Latest fromWhakatane

New Zealander of the Year semifinalists announced
Black Ferns star is on the list of semifinalists for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.

Review: White Island documentary highlights the power of the community
Minute-by-minute footage takes viewers from the comfort of their homes to the volcano.

Review: White Island documentary highlights the power of the community
Minute-by-minute footage takes viewers from the comfort of their homes to the volcano.

Lots to do and four months wasted by mayor’s changes, says councillor
“Frankly, it’s been a bit of a shambles,” says a disgruntled Whakatāne councillor.

Australian families of eruption victims attend Whakaari memorial
'You will be part of this whare as long as this whare stands.'

Cystic fibrosis: Funding of life-extending drug Trikafta proposed to start in April
Funding of Trikafta will be for those aged 6 and older who meet certain criteria.

Lucky winner pockets $5.5m in Powerball draw
The win comes just a week after a massive $24m Powerball prize.

Whakatāne district councillor selected for fellowship programme
It is an interconnected programme promoting social equity for indigenous communities.

Police did not delay in responding to fatal stabbing - watchdog
A man was fatally stabbed at the property later the same afternoon.

$20.5 million in rates still unpaid as late penalties loom
The last day of the council's grace period for rates is October 31.

'Humble' unsung hero of Whakaari/White Island eruption honoured by family after death
'If it wasn't for Jason doing what he did, [some of the injured] would have died.'

SH2 slip: Road remains closed, hopes for one lane to open
A further update will be provided on Tuesday.

New Bay of Plenty Regional Council sworn in at Whakatāne marae
Doug Leeder has returned to his former position as chairman and Jane Nees as deputy.

Road still closed after 'very large slip' on SH2 in Ōpōtiki
The road will remain closed overnight.

'A true leader': First wāhine Māori marine professor welcomed
Kura Paul-Burke is one of only three Māori marine professors in New Zealand.

Whakaari owners to face trial next year over fatal volcanic eruption
Owners of White Island claim they did try to ensure the safety of others on the island.

Police justified in firing some but not all shots in Te Teko shooting - report
The entire shooting incident lasted just 37 seconds.

New MOU signed to help address palliative care shortage in the Eastern Bay
A scholarship for Te Ōhanga Mataora: Bachelor of Health Science Māori Nursing students.

$2m fundraising goal to buy park step closer
A group is aiming to raise the money by October 13 to buy a 72ha park.

Damage from slips keeps Hamurana Rd closed, SH35 fully open
The slips are clear but the road is damaged.

'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.'

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

Whakatōhea votes against split from treaty settlement
More than 61 per cent of voters said no to Te Ūpokorehe being removed from the settlement.

Dog left hanging in tree, SPCA appeals for information
The dog was discovered on August 21 and the SPCA has already sought information.

What's going on at Whakaari/White Island? Large plumes spotted from volcano
People have reported seeing large plumes rise high above the volcano.

Ram raid, burglary arrests: Two men face 15 charges
Police allege the men were responsible for eight burglaries in a few weeks.

'Exasperation' as surgery waiting list doubles in a year in Bay of Plenty
The number of people waiting more than four months for elective surgery has surged.

'A step forward': Cystic fibrosis community excited, hopeful for 'miracle' drug funding
One man said it would be a "totally different world" if the drug was funded.