Bay of Plenty news

Is it too much to ask for a year of 'less toxicity' and 'more tolerance'?

What local leaders hope for in 2026.

On The Up: 'Crazy enough' - Passionate 13-year-old cyclist rides from Cape Reinga to Bluff

She’ll spend Christmas on the road with her dad, carrying all their gear themselves.

Surf’s up: Matakana kids riding high with gear from Bay Boardriders

The donation includes boards, wetsuits and vests for juniors through to adults.

The 90-year-old widower who walked 7300km in three years

He walked many miles with his wife, and many more to process his grief after her death.

‘World-class’: How Tauranga became the Bay’s next big stage for sport and live entertainment

What’s driving this surge, and what does it mean for the local economy and community?

Escape to Mount Maunganui beach: Why travellers book the ‘mini Gold Coast’

Mount Maunganui hosts everyone from families to corporate groups and annual golf getaways.

New trustees named: Jones refreshes boards overseeing $3.5b in community assets

Shane Jones has named 29 new trustees and reappointed nine across the 12 boards.

‘Very active’: Optimistic Bay retailers brace for a bustling summer season

Retail NZ says 66% of retailers feel confident heading into summer.

Where are NZ’s best beaches? Dai Henwood, Bret McKenzie, Hilary Barry share their picks

From Northland to Nelson, famous Kiwis share their favourite NZ beaches.

NZ's Best Beach 2026: Help choose the 2026 winners, from hidden gems to city sands

The search for the country's best beach returns and we need your help.

New Year Honours 2026: The full list

The 2026 New Year Honours are out today. Here's the list of New Zealanders recognised.

New Year Honours: Tech titan, red-hot racer, DIY philanthropist and 97yo organist among 177 recognised

There are four new knights and three new dames in the New Year 2026 Honours out today.

Toyota RAV4 pricing for New Zealand revealed: it’s all on the up

Full pricing for 6th-gen RAV4, including new FWD hybrid and PHEV models.

MG HS Essence Hybrid+ quick review: all the electrons, none of the plugs

The MG HS is a hybrid that delivers an EV-like driving experience, with a few rough edges.

Volkswagen GTI turns 50 and celebrates with its most powerful Golf yet

Volkswagen will celebrate 50 years of Golf GTI in 2026 with the most powerful Golf ever.

BMW and Amazon join forces for next-level in-car AI

BMW will add Amazon Alexa+ technology to its vehicles, debuting in the all-new iX3.

'Gutted': $1 reserve beach 'shed' for sale again after buyer defaults

Sale falls through just before Christmas.

How to slash household bills and pay off your mortgage faster in 2026

Mortgage tips, bill hacks and grocery savings to ease cost-of-living squeeze.

LA buyers fly in for Herne Bay as locals snap up sleek pad for over $9m

Changes to foreign investor rules have put pressure on Kiwis.

Real estate bargains at the top of NZ - reality of buying in the Far North

Agent predicts end to buyer’s market by mid-2026.

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From school caretaker to blueberry farmer

Des Samuels' blueberry success was popular on The Country's website in 2025.

Farm offers unique animal encounters for kids

A story about Kaipaki Farmyard in Ōhaupō was a popular read on The Country in 2025.

‘It felt like the perfect fit’: City-raised graduate finds future in ag

Angie Chadha's journey from city to agriculture was a popular read on The Country in 2025.

New US dietary guidance pushes whole milk, warns against processed food

The advice opposes added sugars and artificial sweeteners.