Local Democracy Reporter - Bay of Plenty
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

'He’s very withdrawn': Teen bullied over facial growth waiting months for removal
Man's son was suffering emotionally and missing school.

Tauranga needs more homes but housing intensification 'difficult'
City council has its say as hearings on intensification plans get under way.

Four new bridge options unveiled, permanent solution still months away
About 30 Western Bay of Plenty properties on No 4 Rd were affected after the washout.

Tauranga Art Gallery eyes tourists for funding
Gallery admission is free with a donation encouraged, but that could change.

Congestion fee will avert economic catastrophe, says NZTA
Tauranga City Council weighs variable road pricing.

A 'good win' if Tauranga’s racecourse stays
Racecourse could stay put provided the land isn’t needed for a new hospital.

'Efficiencies' if Tauranga and Western Bay work together — mayor
The Future for Local Government review panel released its final report in June.

Feedbank wanted on proposed 'people's stadium'
The stadium has long been opposed by the sports clubs that could be left homeless.

Waihī Beach floods: Community “worries every time it rains”
Residents have vented their concerns after flash floods ripped through the seaside town.

Celebrating a 'rare' and 'highly respected' health leader
'Māori staff still remember him, and they’ve gone on to be national leaders.'

Chopper case: Owner of dog that bit vet reappears in court
Helen Fraser was due to be sentenced after being convicted of owning a dog causing injury.

Bay buses to be free for anyone 18 or under from next month
Regional councillors were divided over which option to select.

Western Bay council could put off Annual Plan adoption
The final decision will be made on June 14, when the council’s Annual Plan Committee meets

'Horrified': Fee hikes for Tauranga’s community facilities cop flak
Proposed fee increases for community facilities range from 6 per cent to 138 per cent.

'We’re moving to survive': Why a retailer has left CBD after 15 years
'There is nobody visiting now. You’ve got to have foot traffic to make things work.'

7th Ave roadworks: 'Why are we the sacrificial lamb?'
"If they block in front of us as well, maybe I need to shut the shop.”

Councillor’s comments about council-Māori relationships described as 'mischievous'
Murray-Benge raised her concerns about how the council was using the word ‘prioritise’.

Turning 'paradise' into a 'parking lot': Emotions high as $220.2m stadium debated
'Can't let things get in the way of progress... This represents a really good opportunity'

Three Waters: What the reform means for the Bay of Plenty
The Government has scrapped a major part of its Three Waters reforms.

Chopper's owner loses court battle, dog could be put down
Tauranga City Council has been successful in its appeal against a dog that attacked a vet.

Cancelled plans for Omanawa Falls full access a 'lose-lose'
Concern rescuers will have to save people who risk their 'stupid skins' reaching base.

'Charging like wounded bulls': Western Bay council drafts rates, fee rises
An increase in user fees and charges is also expected.

Public feedback wanted on proposed new fees for council pool use, hall hire
Tauranga City Council adopted the draft user fees for Bay Venues at a meeting on Monday.

Setting the rates: Council picks 'engagement' over consultation for plan
Councillor 'comfortable this is a sensible approach'.

Foiled flush: Rain blamed as sewer overflows rise in region
'We ask people to please only flush the three P’s'

'We don’t want to turn these people away': Homelessness blamed for library incidents
There have been 15 incidents of antisocial behaviour at He Puna Manawa library in Tauranga

Council ‘disappointed’ by local government review
Commission chairwoman Anne Tolley says the review was the one chance to get it right.

Dog parks paws-itive step for Western Bay centres
Development of the parks will take place this year and next.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council to save $7m in rates collection
'The benefits far outweigh the costs that we’ve incurred in terms of better engagement.'

Council pools and halls likely to cost users more
Commissioners feel proposed increased fees to facilities aren't high enough.

Marae disappointed heavy industry will stay
'It’s not just the air pollution, it's the congestion and all of that.'

'Worst display of behaviour': Councillors clash over town centre funding
'Everyone suddenly turned on their own little patch.'

Sports clubs to protest at council 'extinction notices'
'If you’re going to go and destroy other assets you need to have a good reason.'

Kiwifruit: 'Stressful' wait for bridge access in Te Puke
Kiwifruit orchardists in Te Puke could lose millions if truck access isn’t restored.

Western Bay of Plenty assesses damage from Cyclone Gabrielle
'What’s really caused the issue here has been the storm surge.'

'Acknowledge our history:' Pupils take dual park name proposal to council
Work to change the name started in 2021 and has come to a head.

Wheels up for Mount Maunganui skatepark
The council has signed off plans for a $3.6m destination skatepark.

Dog owner wants pound visiting rights restored
Impounded dogs whose owners are awaiting court date can no longer be visited in Tauranga.

North Island flooding: Work under way to remove derailed train
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) unfroze the scene today.

Gravel road grates: Decade-long fight for a safer road
Residents have been trying for 10 years to get safety improvements.

Tauranga residents’ satisfaction with council low, survey finds
Residents who have lived in Tauranga for more than 10 years were the least satisfied.

Council 'dithering' dashes hapū dreams, says representative
Issues around access and infrastructure mean nothing has happened since 2015.

Court date set in council's bid to recoup $20m costs for failed car park
The Harington Transport Hub had already cost $19m when construction was abandoned.