He used Google Maps for a shortcut home - and was washed 2.5km out to sea
The fully-clothed man spent three hours in the water clinging to a log.
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Latest fromWhakatane
'No family should ever have to live in circumstances like this'
"People are offering donations... It's very kind, but we just really need a house".
Frustrated principal: 'I don't care if I break the law'
At least 54 schools forced to extend board elections due to NZ Post delays.
Air Chathams: Next flight for the little airline that could
Airline filled in when others pulled out and is preparing for one of its biggest moves.
Queen's Birthday Honours: Bonnie's doing it for Matatā
Matata's Bonnie Dobson honoured in the Queen's Birthday 2019 list.
Swarm of almost 200 quakes rock White Island
A swarm of earthquakes has rocked White Island, with 196 recorded since Thursday.
Game of Thrones author hints at trip to Rotorua next year
The author will be returning to New Zealand year for Worldcon.
Shane Jones says sorry: I wasn't attacking individual farmers
Forestry Minister Shane Jones says sorry to farmers for referring to them as 'moaners'.
Government announces $2.2 million investment to combat unemployment in the Bay
The funding came as a result of economic growth in the region.
Crash driver in serious condition after fleeing from police
Police attempted to stop the vehicle a few minutes prior to crash.
Rāhui in place at Sullivan Lake after toddler drowning
A rāhui has been placed on Sullivan Lake in Whakatāne.
Council staff hope to meet toddler's family
Whakatāne councillors and staff want to offer condolences to family of drowned toddler.
Horror crash killed three Rotorua road workers: Man admits careless driving
A man is in Whakatāne District Court in relation to the deaths of three Higgins workers
1.6 million Kiwis set for tax refunds: Are you one of them?
The Inland Revenue is shutting down its online services from Thursday for a week.
One person seriously injured following crash in Whakatane
"Initial indications are one person has been injured."
Lionel Nowell remembered by neighbour
Lionel Nowell died in hospital aged 73, after a fall on Moutohora last week.
Swimmer snagged in fishing longline at popular beach
Emmeline Taylor was swimming with a friend when she suddenly felt "excruciating pain".
SH30 closed after serious crash in Rotoma, near Rotorua
Police were alerted to the two-vehicle crash at around 2.15pm.
Edgecumbe flood two years on: Loneliness, trauma and hope
The town's 1600 residents have coped in different ways since the major flood.
Man charged over deaths of three Bay of Plenty road workers weeps outside court
A man has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving causing death.
Teachers step up to ease students' anxiety
New programme found 48 per cent of children "at risk of mental distress".
Family gives $95k toward transplant room for kids
Unveiling falls on day treasured son Chace would have turned 10.
Baby who died after three hours in hot car: Grandmother 'lied to police'
Manslaughter accused gave a different version of events, High Court hears.
Armed police detain man after lockdown at school
Armed police are in the Bay of Plenty settlement of Thornton.
Chances to save baby from a hot car missed by five extra adults
Isaiah Neil was "warm" when an ambulance officer arrived at his house the day he died.
Mum tells of horrifying moment she found her baby dead
Lacey Te Whetu gave evidence at her mother's manslaughter trial.
Police release name of man who died in motorbike crash
Police have named the man who died in this week's Ruatoki crash.
Bay of Plenty school blaze 'suspicious'
A fire which torched part of a school overnight is being treated as suspicious.