Latest Bay of Plenty news

Tauranga man accused of stealing ambulance equipment
He is also charged with unlawfully possessing police property.

Icy plunge: Temperatures to drop 10C as snow hits south
A cold, punchy southerly is set to bring a cold snap over much of the country.

Motorcyclist dies in Waihī crash, road reopens
Emergency services were called to a crash at Rosemont Rd and Consols St.

‘Serious concerns’: Neighbours wary of drone spraying near homes
Neighbours questioned a drone weed-spraying operation in Bethlehem.

Jordan Cup returns to Tauranga Sports after tight match
Whakarewarewa remained unbeaten, defeating Greerton Marist 57-28 at home.

Holiday washout: Subtropical low set to batter NZ with heavy rain, severe gales
Heavy rain is expected in Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel on Wednesday.

Opinion: What Trump's tariff shock means for investors globally
The S&P 500 fell 10.5% over two days after Trump's tariff announcement.

Grieving grandparents 'numb' after death of 4-year-old attacked by dogs
They are trying to focus on the good memories of the boy they raised from a baby.

'Sea of yellow': Thousands of ducks set to race in Tauranga today
Around 5000 rubber ducklings will race at Tauranga's waterfront.

A-maize-ing: Young photographer puts farming life in frame
Lucy Penellum's photos highlight the resilience of the farming community.

'Claims are weak': Court dismisses bid to halt marine precinct sale
An injunction stopping the sale of Tauranga's Marine Precinct is no longer in force.

'She died in my arms': Dog's death sparks road safety campaign
Surf instructor wants the speed limit on a coastal road reduced to 30km/h.

‘Unfair’: Mount businesses struggle with proposed street dining fees
Businesses say the plan is 'flawed' and 'bizarre' at a time when eateries are hard-hit.

Armed police incident: Charges after police station windows smashed
Police allege a pickaxe was found nearby; the suspect is due in court today.

Peter Burling parts ways with Team NZ
Burling was at the helm for the past three America's Cup wins.

Air Chathams faces $1m loss, may exit Whakatāne route without support
The airline has lost over $1 million on the Whakatāne route since April 2023.

Homeless summit in Tauranga to tackle housing crisis
About 4000 people in Tauranga experience some form of homelessness.

'Cool experiences': How one organisation transforms young lives
The charity, formed in 2002, supports more than 500 people annually.

On The Up - Auckland private school buys multimillion-dollar waterfront farm
Saint Kentigern students will grow food and study ecosystems on the land.

Paid Grindr meet-up with teen in public toilet reported when relationship ended
The man, in his mid-20s, started a relationship with the teen after their first encounter.

'It hasn’t failed': Seymour defiant as Treaty bill voted down, hints at referendum
'What it has done is put an uneasy conversation on the table' - Act leader

15yo charged with murder over Kawerau death
The teenager was taken into custody after a search in Ōtara, Auckland.

Ready to rip on local trails: Mountain biking champs come to Tauranga
Over 650 mountain biking riders from across the North Island will compete at Summerhill.

Mayor says he doesn't want marine precinct sold - then votes in favour
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale opposed the sale but still supported fighting the review.

Fatal dog attack: Community begins 'healing process' after child's death
A blessing has been given at Katikati Medical Centre, where staff tried to save Timoti, 4.

Bottle store and tavern close after being stripped of liquor licences
The closures have some Welcome Bay locals and businesses concerned.

Sex crimes case: Why an entertainment figure’s identity is still secret
It has been six months since a Court of Appeal hearing about name suppression.

Mānuka honey producer buzzing after bee-autiful season
A local honey producer says they have seen a strong 2024/2025 season.

How good! Two Tauranga players win big in Lotto
Tauranga tickets won big in Wednesday night’s Lotto draw.