News

Whakatāne District Council has decided to retain the First Past the Post (FPP) voting system for the 2028 and 2031 local elections, citing concerns about change fatigue and the uncertainty facing local government.

A cluster of earthquakes across the Bay of Plenty and East Cape is not a sign that a larger quake is on its way, but it is a reminder that the region remains exposed to serious seismic risk, Earth Sciences New Zealand says.

The Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau is under an orange heavy rain warning until 3.00pm today.

A familiar face in the Eastern Bay’s business and community circles is taking on a new perspective on the region’s development.

What started as a conversation over kombucha at a New Year's Eve barbecue has turned into one of Whakatāne's most exciting business success stories.

A major redevelopment at Te Kura o Te Pāroa in Whakatāne has transformed the school’s learning environment, delivering more than 17 new classrooms and upgraded learning spaces.

A group of First Nations Australian rangatahi from the Northern Territory will arrive in Aotearoa this week to begin a 10-day cultural exchange focused on strengthening Indigenous identity, connection and leadership.

Whakatāne District Council has decided to retain the First Past the Post (FPP) voting system for the 2028 and 2031 local elections, citing concerns about change fatigue and the uncertainty facing local government.

Five new bus stops have been approved for Whakatāne to support the growing public transport network.

The three Eastern Bay of Plenty district councils have unanimously agreed to submit a joint proposal to establish an Eastern Bay of Plenty Unitary Council, marking a significant step in the region's response to the Government's local government reform programme.

A proposal to establish an Eastern Bay of Plenty unitary authority has moved a step closer after Whakatāne District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council voted to support its submission to Central Government.

Whakatāne Mayor Nándor Tánczos has labelled the Government’s decision to scrap all Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements “destructive and irresponsible”, saying it undermines years of work building constructive relationships between councils and tangata whenua.

Three people have been arrested and stolen property recovered following an aggravated robbery at Renshaws Showcase Jewellers in Whakatāne, while Police continue to search for a fourth person believed to be involved.