Latest fromWhakatane

Twenty new buildings planned for Takapuna campground site
Details are out with big plans for the much-loved beachfront site on the waterfront.

NZ First vows action over Waitākere Ranges 'co-governance' plan
The Waitākere Ranges belong to all Aucklanders, says NZ First and Act.

Shelling out: Audit questions hold up assessment of troubled mussel farm
Cabinet agreed to invest $16.5m more into mussel business despite ongoing losses.

Speed limit proposal dropped on Rotorua highway after community push
Other successful reversals to 100km/h include the journey to Whakatāne.

Blisters force Jack on to bike for Māori wards journey
He plans to cycle back after blisters halted his walk.

Minister reveals new Northwest Rapid Transit construction start date
A busway is planned along the North Western Motorway for frequent trips.

How Whakatāne Hospital plans to restore full maternity services
Since January, 88 Eastern Bay women have had their babies at Tauranga Hospital.

'Cherished': Taupō farm vehicle victim described as 'beautiful pou'
A long-time friend said they are 'extremely broken'.

Whakaari/White Island unrest: Alert level rises
Volcanic ash has been identified more frequently in the steam and gas plume.

'Highly careless’: Nomar Farms effluent discharge ends in big fine
A Whakatāne dairy farm owner has been fined $48, 750 for effluent discharge.

Letters: The case for acknowledging our emergency service volunteers
Volunteers make up 80% of Fire and Emergency staff in New Zealand.

National Māori netball tournament celebrates culture and pride
The AMNOHL tournament will be held in Wellington during Easter weekend.

Coromandel towns isolated by flooding, more heavy rain forecast as storm rages on
Roads have been submerged, roofs ripped from buildings and ferries and flights cancelled.

Traffic delays ahead: SH35 down to one lane for six months
SH35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha will be one lane from April 28.

'Prepare now': Cyclone Tam brings 130km/h gust, winds forecast to ramp up overnight
Forecasters warn of 120km/h gusts that may close the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Kawerau death: Second 15-year-old charged with murder
Three people have been charged with murder following the death of Michael Tokona.

'Hallelujah': Driving instructors react to proposed licence changes
Practical licence set to be scrapped described as 'a joke' and 'not good'.

Armed police incident: Charges after police station windows smashed
Police allege a pickaxe was found nearby; the suspect is due in court today.

Comancheros bust: Influential gang member charged with 200kg drug import
The Comanchero was charged months after two men allegedly broke into a shipping container.

Nervous for survival: Māori ward councillors prepare for critical elections
Forty-two councils will hold a poll for Māori wards in 2025 elections.

Teen's 160km hīkoi backing Māori wards referendum
Jack Karetai-Barrett's inviting others to join the walk, aiming to raise awareness.

On The Up: Air Chathams and Air NZ in partnership talks
'Smaller operators play a critical role and do an excellent job.'

Thomas Coughlan: Defence overhaul will hit spending in other areas
OPINION: $12 billion does not go a long way in the defence world.

On The Up: Airline survived Covid and a recession - now for the future
'We would be lost without them in Whanganui.'

New helicopters, planes, strike capability: Govt’s $12b spend on defence revealed
The plan reveals $12 billion in funding over the next four years.

Man’s drink-driving conviction overturned on appeal after lawyer, police errors
Zebulon Lawrance was more than twice the legal drink driving limit but has been let off.

'We are still anti-vaccination': Destiny Church defends taking Covid grants
'We can account for where every dollar went.'

'Splits us into two': Willie Apiata hands over Victoria Cross over entitlements issue
He gifted his medal to Veterans Affairs minister Chris Penk in the hope of a law change.

Farmers fined $77k for discharging effluent into stream
Judge Tepania noted both defendants were careless for different reasons.