Latest from Bay of Plenty

Benefit boosts 'like Lotto' for some, Budget offers less for others

Benefit rises will help people cover costs such as extra fuel, food, shoes or other goods.

Local Focus: Escaping from Covid, the new game business launching in Rotorua

Escapade pivots in a post-Covid world. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Credit card debacle: Widows claim bad treatment by banks

Grief-stricken women were left in tears after their appointments with the bank.

Pāpāmoa Ten 7: Rob Lemoto starts new Bay of Plenty role

The role is a 12-month secondment at Pāpāmoa, which is now a 24-hour station.

'Kids are the future' - more support, resources, councillors

One mum says schools need more support to deal with housing crisis effects on children.

Community in shock over potential closure of Kawerau mill

Owner Norske Skog has met with employees to begin consulting on future of operation.

Gangsters' paradise: Police figures reveal the gang capital of NZ

There were 1058 gang members in October 2017 in the Bay. Now there are 1493.

'No plan, no future, no hope': Tourism bosses defeated ahead of Budget 2021

"It's hope that's kind of gone. And we are not seeing any future plan."

What was I thinking? Credit card debt a weight on the shoulders

COMMENT: There comes a point when you realise there is no quick fix to debt.

'Hell and back': Restaurant owner tells of motel housing impact

Richard Sewell's upmarket restaurant is smack in the middle of emergency housing motels.

Specialist White Island response crew discussed before tragedy

In tragic timing, a response simulation had also been planned for 2 months after eruption.

Kiri Allan comforted by Jacinda Ardern in hospital

Ardern and Allan's hei tiki, carved from the same stone, were brought together, too.

Double murder trial: Jury hears brothers' recorded prison call

'I'm f***** happy I did it all', the accused brother said after the alleged murders.

Fatal crash: One dead after car and motorbike crash in Ōpōtiki

Motorbike rider was critically injured and died at the scene.

One person dead after crash between motorbike and car

The crash happened at 5.50pm.

Tauranga Habour Bridge fibre cable damaged by fire - 3000 lose internet

Many of the customers affected are in the Te Puke area.