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John Cousins
Senior reporter, Bay of Plenty Times
Tauranga, New Zealand

John is a senior reporter at the Bay of Plenty Times

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.

Check out John’s latest content
Big Read: TV archaeologist peels back layers of history
Bay of Plenty Times

Big Read: TV archaeologist peels back layers of history

13 Aug 06:30 AM
Walkway to Tauranga CBD hailed as jewel
Bay of Plenty Times

Walkway to Tauranga CBD hailed as jewel

12 Aug 10:00 PM

Support is building for a proposed walkway from Memorial Park to Tauranga's CBD.

Burlesque artist takes on  the best
Bay of Plenty Times

Burlesque artist takes on the best

12 Aug 02:00 AM

Judges' wild card puts Tauranga strip performer through to burlesque grand finals.

Not all plain sailing for this young leader
Bay of Plenty Times

Not all plain sailing for this young leader

09 Aug 04:00 AM

Years of speech therapy is paying dividends for 11-year-old Lucia McCormick of Tauranga.

Bold vision for prime Tauranga waterfront
Bay of Plenty Times

Bold vision for prime Tauranga waterfront

07 Aug 06:00 PM

Demolition of old buildings removes another step to Dive Cres redevelopment.

Tauranga's fight  for its own 'Eat Street' dining precinct
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga's fight for its own 'Eat Street' dining precinct

07 Aug 03:16 AM

Turning Wharf St from a caterpillar into a butterfly has received overwhelming support.

Demolition creates carparks in Tauranga's fringe CBD
Bay of Plenty Times

Demolition creates carparks in Tauranga's fringe CBD

07 Aug 01:49 AM

Demolishing old buildings in Dive Cres will take some of the pressure off CBD parking.

Tauranga foreshore walkway a step closer
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga foreshore walkway a step closer

06 Aug 04:31 AM

A foreshore walkway linking into Tauranga's CBD is back in contention.

New horizon for Tauranga's blues music community
Bay of Plenty Times

New horizon for Tauranga's blues music community

05 Aug 09:30 PM

Getting down and dirty with the blues is about to get a new backdrop in Tauranga.

Horseback protest against Bay harbour ban
Bay of Plenty Times

Horseback protest against Bay harbour ban

03 Aug 07:00 PM

Nearly 2000 signatures have been collected for a petition to keep Tuapiro horse-friendly.

Petition delivered to council on horseback
Bay of Plenty Times

Petition delivered to council on horseback

03 Aug 02:30 AM

Protestors on horseback deliver a petition to the council

Urban-rural battle looming among councillors
Bay of Plenty Times

Urban-rural battle looming among councillors

03 Aug 12:02 AM

The regional council's representation review shows an emerging urban/rural split.

The Elms given artistic makeover
Bay of Plenty Times

The Elms given artistic makeover

02 Aug 01:23 AM

The rooms in The Elms are being transformed into artistic statements.

Tauranga risks being under-represented on region
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga risks being under-represented on region

01 Aug 01:30 AM

Rules controlling representation could be broken on the Bay's regional council.

CBD needs new visitor attractions - report
Bay of Plenty Times

CBD needs new visitor attractions - report

31 Jul 05:00 PM

Apartments and tourism are seen as major focuses to increase vibrancy in the CBD.

History defines Papamoa's boundary
Bay of Plenty Times

History defines Papamoa's boundary

31 Jul 06:00 AM

There are different strokes for different folks when it comes to lines on maps.

Researching family history becomes addictive
Bay of Plenty Times

Researching family history becomes addictive

30 Jul 08:30 AM

Delving into family histories gives people a sense of identity, says genealogist.

Pension wrangle upsets retired mechanic
Bay of Plenty Times

Pension wrangle upsets retired mechanic

28 Jul 05:00 PM

A Tauranga man feels unfairly penalised at being forced to apply for the Danish pension.

Riding the waves to a new life
Bay of Plenty Times

Riding the waves to a new life

21 Jul 07:00 PM

Krista Davis' vision is growing into a worldwide surfing movement

Tauranga long-line fishing bylaw challenged
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga long-line fishing bylaw challenged

21 Jul 05:36 AM

Proposed new powers to control long-line fishing have been challenged.

Tauranga's $99m pipeline on home stretch
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga's $99m pipeline on home stretch

20 Jul 08:20 PM

Noise reduction is a focus as the Southern Pipeline hits the 24-hour construction phase.

