Latest fromBay of Plenty

Why a charity drive is a lifeline for families like Emma’s
Emma had open-heart surgery at four days old.

Copper network outage hits 117 customers in Western Bay of Plenty
Chorus's copper network is down in parts of Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga.

‘Middle class struggle’: Housing costs hit essential workers
Market rent is $650 per week; these homes will rent for $520, saving $6760 annually.

Juicy Fest, Timeless Summer Tour companies owe more than $2.4m
One ticketholder fears the chances of a refund are 'extremely low'.

Public warned not to approach wanted man
Police seek Sam Te Puni Tainui, 28, with a warrant for arrest.

Mitch Rees dominates NZ Superbikes, clinches third national title
He secured his third title in the premier 1000cc superbike class.

Wild goose chase: Report of swimmers in distress sparks rescue mission
Rescue teams in Tauranga responded to reports of swimmers in distress.

College secures regional debating title for third year
'Prevalence of technopessimism' subject of grand final debate.

‘Privileged and excited’: Pāpāmoa mum’s journey to Ironman success
Nicole Storm cried with pride for 30 minutes after finishing her first Ironman.

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.

‘Pretty farcical’: Empty high-performance centre under scrutiny
Intended as a central training hub, the Karāpiro site is now underused.

$180m retirement village approved under fast-track consent
'The economic impacts of the development are significant.'

‘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.'