Latest fromTauranga

Local Focus: Lack of lifejackets causing problems for harbourmaster
Lack of lifejackets and moored boats causing headaches for the harbourmaster.

'We can finally exhale': Woman takes on travel career as new drug available
“I can do this without having to worry about getting sick.”

Jazz Fest: Street Party ‘feel-good event’ for everyone
Katikati town centre was the venue for Street Party.

'Something that’s beyond music': Tauranga's Jazz Festival celebrates 60 years
The 10-day jazz festival is believed to be the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Jo Raphael: Protection of retail workers is paramount
OPINION: Retail workers don't deserve to go to work fearing for their lives.

'Miracle drug' Trikafta becomes publicly available in NZ today
About 370 people are expected to be eligible for funded access.

Brutal rental market: Harrowing tales of the hunt for a home
What it's like living in a garage: 'I never imagined I’d end up like this.'

'Bullied': The $1.5m, the will, and the aunt who wanted the fortune
The 97-year-old said she had been bullied into changing her will.

Serious injuries after car driven wrong way on highway
A vehicle was driving into traffic for about 14km, police say.

Teens rescue drowning tourist during school camp
“It’s great to see them using the skills they have learnt through becoming a lifeguard."

Premium debate: Subscribers weigh in on the great road cone debate
OPINION: Readers share their views on the use of road cones - and what's really important.

Opinion: 'I felt like dirt. Low. Worthless.' Why horrid customers are the memorable ones
OPINION: Make low-wage jobs more attractive by being nicer.

'Charging like wounded bulls': Western Bay council drafts rates, fee rises
An increase in user fees and charges is also expected.

Police investigating 'attempted abduction' seek car
Information on small car with dark windows sought.

SH25 closed: Critical injuries in Coromandel crash
Police were called shortly before midday.

Kiri Gillespie: Unfair to lump city safety costs on regional council alone
Safety of people in the city is not a responsibility exclusive to the regional council.

'Our energy levels are failing': Bay secondary teachers strike again
'There’s only one really good time to sort this out and that is now'

Jan Tinetti injured in media scrum at Parliament
The Minister for Education was absent in Parliament today after the incident.

The Premium Debate: Subscribers weigh in on the state of the region’s mental health support
OPINION: Premium subscribers have their say.

Lake swamped with 1600 waka ama hopefuls from 105 schools
1600 paddlers. 163 races. 4 days.

'Engulfed in flames': Cause of shed blaze undetermined
Four fire trucks attended the fire and multiple sheds and vehicles were engulfed.

Traffic management measures vandalised at damaged road, council says
Vandalism comes at a cost to the ratepayer, the council said.

Letters: Roadworks a disaster for businesses, and ways to fix congestion
'Chaotic disruptions for months and months'

Helicopter airlifts two injured after SH29 crash
Emergency services were called around 6.30pm.

'Super burned-out': Hundreds of teachers to strike again
"We are trying to make a difference, but there just aren’t enough resources there.”

Number of children waiting for mental health support more than triples
There is a 'higher-than-national-average rate' of children receiving support in the Bay.

The Kiwi city with a CBD 'in crisis'
The organisation which represents and promotes CBD businesses says 'it's dead'.

Car crashes into pole in Tauranga
Police responded to the incident in Tauranga at around 3pm.

Jo Raphael: Elderly abuse is despicable, predatory and selfish
Because of love and family ties, the elderly are often silent victims.