Top stories for Monday, April 7

1. Maungatapu fatal - driver escapes jail

Papamoa man Iain Crisp, 45, who smoked cannabis within hours of the Maungatapu bridge fatal crash that killed 24-year-old Tauranga father Gregory Woledge has been sentenced to community work and supervision.

2. Bay swelters on record day
Tauranga temperatures are at the extreme end of the scale for April, says Metservice, with Sunday reaching a high of 27.9C and today expected to be the same.

3. Rent today, buy tomorrow
More people are choosing to rent, delaying the Kiwi dream of owning their own home and
Tauranga realtors say it has been the lowest home ownership in New Zealand had been.

4. Power restored after recycling truck hits lines
Power was knocked out to homes in Greerton, Gate Pa, and parts of Pyes Pa after the driver of a recycling truck forgot to lower his boom before leaving a yard - hitting power lines.

5. Lifesavers' message getting through
Omanu volunteer surf lifesavers were clapped and cheered by beachgoers as they packed away the red and yellow flags for the last time this season, marking the end of a busy summer.