British police have played down the role of a stalker as they investigate the death of Emily Longley, suggesting that she may have taken drugs that contributed to her death.

Child abuse complaints have more than tripled in Rotorua, Whakatane and Taupo in the past five years.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are set to batter the Bay of Plenty until tomorrow morning, Metservice warns.

Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne's election over-spending is now under police investigation after a rise in complaints over his campaign costs.

The Whakatane District Council faces turmoil with the possibility of 10,000 residents defecting to neighbouring Kawerau.

In Whakatane, you feel adventure is just around the corner. It's the frontier to discovery whether you're on wheels, on foot or on water.

When Mandy Hague went to White Island to count seals, she had no idea she would get a photo of a mako shark leaping from the water.

The quest may no longer be for the elixir of immortality but with an ageing population there is increased awareness of what it takes to live long and well, writes Dionne Christian.