Latest fromWhakatane
How sergeant's Antarctic posting became the experience of a lifetime
Defence Force Sergeant Cam Sproull of Ōhope watched orcas hunting just metres from shore.
Hunting death: Minginui man denies manslaughter charge
Mark Jefferson, 46, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in the High Court at Rotorua.
Blisters force Jack on to bike for Māori wards journey
He plans to cycle back after blisters halted his walk.
How Whakatāne Hospital plans to restore full maternity services
Since January, 88 Eastern Bay women have had their babies at Tauranga Hospital.
Highway reopens after fatal crash near Rotorua
Emergency services responded with five crews, an ambulance, and a helicopter.
Brent Mountford on farming the land he grew up on
Couple's dream was to come back home, farm, and return the land to its original form.
Whakaari/White Island unrest: Alert level rises
Volcanic ash has been identified more frequently in the steam and gas plume.
'Highly careless’: Nomar Farms effluent discharge ends in big fine
A Whakatāne dairy farm owner has been fined $48, 750 for effluent discharge.
National Māori netball tournament celebrates culture and pride
The AMNOHL tournament will be held in Wellington during Easter weekend.
Coromandel towns isolated by flooding, more heavy rain forecast as storm rages on
Roads have been submerged, roofs ripped from buildings and ferries and flights cancelled.
Traffic delays ahead: SH35 down to one lane for six months
SH35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha will be one lane from April 28.
'Strong heart': Teen's hikoi for Māori wards inspires supporters
'He’s just got such a strong sense of honour and duty.'
Ex-cyclone Tam in BoP Waikato: Boaties advised to cancel Easter plans
Bay of Plenty faces up to 250mm of rain, with warnings in Rotorua and Kaimai Range.
Kawerau death: Second 15-year-old charged with murder
Three people have been charged with murder following the death of Michael Tokona.
'Hallelujah': Driving instructors react to proposed licence changes
Practical licence set to be scrapped described as 'a joke' and 'not good'.
'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.
Armed police incident: Charges after police station windows smashed
Police allege a pickaxe was found nearby; the suspect is due in court today.
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.
Comancheros bust: Influential gang member charged with 200kg drug import
The Comanchero was charged months after two men allegedly broke into a shipping container.
Nervous for survival: Māori ward councillors prepare for critical elections
Forty-two councils will hold a poll for Māori wards in 2025 elections.
Teen's 160km hīkoi backing Māori wards referendum
Jack Karetai-Barrett's inviting others to join the walk, aiming to raise awareness.
On The Up: Air Chathams and Air NZ in partnership talks
'Smaller operators play a critical role and do an excellent job.'
Man’s drink-driving conviction overturned on appeal after lawyer, police errors
Zebulon Lawrance was more than twice the legal drink driving limit but has been let off.
Up close with a Black Hawk: Apanui students celebrate end of logging
Apanui students explored a Black Hawk helicopter during a school visit.
'Splits us into two': Willie Apiata hands over Victoria Cross over entitlements issue
He gifted his medal to Veterans Affairs minister Chris Penk in the hope of a law change.
Farmers fined $77k for discharging effluent into stream
Judge Tepania noted both defendants were careless for different reasons.
‘Treated like an animal’: Gang member involved in mob killing kept in kennel as a baby
The three-day sentencing came to an end with lengthy jail terms handed down.