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Leah Tebbutt
Multimedia Journalist
Multimedia journalist
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 Leah’s latest content
'I'm so hurt by those memories': Bay of Plenty ex-pats reflect on 9/11, 20 years on
Close to 3000 people died in the September 11 attacks, that changed the world forever.
Bay of Plenty virus test misinformation sparks investigation
A Mount Maunganui woman was told Whakatāne was the closest option at the weekend.
141 port workers in Bay unvaccinated, some risk redeployment
Over 100 port workers in the private sector are yet to be vaccinated by September 30.
Pasifika passport incident: DHB apologies; community trust breached
A meeting between the Pasifika provider and the health board resulted in positive steps.
'Record week' for Bay of Plenty Covid-19 vaccinations
It comes after the DHB has missed its weekly target for the past seven weeks.
GPs, pharmacies join Bay's Covid-19 vaccination rollout
The region is ahead of its vaccination goals overall but has missed recent weekly targets
Covid pamphlet: DHB tight-lipped on details until after investigation
The pamphlet was pulled after receiving backlash for implying Māori were the virus.
Covid tests skyrocket in Bay of Plenty
In two days this week, more than a quarter tests were taken compared to last month.
Coromandel business owners losing sleep after Covid-positive visit
The Coromandel Peninsula is locked down for seven days - but what is the boundary?
Virus vaccinations resume today but there's a hiccup in Bay
The Ministry of Health paused Covid-19 vaccinations when the lockdown began.
Bay of Plenty DHB working to rearrange services
A brief pause has been put on vaccinations while hospitals rearrange services.
Bay of Plenty DHB 'under pressure': Health Minister Andrew Little
The comments were made at a nurses' pay equity announcement.
'So much unmet need': Bay dentists provide free dental care for low-income earners
About 65 low-income earners in the Bay of Plenty will receive free dental care.
'I am trans!' Family share their transgender journey
'Me being myself everywhere I go, is me being me.'
Almost 50 per cent of Tauranga port workers unvaccinated
However, a major push to get them their jabs is planned for next week
Port workers question if Rio de la Plata workers knew they were sick
The risk to the Tauranga community remained low, the Ministry of Health have said.
Port worker scare: Vaccination levels a 'real weakness', expert says
Vaccination levels among port workers are low, which worries Professor Michael Baker.
Health Ministry cleared Covid-infected ship for berthing, says Maritime NZ
It happened despite knowing the ship was connected to an Australian Covid case.
'One foot in front of the other': Debra McLean completes 24-hour walk
The Tauranga woman did the event to raise funds for Waipuna Hospice.
The state of Bay hospitals: Operating theatres at capacity, $15m to build more
Growing waiting lists and missed targets for elective surgery are the cause.
Bay of Plenty nurses 'bordering on unsafe' work conditions
The DHB has sought legal advice, concerned about staffing levels on strike day.
Tauranga Moana mourns as Kihi Ngatai laid to rest
Respected kaumātua Dr Kihi Ngatai, QSM, is being laid to rest today.
Elective services disrupted for specialist doctors stop work meetings
Doctors across the region will attend the meetings this week.
Under new management: Bay Dreams 2022 introduces 'fresh new look'
Plus: A Sons of Zion exclusive
'We have a lot of work to do': Covid vaccination rate low in Bay of Plenty
In most DHBs, the rate for Māori is about half the general population.
'Shocking': Covid-19 pamphlet implies Māori are a virus, artist says
Cost and number of pamphlets printed also revealed.
Investigation into Simon Bridges' hospital gang brawl claim released
The district health board has released an explanation of what was captured on CCTV.
Bayfair walk-in clinic closed weekly for six weeks
The closure is the latest symptom of a national crisis.
Bay of Plenty mothers support others as breast milk banks dry up
Amy Bidois asked for donated breast milk and the mothers came out in droves.
'Relentless flow of cargo': 19 ships waiting to berth at Port
Peak kiwifruit season and global congestion and reduced capacity are affecting Tauranga.
Digger driver killed at Te Puna Quarry Park named
The digger driver who died after a crash at Te Puna Quarry Park was a volunteer.
'Home away from home': 2500 petition to save camping spots
Holiday park board states it keeps with regulations, but an industry expert disagrees.
Consent withdrawn for jet fuel tank farm near marae
The application was withdrawn while facing the court of appeal.
