Local News

Big ships banned from reef-island gap off Tauranga

Tauranga's harbourmaster has taken swift action after learning large ships were using a risky shortcut in the area where the Rena grounding caused New Zealand's... Read More

Steamers shine in Māori All Blacks squad

Five Bay of Plenty Steamers players have been selected in the Māori All Blacks, four of whom will take the field again tomorrow, Saturday July 5, this time... Read More

Dry July – act for your health, and theirs!

Every 22 minutes, another New Zealander hears the devastating news that they have cancer. In July alone, more than 2200 Kiwis will be diagnosed. That's why... Read More

Young racers gear up for national kart champs

About 80 school-age kart racers, aged from 7 to 17 and coming from schools all around the country, will descend on the Western Bay of Plenty this month to vie... Read More

Calls for lights at Fraser St crossing

The intersection at Fraser St and Merivale Rd near the Merivale shops has been labelled dangerous by nearby residents. Peter McTavish, who uses an electric... Read More

No place like Pāpāmoa College’s Wizard of Oz

The Emerald City is coming to the Bay of Plenty as Pāpāmoa College prepares to dazzle audiences with its whole-school production of The Wizard of Oz. Set... Read More

Lolong the eel and Richard the worst-behaved pond

After months of intensive work involving 35 dump trucks, 10 bulldozers and 20 excavators shifting millions of litres of soil, the Takitimu North Link project... Read More

Tauriko roading changes spark traffic concerns

A Tauranga business owner says Tauriko West Enabling works are 'spreading chaos” and is concerned about future traffic congestion. However, Tauranga... Read More

Tauranga charity's path to hope for young carers

Content warning: This story mentions mental health issues, being suicidal and substance abuse. The Bay of Plenty's 'glass children' are finding support and... Read More

Seniors keen to bag corn hole crown

It's usually a fun family backyard game, but today it's serious business at The Bayview Village in Judea. Twenty-two contestants from four retirement villages... Read More

Blossom festival axed, replaced by promotion

A beloved community annual tradition in Greerton has been axed after nearly 20 years because of costs. The Greerton Business Association, formerly known as... Read More

Take the Pāpāmoa Polar Plunge!

After a seven-year hiatus, Pāpāmoa's polar plunge is back for 2025. It's time to don your winter-themed costume, head down to the beach below Pāpāmoa... Read More