Latest fromWestern Bay

Big changes for art gallery and its supporters
Renovations are part of the $306m Te Manawataki o Te Papa project.

‘We will make better decisions’: Mayor on iwi council appointments
A pōwhiri was held for the three tangata whenua representatives.

Why Tauranga’s water service delivery options have sparked debate
Council discusses ministerial influence on Tauranga's Local Waters Done Well planning.

How much a 12% rates rise could add to Tauranga homeowners' bills
The mayor says the council found $29m in savings to get the overall rise down to 12%.

Location of $5.3m Powerball winner revealed
There was a big win for the south in last night's draw.

Lotto Powerball: One very lucky punter $5.3 million richer
Big wins continue for Lotto players in 2025.

Party line: Memories of NZ’s shared phone days revived in museum
The exhibition features nostalgic chunky phones with circular dials.

‘Step backwards’: MP’s equal voting rights bill challenged
Iwi group leaders argue the bill ignores political disadvantages faced by Māori.

Road reopens after six people injured in four-vehicle SH2 crash
The highway was closed for about two hours.

'It’s still very new in NZ': Horses help transform lives in Ōropi
A Tauranga woman is using her own experience to help others with anxiety and depression.

‘Eroding a democracy’: Backlash over community board changes
Western Bay council proposes three boards to improve representation and reduce rates.

'All we knew was avocado on toast': City couple's orchard adventure
Couple flipped their lives from corporate city dwellers to hands-on avocado orchardists.

Lotto Powerball: Two lucky punters win $5.5 million each
Two Kiwis to wake up much richer on Sunday morning.

‘Unique, essential’: Locals dismayed as pool hours remain unchanged
The council decided to keep the 7am opening to save on extra costs.

$17m commitment: Te Puke care home set for major transformation
The project includes 36 new premium care rooms and 11 new villas.

Councillor seeks inquiry into commission’s decisions
Mayor Mahé Drysdale said focusing on past issues won't help the council progress.

‘Low trust’: Mount Maunganui street closure sparks community tension
Mayor Mahé Drysdale said road changes aim to balance safety and accessibility.

'Go for gold': Artistic swimmer turned rower eyes Olympics
Te Puke’s Karlina Steiner is switching sports with the aim of getting to the Olympics.

‘Desperate need’: Calls grow for Pāpāmoa East community hub
A Pāpāmoa East centre needs to be prioritised, a reverend says.

Western Bay Community Awards finalists announced
Find out who's in the running for an award.

‘Prime land’: University strikes $1.38m deal to lease public reserve for 99 years
It plans to build a marine research and education facility.