Latest from Tauranga

'Shut the doors': Tauranga businesses fear impact on staff as Omicron spreads

One business said losing staff to sickness would put 'a huge strain' on it.

Power cuts: Farmers can't milk cows, orchards damaged by winds

Powerco cannot say when they can reconnect power to thousands of customers.

Should te reo Māori be made compulsory in schools?

"We want to build towards a bicultural foundation of a nation," says a local MP.

Couple married 70 years share their success secrets

Plus ideas for how to celebrate Valentine's Day with your special someone

'Incredible story of survival': Swimmer's brush with death, out-of-body experience

The 21-year-old was swimming alone at Omanu Beach when he had a seizure and passed out.

'Keep an eye on the African wildebeest': Sacked hospital worker to appeal latest ruling

Former hospital worker who kept patient records as proof of bullying fails high court bid

Local Focus: It's like MMA with swords

The Tauranga Titans are exponents of medieval armoured combat.

'Budget blowouts': $4.8m in extra funding for city projects after 'delays', Covid

The provision of extra money has been considered unfair on ratepayers.

'Horrific violence': Man sentenced after tying woman in noose and raping her

Shad Undersen told his victim she was going to 'die today'.

'Nowhere to pivot': International student sector still haemorrhaging

'Reduction in revenue significant': Chris Hipkins on international student cash flows

'Basically cooking': 347 complaints of dogs locked in hot cars this summer nationally

It can take less than 10 minutes for the inside of a car to exceed 31C.

'The bottom line is that kids are happy': Schools prepare for staff shortages, class disruption amid Omicron

Schools have been told staff shortages are "highly likely" as a result of Omicron.

Revealed: How much you might have in unused gift cards

The average Kiwi has $72 in unused gift card credit, a survey has found.

'Huge struggle': Schools help parents tackle back to school costs

A mum has described buying school supplies for her three children as a "huge struggle".

'Catastrophe' brewing: Six-month wait on some building materials

Small building firms could go bust: 'It's bloody sad to see this unfolding, to be honest.'

Man who sexually exploited an impaired woman lured her with the promise of takeaways

Judge: "The Department of Corrections is going to rule your life for the next little bit."

'Pseudo-self-isolating': Mixed bag for accommodation providers for long weekend

Some accommodation providers are reporting great bookings over Waitangi weekend.

'We can only wait and hope': Locals stuck overseas react to plan to reopen borders

Locals react to the Government's border announcement.