Bayfair underpass will be not part of B2B. Pictured are Scott Illingworth and Megan Clarken. Photo / George Novak
The Bay of Plenty Times is taking a look back at the stories of 2019. Here's what made headlines in July.
Two men are recovering after a car crashed into a Western Bay of Plenty garage, killing two people.
The crash happened in the Te Puke area shortly after 1.30am yesterday on No 1 Rd between Lomay Place and Roderick Lane.
Read more: Two men recovering after fatal crash into garage in Bay of Plenty
New Zealand's Yolk Ferns have been crowned world champions at egg throwing.
Ben McColgan, 21, of Tauranga and Lachie Davidson, 21, of Ashburton took the title in the 2019 World Egg Throwing Championships in London overnight.
Read more: World champs! Egg-cellent result for New Zealand's Yolk Ferns
Tauranga residents pocketed $33.5 million renting out their properties on sites such as Airbnb in the 11 months to May 2019, new data shows.
But local business leaders are blaming such sites for taking homes away from the rental market and say they should be charged the same commercial fees as traditional accommodation providers.
Read more: Tauranga Airbnb hosts pocket $33.5 million in 11 months
Mount Maunganui residents upset at an NZ Transport Agency decision to cancel a Bayfair underpass are taking the matter to Parliament.
The transport agency confirmed it would no longer build a new Maunganui Rd underpass as part of the Baypark to Bayfair project because of the $33 million cost and extended timeframe. The existing underpass, popular with school students and commuters, will be demolished in September.
Read more:
'Someone is going to get hurt': Safety concerns arise as NZTA scrap Bayfair underpass
A shiny caramel coat, bright green eyes and a high-spirited nature that just wants to show love.
You would never know that Webster, the bubbly, vibrant pitbull-cross puppy, had such a close brush with death only months ago.
Webster was found severely injured by a member of the public in a Maungatapu park earlier this year.
Read more: The bright-eyed, paralysed pup given another chance at life
"I could see some smoke and then the whole plane was freaking out."
That's how passenger Hannah Cheal described the terrifying moment she realised something was wrong with the plane she was travelling on from Wellington to Tauranga.
Read more: Rough landing at Tauranga airport after engine shut down
It's been two years since Tauranga's Lou Te Keeti won $10.3 million on his lucky Lotto ticket - and just $3.8m remains in his account.
But Te Keeti is happy with his choice of investments.
Since winning Lotto Powerball in July 2017, the 72-year-old kaumātua has invested in 47 horses, some of which he has already put to race.
Read more:
Tauranga Lotto winner spends $6.5 million in two years
Tauranga CBD is ''dying'' and a "ghost town'' and ''no one really cares''.
That is the reaction from some businesses in the city centre who say ongoing roading issues, limited parking, and projects with blown budgets and timeframes are causing an exodus of businesses and customers.
Read more: Tauranga CBD is 'dying' and a 'ghost town'
Tauranga's Crown Solicitor says the city's courthouse is not fit for purpose and another top barrister has described facilities at the 54-year-old building as "appalling".
Crown Solicitor Anna Pollett told the Bay of Plenty Times that various issues had been raised by court users "for a considerable time without being addressed".
Read more:
'Appalling facilities' at Tauranga courthouse: Lawyers speak out
A disregard for authority could be why those attending court are thumbing their noses.