Latest fromWhakatane

‘Right-hand man’: Meth delivery driver hid drugs and money in parents' house
Ben Howe was involved in the manufacture of more than 2kg of meth.

Stamp of approval: Kiwi leaves footprints on new footpath
Three faint kiwi footprints were left in the new concrete.

Australian families of eruption victims attend Whakaari memorial
'You will be part of this whare as long as this whare stands.'

'Best Christmas present ever': Cystic fibrosis sufferers celebrate drug funding
"It means that I’ll finally have a quality of life," Natalie Wineti said.

Cystic fibrosis: Funding of life-extending drug Trikafta proposed to start in April
Funding of Trikafta will be for those aged 6 and older who meet certain criteria.

Lucky winner pockets $5.5m in Powerball draw
The win comes just a week after a massive $24m Powerball prize.

'We’re going to die on our honeymoon': Netflix's new DiCaprio-produced doco on Whakaari eruption
The trailer features interviews with survivors of the 2019 disaster.

‘Annus horribilis’ of roading resilience – Waka Kotahi
'It’s no secret we’ve got some pothole issues at the moment.'

$20.5 million in rates still unpaid as late penalties loom
The last day of the council's grace period for rates is October 31.

'Humble' unsung hero of Whakaari/White Island eruption honoured by family after death
'If it wasn't for Jason doing what he did, [some of the injured] would have died.'

SH2 slip: Road remains closed, hopes for one lane to open
A further update will be provided on Tuesday.

New Bay of Plenty Regional Council sworn in at Whakatāne marae
Doug Leeder has returned to his former position as chairman and Jane Nees as deputy.

Road still closed after 'very large slip' on SH2 in Ōpōtiki
The road will remain closed overnight.

'A true leader': First wāhine Māori marine professor welcomed
Kura Paul-Burke is one of only three Māori marine professors in New Zealand.

Whakaari owners to face trial next year over fatal volcanic eruption
Owners of White Island claim they did try to ensure the safety of others on the island.

Election 'shambles' prompts call for inquiry
'Maybe postal voting has done its dash.'

Outgoing mayor skates into regional council
Malcolm Campbell says 'it's like putting a pair of roller skates on again'.

Mayor looks for a plan B after 'disappointing' result
Current Mayor Lyn Riesterer said she was now looking at plan B.

Police justified in firing some but not all shots in Te Teko shooting - report
The entire shooting incident lasted just 37 seconds.

New MOU signed to help address palliative care shortage in the Eastern Bay
A scholarship for Te Ōhanga Mataora: Bachelor of Health Science Māori Nursing students.

$2m fundraising goal to buy park step closer
A group is aiming to raise the money by October 13 to buy a 72ha park.

Damage from slips keeps Hamurana Rd closed, SH35 fully open
The slips are clear but the road is damaged.

'Cruel and heartless': $52k annual tax on 'miracle drug' slammed
'We will do anything to keep our boy alive but ... detest having to pay tax to do so.'

'Great experience and mana': New District Commander starts in the Bay of Plenty
Superintendent Tim Anderson has outlined his key priorities.

Whakatōhea votes against split from treaty settlement
More than 61 per cent of voters said no to Te Ūpokorehe being removed from the settlement.

Onepu park faces closure – again
Among the reasons for the closure was that they could not get insurance for the property.

Dog left hanging in tree, SPCA appeals for information
The dog was discovered on August 21 and the SPCA has already sought information.

What's going on at Whakaari/White Island? Large plumes spotted from volcano
People have reported seeing large plumes rise high above the volcano.

Ram raid, burglary arrests: Two men face 15 charges
Police allege the men were responsible for eight burglaries in a few weeks.