Latest fromBay of Plenty

96-year-old skydiver honoured for raising $51k for St John
Jean Crabtree, 96, was honoured with the St John Priory Vote of Thanks.

Woman's blonde hair turned pink after partner allegedly smashed her head on concrete
The Crown says she was pushed from a moving car by her partner, and then beaten.

Spark faces pressure as shares hit 14-year low
A2 Milk soars, Smartpay surges amid takeover bids, NZ stocks dip.

‘I was in bed for a year’: Cancer survivor calls for $220k-a-year drug to be funded
Other patients consider moving overseas or starting a Givealittle to pay for the drug.

‘Did what he loved to do’: Tributes flow for ‘Mr Marathon’
Dennis Kenny was the race director of the Rotorua Marathon for 34 years until 2003.

Four-minute mile in 15yo Tauranga runner Sam Ruthe’s sights
Th teenager is lining up a world record attempt this week.

‘Great news’: Early ramp opening to ease Pāpāmoa traffic
The eastbound ramps at Pāpāmoa East Interchange may open in late 2025.

‘Don’t forget’: Kiwi baker’s heartfelt plea for Ukraine support
Harriet Campbell plans another Ukraine trip with the Never Alone project.

Rotorua’s suggested ‘rates swap’ labelled ‘unfair’ by deputy mayor
Deputy mayor says it makes district council look like "bad guys" with a rates rise.

‘Lucky to be alive’: Five rescued after boats sink in Lake Rotoiti
None of the five individuals was wearing a lifejacket during the incident.

'The only one that’s ever worked': Pill funding welcomed by endometriosis patient
'This will really help, especially young women who are learning to manage the disease.'

Mick on Monday: Sterner tests await top stable
The time for sterner tests has arrived for one of New Zealand's most powerful stables.

Opinion: ‘Bull market’ in Europe as US hits speed bumps
Tariffs loom large as a threat to the wider European economy.

‘Eroding a democracy’: Backlash over community board changes
Western Bay council proposes three boards to improve representation and reduce rates.

Revealed: Hundreds of children escaped from early childhood centres in NZ in five years
Four children were found 'running around on the road'; another was found near a highway.

Letters: Trudeau’s tariff riposte was brave, not cringeworthy
OPINION: 'Does anyone remember the concept of tough love?'

Lotto Powerball: Two lucky punters win $5.5 million each
Two Kiwis to wake up much richer on Sunday morning.

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.

Joanna Wane: You’re in for a treat at the best dog cafe in town
OPINION: How Petone has gone to the dogs.

Racing: Proven performers find it tough at the top
High-quality quartet out to end winning drought in the $150,000 Japan Trophy at Tauranga.

Questions raised around spa pool death of 3-year-old Travis
Travis Mallett, age 3, died after a spa pool incident in Reporoa.