Samantha Motion is a regional content leader for NZME. She has reported in the Bay of Plenty region for more than a decade.
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How a Fordlands stream project is inspiring its community
The Hutia te Rito project in Fordlands employs 10 local jobseekers.
Editorial: Christmas donations show community spirit still shining through
OPINION: In trying financial times, people still find the capacity to give.
'Urban sprawl': Ex-MP's greenbelt subdivision plan hits opposition
He says it's 'no wonder' city has a housing crisis if it's this hard to build three homes.
'National movement': Youth drive 283,000-signature petition against Treaty bill
The Rotorua law student who authored it says the support was 'overwhelming but inspiring'.
'She will be fantastic': 10yo dancer excited for role in Royal NZ Ballet show
'She was really excited when she was asked to do the part, as she loves performing.'
Remembering Rod Vaughan: Reporter on life after TV and his plane crash
Former television journalist bares his scars of a career on camera.
'Discriminatory': Sports rules causing 'frustration' for home-schooled students
But officials say regulations aim to create a level playing field.
'Rare human': Tributes flow for tireless 'community champion'
His death on Sunday after a heart attack in Rotorua on Saturday was a 'huge shock'.
Colleagues 'shattered' as 'incredible' local leader dies
'Huge shock - He will be sorely missed.'
Car crashes into restaurant: Six injured
One neighbour said the crash sounded like an earthquake or a truck driving past.
Four injured as car crashes into restaurant in Rotorua
Police were called about 5.55pm to a two-vehicle crash on Fenton St, near Grey St.
Lifeguards save beached dolphin at Mount, swimmer airlifted off Waihī beach
Plus, 'tonnes of shark sightings' in busy day for Bay of Plenty and Coromandel lifeguards.
Flying furniture: Family faces up to $100k in damage after tornado
A neighbour also described lying in her caravan, fearful a tree would fall on her.
Opinion: Let's not forget the lives on the line in road cone debate
Opinion: Road workers are at the coalface of public roadworks rage.
Opinion: The big question the census didn't ask but will still answer
Kiwis may be losing their religion but need reasons to keep the faith in big public data.
'She screamed out for help': Shop worker pinned as car smashes through store's doors
'This is a reoccurring problem in the area.'
Bill Pomare's Melbourne Cup dream still alive despite tough year
'I do hope it gets to the point where he will have another shot at the Melbourne Cup.'
'Significant taonga': Pounamu unearthed in CBD dig a 'rare' find
The adze was found on the site of a multi million dollar development.
'Pirate life': Why this couple quit their office jobs and sailed to Fiji to live
'We meet so many people, who ... say 'oh I wish I'd done something like that.'
Seally season: Seal chases cat into marine biologist's lounge
'The one kind of family emergency where a marine biologist would have been useful.'
Do local politicians really need to live locally?
Giving up on local candidates being local would be another nail in the coffin.
Opinion: 'Fat girl!' The story of (another) verbal hit-and-run
OPINION: Why is it always a loser in a crappy car?
Opinion | Gib board shortage: Taking advantage of home builders is despicable
OPINION: Stockpiling, price inflation is a ruthless way to make a quick buck.
'We're all in shock': Friends of missing doctor say he is caring, generous
Police and friends want to hear from witnesses who were on Pāpāmoa Beach on Friday night.
'Poor fishing practice': Shark found in net there for 'at least' two days
The set net had caught a lot of fish and crabs which were also killed, DoC says.
Burglars raid Tauranga Crossing jewellery stores
A vehicle was left at the scene and items stolen.
Holocaust survivor turns 100: How he defied Nazi invaders and escaped
'My life is in the Lord's hands. I have no say in it.'
Hospital not aware of 'gang fight' but Bridges sticking to his story
Bridges claimed "patched gang members had taken over the entrance" to hospital.
The pākeha mana wahine who stood for the injustices of Māori
'You'd have to think twice if you chose to take a stand against her ... she'd smoke you.'
Samantha Motion: The superhuman strength of sick kids and their families
OPINION: No amount of sympathy can put us in their shoes.
Samantha Motion: Changes to school names are remaking history
Opinion: Name changes can be met with grumbles of history erased.
Fatal boat crash: Mum 'robbed' of chance to say goodbye
Mum calls for change in maritime laws to crack down on drunk skippers.
'He's fine, he's asleep': Crash skipper failed to seek help for fatally injured mate
Drunken decision to go fishing ends with one man dead, other charged with manslaughter.
Downgraded: Embattled council's credit rating takes a hit
'Tauranga City Council's financial management has weakened, in our view.'
Man dies at Omanawa Falls
Police called about 2.30pm after someone failed to return to their group.
'More I did right, the less chance I had': One mum's journey out of homelessness
'I feel like I've got my life back.'
Developer's downfall: Former clients tell of dreams destroyed
Retirement savings in ruin, a first-home dream destroyed.
'Gutted': City councillors react after learning they will be fired
The decision to appoint a commission was announced on Friday but opinions are divided.
Samantha Motion: Minister's move to sack council a bold one
Opinion: Can a commission stop Tauranga going round in circles?
