News

The number of recent earthquakes in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is not unusual, but Earth Sciences New Zealand said it serves as a reminder to think about what to do in bigger events.

After nearly a five year wait, long serving Murupara GP Dr Bernard Conlon is half way through his New Zealand Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal hearing.

95 reached $3 across multiple fuel stations earlier in the week, with 91 hitting the $3 mark at Whakatāne BP this morning.

The new police BEAT team, dedicated to supporting retailers and increasing visibility in town centres across the Eastern Bay, will begin operating within the next 10 to 14 working days.

The new police BEAT team, dedicated to supporting retailers and increasing visibility in town centres across the Eastern Bay, will begin operating within the next 10 to 14 working days.

The latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor reveals tourism expenditure in the Whakatāne District rose 6.9 % in the year to December 2025, climbing to $171 million.

Dancers from all corners of Whakatāne will light up the stage this weekend at the Dance Carnival, uniting the community in a lively celebration of movement, music, and connection.

A passion for cars and a desire to give back to the community have combined to create Pukehina’s Surf ‘n’ Sand Autorama.

Whakatāne Surf Life Saving Club said their athletes had the best results in years at the 2026 AON Surf Lifesaving Championships at Ōhope Beach.

Community feedback now open on concept designs, aimed at revitalising key public spaces alongside the town’s new floodwall.

Whakatāne District Council said the broken pipe is now fixed, but the water team are refilling the the mains, and the reservoir.

Whakatāne District Council are planning long term urban expansion of Awakeri with a structure plan, influenced by a community reference group.

Voting, to fill the remaining vacancies on the Galatea Waiōhau subdivision of the Murupara community board and the Tāneatua board, came to a close yesterday, with all positions now filled.

By-elections are being held for the Galatea-Waiōhau Subdivision of the Murupara Community Board, where one vacancy remains, and the Tāneatua Community Board, with three spots to fill.

Police say there were three arrests for displaying gang insignia, two for driving with excess breath alcohol, one for obstruction, and three for driving while forbidden.

Police are urging people to be cautious when buying firewood online as demand increases ahead of winter.