Cira Olivier is a social issues and breaking news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times. She has been a journalist since 2019.
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.
'Horror story': Only half of domestic violence callouts end in charges in Bay of Plenty
And agencies are expecting an influx this holiday period.
'Sincere thanks': Huge amount raised during Christmas appeal
It's been a pleasant surprise for the foodbank as people battle a cost-of-living crisis.
'We’re bummed': Local shows impacted by Sublime with Rome postponements
The band is set to part ways next year.
Boogie boarder 'battling': Veteran Mount lifeguard rescues two
Hundreds flocked to Bay beaches this weekend.
'Final push' for foodbank appeal as more people seek help
The Christmas Appeal is at the end of its fifth week.
'Large gang presence’: Extra police for two gang funerals in Whakatāne
Locals are asked to expect delays while gang farewells members.
Business donates nearly $14K to Bay of Plenty foodbanks
Foodbanks are “at the coalface of the cost-of-living crisis".
Shot at, bashed, intimidated: Road workers speak out on 'extreme' abuse
NZTA boss worries for industry's future as half of staff quit within a year amid abuse.
Plunket foodbank referrals up 13pc increase, now it's giving back
'This is what community is all about.'
Watch: Car crashes through fence into family home and van
Police were called to the crash Tuesday night.
They see me rolling: The scooter club giving back to the community
The Greenwood Retirement Village group challenges other villages to collect as well.
Young boy donates all his coins in food drive
Nearly 4000 items were donated in the Lakes area alone.
Christmas Appeal donations crack $100K with two weeks to go
Meanwhile, the demand for goods has spiked 34 per cent from two years ago.
Broken glass 'purposefully' left on athletics field 'to hurt people', child cut
'Someone or some people are willing to sabotage a kids’ event to hurt kids.'
Christmas Movie in the Park 'blew all expectations out of the water'
The Hits Christmas in the Park screened The Grinch to around 1000 people.
Punched, elbowed: Police used 'unjustified and excessive' force in unlawful arrest
Independent Police Conduct Authority releases report on 2021 arrest in Rotorua.
'Devastated': School mourns former student killed in crash
Corey-Leigh Tobin was a hostel student for just under two terms in Rotorua.
T20 Black Clash: Four locals add to star-studded line up
The event is back in the Mount for 2024 and is expected to sell out before Christmas.
'No let up': Meet the agencies working alongside the foodbank for you
Over 100 referral agencies help make sure thousands in the community get much-needed food.
Falcon advocate defends bird of prey after attack left woman needing stitches
The post said falcons 'want to kill the perceived threat'.
'Lucky touch': The store that's sold million-dollar Lotto tickets
The Whakatāne store owners have now sold an $8.3m-winning ticket to go with a $12.25m win.
Mobility scooter crash: Dedicated gardener bought plants the day he died
A relative says Eddie Duffy often made the long ride to Bunnings to buy more blooms.
Sweets and hand-knitted toys amoung generous donations
The foodbank urges people to continue providing much-needed support.
Police name 88-year-old killed in mobility scooter crash
The crash, also involving a motorbike, happened on Tuesday morning in Rotorua's CBD.
'It could be anyone': Dad and daughter leave touching tribute after fatal crash
The man died at the scene after a crash between his mobility scooter and a motorcycle.
Just hanging out: Sam Smith's adventurous Rotorua holiday
Sam Smith and designer Christian Cowan were spotted in Rotorua last week.
Mobility scooter driver dies in crash involving motorcycle
The crash closed a major intersection for several hours.
'I did a little prayer': Witnesses hear 'bang' as mobility scooter, motorbike crash
Emergency services were called around 10.20am.
'Amazing' first week: Generous donations flow in to foodbank
Regular and new supporters have been donating.
What's in a foodbank parcel? And how to donate
The annual six-week Christmas Appeal has been running since November 11.
The Grinch outdoor movie night all set to help foodbank
The Hits Christmas in the Park is in partnership with Pacific Toyota.
Christmas Appeal: Foodbank shares donation wishlist
What will you be donating to the Foodbank this year?
Worse than in Covid: 'Record' need as homeowners, fulltime workers turn to foodbank
"The rainy day is here right now," foodbank manager Nicki Goodwin says.
'Gobsmacked': Grieving husband says Jehovah's Witness targeted him with letter
The letter 'preaching God's Kingdom' arrived about three weeks after his wife died.
'Smell of an oily rag': Murder of wife with Alzheimer's shows need for more dementia support
Experts speak after 'tragic' case of man who killed wife in retirement village.
'Enormous concern': Beggar punches McDonald’s manager at drive-through
Busy restaurant sees spike in beggars fighting over "lucrative" spot.
Charlotte Yates Q&A: On Katherine Mansfield, seven songwriters and taking risks
The Tauranga Arts Festival runs until October 29.
Stacey Leilua Q&A: From working with The Rock to starring in The Savage Coloniser
The Tauranga Arts Festival will run from October 19-29.
Q&A: Jesse Griffin brings his comedic cowboy Wilson Dixon to Tauranga
The Tauranga Arts Festival will run from October 19-29.
