Regional News

A local nutritional therapist says winter wellness does not need to be complicated, and people do not need to strive for “perfect” health to feel better.

Police said four men have been arrested in relation to a public brawl that occured in Kopeopeo, Whakatāne, on Wednesday, 15 April.

The Clothing Project say growing community support is helping meet rising demand from families struggling with the cost of living.

Following a number of elaborate police impersonation scams in the Western Bay, police are warning the community to be aware before the scam arrives in the Eastern Bay.

A community clean-up in Matatā this Sunday aims to tackle roadside rubbish and encourage younger generations to take pride in the town.

At not yet two years old, Arlo is working harder to learn basic movements than most people will ever realise.

Former Whakatāne Mayor Judy Turner said uncertainty remains around how proposed governance changes could affect rates, infrastructure and council services across the Bay of Plenty.

Emergency services recieved reports of a two-vehicle crash on The Strand near Quay Street around 12.40pm.

A local airline is continuing to support the Eastern Bay through its Community Connection Fund.

Bay of Plenty councils have three months to propose new local governance arrangements, with local leaders warning the timeframe may limit meaningful public consultation.

Motu Trails volunteers are preparing for two planting days in June, with organisers hoping to add another 3,000 native plants to the trail environment.

A faded community mural in Kawerau is set for restoration, with local students observing the original artist as he revives the artwork.

A Bay of Plenty man received the shock of his life on Wednesday night after his campervan was allegedly stolen while he and his cat were asleep inside.

Police are asking motorists to delay travel following a crash on at the State Highway 2 intersection with Western Drain Road.

The Whakatāne Art Gallery’s latest exhibition shines a light on paintings unseen for more than twenty years, taonga and contemporary works.

A small but significant recovery is underway for one of Aotearoa’s rarest native birds, thanks to decades of conservation work in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

New Zealanders are being urged to exercise caution when handling firewood this winter, as new data shows that thousands are being injured each year.

Earth Sciences New Zealand duty seismic officer Katie Jacobs said the magnitude 5.6 earthquake, followed by a 4.2, that struck off the coast of Te Kaha on Tuesday evening, is part of a typical sequence of seismic activity in the region.

Locals are discovering new flavours and healthier habits at an international herb garden.

Brake, the road safety charity, is calling on New Zealanders to reflect on how their actions impact others on the road as part of this year’s Road Safety Week campaign.

A weekly craft group is helping Ōpōtiki rangatahi build confidence, creativity, and a pathway to business.

Whakatāne District Council has officially opened a tender seeking community-led solutions to restore or reroute the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway, but strict requirements are raising community concerns.

Whakatāne District Council said a newly formed community reference group is providing valuable criticism and insight into how Awakeri could grow in the decades ahead.

Coastlands Preschool staff are celebrating twenty years of operation tomorrow, and said personalised care has driven the centre’s success.

NZTA said State Highway 2 will be under traffic management until a rolled truck is cleared.

Department of Conservation were called to Ōhope Beach this morning after reports of a live snake sighting.

Police were notified around 12.45pm yesterday after a kayaker reported finding what they believed to be human remains. 

NZTA said crews in the Waioweka Gorge are starting to implement final fixes aimed at preventing future slips.

Prime Minsiter Christopher Luxon visited Whakatāne Golf Club yesterday, to speak to members of the community about his Government and the upcoming election. 

This morning graduates from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi walked from Mitchell park to Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae for the graduation ceremony.

Work to reshape the Whakatāne riverfront is set to step up next week, with the removal of a long-standing waterfront building making way for upgraded flood defences.

New Zealand Food Safety advises the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the Eastern Bay of Plenty due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins.

Uber has launched in Whakatāne this week as part of a regional expansion.

This afternoon, 2,200 graduates will be meeting at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae for a pōwhiri, before the hīkoi tomorrow morning.

Ōpihi Whanaungakore Trustees are disappointed with an Environment Court decision that will allow housing development on land they say is wāhi tapu.

Following recent robberies and continued burglary in the Eastern Bay, Police are advising residential and business communities to stay vigilant and prepared.

Police said traffic was disrupted by a trailer coming off a truck near Rotomā this morning.

A $17.2 million Government loan to Air Chathams is expected to stabilise operations, but CEO said broader industry reform is needed to ensure the viability of regional air services. 

Police said staff have arrested and charged three people in relation to a robbery last night.

An Ōpōtiki-based woman is launching her first book today, reflecting on a lifetime of more than 50 jobs.

Police are making inquiries into an incident in Ōhope at 5pm.

NZTA said, the Waioweka Gorge remains vulnerable to slips and flooding so road closures during winter could become more common.

NZTA said repair work at two slips at Tōrere are now complete, and the road has reopened to two lanes, as work along State Highway 35 continues.

After a week, Ngāti Tūwharetoa kaumātua have lifted the rāhui that was put in place over the Tarawera River.