Lifeline offered to keep community gym open at Papamoa
Bay of Plenty Times

Lifeline offered to keep community gym open at Papamoa

20 Jul 04:19 AM

Clubfit gym at Papamoa could remain open if the financials can be made to stack up.

New Tauranga site mooted for university research centre
Bay of Plenty Times

New Tauranga site mooted for university research centre

19 Jul 06:06 PM

Pressure from boaties leads to shifting the site for a university development.

Final push to save community gym
Bay of Plenty Times

Final push to save community gym

18 Jul 08:10 AM

Closure of a little community gym at Papamoa has sparked protests from members.

Lights create magic Tauranga waterfront
Bay of Plenty Times

Lights create magic Tauranga waterfront

16 Jul 04:19 AM

Winter blues were blown away by an interactive lights festival on the waterfront.

Middle-aged bikie club not too disgraceful
Bay of Plenty Times

Middle-aged bikie club not too disgraceful

15 Jul 11:33 PM

Ulysses motorcyclists enjoy raising money and talking a bit of nonsense.

Welcome Bay commuters will suffer in rehash
Bay of Plenty Times

Welcome Bay commuters will suffer in rehash

13 Jul 05:00 PM

A huge increase in traffic using Welcome Bay's underpass is predicted from road changes.

'Uncomfortable' about reward for info on paedophiles
Bay of Plenty Times

'Uncomfortable' about reward for info on paedophiles

12 Jul 07:32 PM

Paedophile victim reward offer sparks warning it could complicate police investigation.

Bahama Hut owner challenged
Bay of Plenty Times

Bahama Hut owner challenged

10 Jul 11:00 PM

A claimed memory lapse has helped make the case not to renew a Tauranga liquor licence.

Bahama Hut battles to stay open
Bay of Plenty Times

Bahama Hut battles to stay open

09 Jul 08:27 PM

Threatened Tauranga nightclub the Bahama Hut has come under the licensing microscope.

Friendship clubs a boon for retirees
Bay of Plenty Times

Friendship clubs a boon for retirees

09 Jul 07:54 AM

Tauranga's Friendship clubs motivating the elderly into action.

Dog finds seal's bark worse than his bite
Bay of Plenty Times

Dog finds seal's bark worse than his bite

05 Jul 07:00 PM

Face-off between seal and dog ends with win for seal in Tauranga marina.

Police urge safety after Tauranga girls approached by men
Bay of Plenty Times

Police urge safety after Tauranga girls approached by men

05 Jul 08:32 AM

Safety warnings have been issued by police after girls approached by men.

Teachers seek seismic shift in pay rates
Bay of Plenty Times

Teachers seek seismic shift in pay rates

05 Jul 01:36 AM

A big improvement in teachers' pay is sought to avoid strike action.

World War II pilot reunited with Tiger Moth
Bay of Plenty Times

World War II pilot reunited with Tiger Moth

02 Jul 11:00 PM

History was made when an aircraft and its pilot teamed up for the first time in 75 years.

Tauranga dog owners hooked on agility
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga dog owners hooked on agility

02 Jul 06:14 AM

Tux Wonder Dogs helped build interest in Tauranga dog agility club

Tauranga gas main rupture forces evacuation
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga gas main rupture forces evacuation

02 Jul 01:53 AM

Properties have been evacuated after a digger punched a hole in a gas main.

Tauranga postie's last hurrah after 45 years
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga postie's last hurrah after 45 years

01 Jul 03:00 AM

The postie who has seen it all has retired after 45 years delivering mail in Tauranga.

Tauranga racecourse a 'possibility' for housing
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga racecourse a 'possibility' for housing

30 Jun 03:00 AM

Tauranga's Crown-owned racecourse could accommodate a housing estate.

Zany village springing up in Tauranga downtown
Bay of Plenty Times

Zany village springing up in Tauranga downtown

29 Jun 07:00 PM

A container village springing up in Tauranga's CBD is creating good vibes.

New life for Tauranga's Cargo Shed
Bay of Plenty Times

New life for Tauranga's Cargo Shed

27 Jun 11:59 PM

Changes mean artists and craftspeople can hold exhibitions for short periods.

Rena wreck High Court appeal dismissed
Bay of Plenty Times

Rena wreck High Court appeal dismissed

26 Jun 03:45 AM

The Rena is still grinding through the courts, seven years after hitting Astrolabe Reef.

