Latest fromWestern Bay of Plenty District Council
Minister's decision on housing intensification rules 'rational and reasonable'
Greater housing density will go ahead in the high-growth areas of Ōmokoroa and Te Puke.
Bay of Plenty housing: Bishop rejects panel's recommendations
The minister's decision opens the door to housing growth in the area.
Councils in line for big boost if GST returned on rates
Councils could be in line for a billion-dollar boost each year should government agree.
Council faces big byelection bills after three reps quit, one dies
Costs to fill the empty seats could hit up to $83,600.
Paws-itively amazing career in animal services
Betty Hall was once told by a teacher she would never get a job after finishing school.
Western Bay Council, Kāinga Ora slammed for lack of consultation
Council says no parties adversely affected by the development.
Lower speed limits for Western Bay up to two years away
The new speed management plan was adopted by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
New planning rules allowing more housing for Te Puke signed off
Density standards include allowing three homes on a site and houses up to 11m high.
Pot plants in potholes: 'Creative' ploy to get road fixed successful
It comes after roundabout grass was baled by a rogue farmer in the same community.
'Great concern': Mayor's worry for people using congested SH2 as new route delayed
'You do it one day and it takes one hour and the next day it takes two hours, it's hard.'
'Fobbed off': Man injured on 'horrible' track calls for safety changes
Peter Rawstron says the Waiere Stream is popular but dangerous.
Mouse poo, dripping seafood juice and undercooked kai - food safety officers' worst NZ finds
Local councils have shared how they go about ensuring food hygiene.
Western Bay among busiest areas in NZ for ambulance call-outs
Weather events and Covid-19 are considered to be among reasons why.
Border collie’s wounds heal after ‘devastating’ dog attack
Paul Gibbs' dog Molly sustained "horrific injuries".
Māori wards, flooding and fluoridation: Big year for Local Democracy Reporting
Reporter Alisha Evans looks at the highs and lows for the district in 2023.
'Outrageous' contamination: How much recycling ends up in landfill
Once, an entire recycling truck’s contents weighing 4.38t were sent to landfill.
Party like the public service: What councils did for Christmas
Some opted for a Kiwi classic.
Dog owner bitten by man after elderly border collie mauled
Molly has had two surgeries and may need more after her throat was 'ripped open'.
Number 279 in the queue: Rates penalty notice has council's phone lines running hot
Council says collecting its own rates has been mostly positive - despite some criticism.
Public can be ‘brutal’: Councillors defend use of closed-door workshops
The ombudsman’s call to open council workshops is a ‘hard nut to crack’.
'We would have been annihilated': Pensioner's flooded flat to be demolished
Brian Thorne is upset to be losing his home by the sea.