Latest from Bay of Plenty Times

9975 new Covid cases, 33 deaths in last week; nearly 10 per cent reinfections
For three weeks now, Kiwis have been living without the Covid-19 traffic light system.

Weekend of heavy rain greases up roads
The crash served as a reminder to motorists to "take care and drive to the conditions".

School holiday sun: Better weather on the way for the Bay of Plenty
The weekend is looking to be more settled after a wet start to the school holidays.

SH25 road closed after trees fall during bad weather
The weekend's heavy rainfall has caused a slip on State Highway 25 on Tairua Rd.

Opinion: Removing GST from medicine could have wider benefits
Opinion: Removing GST from medicine is a simple step which would lead to big benefits.

Felix Desmarais: Why I'm not a pop star
Opinion: It started with Celine and ended in a carport in Tauranga.

Free two-hour parking on chopping block as council considers new on-street parking rates
If approved, the new parking rates will come into effect on December 1.

Hamurana Rd to remain closed to through traffic overnight
Multiple slips in the area causing delays.

Chamber boss: Business owners should care about local elections
Businesses are stuffed without effective local government...it's true

Michele Hunter: I make a point of supporting local, here's why you should too
Opinion: NZ has incredible small businesses offering unique products and services.

SH33 closed from Paengaroa to Okere Falls, SH2 in Pukehina reopens
Waka Kotahi advised driving conditions might be hazardous and to only drive if essential.

Business digest: Kiwifruit award winner, new lifestyle centre, farm awards open
Got business news? Email carmen.hall@nzme.co.nz or zoe.hunter@nzme.co.nz

Contactless popularity explodes: Retailers to save $74m as 'huge' fees swiped
Customers 'love' contactless payment transactions but who is really picking up the tab?

Samantha Motion: It's time to address the orange envelope in the room
OPINION: What do we want from the people we vote for, anyway?

27-hour rainmaker: Slip closes highway, heavy downfall warnings for north
Rain descends on the North Island just in time for the school holidays.

Steamers chasing win to secure home quarter-final
Waikato and Bay of Plenty will meet on the field tomorrow.

Mark Lister: What a time to be a central banker
There's an awful lot for Governor Adrian Orr and his colleagues to consider.

SH35 between Maraenui and Omaio still closed, unlikely to reopen today
Waka Kotahi contractors are working tirelessly to clear multiple slips.

Pothole claims: Drivers seek more than $4000 in compo for car damages
Drivers made claims after hitting potholes and damaging their tyres and exhausts.

'I want his name to be spoken': Parents raise funds for Lifeline after losing son
Ethan Broomhead, aged 18, died six years ago on August 31.

Bay of Plenty iwi to vote on $100m Crown settlement
An initial settlement offer of $40 million was rejected 26 years ago.

'Cruel and heartless': $52k annual tax on 'miracle drug' slammed
'We will do anything to keep our boy alive but ... detest having to pay tax to do so.'

State highway chaos: 'Massive' pothole takes out convoy of cars
Bay of Plenty police blamed poor road conditions and issued a warning.

Rain brings play to a halt during second round of Carrus Tauranga Open
The competition will resume tomorrow.

'Great experience and mana': New District Commander starts in the Bay of Plenty
Superintendent Tim Anderson has outlined his key priorities.

Picnic tables and a gym: New pop-up park in Gate Pā
There are also free one-hour fitness sessions on offer.

'Inadequate': Pathlab temporarily closes two clinics in the Bay
The disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the year.

'Very special': Tennis teen looking forward to playing in front of home crowd
The EVES Open – World Tennis Tour: Tauranga will be held from December 18-24.