Uni's Sulphur Point bid stirs opposition
Bay of Plenty Times

Uni's Sulphur Point bid stirs opposition

24 Jun 10:03 PM

Strong opposition has emerged to the preferred site for a university research centre.

Bay set to cash in on record cruise ship visits
Bay of Plenty Times

Bay set to cash in on record cruise ship visits

22 Jun 06:00 PM

A surge in cruise ship visits has been welcomed by the Bay's visitor industry.

Environment Court supports fishing ban on Astrolabe Reef
Bay of Plenty Times

Environment Court supports fishing ban on Astrolabe Reef

20 Jun 02:30 AM

Three more marine reserves are proposed for the Bay of Plenty following a court appeal.

New club Hangarau Storm in action
Bay of Plenty Times

New club Hangarau Storm in action

07 May 03:06 AM

Rugby league has been given a big boost in the Bay thanks to the efforts of two men.

Historians publish book on Gate Pa battle
Bay of Plenty Times

Historians publish book on Gate Pa battle

07 May 01:00 AM

A new book will offer a modern perspective on the Battle of Gate Pa 154 years ago.

Teens arrested after Tauranga dairy robbed
Bay of Plenty Times

Teens arrested after Tauranga dairy robbed

06 May 06:17 PM

Weapons were used in a Sunday robbery of a Tauranga dairy.

Much admired judge farewelled today
Bay of Plenty Times

Much admired judge farewelled today

04 May 09:00 PM

Humility and wisdom were the hallmarks of Tauranga judge Robert (Bob) Wolff.

Introducing's NZ's first plug-in electric boat
Bay of Plenty Times

Introducing's NZ's first plug-in electric boat

03 May 11:59 PM

Sean Kelly's all-electric boat could be the shape of things to come.

Tauranga celebration of kiwi song and dance legend
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga celebration of kiwi song and dance legend

02 May 11:55 PM

A big turnout is expected on Saturday to celebrate the life of Pat McMinn.

Principals fight back against poverty
Bay of Plenty Times

Principals fight back against poverty

01 May 08:00 PM

Statistics have confirmed the link between poverty and more deaths among children.

Church to revisit wrongs inflicted on Tauranga Maori
Bay of Plenty Times

Church to revisit wrongs inflicted on Tauranga Maori

29 Apr 08:51 PM

Anglicans are set to debate their role in a little-known chapter of Tauranga's history.

Bella Vista homeowners upset at being sidelined
Bay of Plenty Times

Bella Vista homeowners upset at being sidelined

29 Apr 02:43 AM

Bella Vista homeowners are disappointed their opinions were not sought on report options.

Drug raid accused refuses to enter prison video booth
Bay of Plenty Times

Drug raid accused refuses to enter prison video booth

28 Apr 01:13 AM

A further 20 arrests from the Kawerau police raids have been remanded in Tauranga Court.

More accused deny charges stemming from police raids
Bay of Plenty Times

More accused deny charges stemming from police raids

26 Apr 05:14 AM

A fresh round of court appearances followed Eastern Bay police raids on March 27.

Three of 21 Bella Vista homes safe
Bay of Plenty Times

Three of 21 Bella Vista homes safe

23 Apr 07:30 PM

Offers of support are pouring in for Bella Vista housing victims.

Puzzling encounter led to Anzac Day tradition
Bay of Plenty Times

Puzzling encounter led to Anzac Day tradition

23 Apr 06:14 PM

Doing a good turn for two women sparked an unsolved mystery at Pyes Pa Cemetery.

'Olde oars' relive rowing club successes
Bay of Plenty Times

'Olde oars' relive rowing club successes

23 Apr 02:00 AM

Tauranga Rowing Club has a proud history stretching back nearly 100 years.

Bold plan offers to replace 'rickety gangway' for cruise ships
Bay of Plenty Times

Bold plan offers to replace 'rickety gangway' for cruise ships

20 Apr 07:00 PM

Cruise ship passengers could benefit from a huge facelift to the port facility.

Big push for Maori seat on council
Bay of Plenty Times

Big push for Maori seat on council

19 Apr 09:47 AM

Western Bay Maori need wide ranging support to achieve their own council seat.

Popular Mauao summit track reopens at Mount Maunganui
Bay of Plenty Times

Popular Mauao summit track reopens at Mount Maunganui

19 Apr 05:37 AM

Maintenance work has finished after 11 days on Mauao's Oruahine Track.

