Regional News

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.

New Zealand's only living Victoria Cross recipient, Willie Apiata, will return to his Eastern Bay roots next month to speak with local rural communities about resilience, wellbeing and looking after one another.

Work to remove the council-owned buildings on the corner of The Strand and Quay Street will begin soon as part of the wider Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement Project.

Whakatāne District Council has adopted its Annual Plan for the 2026/27 financial year, confirming an average rates increase of 9.1% after finding additional savings across the organisation.

Residents were left stunned yesterday after reports emerged of a giant axolotl and an enormous rooster roaming the streets of Whakatāne, approaching unsuspecting members of the public and urging them to prepare for the upcoming election.

Whakatāne District Council has started a conversation about making water charges “fairer” and “clearer” for the district; however, decisions are yet to be made.

Whakatāne District Council is encouraging eligible ratepayers to apply for a rates rebate before applications close on June 30, highlighting recent changes to the Government's rebate scheme that could make more households eligible for financial assistance.

MetService have issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau, for Wednesday afternoon into the early hours of Thursday.

Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) said webcam images, a gas flight, and satellite imagery show steam and gas emissions continue at Whakaari/White Island.

Eastern Bay Police are urging retailers to act responsibly as concerns continue over the recreational use of nitrous oxide or "nangs" and its impact on road safety.

Mental health leaders and Eastern Bay providers say more culturally responsive and youth-focused support is urgently needed.

Eastern Bay of Plenty primary healthcare providers have rejected the Government’s $120.6 million funding package, citing concerns that it weakens Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and may worsen health inequities for Māori.

More support is on the way for people experiencing homelessness in Whakatāne, with the Government confirming the district will be one of six new locations to receive targeted funding aimed at supporting rough sleepers and vulnerable whānau.

State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge will be closed overnight from Sunday 21 June, while crews undertake further stabilisation works at the Goldsmith Slip site.

Whakatāne District Council has reduced its proposed average rates increase for the 2026/27 financial year from 9.4% to 9.1%, following a decision to use waste disposal levy funding to offset part of the cost of household kerbside recycling.

Following its three-year policy review, the Ōpōtiki District Council has agreed to seek feedback on two draft policies – Dog control and Gambling TAB Venues.

Whakatāne Mayor Nándor Tánczos says councillors rejected a proposal to fund dredging to the Whakatāne Yacht Club because the cost would ultimately fall on ratepayers, despite the harbour fund’s historical involvement in the work.

Recovery works in the Waioweka Gorge are stepping up, with major contracts now in place to restore full access to State Highway 2 following severe weather events earlier this year.

Residents interested in shaping the region's future are being encouraged to stand in the upcoming Bay of Plenty Regional Council by-election.

The future of the Whakatāne Yacht Club marina is uncertain after councillors voted to reject a $50,000 funding offer towards dredging a silted navigation channel, a decision the club says threatens the facility's survival.

Memorial plaques honouring veterans have been stolen twice this year, prompting concerns they may have been taken for scrap metal.

Young people in the Bay of Plenty are accessing free counselling through Gumboot Friday at a rate slightly higher than the national average, according to I Am Hope founder Mike King.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora’s Midland Region has begun consulting staff on a major restructuring proposal that could affect dozens of roles across the Bay of Plenty and wider central North Island, prompting concern from unions while health leaders insist frontline patient care will not be impacted.

Whakatāne District Council will explore future governance options to progress towards a proposal outline for the Government's Simplifying Local Government reforms. 

A new community theatre group hopes to bring more live performances to Ōpōtiki, starting with a Short Play Festival later this year.

Trust Horizon's bid to expand its charitable funding powers has cleared another hurdle in Parliament, with a private bill progressing through the select committee process and attracting widespread support from local organisations, councils, iwi and community groups.

Construction has begun on the Ōpōtiki Township Wharf Jetty extension.

Bay of Plenty farmers are being encouraged to use this week’s Fieldays event to reflect on their wellbeing and farm safety, as new figures show more than 1400 work-related farming injuries were recorded in the region last year.

Whakaari/White Island is expected to continue producing small eruptions and ash emissions as a volcanic episode that began in May 2024 shows no signs of ending, according to Earth Sciences New Zealand.

A young Whakatāne woman has graduated from Royal New Zealand Navy basic training, taking the first step towards a career operating some of the military’s most advanced combat systems.

Ōpōtiki District Council said the boil water notice on the Te Kaha water supply has been lifted.

State Highway 2 through Waioweka Gorge will remain open under increased monitoring as an orange heavy rain warning is in place for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with NZTA updating how they respond to severe weather in the area.

Thousands of New Zealanders are ending up in hospital each year with health conditions linked to poor housing, and a Bay of Plenty organisation is encouraging people to seek support before winter takes its toll.