Regional News

Born under a Whakatāne house and now sporting an All Blacks and Black Ferns-themed set of names, Ruby and her 11 puppies have had an unusual start to life.

The future shape of local government in the Eastern Bay of Plenty remains uncertain after Cabinet decided not to make decisions on individual Head Start proposals at this stage, with the proposals now expected to return to Cabinet for consideration in early 2027.

Motorists and pedestrians using Hillcrest Road are being advised to plan ahead this Friday, with temporary road closures scheduled while overgrown vegetation is cleared and drainage issues are addressed.

Tāneatua Road will fully close for just over two weeks from Saturday as Whakatāne District Council crews move into the next stage of a project aimed at making the flood-prone route more resilient.

Emergency services received reports of a crash around 12.45pm, involving a pedestrian on St John Street, near the Duke Street intersection.

A $110,320 grant is helping unlock the next stage of a major Māori-owned development at Te Whaiti, where plans are taking shape for new homes, food production and employment on the Tawhitiwhiti Block.

After years of public demand, Whakatāne District Council has approved a one-stage approach for renewal of the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall that is expected to save as much as $2 million more than the original two-stage proposal.

Work to remove sand build-up at the Ōpihi Spit near the Whakatāne River mouth will begin next week to help maintain flood preparedness.

Ōpōtiki District Council has confirmed Motu Road is scheduled to reopen at midday on Friday, 18 September, subject to the completion of remaining safety works.

Whakatane Hospital's orthopaedic care department has cleared a large backlog of patients who have been waiting the longest for care

Whakatāne beverage brand Wai Mānuka is preparing to take another major step into international markets, with US manufacturing due to begin next month and trials planned in Singapore and China.

Ōpōtiki residents are invited to celebrate Māori Language Week (14 – 20 September 2026) with a series of free community activities at Ōpōtiki District Library.

Police have located a body during a search in Toatoa for a man missing from Ōpōtiki.

Motorists travelling on State Highway 2 near Paengaroa are being urged to plan ahead, with the highway set to close this weekend for rail level crossing repairs.

Billyjoe was last seen on Sunday, 30 August, at around 2.00pm at his home in Ōpōtiki.

Police are appealing to the public for information after Billyjoe was reported missing from Ōpōtiki.

People travelling through State Highway 2 in the Waioweka Gorge are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra time as crews carry out safety work at two slip sites.

Police were called to Ford Street in Ōpōtiki around 11.00pm on Saturday, 5 September, after reports of a fight involving a large group of people.

The Breast Cancer Foundation’s iconic Pink Campervan is making its way around the Eastern Bay of Plenty this month, bringing specialist breast health advice directly to local communities.