Latest fromWhakatane
‘Treated like an animal’: Gang member involved in mob killing kept in kennel as a baby
The three-day sentencing came to an end with lengthy jail terms handed down.
‘Bigger and better’: Bay food festival returns with a culinary feast
Highlights include cocktail stories, a progressive lunch, and a pasta class.
'Tragically taken': Tributes flow for 'beautiful man' killed on hunting trip
Stuart Stobie was 'tragically taken in a hunting accident'.
Police seek witness to fatal motorbike crash
A motorbike collided with a car, causing the car to flip.
One dead after two-vehicle Whakatāne crash
Police were called to the scene around 4.50pm.
‘Loads of maggots’: Woman traumatised by alleged treatment of brother’s dead body
'I thought I could grieve my baby brother and let them take over ... I feel so dumb.'
Whakatāne council sets 11.7% rate rise in draft budget compromise
Only two councillors, Andrew Iles and John Pullar, voted against the increase.
How NZ scientists aim to protect critically endangered leatherbacks
Experts from three countries are studying leatherback turtles in Whakatāne.
‘Impotent talkfest’: Debate over council’s proposed health advisory group
Councillors support investigating the group but fear it becoming a 'talkfest'.
Mitch Rees dominates NZ Superbikes, clinches third national title
He secured his third title in the premier 1000cc superbike class.
‘Great news’: Early ramp opening to ease Pāpāmoa traffic
The eastbound ramps at Pāpāmoa East Interchange may open in late 2025.
Doctor shortage: How long could it take to recruit for Whakatāne’s maternity ward?
Plus, how many overseas doctors are being considered for the positions.
Rare Bay of Plenty postal note and stamps in $1.5m auction
A Whakatāne postal note from 1893 is valued at $500 for the auction.
‘Not an early St Patrick’s Day’: Resident on dog poo bag antics
Woman's fence frequently ends up covered in green bags.
Heroic rescue: Man saves neighbours from burning house
One person was sleeping, and another was gaming with his door shut and headphones on.
‘World’s first’: NZ mill’s tissue machine to run on geothermal steam
The mill invested $20m to upgrade its paper machine.
Whakaari-White Island memorial project requires further hapū engagement
$90,000 was raised this year, with hopes for central government funding.
Superbike Championship goes into final rounds in Waikato
A Whakatāne rider has his eye on the top podium spot.
'Like dead carcasses': Residents demand action on persistent odour
The mussel factory was issued an abatement notice for wastewater breaches.
Whakatāne businesses ‘crippled’ by road closure
One business owner has asked for compensation. The council says 'no'.
Owners of Whakaari/White Island have company’s conviction quashed
The volcano's deadly eruption killed 22 and seriously injured 25.
Homicide probe: Man found dead on doorstep
Police urge anyone with information to call 105.
Police investigate ‘unexplained’ death in Bay of Plenty
Police urge anyone with information to call 105.
Black Hawk helicopter called in to help with logging
The Black Hawk will be hovering over Whakatāne in coming days.
‘A full and very positive life’: Funding to begin for life-extending cancer drugs
Rhys Drayson passed his given life expectancy after taking the drugs in a clinical trial.
Overnight fire in Ōpōtiki spreads through two commercial buildings
The fire started around 11:20pm on Church St.
Small town New Zealand is really upping its food and coffee game
Worthwhile places to stop on a roadie through the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.