Couple bitter that unsafe Bella Vista house got council sign-off
Bay of Plenty Times

Couple bitter that unsafe Bella Vista house got council sign-off

18 Apr 10:39 PM

Bella Vista collapse victims point finger at council building inspection processes.

Police seek Mazda sightings after Te Puke assault
Bay of Plenty Times

Police seek Mazda sightings after Te Puke assault

18 Apr 07:12 AM

The search has widened in the case of a woman who was seriously assaulted.

Home owners' heartbreak: 21 new builds declared dangerous
Bay of Plenty Times

Home owners' heartbreak: 21 new builds declared dangerous

17 Apr 06:00 PM

The news was all bad for the owners of 21 homes in the former Bella Vista development.

Funding plan floated to avoid Tauranga traffic chaos
Bay of Plenty Times

Funding plan floated to avoid Tauranga traffic chaos

17 Apr 05:17 AM

A new way to loosen Government road funding purse strings has been proposed.

Sewage overflows blamed for swimming caution
Bay of Plenty Times

Sewage overflows blamed for swimming caution

16 Apr 07:00 PM

Tauranga's Pilot Bay has received a surprise caution for swimming water quality.

Three Fs underpin success of Tauranga BMX Club
Bay of Plenty Times

Three Fs underpin success of Tauranga BMX Club

16 Apr 05:18 AM

A relaxed fun atmosphere pervades Tauranga BMX Club's track in Cambridge Rd.

Caution urged for swimming at Pilot Bay
Bay of Plenty Times

Caution urged for swimming at Pilot Bay

16 Apr 03:01 AM

A cautionary swimming status has been put on Pilot Bay at Mount Maunganui.

Softly, softly as pipeline hits another snag
Bay of Plenty Times

Softly, softly as pipeline hits another snag

15 Apr 04:05 AM

More problems have been encountered on the final leg of Tauranga's Southern Pipeline.

Ring-fenced rate opposed by Tauranga downtown resident
Bay of Plenty Times

Ring-fenced rate opposed by Tauranga downtown resident

14 Apr 11:26 PM

A rethink has been urged on how to pay for the cost to upgrade Tauranga's downtown.

Kaimai road tunnel sought by trucking industry
Bay of Plenty Times

Kaimai road tunnel sought by trucking industry

12 Apr 09:51 PM

Tolls up to $30 a day on trucks could be levied to help pay for a Kaimais road tunnel.

Teacher gives road design lesson at SH2 intersection
Bay of Plenty Times

Teacher gives road design lesson at SH2 intersection

12 Apr 09:03 PM

A teacher has demanded answers to Omokoroa's ''disgraceful'' intersection.

Welcome Bay Bus lane on hold until underpass opens
Bay of Plenty Times

Welcome Bay Bus lane on hold until underpass opens

12 Apr 01:00 AM

Safety concerns has led to the postponement of a bus lane on Welcome Bay Rd.

SH2 campaigners park wreck outside council
Bay of Plenty Times

SH2 campaigners park wreck outside council

11 Apr 01:42 AM

A poignant message has been parked outside hearings to prioritise transport projects.

Anger  at hearing on road  priorities
Bay of Plenty Times

Anger at hearing on road priorities

10 Apr 09:00 PM

Deep frustration with roading priorities has emerged in hearings taking place this week.

Isla, 8, appeals to City Hall
Bay of Plenty Times

Isla, 8, appeals to City Hall

09 Apr 09:00 PM

A little girl's concerns about her family's safety has spurred the council into action.

One-way system a step closer at Mount
Bay of Plenty Times

One-way system a step closer at Mount

09 Apr 05:40 AM

Public feedback will be sought on a one-way system along the popular Pilot Bay beachfront.

Collectors turn farm junk into treasure
Bay of Plenty Times

Collectors turn farm junk into treasure

09 Apr 03:08 AM

A love of vintage machinery has turned ''nutters'' into admired collectors.

Housing plan boosts hopes for college
Bay of Plenty Times

Housing plan boosts hopes for college

08 Apr 09:33 PM

Pressure is growing for a new college to serve Welcome Bay and Ohauiti students.

Bay Hopper jobs up in air
Bay of Plenty Times

Bay Hopper jobs up in air

07 Apr 12:24 AM

Tauranga bus drivers face an uncertain future after council contract negotiations.

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