Latest from Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Funeral home fined $85k after cremation smoke 'invaded' homes, bodies
Judge says despite ruling, no amount of money can make the matter right.

'I have got nothing': Boat owner left homeless now liable for disposal of wreck
'I am out of pocket. I have got no boat, I have got no home, I have got nothing'

'I have got nothing': Boat owner left homeless now liable for disposal of wreck
"I am out of pocket. I have got no boat, I have got no home, I have got nothing."

Local Focus: Freshwater policy changes are coming
Katikati growers, farmers and residents discuss water quality with the regional council.

Family members face raft of charges over alleged unlawful buildings
An Aongatete family are facing charges of illegally erecting buildings on their land.

'Now...not in 30 years': Leaders ask Govt to fast-track Golden Triangle highway
The highway is a key arterial route linking Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton.

'Critical' $2b-plus roading overhaul timeline under fire
Some leaders might not even be around when it's time to "cut the ribbon".

Bay buses to be free for anyone 18 or under from next month
Regional councillors were divided over which option to select.

New details of $220.2m Tauranga stadium proposal revealed - is it 'bang for buck'?
An advocate says it will be a city asset but a critic says the money could be used better.

Kaituna River health warning issued
The health warning is based on the results released for levels of cyanobacteria or algal.

Revealed: How working from home has drastically cut injuries at one workplace
Working from home has had a direct impact on workplace injuries.

Council pay outs for personal grievances revealed- but no apologies
More than $186,000 has been paid out by two councils - a third wouldn't give its figure.

Council pay outs for personal grievances revealed- but no apologies
Jobs losses and payouts: personal grievance claims at local councils revealed.

Downpour: Potential wastewater spill, beach access damaged in Omanu
Heavy rain event put pressure on the city’s stormwater.

$3.06m in rates outstanding after regional council enacts new collection system
It has been 3 months since Bay of Plenty Regional Council began collecting its own rates.

Hillside of privet nothing to sneeze at, says BOP council
The council has come under pressure to eradicate the pest plant from an escarpment.

Whakatāne stopbanks not fit to stop flooding, council told
How close the city came to flooding when Edgecumbe did has accelerated the works.

Who's claiming $5.2m from Podular Housing Systems?
Councils and an airport company among those listed as creditors.

Local Focus: Getting to know new regional councillor Ron Scott
Who is first-term Bay of Plenty regional councillor Ron Scott?

Local Focus: Getting to know new Regional Councillor, Kat Macmillan
Who is first-term Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor Kat Macmillan?

'Never ceded sovereignty': Appeal against conviction for reclaiming land
The hearing included questions around the tikanga of pig poo.

'Clear and compelling case' for ferry service, but it could cost $17m
A business leader says in his view the study makes "no new progress".

Harbour dumper: Ex-politician who reclaimed harbour to appeal conviction
The high-flying Aussie politico locked up for reclaiming Tauranga Harbour is back in court

Free fares slashed to tackle bus violence - cages for bus drivers discussed
It's hoped the move will stop a spate of youth violence at Tauranga bus stops.

Northland iwi wins top biosecurity award for Waipoua restoration project
Te Roroa is returning 900ha of former pine forest to native bush and food gardens.

'We're sorry': The organic dairy company that caused a right stink after illegally dumping wastewater
Waiū Dairy CEO: We're sorry, our actions don't represent the values of kaitiakitanga.

'Results speak for themselves': Bay's regional council puts abuse, ageism claims to bed
Councillors have been thanked for their professionalism after claims of abuse and ageism.

From Parliament to prison: How an Aussie politico ended up in a Kiwi remand cell
Tauranga man Tio Faulkner went from rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers to an NZ jail.

Tauranga representation review sparks huge response
The city's future election could look very interesting indeed, going by some suggestions.