Regional News

Parents are raising concerns about the safety and reliability of the Ōpōtiki-Whakatāne school bus service after a driver suffered a medical incident while transporting tamariki to school on Friday.

Five new bus stops have been approved for Whakatāne to support the growing public transport network.

What started as a conversation over kombucha at a New Year's Eve barbecue has turned into one of Whakatāne's most exciting business success stories.

The three Eastern Bay of Plenty district councils have unanimously agreed to submit a joint proposal to establish an Eastern Bay of Plenty Unitary Council, marking a significant step in the region's response to the Government's local government reform programme.

A proposal to establish an Eastern Bay of Plenty unitary authority has moved a step closer after Whakatāne District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council voted to support its submission to Central Government.

Three people have been arrested and stolen property recovered following an aggravated robbery at Renshaws Showcase Jewellers in Whakatāne, while Police continue to search for a fourth person believed to be involved.

A 24-year-old man who was critically injured in an incident in Pongakawa on Friday night has died in hospital.

A man has been transported to hospital following an incident in Pongakawa overnight.

A major redevelopment at Te Kura o Te Pāroa in Whakatāne has transformed the school’s learning environment, delivering more than 17 new classrooms and upgraded learning spaces.

A group of First Nations Australian rangatahi from the Northern Territory will arrive in Aotearoa this week to begin a 10-day cultural exchange focused on strengthening Indigenous identity, connection and leadership.

Whakatāne Mayor Nándor Tánczos has labelled the Government’s decision to scrap all Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements “destructive and irresponsible”, saying it undermines years of work building constructive relationships between councils and tangata whenua.

State Highway 30 is now open following a single vehicle crash between Te Teko Road and Galatea Road around 11:40am.

Motorists are being reminded to take extra care on inland Eastern Bay of Plenty roads as sub-zero temperatures increase the risk of black ice.

Whakatāne District Council has endorsed the draft strategic direction that will guide the development of the Long Term Plan 2027-37 following its meeting last week.

Animal rescue organisations across the Eastern Bay are under increasing pressure as limited space, rising surrender numbers and a shortage of foster carers push already stretched services closer to capacity.

Whakatāne District Council has agreed to progress work with Kawerau District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council on developing a proposal for an Eastern Bay of Plenty unitary council.

Whakatāne District Council has agreed in principle to work alongside Toi's Track Restoration Trust to explore restoring the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway, marking what both sides describe as an important step toward reopening the iconic coastal track.

Bay of Plenty communities have highlighted environmental protection, effective service delivery, and maintaining connected regional services as key priorities in any future local government reform.

The Whakatāne Crematorium and chapel are fully operational again following a major upgrade that temporarily closed the facility for six weeks.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police have now charged a man following the repeated theft of three memorial brass plaques in Whakatane.