Charlotte is a Local Democracy Reporter based in Whakatane.
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The last days of the Norske Skog Tasman Mill
In its 66-year history, the mill at Kawerau has provided intergenerational employment.
Reserve land returned to iwi, access issue must be resolved
Te Whanau-a-Apanui was elated and celebrated with applause and waiata.
Ban to curb horse numbers in Bay of Plenty town
Grazing horses in Ōpōtiki could be banned due to large numbers roaming the streets.
More than 200 jobs saved! Region thrilled with mill sale, caution expressed
"This is a welcome development for Whakatāne and the wider Bay of Plenty region."
Cheers, waiata, tears of relief: Whakatāne council votes for Māori wards
Cheers, waiata, and tears of relief and joy flowed.
Council cleans up, investigates plastic spill into Whakatāne River
The discharge of plastic particles was accompanied by a strong sulphur-like smell.
Disgruntled Tuhoe hapū protest outside Taneatua HQ
'It's sobering our so-called leaders keep behaving the way they are.'
All councillors now sit on Bay of Plenty Māori committee
Before a vote earlier this month, only seven of the 14 councillors sat on the committee.
Holiday park residents claim eviction, council denies they're being kicked out
Residents say they're being kicked out but council denies anyone has been asked to leave.
First natural burial held in Whakatāne
The purpose is to return the body to the earth for the benefit of the environment.
Rua Kēnana taonga returns home ahead of symposium
Tears flowed as a taonga with whakapapa to Tuhoe prophet Rua Kēnana was returned home.
'Big mess': BOP bach owners may be locked out by Treaty claims
Bach owners are concerned they will be locked out of their holiday homes.
More than $5 million spent on Whakaari investigation
13 parties have appeared in court facing charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Urupa battle: Occupation possible after subdivision granted consent
Development of wahi tapu land on Whakatāne's coast could be stalled by iwi occupation.
Ancient urupa hearing: Iwi won't participate in 'desecration of sacred lands'
Hearing's final day into the granting of a resource consent for a residential subdivision.
'No right to tear us from the land': Whanaungakore urupa at centre of resource clash
"We have not severed our whakapapa to the land and we never will."
Squatter in his own home: Change ends rights to live on coastal area
The area of Matata was devastated by a debris flow in 2005.
Grey Power: Positive end for 'insulting' te reo saga
A Grey Power newsletter labelled a councillor's use of te reo Māori an "insult".
'It's all good news': Mayor reacts to 132% house price rise
'We have been well behind for some years.'
Fatberg dirty work for Whakatāne District Council
Monster fatbergs discovered in a Whakatāne sewer will take days to remove.
'A hell of a lot': Pensioners shocked by $25 a week rent rise
Retirees say they'll be forced to go without when their rent goes up next month.
Matata residents' fight for their homes comes to an end
All Awatarariki residents bar one have now "reluctantly" signed settlement agreements.
'Only in Ōpōtiki': Walk of shame for emu after runaway escapade
First it was roaming horses. Now Ōpōtiki has its own wandering emu.
Misinformation and complacency? Poor voter turnout for Waiariki
"People don't know how to engage, and they didn't feel safe to engage."
Lawyers round off arguments in water bottling appeal
Lawyers have rounded off their arguments in the Rotorua High Court.
Water bottling appeal: Focus turns to district council
Day three of the hearings at Rotorua High Court.
Lawyer for bottling giant heckled by gallery
Cries of 'greed' greet Creswell NZ counsel on day two of water hearing.
Water appeal: Environment Court 'did not consider local effects', high court hears
Over 100 Ngati Awa whānau gathered in Rotorua yesterday
'Unfair' process so far: First step taken in Awatarariki legal fight
Awatarariki residents feeling optimistic after taking next step in their ongoing fight.
Council submits nine projects to stave off unemployment
Aim is to get these "shovel ready" projects off the ground within the next six months.
Vacancies filled after by-election flop
Murupara Community Board has finally appointed people to fill its two vacancies.
Otakiri protesters raise $35k for water bottling appeal
Iwi and residents file appeal Environment Court decision in the Rotorua High Court.
Dog kept locked in pound, despite owner's calls
Man questioning why, when he rung, staff told him his dog wasn't there.