Latest fromWhakatane
'This is going to kill someone': Midwife's fear after maternity service 'downgrading'
Higher-risk births were sent to a hospital more than an hour away after specialists quit.
‘Hugely emotional’: Duo to make 130km hīkoi between marae
'Just the process of walking is also something [our ancestors] would have done.'
New year, new job? Farmer switched to stacking shelves - and aims to own a supermarket
He started again at the bottom, and is working his way up.
Ash raises aviation code at Whakaari/White Island
Activity at White Island has increased and minor volcanic ash is being emitted.
Health NZ redundancies: More than $251k paid out in Bay of Plenty, Lakes
'We’ve lost people ... all vital to making sure a hospital functions accordingly.'
Police identify man found dead in water after fleeing officers at Ōhope Beach
The circumstances leading to the death of Hikato Maaka, a father of five, remain murky.
Man who died after jumping into harbour during Christmas police callout named
Police have said he was evading arrest, but a family member disputed that.
New Year Honours: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Taupō recipients named
Plus - we ask why one city, unusually, has no honourees on this year's list.
Rāhui updated after body found in Ōhope
Local iwi offered condolences to the grieving whānau of the man who died.
Missing man in Ōhope was allegedly retrieving fishing net after arrest, family says
The family disputes the claim he 'jumped in the water' in order to evade being arrested.
Rāhui in place as family gather at Ōhope for man who swam from police
Police have instructed holidaymakers to stay out of the water.
Man missing after jumping into water and swimming away while fleeing police
The man refused to engage with police and swam away.
Women charged over violent death of 8yo Rickah’Shae named
The boy died in November following an alleged assault.
Cancer survivor, 79, completes 1700km hike for charity
Duncan Smith, 79, completes 1700km hike of North Island for charity
Authorities investigate Mount Putauaki blaze
Crews monitored hotspots on Mt Edgecumbe near Kawerau overnight.
'More rescues': Swells spark rip warning for holiday hotspots
It comes as holidaymakers begin flocking to eastern beaches.
Pregnant women forced to travel 87km for emergency C-sections due to maternity care shortage
Some in the community were 'devastated' by the change, which will begin in mid-January.
Whakaari/White Island may be heading into 'new eruptive episode'
The aviation colour code for White Island has been raised to orange.
'Tragic weekend': Four water deaths in 24 hours across NZ
The rise in deaths is a worry, Water Safety chief executive says.
Man dies after jumping from side of boat near Moutohora Island, Whakatāne
The man was pulled unresponsive from the water after the jump.
Police should not have pursued biker who later crashed and died - IPCA
The officer was pursuing a motorcyclist in Whakatāne on March 16 this year.
Families gather to mark fifth anniversary of Whakaari eruption
A service was attended by more than 180 people, at least 40 of whom were from overseas.
'Forever 8': Sobs as duo accused of killing boy appear in court
People wore T-shirts bearing Rickah’Shae’s image and the words 'Forever 8'.
A shark sighting, a missing kite surfer and a plane crash
All in a weekend's work for Eastern Region surf lifeguards.
Woman charged with murder over death of 8yo in Bay of Plenty
The young boy died in Whakatāne Hospital following an alleged assault last month.
'Fleeting creatures': Rural artist inspired by beauty of birds
Jenny’s art is influenced by her rural surroundings in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Shelling out: How taxpayer spent $52m buying into a loss-making mussel farm
Shane Jones defends Crown investments into struggling Ōpōtiki aquaculture firm.