

Whakatāne Doctors Stretched, Tired and Horribly Understaffed
Cumbersome systems and uncompetitive pay is fueling a lack of doctors and medical staff, leading to doctors who are tired and stretched.
Kieran Watkins
Sep 263 min read


Julians Berry Farm & Cafe Marks 50th Anniversary
When asked the secret to seeing crowds continue to flock to the berry farm every year, Paul said that attention to detail has been a hallmark of the business.
Kieran Watkins
Sep 253 min read


Three People Arrested & Bikes Seized Following Search Warrants In Ōpōtiki
Police have taken three people into custody following a number of search warrants in the Ōpōtiki area, targeting traffic offending and...

Jessica Doney
Sep 251 min read


Quarterly Maintenance to Close Pekatahi Bridge Next Week, with Full Deck Replacement Planned for 2026
NZTA are preparing to close the Pekatahi Bridge north of Taneatua next week as part of their quarterly maintenance work. The bridge on...

Jessica Doney
Sep 242 min read


Police Locate Missing Man Safe and Well in Ōpōtiki
Police have located Stephen Young, a man reported missing by his family last week.
Kieran Watkins
Sep 231 min read


Matatā Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Dennis Receives King Service Medal
Matatā's Chief Fire Officer Gavin Dennis presented with his King's Service Medal by Governor-General the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro at...

Jessica Doney
Sep 181 min read


24/7 Whānau Support Policy Already in Place at Whakatāne Hospital
A note sent out to Health NZ staff has announced that standard hospital visiting hours are being extended to 24/7 for family members nationwide.
Kieran Watkins
Sep 162 min read


Secondary School Teacher Strikes Continue
Eastern Bay secondary school teachers are taking part in nationwide strike action this week after pay negotiations continue to stall.
Kieran Watkins
Sep 152 min read


Electoral Officer Owns up over Missing Māori Ward Candidate Profiles
The candidate profiles of Ōpōtiki District Council's three Māori ward candidates standing for election were missing from voting packs sent to residents on Wednesday.
Kieran Watkins
Sep 121 min read


Rise in New Listings & Average Asking Price Lifts Bay of Plenty Property Market
Spring appeared to have hit the Bay of Plenty property market early this year following a significant increase in new listings across the...

Jessica Doney
Sep 111 min read


Construction Progresses On New SH2/Wainui Road Roundabout
Work is in full swing on a new roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Wainui Road in Matekerepu. It's part of NZTA's State...

Jessica Doney
Sep 101 min read


Local Election Voting Starts Today
Voting is officially open for the 2025 local elections as voting packs begin to arrive in mailboxes from today.
Kieran Watkins
Sep 91 min read


No Ash in Steam Plume from Whakaari/White Island
An observation flight by Earth Sciences New Zealand has confirmed that no ash is currently present in the volcanic plume at Whakaari/White Island. Some short-lived minor eruptive activity was observed on 28 August which produced a thin covering of ash across the island.
Kieran Watkins
Sep 91 min read


Local Wild Food Festival Wins National Award
Whakatāne District Council's Local Wild Food Festival has taken out the award for Community or Not-for-Profit Event of the Year (under...
news2036
Sep 51 min read


Ōpōtiki Couple Celebrate $12.5 Million Lotto Win
Life has changed for one Ōpōtiki couple after becoming New Zealand's fourteenth Powerball multi-millionaire for 2025. The couple won...

Jessica Doney
Sep 42 min read


Maternity Services Expected To Be Restored In Whakatāne By March/April 2026
Health New Zealand has taken another step toward to restoring secondary obstetrics and gynaecology services in Whakatāne. The service is...

Jessica Doney
Sep 42 min read


Police Seek Information Into The Death Of Rotorua Man, Zain Taikato Fox
Police are seeking information as their investigation continues into the death of Rotorua man, Zain Taikato Fox in late July. Police have...

Jessica Doney
Sep 31 min read


Kiwi Trust Monitors Local Birds as Nesting Season Brings Hope for New Chicks
The Whakatāne Kiwi Trust has successfully completed its yearly round of kiwi health checks, with the added excitement of three eggs currently being incubated in the wild.

Holly Grundy
Sep 22 min read


Air Chathams Welcomes Government Announcement To Support Regional Airlines
Air Chathams is welcoming the Government’s latest announcement of new financial support for regional airlines. Regional Development...

Jessica Doney
Sep 11 min read


Firearms Licence Holders Charged After Suspected Black Market Trade
Three licenced firearms holders have been charged and police have suspended the licence of a firearms dealer in relation to a black market police operation in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne.
Kieran Watkins
Aug 292 min read

