Latest fromWhakatane

Leaders seeking a slice of $1.2b Govt infrastructure fund to meet Jones, Peters
The Regional Growth Summit will take place in Whakatāne on Friday.

'How can this be real?' Two sisters diagnosed with breast cancer two years apart
'I just want to do everything I can to obviously prolong time and quality of life.'

Ōpōtiki ratepayers face bigger rates bill before Christmas
'It's going to be overwhelming for people, especially at that time of the year.'

Councillor braces for more anti-Māori rhetoric
Toni Boynton believes rhetoric will increase as Māori ward referendum approaches.

One person dead after car goes off road in BoP
Emergency services responded to the scene around 9.15am on Grieve Rd in Otakiri.

‘Kick in the guts’: Rates bill shock for commercial property owner
'In one year? What are they thinking?'

Boatie warned after altercation on Whakatāne wharf
Steve Wright laid an assault complaint after an altercation at the boat ramp.

Three months of big rates bills
One councillor says a lot of locals are worried about their rates bills.

What’s going on at Whakaari/White Island?
Erupted ash from Whakaari has forced flight cancellations. What can we expect next?

'Broke every bone in his body': Teen survives being hit by two cars
The teen was walking home sober on a rural road at night when he was hit.

'Hope you get what you deserve': Man hit by two vehicles was walking home from 'family event'
'To the other people that left my brother there, I hope you get what you deserve.'

Home Kills film tour brings Waikato and BOP to the big screen
Home Kills film tour hits Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Coromandel cinemas with Q&A sessions

New active vent discovered on Whakaari/White Island
Recent increased activity could continue for weeks or months scientists say.

Artist's 'never-before-seen' painting displayed at major art gallery in London
The collection where her portrait is displayed is seen by 'millions' of visitors a year.

Bay councillors affirm stance on Māori wards
Councillors voted unanimously to stick with their commitment to Māori wards.

Farmers fail in bid for greater council representation
Dairy farmers in the Eastern Bay are paying up to $150,000 a year in targeted rates.

Magma indicated: ‘Regular’ eruptions likely to continue at Whakaari/White Island
Eruption hazards are 'largely restricted' to the island, GNS Science says.

Eruption at Whakaari/White Island raises alert level
The Volcanic Alert Level has now been raised to Level 3.

Guns, ammo, drugs and stolen tools allegedly found at BoP property
A 39-year-old man is facing charges after police searched a Whakatāne property.

Two-storey home on fire in Matata
Fire and Emergency New Zealand are attending a structure fire in Matata, Whakatāne.

Whakatāne medic inspired by NZ Army training to become ironman
Private Caroline Paulsen, from Whakatāne. used her army training to become an athlete.

The Bay athletes bringing medals home: Hayden Wilde wins silver at Olympics
Plus, when to watch some of the Bay of Plenty athletes in Paris.

'Genuine Kiwi bloke': Police name man who died on fishing trip near Whakaari
His funeral will be held in Rotorua on Friday.

New look for contentious tidal pool takes shape
Work to remedy the heavily criticised tidal pool should finish this month.

Luxon bypasses highway protest by flying into Urewera
Tūhoe protesters waited on road for PM, who took to the air instead.

Whakaari ash plume silhouetted at sunrise
Gas and steam spewed out of White Island this morning.

Body found in search off Whakaari/White Island, believed to be man who went overboard
Police earlier said the missing person was one of four on the vessel.

Person overboard may have been missing since midnight, search under way near Whakaari/White Island
Flight radar shows a rescue helicopter traversing the area.

Four injured in crash south of Whakatāne
Two people are seriously hurt and one person is in a moderate condition.