'Left in the lurch': MPs slam delays in $933m expressway build
Transport minister hits back, saying National had nine years to build the road.
'Rare' Rotorua mural sells for $336k at auction
'It needs a home where someone will look after it.'
Pet food company cops $66k fine over big stink
Judge: 'Being in an industrial area is not a licence to discharge offensive odour.'
'Draconian': Simon Bridges urges minister not to intervene in council
Tauranga MP says mayor's resignation removed 'significant source of friction'.
'Making matters up as he went': Judge rules against former Bella Vista director in $1m suit
'It struck me that Mr Cancian was endeavouring to grasp at any passing straw': Judge.
Samantha Motion: 10 really good things from 2020
Opinion: Okay, a lot of bad stuff has happened. But let's take a little break from that.
Mayor hits out over councillor's email after cancer announcement
The email came hours after Powell revealed publicly that he has prostate cancer.
'It's the one that gets men': Tauranga Mayor reveals cancer diagnosis, will take medical leave
Tenby Powell will go on medical leave later this month, hoping to return in early 2021.
Instant death: The man who shot his 'best friend' in the face
'He did not realise the shotgun was loaded... before he pulled the trigger'.
'Sorry, wrong court case': Failed developer told off by judge
Cancian defended himself in the civil court case heard in the High Court at Tauranga.
Simon Bridges answers leadership question and reveals priorities
Tauranga MP says the election result is 'bittersweet'.
'Look out': Labour's message to Nats after Bridges' narrow win in Tauranga
Tauranga is a known as a safe National seat, but Labour is chipping away at the margin.
Councillor found to have breached conduct rules, but he won't say sorry
Complainer says a forced apology would be a 'pyrrhic victory'.
Why the East Coast is secretly NZ's most interesting election race
OPINION: History may be about to repeat itself.
Rubbish contracts: Fears NZ companies will be 'locked out' for a decade
Chinese-owned company linked to billionaire business magnate wins rubbish contracts.
Samantha Motion: Why we should ditch the boring election hoardings
COMMENT: Back your future. Protect your future. Change your future. Ditch the signs!
'We said no': Advance NZ wanted to join NZ First, Winston Peters says
Peters said the reasons would be 'obvious to any sensible, sane, rational person'.
Calls for council to be replaced as $350k review budget signed off
Ratepayers would be 'horrified' at paying the cost of governance failure, says councillor.
Review team for 'dysfunctional' council could cost ratepayers $350k
Team could stay for 10 months, but council votes for earlier 'off-ramp' opportunity.
'Times are changing': Māori ward move 'massive' for Tauranga
A challenge to the decision, however, is likely.
Tauranga votes to establish Māori ward
A ripple of surprise ran through the chamber as the vote passed.
Simon Bridges says get the peace pipe: Leaders urge council to make up
"It's simply not an answer to say all fault lies on the other side."
'Smiling assassins': Angry mayor lashes out at councillors
'They smile during the day and then they plot my assassination at night.'
'What a soft c**k': Mayor's embarrassing texts about councillor
Texts reveal internal turmoil in council during attempted deputy mayor coup.
'Nightmare': How a walk on a beach ended in horror and heartbreak
'This was a tragic outcome for all of us'.
'Stunned': Mayor hits out after minister blocks reserve plan
Minister apologises after media learns of her decision before the council.
Dives planned today to inspect stricken ship's steering
The ship came perilously close to Mauao yesterday after suffering engine failure.
Proposed jet fuel tank farm the 'last straw'
"It's time for all of the Mount and Tauranga to decide what we want to be."
'Massive distraction': New twist in deputy mayor row
'For the sake of the city, we needed to put this to bed.'
'Appalling, immature': Councillors, mayor clash after meeting walk-out
Divisions between Tauranga City elected officials laid bare as meeting implodes.
Live: Malls bustling as Tauranga embraces level 2
Mauao opens with 'Covid-19 high-risk area' warning - will it deter walkers?
Samantha Motion: Love tourism but hate tourist hordes? Now's your chance
COMMENT: We may never get another opportunity to see the Bay of Plenty like this.
Shocked back to life: Burned man's 'miracle' recovery
The inspiring story of one man's nine-year journey of mental and physical recovery.
'Surge in separations': Experts expect relationship issues to bubble to the surface
Some people have already called their lawyer about splitting up.
Three positive tests: Investigation into Covid 19 cases linked to hospital
Close contacts tested after staff and patient catch virus.
'We want to go home': Residents take in stranded tourists
'We are very lucky to stay here.'
'They couldn't let it go on': Rotorua businesses prepare for lockdown
'We have seen business owners in tears.'
Samantha Motion: Confessions of a panic buyer
COMMENT: Stop trolley shaming people who are just stocking up a little.
'We have to all face the pain': Council drafts steep rate rise
'The council is betraying the trust put in it by the community just four months ago.'
Bye bye begging ban: Council votes to revoke
The bans have been in place since April last year.
Fears beggars will come back as ban nears end
'Just please everyone, stop giving [beggars] money.'