Bay of Plenty Times is looking back at the stories of 2023.

Plus, 'tonnes of shark sightings' in busy day for Bay of Plenty and Coromandel lifeguards.

Experts say these sighting are common this time of year.

'It’s going to hurt him for a long time ... for two young lives to be taken so tragically'

Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Bay of Plenty road toll drops but a top cop is not celebrating.

"This was my husband who had no reason to do this other than to satisfy his own sickness."

The Bay of Plenty Times is looking back at the stories of 2023.

And agencies are expecting an influx this holiday period.

Hato Hone St John was notified of the incident at 11.50am.

Roads will be closed in Tauranga CBD as the event takes place at Wharepai Domain.

Bay of Plenty Times is looking back at the stories of 2023.

Once, an entire recycling truck’s contents weighing 4.38t were sent to landfill.

Bay of Plenty Times is looking back at the stories of 2023.

'Tomorrow you’ll wake up and it’ll be blue sky and everyone will be happy again.'

Community events have been cancelled but fireworks may still go ahead.

Thirty years of outstanding service in public and private practice has been acknowledged.

50 years ago, this QSM recipient set target to volunteer 10 per cent of his working week.

Bay of Plenty Times is looking back at the stories of 2023.

The two-vehicle crash north of Tauranga was reported to police at 2.02pm.

The show was a sellout, with Troy Kingi and Dave Dobbyn subbing in for Sublime with Rome.

The crash happened on Wednesday night, closing part of SH2.

What's happening in the community

Bay of Plenty Times is looking back at the stories of 2023.

OPINION: We all have the potential to play a part on this waka ride.