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Over the month of May, the Areocool Rescue Helicopter carried out 58 life saving missions, across the Coastal Bay of Plenty.

A major step toward energy resilience is underway in Te Kaha, with the government confirming a $4.75 million loan to support a new solar power project.

Filming has begun on a brand-new web series focused on youth around the Bay of Plenty and their mission to choose nature over screens.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging Eastern Bay of Plenty residents to take extra care when lighting beach bonfires over the Matariki long weekend.

Changes to the Bay of Plenty’s Regional Pest Management Plan came into effect yesterday, aimed at improving the region’s ability to respond to new and emerging pest threats.

Kawerau South School can expect construction on two new classrooms to begin by Christmas, according to an announcement made on Monday by East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick.

Scott Davies of Pāpāmoa has officially been named New Zealand’s top building apprentice after winning the 2025 NZCB Apprentice Challenge national final in Hamilton.

The Waimana Sports & Cultural Club has received a significant boost, thanks to a $62,913 grant from Trust Horizon to revitalise its historic building and future-proof it for generations to come.

Six popular local events are set to get bigger and better, thanks to a significant funding boost from central government.

The Whakatāne District Council has announced the introduction of a new “three strikes” system aimed at reducing contamination in kerbside recycling and greenwaste bins.

To kick off the new month, 47 local volunteers gathered for the first Dunes Trail Planting Day of 2025.

Several Eastern Bay residents have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, which celebrate the contributions of everyday New Zealanders.

On Saturday, May 24, A total of 1,100 firefighters from 270 brigades took part in the annual Sky Tower Challenge, including three members of the Ōpōtiki Fire Brigade.

The Whakatāne District Council is inviting the community to provide further submissions on Plan Change 4 to the District Plan, which proposes updates to how flood risk to buildings is managed and aims to simplify the resource consent process.

The Disabilities Resource Centre Trust has been named the 2025 Member of the Year at the New Zealand Federation Awards.

Neighbourhood Support is urging all residents across the Eastern Bay to consider upgrading their security measures as colder months set in.

The Whakatāne District Council is advising motorists to allow extra travel time when passing through the Ōhiwa Harbour area, as emergency road repair works are currently underway on Wainui Road.

More than 250 rangatahi from across the Eastern Bay of Plenty took part in this year’s Rangatahi Road Safety Roadshow, aimed at delivering practical road safety education to rural communities.

Plan Change 8 clears final hurdle, enabling papakāinga and medium-density housing near Julian’s Berry Farm.

This morning, the Whakatāne District Council reviewed a proposal from local airline Air Chatham's, who are seeking urgent financial support to keep its Whakatāne to Auckland flight route in the air.