Latest fromTauranga

'So, so sad': Cruise ship passengers shocked at White Island horror
Cruise ship passengers share their shock at eruption.

Warning after major chemical spill at Mount Maunganui
Multiple fire crews respond to a major flammable liquid spill at a Totara St.

Teenager seriously injured after assault in central Tauranga
Police were still on the scene investigating.

Mount Maunganui Bridge Club up to play with Tauranga Community Foodbank support
The club members see the Christmas Appeal as a necessity.

Opinion: Rob Rattenbury - Te reo Māori needs nurturing
Unless you are immersed in the language daily it is hard to maintain any fluency.

Samoa measles tragedy sparks concerns in Bay
More than 60 people have died in Samoa due to the measles outbreak.

Local charities supported by Christmas in the Park event
Blake Park was awash with the Christmas spirit during the Christmas in the Park event.

Sausages or Silver Ferns - Fuller always in netball
Former Silver Fern now coach Deb Fuller reflects on helping the Silver Ferns to victory.

Thunderstorms on the horizon for Bay of Plenty
Thunderstorms could be on the way for the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo.

Watch: Kiwi mum confronts man who 'tried to get daughter in his car'
Video of mum challenging man has been viewed more than 125,000 times.

Sir Michael 'looking forward' to new role on DHB
Sir Michael was Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister under Helen Clark.

Dawn Picken: Moving sparks existential crisis
Shifting house triggers existential crises, begging the question: "Why do we have stuff?"

November was hot, hot, hot
New Zealand fire service preparing for a dry season on the back of hot November.

Christmas Appeal: Donations by the dozens keep rolling in for foodbank
"People are just so thoughtful."

Bella Vista subdivision on the market
'We want to do our very best by ratepayers.'

Runaway Tauranga lawyer surfaces in Australia
The solicitor left the country six years ago rather than front up to a court.

NZTA, Western Bay council agree to fund $8m project
Ōmōkoroa Rd will be upgraded from Western Ave to Tralee St.

'Hastalavista': Mayor apologises over council Bella Vista gaffe
Mayor 'deeply embarrassed' over staffer's insensitive action.

No coal to be seen: Bay general practices get in giving spirit
'Supporting the foodbank is very much in the spirit of Christmas'

Boom or bust? How your Western Bay councillors are paid
Some councillors will receive a salary increase of more than $10,000.

Report on wood processors' woes comes same day as Claymark receivership
Kiwi wood processors are facing extensive tariffs, export restrictions, and standards.

'Extraordinary roll growth': New Pāpāmoa primary school planned
A proposed new school in Pāpāmoa needs the Education Minister's approval.

New coach no drill sergeant
Chas Clark is the new senior coach at the Pāpāmoa Surf Lifesaving Club

Meaty issue: Council goes vegetarian to fight climate change
Leading the way or a ham-fisted move?

Work trip tragedy: Dive victim was a father of 8
Tauranga man William 'Wolfie' Marupo was a father of 8 children.

Best in NZ: Local backpackers scoops award
The backpackers was well-known in central Mount Maunganui.

Free regional bus service rolled out for Bay students
There will be a one year trial on the service next year.