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The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has released its final list of candidates for the upcoming local body elections in October 2025.

Transport links between the Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki districts were officially restored at 9am this morning, following major disruptions caused by recent flooding.

For the second year running, the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival has been named a finalist in the prestigious New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) Event Awards.

Whakatāne District Council has confirmed how drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services will be managed across the region in the coming years.

This exciting project is a collaboration between the Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust, artist Tame Iti, and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, located in the iconic Wally Sutherland Building on The Strand.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has announced lower-than-expected rates increases for the 2025/26 year, aiming to ease pressure on households while continuing to deliver essential services.

Dog owners in the Whakatāne District are being reminded to register their pets before the 1 August deadline, or risk paying significantly more.

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

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder has announced that he will not be seeking re-election this year.

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 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.

Public consultation on the Whakatāne District Council’s future water services wraps up this weekend, with submissions closing at 5pm on Sunday, 18 May.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has officially opened the $50 million Rangitāiki Spillway, a major infrastructure project designed to reduce flood risk along the Rangitāiki River.

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.

The Whakatāne District Council is urging Eastern Bay residents to “think before they toss” as a rising number of batteries are being found in local rubbish and recycling bins.

This Easter weekend, boaties in the Bay are being urged to cancel or postpone their time on the water, as ex-tropical Cyclone Tam is set to bring dangerous conditions to the region.

The Ōpōtiki Distirct Council, will now see Māori Wards featured in their local body election.

Whakatāne District Council have approved its draft annual plan, including a proposed 11.7% average rates hike.