Regional News

With 2026 well underway, here's what your politicians are aiming to complete this year.

The Ōpōtiki community are facing an abundance of stray cats roaming the streets.

Complaints of street sign theft in Awatapu has drawn local attention, but the Whakatāne District Council said theft is an issue faced across the area.

The Bay of Plenty westward of Ōpōtiki is now under an orange heavy rain warning from midday today, February 13, until 12pm tomorrow February 14.

MetService have issued an orange rain warning for the Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki, and a rain watch for the rest of the area from tomorrow evening until Saturday morning. 

When walking through Warren Park yesterday, Albert Lewis found a road sign that had made a 147 kilometre journey.

MetService have issued an orange rain warning for The Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki, and a rain watch for the rest of the area.

During the severe weather event that took place in January, local community radio took on the responsibility of delivering timely, accurate information to their communities.

Three convoys in each direction, led by a pilot vehicle, will allow those who need to travel the opportunity to get through the gorge.

Between 10pm and 5am on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February, resurfacing work by NZTA is taking place on the SH30 bridge.

As investigations over Tauranga City Council's operations during last month's weather event begin, Whakatāne District Council is taking time to reflect on it's own operation.   

A body has been located in the Waioweka river, after a man fell from his boat.

An Environment Court hearing is taking place today to help decide the fate of the sacred urupa.

Yesterday three convoys from each direction followed a pilot vehicle through the Gorge, with more planned for today.

Waitangi weekend saw scorching temperatures across the region, with heart alerts issued for some areas.

A large slip has covered Herepuru Road, which remains closed at the State Highway 2 end for at least a week.

The votes are in, and Ōhope has snatched up bronze in the Best Family Beach category and silver in the Best Camping Beach.

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust has found another one of their "incredibly special" bronze kiwi statues damaged.

Last week the Government announced the biggest change to the licensing system since 2011 but what does in mean for drivers in the Eastern Bay?

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust kiwi management coordinator said two kiwi were found within 10 days of each other near Latham’s track. A third was found recently on Murphy’s Road, off White Pine Bush Road.

Tauranga investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Varnam said the 50-year-old man was initially charged with assault on a person in a family relationship. 

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick says Health New Zealand has assured her the restoration remains on track for March or April this year.

Police received a report, around 5:30pm on Friday, of a man being swept downstream after falling off his boat.