Latest fromWhakatane
Pedestrian seriously injured in SH30 crash
A rescue helicopter was sent to the scene.
Person critically injured in BoP house fire
Fire and Emergency received a call to the Arawa Rd fire around 4pm.
New Year Honours: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Taupō recipients named
Plus - we ask why one city, unusually, has no honourees on this year's list.
Rāhui updated after body found in Ōhope
Local iwi offered condolences to the grieving whānau of the man who died.
Missing man in Ōhope was allegedly retrieving fishing net after arrest, family says
The family disputes the claim he 'jumped in the water' in order to evade being arrested.
Man missing after jumping into water and swimming away while fleeing police
The man refused to engage with police and swam away.
Women charged over violent death of 8yo Rickah’Shae named
The boy died in November following an alleged assault.
Cancer survivor, 79, completes 1700km hike for charity
Duncan Smith, 79, completes 1700km hike of North Island for charity
Authorities investigate Mount Putauaki blaze
Crews monitored hotspots on Mt Edgecumbe near Kawerau overnight.
'More rescues': Swells spark rip warning for holiday hotspots
It comes as holidaymakers begin flocking to eastern beaches.
Pregnant women forced to travel 87km for emergency C-sections due to maternity care shortage
Some in the community were 'devastated' by the change, which will begin in mid-January.
Whakaari/White Island may be heading into 'new eruptive episode'
The aviation colour code for White Island has been raised to orange.
'Tragic weekend': Four water deaths in 24 hours across NZ
The rise in deaths is a worry, Water Safety chief executive says.
Man dies after jumping from side of boat near Moutohora Island, Whakatāne
The man was pulled unresponsive from the water after the jump.
Police should not have pursued biker who later crashed and died - IPCA
The officer was pursuing a motorcyclist in Whakatāne on March 16 this year.
Families gather to mark fifth anniversary of Whakaari eruption
A service was attended by more than 180 people, at least 40 of whom were from overseas.
'Forever 8': Sobs as duo accused of killing boy appear in court
People wore T-shirts bearing Rickah’Shae’s image and the words 'Forever 8'.
A shark sighting, a missing kite surfer and a plane crash
All in a weekend's work for Eastern Region surf lifeguards.
Woman charged with murder over death of 8yo in Bay of Plenty
The young boy died in Whakatāne Hospital following an alleged assault last month.
'Fleeting creatures': Rural artist inspired by beauty of birds
Jenny’s art is influenced by her rural surroundings in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
'Deeply saddened': Golf club fined for removal of 500 native trees
'Recklessness will not be tolerated'; the club must replant 250 pōhutukawa over 10 years.
Shelling out: How taxpayer spent $52m buying into a loss-making mussel farm
Shane Jones defends Crown investments into struggling Ōpōtiki aquaculture firm.
Need 'never stops': Bay needs 2500+ blood and plasma donations by Christmas
Mobile donation drives will be 'making it as easy as possible for people to donate'.
‘Excruciating fight’: Out-of-court settlement for family bereaved by White Island tragedy
With their lives shattered in the event, the family can now rebuild after the settlement.
Solar farm, terminal extension: Airport plan sets out ambitious future
The airport is built on land confiscated by the Crown in 1866.
Businesses fear impact of months of flood work
Three high-end businesses fear works could shut their doors forever.
Freedom Camping bylaw can’t solve homelessness - mayor
Heartfelt plea to council from hidden homeless.