The severed foot of a man involved in a grisly accident at the Port of Tauranga this morning was transferred with him to hospital.

Authorities have impounded a fridge that mysteriously exploded to investigate what caused the blast that blew the door off its hinges and smashed windows.

Tauranga woman on trial for bashing her sister and encouraging her pitbull puppy to join in the savage attack told a police detective that she "just went feral".

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said he was satisfied the deal with Daina Shipping Company was the best possible outcome.

Police have been heavily criticised for failing to abandon a pursuit that endangered the public and culminated in the deaths of two young men.

Compensation claims by Bay of Plenty businesses for Rena-related losses will exceed the $11.5 million fund proposed by the ship's owners, a claimants' lawyer says.

The scavengers of the sky are now hitting Mount Maunganui's cafe scene, dive-bombing al fresco customers, knocking over coffees and defecating on patrons.

A Tauranga man working as a cleaner at a local church stole cash and cheques donated by the congregation - cashing at least one cheque after forging the vicar's signature.

He's young, single, cares about the planet ... and he's $27 million richer than he was last week.

A Tauranga man in his twenties, who describes himself as a "typical Kiwi bloke", has today claimed the $27 million Big Wednesday First Division prize package.

Rumours are spreading like wildfire around Tauranga today about the supposed winner of last night's $27 million Big Wednesday jackpot.