Latest fromWhakatane
‘Loads of maggots’: Woman traumatised by alleged treatment of brother’s dead body
'I thought I could grieve my baby brother and let them take over ... I feel so dumb.'
Whakatāne council sets 11.7% rate rise in draft budget compromise
Only two councillors, Andrew Iles and John Pullar, voted against the increase.
‘Not an early St Patrick’s Day’: Resident on dog poo bag antics
Woman's fence frequently ends up covered in green bags.
Heroic rescue: Man saves neighbours from burning house
One person was sleeping, and another was gaming with his door shut and headphones on.
‘World’s first’: NZ mill’s tissue machine to run on geothermal steam
The mill invested $20m to upgrade its paper machine.
Whakaari-White Island memorial project requires further hapū engagement
$90,000 was raised this year, with hopes for central government funding.
Superbike Championship goes into final rounds in Waikato
A Whakatāne rider has his eye on the top podium spot.
'Like dead carcasses': Residents demand action on persistent odour
The mussel factory was issued an abatement notice for wastewater breaches.
Whakatāne businesses ‘crippled’ by road closure
One business owner has asked for compensation. The council says 'no'.
Owners of Whakaari/White Island have company’s conviction quashed
The volcano's deadly eruption killed 22 and seriously injured 25.
Homicide probe: Man found dead on doorstep
Police urge anyone with information to call 105.
Police investigate ‘unexplained’ death in Bay of Plenty
Police urge anyone with information to call 105.
Black Hawk helicopter called in to help with logging
The Black Hawk will be hovering over Whakatāne in coming days.
‘A full and very positive life’: Funding to begin for life-extending cancer drugs
Rhys Drayson passed his given life expectancy after taking the drugs in a clinical trial.
Overnight fire in Ōpōtiki spreads through two commercial buildings
The fire started around 11:20pm on Church St.
Small town New Zealand is really upping its food and coffee game
Worthwhile places to stop on a roadie through the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.
‘Pure heartlessness’: Man laundered $44k from 22 victims for Kenya-based scammers
Patrick Neho claimed he did it to feed his children but in reality, he fed his addictions.
'Same costly mistake': Driver's warning after $150 bus-lane fine
More than 6500 tickets were issued for breaching the 50m rule last year.
Councillors support reverting speed limit to 100km/h on highway section
The 80km/h limit will probably move back to 100km/h.
Fire crews tackle house blaze in Kawerau
Fire crews have left the scene of a house fire in Kawerau.
Up to 1000 rally against hospital downgrading health services
Obstetrics and gynaecology services at Whakatāne Hospital have been downgraded.
'Intimidated': Residents sick of living in ‘motocross track’
Whakatāne locals are 'being plagued by motorbikes day and night' in the suburb of Awatapu
Artist Mr G unveils portrait of Bay mayor
A painting of Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui was revealed on social media.
Critical injuries after SH30 crash involving truck
Emergency services were called to State Highway 30 at Rotoiti Forest.
'Deeply disappointing': Proposed job cuts will worsen access to palliative care - doctor
Public money would be spent on hospital admissions for people with 'nowhere else to go'.
'Kill him': Armed mobster on meth-fuelled rampage held 74yo man hostage
He was fleeing police when he broke into the pensioner's home and assaulted him.
Cardboard caskets and native trees: How to give your loved one a natural burial
A desire for simplicity and a return to tradition has driven a rise in natural burials.