Regional News from Thursday, February 12th, 2026

Your Politicians Goals for 2026

With 2026 well underway, here's what your politicians are aiming to complete this year.
“Abandoned or neglected”: Ōpōtiki’s Stray Cat Issue

The Ōpōtiki community are facing an abundance of stray cats roaming the streets.
Street Sign Theft Common Throughout Eastern Bay

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.
Bay of Plenty Upgraded to Heavy Rain Warning

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.
NZTA Close Roads to Prepare for Heavy Rain

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.
Whakatāne Local Makes Surprising Discovery in Park

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