Latest from Tauranga

Weather: State Highway 30 closed to westbound traffic
A yellow heavy rain watch will be in place the Bay, including, Rotorua, starting at 3am.

'Died in my arms': Woman distraught after pet chihuahua killed
'He didn’t stand a chance being such a little guy against a bigger stronger dog.'

Why one of NZ's top 10 house builders is laying off staff
'Other group house builders have laid off significantly more staff than we have.' - Burney

'Brutal' rental market: Tradie shares van with two dogs, working couple's two-year search for a home
Meet the people who can't find rentals in one of NZ's fastest-growing cities.

Launch sinks in harbour, weather delays salvage efforts
Bay of Plenty Regional Council will investigate the cause of the sinking.

Opinion: Why I'm only slightly surprised by this Budget
OPINION: The announcement I'm most interested in - for selfish reasons.

'Too much pressure': Mum sick of SH2 traffic puts house up for rent
Another mum had to move her child's daycare so she could get to work on time.

Airbnb host cancels booking after Kiwi refuses price hike
“I just don’t understand how this kind of business conduct is allowed.”

97yo's plea heard: Memorial seat and buried ashes will stay
Tauranga City Council has confirmed the seat will stay.

'People are incredible': Thousands flow in for dad desperate to stay alive for son
The outpouring of support has blown the family away.

'Really proud': Tauranga whānau back $34m kapa haka boost
Funding for Te Matatini and Matariki is 'so cool'.

Storm-hit district facing $20m repair bill awaits funding clarity from Govt
Councillor questions $9.8m spend on one road when $4m to re-open another too 'difficult'.

'Unexplained' death: Police identify man found in water near boat ramp
The man's body was found on Tuesday morning by a member of the public.

Person found dead in search for overdue mountain biker
Police search and rescue personnel and volunteers were involved in the search.

Kill the 'thrill': Motorsport legend's plan to put the brakes on boy racers
70,000 unauthorised street and drag races reported

'I will earn the right to be MP': Candidate, 26, says he's prepared to 'fight' for seat
“I’ve got the skills to be the best possible advocate for the Bay of Plenty."

Crackdown on dangerous drivers: Fleeing drivers could lose cars for good
More fleeing drivers prompts tough legislation: cars seized and stronger penalties.

New chairwoman for Mainstreet Tauranga
The organisation represents business owners and markets the city centre.

Police investigating after man tried to 'entice' children into car
'We would urge everyone to be alert, not alarmed.'

'Critically important': What six Tauranga leaders want from Budget 2023
'Minister of Putea (purse strings), we need the resources to get to the front line.'

'It hits me straight in the heart': Tauranga mum calls for more affordable housing
Where should the money go?

'I'll fight': 97yo takes on council over move to 'disturb' son's memorial seat, ashes
'It is special for me because ... I haven’t got much left.'

Multi-vehicle crash on SH29 causes 'significant delays'
Motorists are advised to delay travel or take an alternate route.

Cremation smoke illegally discharged from crematorium
The business says it has suspended use of its cremator.

Body found in water near boat ramp in Mount Maunganui
Police say inquiries into the death are ongoing.

The Premium Debate: Ability will always trump personality
Opinion: Premium subscribers have their say.