Latest fromBay of Plenty

SH35 on East Cape partially closed as Cyclone Tam continues to lash NZ
A potential low-system is set to form on the northeast coast of New Zealand.

National Māori netball tournament celebrates culture and pride
The AMNOHL tournament will be held in Wellington during Easter weekend.

'All the misfits': Meet the quirky animals at Whakamārama farm
Scruffy the rabbit is often mistaken for a stuffed toy by visitors.

‘I love my life’: How a mother found hope after her darkest days
Lynda Hills struggled with her mental health throughout her youth.

Tauranga's Jazz Festival a must-do this Easter weekend
The Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival has something for everyone even in the rain.

On The Up - 'Memory, culture, and nostalgia': MasterChef winners' 'immersive' food experience
'It’s nice to come home and bring this dinner which is really special to us.'

On The Up: Burling's surprise appearance at young sailors' prizegiving
A group of young sailors from Tauranga asked Burling to attend. The star sailor answered.

Potential loss of 62 jobs at Ballance plant a 'concern for Tauranga’
Ballance Agri-Nutrients' proposal could mean 68 roles disestablished, with six new jobs.

Coromandel towns isolated by flooding, more heavy rain forecast as storm rages on
Roads have been submerged, roofs ripped from buildings and ferries and flights cancelled.

11 men hang on cross for Easter exhibition at church
Nearly 400 volunteers prepared for the Easter exhibition's various displays.

Traffic delays ahead: SH35 down to one lane for six months
SH35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha will be one lane from April 28.

'Strong heart': Teen's hikoi for Māori wards inspires supporters
'He’s just got such a strong sense of honour and duty.'

Bethlehem church's Easter walk-through offers immersive experience
Displays cover Christ’s life, from creation to resurrection, over 800sq m.

Ex-cyclone Tam in BoP Waikato: Boaties advised to cancel Easter plans
Bay of Plenty faces up to 250mm of rain, with warnings in Rotorua and Kaimai Range.

'Life has just stopped': 'Forgotten five' battle council over slip damage
Owners of three homes have not been able to return since they were evacuated in 2022.

Easter, Anzac travel: Drivers urged to plan ahead
Heavy traffic expected on SH2 between Paeroa and Waihī during holidays.

Windsurfer rescued in harbour as conditions worsen
One person was plucked from Tauranga harbour as strong winds and swells increase.

'Phenomenal' outcome: Five community boards to remain in Western Bay
The Local Government Commission overruled the proposed reduction.

'An honour and a privilege': Local artists shine in prestigious portrait award
'I had a good feeling that it was going to get through and it did. So hard work paid off.'

Honouring heroes: Search for B Company photos for museum exhibition
It comes as the B Company, 28th NZ (Māori) Battalion History Trust will be reviewed.

Fortress 40: College boys' endurance challenge captured in doco
Tauranga Boys’ College will screen the film on Saturday.