Latest from Bay of Plenty

What you need to know about Juicy Fest - and what Keri Hilson says about NZ

The hip hop and R&B festival will come to Tauranga on Sunday.

'Strange bond': Two men's near-identical ordeals surviving alone in the ocean

Rob Hewitt has reflected on his own ordeal of floating alone at sea for 72 hours.

Police call for information on Te Puke man possibly carrying gun

Two reported sightings of the man in the centre of town this afternoon.

'Electric' scenes as Bay Dreams festival debuts new venue

The crowd of about 8500 was 'pretty well-behaved', the festival organiser says.

Neighbours describe 'crazy' scene as fire ripped through Tauranga home

Crews from three fire stations fought the blaze.

'I just kept staying alive': Man's 24-hour ordeal after falling overboard without life jacket

Will Fransen spent nearly 24 hours drifting in the ocean without even a life jacket.

Rise in roaming dogs sparks fears for livestock owners

A rise in the number of roaming dogs increases fear among Rotorua Lakes livestock owners.

'Traumatised' pet owner attacked twice speaks out as roaming dog reports spike

The number of dog-related incidents including dog attacks this year revealed.

'Lives were saved': Lifeguards at region's holiday hotspots make 50-plus rescues

Safety advice for swimmers also follows slew of shark sightings in the area.

Tauranga dad rushes home at 3am from Auckland after wife goes into labour early

“It was the longest hours of my life.”

'It's so big': Swimmers flee water after shark spotted at popular beach

Broadcaster describes dramatic scenes to followers as shark cruises shallows.

'Horror story': Only half of domestic violence callouts end in charges in Bay of Plenty

And agencies are expecting an influx this holiday period.

Person taken to hospital after falling off boulders at McLaren Falls

Hato Hone St John was notified of the incident at 11.50am.

'Sunny day in a new venue': What you need to know about Bay Dreams 2024

Roads will be closed in Tauranga CBD as the event takes place at Wharepai Domain.

'We are all so happy': How a family of seven got on to property ladder

Meet the Kiwis who have defied the odds and own their homes.

Explainer: How to safely forage for mushrooms - and poisonous ones to avoid

However, the National Poisons Centre warns against eating wild mushrooms.

'Outrageous' contamination: How much recycling ends up in landfill

Once, an entire recycling truck’s contents weighing 4.38t were sent to landfill.

Cricket fans and campers keep spirits high despite New Year's Eve rain

'Tomorrow you’ll wake up and it’ll be blue sky and everyone will be happy again.'