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The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and New Zealand Food Safety have issued an urgent public health warning advising people not to collect or consume shellfish from the Bay of Plenty coastline, specifically from Whakatāne to Mount Maunganui.

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

Bay of Plenty residents have come to together to break records after raising $56,285 for the Philips Search and Rescue Trust as part of the 2025 Westpac Chopper Appeal.

This year’s theme for World Drowning Prevention Day encourages New Zealanders to share their personal stories in the hope of saving someone else’s life.

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust maintenance team can now clear over 30km of track up to 40% faster, thanks to a $4,782 grant from Trust Horizon.

Recent monitoring by Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly GNS and NIWA) shows that emissions from Whakaari / White Island remain steady, with no signs of volcanic ash.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Bay of Plenty is the first region in New Zealand to pilot a programme aimed at recycling metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), in a bid to reduce their environmental impact.

GNS Science has lowered the Volcanic Alert Level for Whakaari/White Island from Level 3 to Level 2, following observations that the recent eruptive activity has decreased.

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

GNS Science has confirmed that volcanic activity at Whakaari/White Island is currently showing signs of decline.

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

Over the weekend, weather conditions carried steam and gas plumes from Whakaari / White Island westward toward Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty coastline.

Ōhope Beach Golf Links has received a $90,000 grant from Trust Horizon to help them make their greens even greener...both in color and in sustainability.

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.

Experts from GNS have officially raised the volcanic alert level for Whakaari/White Island.