The NZ city with 2000 ghost homes: 'Hard problem to solve'
Despite the empty homes, the council says it's not a concern.
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Latest from Western Bay
Shear success! NZ's longest running speed shearing event returns
The annual Te Puna Speed Shear will take place this Saturday.
Cause of fire that caused traffic chaos investigated
At the same time, a power outage affected 200 properties in the same area.
'Really awesome': Internship shapes careers for Tauranga rangatahi
Internship gives iwi members an opportunity to gain experience while building depth.
Road rebuild to begin on SH2 near Te Puna
Overnight SH2 rebuild aims to improve safety and reduce delays from roadworks.
Rural primary school principal 'gutted' after thieves steal 'essential' tools
'They are just stealing from the students.'
'Wholly unnecessary': Bay road toll rises after horror December in Rotorua
Too many people have died on local roads, say police.
'Rush hour' driver caught on phone three days in a row on same road - police
He's among more than 2000 people snapped for the same offence this year in the region.
'Good for business': Cafe owner hails street's return to two-way traffic
Businesses say sales have dropped since the road was made one-way.
Pitmaster's tip for perfect Christmas turkey: 'Brine for juicy results'
Jefferies and family will enjoy a leg of lamb with summer sides.
Rainbow connection: Should new crossing have had official opening?
A pride advocate is upset an opening hasn't been held for Tauranga's new rainbow crossing.
Fluoride-free water option 'waste of time', campaigner says
Tauranga City Council is still undecided about providing a fluoride-free water supply.
'More rescues': Swells spark rip warning for holiday hotspots
It comes as holidaymakers begin flocking to eastern beaches.
Mauao to close for repair of vandalised pounamu
Tauranga's landmark Mauao will be closed so the vandalised pounamu can be repaired.
Report reveals the sectors driving rise in Bay's economic ranking
There's evidence some are bucking national trends.
'Beacon of light': Family's 'powerful message' after 21yo dies at swimming hole
'He wanted to make the most of his life, and to make people happy and loved, and he did.'
How Shortland Street self-harm plot sparked call for action
"I don’t want to see this happen to anyone else.”
Pedestrian critically injured in Pyes Pa crash
Pedestrian critically injured in Pyes Pa crash, road closed.
'Ecological domino': Lion’s mane jellyfish return to Tauranga harbour
Lion’s mane jellyfish return, minimal risk but engine concerns persist.
'Changing the conversation': Real estate company raises nearly $20k for foodbank
A Tauranga real estate company is helping feed families this Christmas.
'Panicked voice of oppression': Council backs iwi roles despite flood of opposition
Iwi representatives will vote on council committees despite thousands of opposing emails.
‘It's time’: $128m Tauranga museum greenlit after 25 years of talks
Tauranga will have a museum by 2029 after talking about it for 25 years.
'Incredible': Staff secretly renovate colleague's home after terminal diagnosis
The Stoney Creek team renovated an employee's home, showing great care and compassion.
City considers installing fluoride-free water tap at the border
Supplying unfluoridated water to Tauranga locals will be discussed at a meeting on Monday.
Z Manu World Champs: Tauranga event showcases Kiwiana diving skills
Tauranga Z Manu World Champs celebrates splashy jumps with skill, style, and competition.
'My heart just broke': Witness' grief comes 'flooding back' after swimming hole tragedy
'You just feel so wholeheartedly for these people that are going through this tragedy ...'
'Too old': Local board chairman claims 'ageism' forced him to quit the role
The Waihī Beach Community Board chairman stepped down at a tense meeting.
Epic trolley dash! What this Mum grabbed in 90 seconds
Mum races to fill trolley, celebrating son's inspiring cancer journey.
Scrub fire about 1ha in size under control
The fire is in steep terrain, and crews are working to extinguish it.
Whānau rally for city's first Māori ward councillor struck by rare illness
Locals will climb Mauao to fundraise for Tauranga councillor Mikaere Sydney.
'Joining forces': Emergency services lead food drive
Emergency teams unite to collect food for families in need.
Tauranga's new bus service: $5 fare arrives in 2025 after trial success
Tauranga's new on-demand bus service is hugely popular but fares will rise to cover costs.
Tauranga gang funerals: Police make 14 arrests and seize guns, vehicles
At one point, police were confronted by a kuia who criticised them for parking too close.