Latest from Bay of Plenty

'A catch 22': Businesses needing to hire extra staff to check vax passes

Rotorua and Taupō will start in the Red traffic light setting on Friday.

Simon Bridges 'confident' ahead of leadership vote

Simon Bridges says leadership contest are always close, will take it to the vote.

Red, Orange or Green: Cabinet meets to decide each region's fate

The country will move into the new Covid-19 protection framework on Friday.

Revealed: 15 motels in one city paid more than $1m for emergency housing

It coincides with the growing number of people on the housing register.

NZ's booster shot rollout: All you need to know

The ministry said officials were assessing the latest information on the new variant.

Stress of crash with dog factor in death: coroner

Crash victim had severe coronary artery disease and died at hospital soon after collision.

'Degraded': Youngest regional councillor speaks out over 'abuse'

'I made the decision not to re-stand after having a whole lot of abuse'.

Covid-19 cases continue to plateau, but new, more infectious virus variant sparks concern

Most new cases are still in Auckland, where another person has succumbed to the virus.

Live: Covid cases continue to spread; Countdown vaccine mandate for staff

Yesterday's cases were spread across five regions with Auckland recording the most.

Fears Bay of Plenty could be in 'red' until end of the year

The forthcoming Covid-19 traffic light system raises a number of concerns for businesses.

Derelict landbanked houses 'a travesty', mayor says

'There must be about 150 that are just lying idle, rotting into the ground.'

'I went off like a rocket': Tauranga couple win $10.3 million

A Tauranga couple has ten million reasons to celebrate after winning Lotto.

Vaccine verifier app goes live, Govt warns there'll be glitches

Businesses will be able to download an app that will verify their customers' vax status.

'Desperate act of self-defence' or 'murderous intent'? Murder trial begins

Defendant accused of murdering one man and disfiguring another.

Positive Covid-19 case visited Tauranga retirement village

The Ministry of Health says the situation will be closely managed.

Did you visit this Tauranga hair salon? You need to self-isolate

Authorities are expected to release more locations of interest today.