Kip Chapman Q&A: His out-of-this-world show, curious career and poultry phobia
He is one of a host of artists performing in the Tauranga Arts Festival.
'Chaos': Don Brash and partner flee Israel after war breaks out
On their drive to the airport, there was an 'eerie feeling that trouble was near'.
'Traumatising': Roadworkers shot at, abused, threatened amid 'shocking' delays
The incidents come as the city grapples with delays linked to bridge roadworks.
80yo charged with murdering his wife at Mount Maunganui retirement village
Jean Ann Salter, 78, was found deceased yesterday.
'Like snow': Hailstorm stops cars on State Highway 33
A sunny day quickly turned into a driving hailstorm in the Bay of Plenty.
'Illegal’ activities: Police investigating after hundreds of street racers disrupt city
Two people have also been arrested after throwing bottles at police.
Tensions over lake closure: Fisherman's 'threat' to dig up jetty blockade
Police say there was no threat, rather frustrations expressed 'colourfully'.
'Safeguard our Rotomoana': Rāhui considered for lakes to avoid clam invasion
"It is our shared responsibility to collaborate in the best interest of all our lakes."
Watch: Burst pipe shoots water high into the air
Water was shut down to up to 1800 homes while the pipe was repaired.
Environmental terrorism fears: Lake closes to boats, anglers to keep out 'monster'
Closure of 'trophy' trout lake on eve of fishing season a 'blow to anglers' - Fish & Game
Police forensics examining vehicle believed to be involved in serious crash
Police are calling on the public for any information or footage to help the investigation.
'Consequences, not holidays': Mum's horror at penalty after son kicked in face
His mother says the school's punishment decision after the 'vicious' attack is too light.
Car smashes into property: Police probe if driver forced vehicle off road and gun involved
Four people in the car were taken to hospital in serious and critical conditions.
Congestion eases on Hewletts Rd after morning incident
Iwi protest over long-running issue in Tauranga.
Mum living near 'scary' geothermal mud pot may move if it keeps growing
She is concerned the council did not tell her when the hole grew in late August.
'Sick to my stomach': Mall business latest ram-raid target
The gift shop owner never thought something like this would happen to him.
From playing on concrete to their very first Aims Games
Students from the East Coast school Te Kura ō Manutuke are excited to be in Tauranga.
Aims Games: Thousands of students party at the opening ceremony
It's the largest games, with more than 22,000 officials, supporters, and junior athletes.
New $340k fire pump truck likely written off in crash
It crashed and rolled on Thursday around 10am.
'Daily' fights at bus stop where girl attacked, teens feel 'so unsafe'
One principal isn't letting her children take the bus anymore following the attacks.
Girl 'collapsed' after public beating, second shocking attack in week
Police say they will be increasing their presence in the area, especially after school.
'Beyond belief': Second teen girl injured after alleged assault outside Rotorua Library
It comes less than a week after an intermediate student was left bloodied in the area.
Schoolgirl bus stop bashing: Security firm's service cut weeks before bloody attack
It comes as Rotorua's mayor calls on the Government to give the city more police.
'God, I hope it doesn’t come through': Spiked vehicle chase caught on camera
Sparks could be seen coming from a spiked vehicle.
Schoolgirl left 'covered in blood' and concussed after bus stop bashing
'The girl came over and just started punching her in the face.'
'All I need is a good rest': 70yo goes from living in a cold car to a warm home
Four elderly homeless women now have a safe place to call home at Whare Kaa.
Sid's story: From waiting tables to owning a multi-award-winning restaurant
"If you don’t have a passion for food, service, and hospitality, it’s not your game."
The team behind a tragedy: How experts help school children after trauma
The team was called in to help after the train tragedy in Mount Maunganui.
'Massive potential for change': Investment fund takes on housing crisis
'Why wouldn’t an investor choose social good over another investment of equal risk?'
'Shocked': Grandfather's new iPad stolen from car he was sitting in
Man's granddaughter says he had been putting money aside for the new tablet.
'You’re kidding me': The story behind the mystery driveway pole
The team was laughing about it, not realising one of their own was responsible.
Ram raiders make 'massive mess' of shop in 90 seconds
One trips and nearly faceplants in the rush to leave the ransacked store.
Rotorua ram raid: Chocolates, gum and an empty till stolen in five-person raid
'Everything was in an absolute mess.'
'Just a footpath': Union speaks out over rail crossing where child died
'That crossing doesn’t seem to have a hell of a lot of protection on it.'
'Delightful, happy' student killed in train tragedy
'We’re devasted to lose one of our own in such awful circumstances.'
Search continues for missing Taupō woman Jan Burton
Police and Land Search and Rescue teams haven't found her yet.
'It's pretty amazing': Young Rotorua man crowned the King of Crankworx
'The King is a Māori from Te Arawa from all the way back home. It’s pretty amazing.'
'Misconception': This woman owns a home and business but still needs a benefit to survive
The cost-of-living crisis is hitting people across the board.
Pole mystery deepens: 'The more I look at it, the more random it’s starting to look'
'Is this a sign?' Teacher tosses up what to do with pole someone cemented in her driveway.
Missing woman's generous act remembered as search of tracks continues
The former midwife has been missing since Wednesday.