Cody Franklin, 14, from Tauranga Boys' College talks about the donation his school has made to the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

An elderly couple were left shaken after a ute crashed through their property overnight, punching a hole through their bedroom wall and killing the driver. The couple's son-in-law was assessing the damage this morning.

Hundreds of people joined in on the fun at today's Welcome Bay Family Fun Day. We caught up with organiser Anna Larsen to see how things went.

Te Awanuiarangi Black, 48, helped pen a Maori Dictionary, sat on the Maori Language Commission, was a regional councillor, iwi leader and was rememberd as a loyal friend and generous spirit.

Kamni Raju-Russell says renting out spare bedrooms in her house is a good source of income and brings the world to her doorstep.

Two mothers (Jessica Wright and Lavina Good) concerned about the Bay's methamphetamine epidemic are trying to tackle what they call the "Voldemort" of the drug scene.

Christmas is a true passion for Te Puke mother-of-nine Angela Thomson. Even the house she and her husband recently purchased in Dunlop Rd had to have a shed suitable for her to create a winter wonderland Christmas Grotto.

Trey Ahomiro, 21, spent his days sleeping late, getting stoned and stealing - until he was offered the chance of joining a programme based on the natural high of riding the waves.

NZ First list MP Clayton Mitchell and Tauranga City Councillor Rick Curach spend the day using public transport to put the city's services to the test.

Finishing touches are being put on floats in preparation for the three Christmas parades taking place across the Bay this weekend.

Sisters Asha and Milla Reid are sacrificing their advent calendars this year and instead have chosen to donate cans to the Tauranga Community Foodbank. Asha, 9, and Milla, 6, jumped at the chance to do something nice for others over Christmas.

Kiwifruit growers from Italy, Zespri's major Northern Hemisphere supplier, visited Bay of Plenty orchards this week to share information and techniques.

Speculation is rife that international street artist Banksy could be in Tauranga after two Banksy-styled artworks have been discovered on the walls of central city buildings.

While police were searching Tahatai Coast School to make sure it was safe after a bomb threat today, concerned parents were picking up their children from a local reserve. We were there.

A brainwave by former TV personality and newsreader Tom Bradley has blossomed into the construction of a disability-friendly coastal viewing platform at Papamoa.

The Tokyo Olympics in 2020 are too far away to excite sports fans so soon after Rio. But for a group of highly talented Tauranga cyclists the Land of the Rising Sun is a constant inspiration. We caught up with Matthew Lochhead, 16, Jack Wilson, 17, Fergus Hamilton, 15, and James Johnson, 16, who have each made national development squads.

A brainwave by former TV personality and newsreader Tom Bradley has blossomed into the construction of a disability-friendly coastal viewing platform at Papamoa.

A study by the Western Bay of Plenty Council says almost half the seasonal workers coming in to service key horticulture industry sectors, such as kiwifruit, do not have suitable accommodation.

World War II Navy vet Ron Wallbank peddles his way around Mount Maunganui everyday, proving you're never to old to keep fit.

Tauranga Customs boss Mike Farnworth is handing back his warrant after almost 55 years in the job. We caught up with Mr Farnworth on his last day at work.

Tauranga gym Anytime Fitness is calling on its 900 members to help the Tauranga Community Foodbank with healthy donations. We caught up with them to see why.

It is hoped an "iconic" cycle and walking bridge over the Wairoa River will become a tourist attraction contributing to the Bay economy. The design of the $6.5 million Wairoa Bridge was unveiled last night at a ceremony at the Western Bay District Council chambers. We were there.

Iman Singh is the latest to join a special group by playing for the Bay of Plenty senior men's team while still at secondary school. We caught up with the 16-year-old, Year 11 Tauranga Boys' College student.

Beach-loving teenager Josh Laforteza touched the sea for the first time in five years today after the community raised the money to buy him a $6500 beach wheelchair.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is touring the country holding public consultation meetings, seeking feedback about its 'Future of our Fisheries' programme. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Sarah Lawrence has spent several months looking for a rental but has finally found a home in Welcome Bay. She says if people keep good references and present themselves well, they can also do it - but it might mean paying more money.

A hikoi of more than 100 people drumming and chanting down Mount Maunganui beach to show solidarity with Native Americans drew the eyes of every beachgoer on Saturday.

Creative director Larry Green is the inspiration behind the seven-week facelift underway on Papamoa Beach Tavern. He believes within five years the half-hectare site beside Domain Rd would also be humming with boutique shops and a brewery.