Martine Rolls: The latest a mouse click away

We have added a new functionality to our news website bayofplentytimes.co.nz - and it will make it even easier for you to stay in touch with what's going on in the Bay.

From this week, we'll be sending out email newsletters to anyone who has signed up for it. We've called it News at Noon.

If you would like to receive links to our top stories in your mailbox at noon each weekday, all you have to do is register at bayofplentytimes.co.nz and make sure to tick the News at Noon box in the registration process. If you have already registered online, just log in, go into "my account" and tick the box next to News at Noon. It's as easy as that to receive our top five stories, and to browse our website further if you like.

Registering on our website also gives you the opportunity to comment on our stories, editorials and photo galleries. Commenting has become an integral aspect of our online presence, and most of the discussions we've had recently have been hugely interesting. It's a great way to have your say, and we encourage great discussions.

A selected number of comments will be published on the opinion page in the paper each day.

Another platform for interaction that our readers use is our Facebook page.

We have a lot of colourful, passionate, and spirited people in the Bay and some of you may not agree with me, but I think Tauranga is a happening place.

There is always something going on that is worth checking out. Just take a look at the What's On Guide published on Thursday's in our entertainment magazine Vibe.

There is an opportunity for people to let us know what is going on, and that you can help us shape the daily local news coverage. It's easy to get in touch with us, and the team is always interested in your stories as well as your views and opinions. We welcome you to share your experiences with us, no matter if it is about what you love or if you are disappointed about something.

You can send in your own photos and stories by logging on to bayofplentytimes.co.nz. You will find User Generated Content (UGC) requests with stories and photo galleries, and this is an easy functionality to use.

We've had a bunch of photos submitted online of the Brass and Nickel parade taken on the Saturday of the Jazz Festival, and the gallery looks amazing.

Sport stories are always welcome, as well as news from clubs or community organisations, especially if they are accompanied by a great photo.

Maybe you are celebrating a special occasion or you have recently attended a memorable event? Feel free to unleash the journalist in you, write up your story, and send it in via our website, or if you prefer, you can email your contribution to news@bayofplentytimes.co.nz.

To express your opinions, you can write a letter to the editor. Letters we receive may be published in the paper, and on Monday's we reserve extra space for them on our opinion page, in the Readers' Forum.

Local letters are given preference.

It doesn't matter if you agree with us or not, we would like to hear from you either way.

When you write to us, please include your name as anonymous letters will not be published. We would also appreciate it if you include your contact details, for our records only.

One thing to keep in mind is that there is a limit of 200 words for contributions. This is due to the limited space we have available on our page each day. Letters may be abridged, edited or refused at the editor's discretion.

Why not have a go, and email your contribution to editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz.

You can also text us on 021 241 4568 if that is easier for you, but make sure to start your message with BOP or we will not receive it.

If you want to let us know your news tips or if you want to alert us to breaking news, call or text: 021 831 723.

We look forward to hearing from you.