head off now and check out all the houses on the trail until December 21.

Womad's Bab L' Bluz keen on jamming with locals
"Success to us means simply reaching out to as many people as possible around the world."

Sirens on for foodbank drive
Sirens will ring out across Katikati on Tuesday night as part of a foodbank drive.

Vocals take it to the limit at Eagles tribute band’s show
Katikati Twlight Concerts 2023 first concert is the New Zealand Eagles Tribute Show.

Ongare writer slam-dunks award at poetry event
Anna won big for her poignant poetry.

Kabaddi tournament brings spectacular action
Centennial Park was transformed to host the Dashmesh Sports Club's kabaddi tournament.

Tornado lifts roof off property; plane struck by lightning, trees down on cars
Eyewitnesses claim there has been extensive damage to property and vehicles.

Storm warning: Thunderstorms, hail to pummel North Island; heavy rain set to drench Fieldays
An intense band of rain packed with lightning is bearing down on the North Island.

Heavy police presence near Tauranga Racecourse
Armed police and emergency services can be seen.