Latest from Bay of Plenty

Seven fires in a year: Binned batteries blamed for blazes

Residents are being reminded not to dispose of batteries in their kerbside recycling bins.

Tauranga buses: Route changes proposed, night service considered

Changes include routes being shortened, altered or replaced.

Crews attend Tauranga house fire

Firefighters were called around 10.35am.

Local Focus: Lack of lifejackets causing problems for harbourmaster

Lack of lifejackets and moored boats causing headaches for the harbourmaster.

The billion-dollar problem: NZ's most common injury

The Bay of Plenty was among the top five for most fall-related injury claims in 2022.

'Great news': Half-price fares net bumper bus patronage as 'refresh' gets under way

New bus routes, stops and shelters are coming amid bumper patronage.

'We can finally exhale': Woman takes on travel career as new drug available

“I can do this without having to worry about getting sick.”

'More days on this Earth': Sisters celebrate as 'miracle' drug now available in NZ

“I never thought that I would be able to live the life I’m living now ... I’m thriving.”

Mark Lister: Tips for nervous newer investors

'Keep your eye on the long game'.

Brutal rental market: Harrowing tales of the hunt for a home

What it's like living in a garage: 'I never imagined I’d end up like this.'

'Bullied': The $1.5m, the will, and the aunt who wanted the fortune

The 97-year-old said she had been bullied into changing her will.

Cancelled plans for Omanawa Falls full access a 'lose-lose'

Concern rescuers will have to save people who risk their 'stupid skins' reaching base.

'In good hands': 102yo jazz musician relives performing with Nat King Cole

'He just stood back in shadows - came in unobtrusively. He had a magnificent deep voice.'

Serious injuries after car driven wrong way on highway

A vehicle was driving into traffic for about 14km, police say.

Adored ballet teacher fights in hospital to make it to her 50th Jubilee show

Whether she was in hospital or not, the show had to go on, she said.

Teens rescue drowning tourist during school camp

“It’s great to see them using the skills they have learnt through becoming a lifeguard."