New test results from more than 30,000 samples indicate the Bay of Plenty has recovered well from oil spilled from the Rena.

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

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 in Tauranga borrowed a kayak to rescue a drunk woman who fell into the harbour and took refuge on the back of a moored boat.

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

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 young huntaway that was seized from its owner after becoming badly malnourished has bounced back in the care of a loving Bay of Plenty family.

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.