News

The government is investing $12.5 million in the development of the Ōpōtiki Marina, describing it as the final major piece of infrastructure needed to support the Eastern Bay of Plenty's growing aquaculture industry.

State Highway 2 Pekatahi Bridge has reopened to traffic after a six-day closure that allowed crews to complete a major package of maintenance work aimed at improving the bridge’s driving surface and ensuring it remains safe and reliable.

Children and families in the Bay of Plenty will soon have access to dedicated Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) assessment and support closer to home, with Kawerau selected as one of just three locations nationwide to receive a new community-based specialist hub.

A proposal to extend protections for a recovering mussel bed in Ōhiwa Harbour has drawn attention from conservation advocates, iwi, and people with an interest in customary and recreational fishing.

The government is investing $12.5 million in the development of the Ōpōtiki Marina, describing it as the final major piece of infrastructure needed to support the Eastern Bay of Plenty's growing aquaculture industry.

Children and families in the Bay of Plenty will soon have access to dedicated Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) assessment and support closer to home, with Kawerau selected as one of just three locations nationwide to receive a new community-based specialist hub.

Whakatāne’s winter nights are set to glow once again as Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne returns from 11 to 18 July, bringing a week-long celebration of light, creativity and community to the town centre and riverfront.

A new community media initiative is set to give charities, schools, sports clubs, cultural groups, community organisations, and local content creators a dedicated platform to share their stories with the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty.

A design contract has been awarded for the replacement two-lane Pekatahi Bridge, marking a new milestone in this important piece of infrastructure planned for the eastern Bay of Plenty.

The draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2026-2036 is now open for public feedback, with the regional council focusing on making better use of existing services and current investment.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts has urged the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to hold off on major decisions affecting Quayside Holdings until local government reforms are finalised.

Months after a major slip closed Motu Road, repair work is scheduled to begin later this month, bringing relief to cyclists and local communities.

Ōpōtiki District Council has adopted its 2026-27 Annual Plan, confirming an average rates increase of 8.7% for the coming financial year, significantly lower than the 16% projected in the district's Long-Term Plan.

Whakatāne District residents will face higher waste management costs from July next year, with fees at refuse and recycling centres set to rise by 10% following increased transport costs linked to changes in landfill disposal.

The Whakatāne Kiwi Trust says it is reconsidering the future of its popular Wandering Trail after another act of vandalism saw a bronze plaque stolen from one of its kiwi sculptures.