Police have been heavily criticised for failing to abandon a pursuit that endangered the public and culminated in the deaths of two young men.

Compensation claims by Bay of Plenty businesses for Rena-related losses will exceed the $11.5 million fund proposed by the ship's owners, a claimants' lawyer says.

The scavengers of the sky are now hitting Mount Maunganui's cafe scene, dive-bombing al fresco customers, knocking over coffees and defecating on patrons.

A young huntaway that was seized from its owner after becoming badly malnourished has bounced back in the care of a loving Bay of Plenty family.

A Tauranga man working as a cleaner at a local church stole cash and cheques donated by the congregation - cashing at least one cheque after forging the vicar's signature.

He's young, single, cares about the planet ... and he's $27 million richer than he was last week.

A Tauranga man in his twenties, who describes himself as a "typical Kiwi bloke", has today claimed the $27 million Big Wednesday First Division prize package.