Latest fromWhakatane
Farmers fined $77k for discharging effluent into stream
Judge Tepania noted both defendants were careless for different reasons.
‘Part of me died’: Sole survivor of triple-fatal crash says goodbye to three mates
Jeremy Capper lost an arm, a leg and three friends in a triple-fatal motorbike crash.
New automated gate to guard Lake Ōkataina against gold clam
The gate cost $32,669, and was funded by local councils and Biosecurity NZ.
‘I am a strong person but I am scared’: Food charity volunteer attacked
She and her husband run a food service that feeds up to 3500 people a week.
‘Explosive activity’ at Whakaari: Ballistic blocks ejected 600m
Vent temperatures rose from 220C in January to 360C recently.
Man charged with manslaughter, unlawful hunting after Kawerau man’s death
A man will appear in the Rotorua District Court accused of Stuart Stobie's manslaughter.
'Tragically taken': Tributes flow for 'beautiful man' killed on hunting trip
Stuart Stobie was 'tragically taken in a hunting accident'.
Police seek witness to fatal motorbike crash
A motorbike collided with a car, causing the car to flip.
One dead after two-vehicle Whakatāne crash
Police were called to the scene around 4.50pm.
‘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.
‘Impotent talkfest’: Debate over council’s proposed health advisory group
Councillors support investigating the group but fear it becoming a 'talkfest'.
Doctor shortage: How long could it take to recruit for Whakatāne’s maternity ward?
Plus, how many overseas doctors are being considered for the positions.
Rare Bay of Plenty postal note and stamps in $1.5m auction
A Whakatāne postal note from 1893 is valued at $500 for the auction.
‘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.
News in brief: New public transport fare system
Rotorua news snippets: Māori circus theatre, new bus fare system, new regional flights.
'Like dead carcasses': Residents demand action on persistent odour
The mussel factory was issued an abatement notice for wastewater breaches.
Meth-accused driver in triple-fatal crash named, survivor labels him a ‘scumbag’
Garth Temokina Thompson can now be identifed as the man charged over Taihape crash.
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.