Last goodbye: Kawerau Mill has funeral for past and present staff to reflect
Familiar faces filled the Kawerau Town Hall to reflect on decades of memories.
RSV in Tauranga: 'Older adult' dies, hospital sees hundreds with virus
Cause of adult's death attributed to underlying medical conditions.
First welcome for Tauranga migrants this weekend
Ngāi Te Rangi hosting a powhiri, the first of its kind, for those who call Aotearoa home.
Four people in Tauranga Hospital's ICU with RSV
Close to 30 children have been admitted to hospital in the past four days.
Simon Bridges shares fitting farewell to father, Heath
The National MP said it was his father who instilled the values of service and community.
GP shortage leaves patients waiting two weeks for appointment
Health professionals warn of a looming 'crisis point'.
Hospitals bring in more beds as cases of 'highly contagious' RSV illness rise
Children as young as 10 days old are being admitted to hospital with the virus.
'We anticipated there to be more': Influenza cases in Bay of Plenty very low
However, there has been a rise in a respiratory virus predominantly affecting children.
'We deserve better': 2018 Census iwi affiliation data finally out
The data was released by Stats NZ and Rotorua-based Data Iwi Leaders Group this week.
'It could be anywhere': Covid data expert's warning for Bay
Close contacts in Tauranga have tested negative but the risk remains.
Te Puke church's oldest parishioner reflects on lessons learnt
Les Hansen was baptised in 1934, met his future wife at the church and was married there.
Rawiri Waititi: Tauranga's older demographic feel threatened
The Māori Party MP shares his views on why racial incidents happen in the Bay.
Wards and boards: How do you want to be represented in the next Tauranga council?
Options with equitable voting rights proved popular.
Roading contractor breaks sewer main, wastewater spill contained
No wastewater reached the Tauranga Harbour or stormwater drains.
$40 million kiwifruit packhouse hires local for expansion
The packhouse is also evidence of the kiwifruit industry growing
Weighing up options: Will kerbside rubbish scheme benefit Te Puke?
Rubbish and recycling bins have now been dropped off ready for use on July 1.
Marae turned health clinic: How local marae are paving the way for Covid vaccines
People have become used to marae offering health-related services
EPIC Te Puke grows as community need comes to fore
Two new staff members have joined up to ensure Te Puke keeps supporting local.
'I'm just lucky to be alive': Blood recipient thanks donors
One blood or plasma donation can save multiple lives.
Te Puke family distraught at thought dog Mimi has been stolen
The couple lost their beloved dog on June 4.
When to expect your Covid-19 vaccine
As the arrival of more Pfizer doses is announced, when can you expect the vaccine?
'It's too late': Diabetes leaves woman blind in one eye and on dialysis
'I bawled my eyes out, I was so upset'.
Retailers' 'frantic' holiday weekend shows good signs post-Covid
Visitation numbers and an increased average spend are all good signs, say retailers.
Kiwi on the back doorstep thanks to Ken and Sue Laurent
The couple have been appointed members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Leah Tebbutt: Racist ideas ensured my strongest connection to my whakapapa is a man no longer here
OPINION: My Poppa is my identity to te ao Māori
'Disgraceful': SH2 road project u-turn slammed
MP 'furious' and community has 'immense anger' after highway funding axed.
'Racism at its worst': Petition faces backlash
Māori Authority chair and race relations commissioner hit out over Bay of Plenty petition.
'Take the pressure off': Support workers now paid for work travel
Support workers were previously paid the minimum wage while driving between client visits.
Waikato Hospital covers bill for patient transfer to Tauranga, for now
Cancer patients have been transferred to Tauranga Hospital after the cyber attack.
Nurse's concerns: 'Every shift we work understaffed is leaving our patients vulnerable'
Thousands of DHB nurses, midwives and healthcare workers will strike on June 9.
This 6-year-old was cancer-free for six months. It's returned.
The six-year-old was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of last year.
'I'm pulling out lots of teeth every week': Grim reality of sugary drinks
It comes as the DHB ends the sale of all artificially sweetened and sugary drinks on site.
'Not a political memoir': Simon Bridges announces book
The Tauranga MP and former National leader announced the book on his social media pages.
Tauranga's Olivia Rogers fighting to be hired on The Apprentice
Hitting screens tonight, the first season boasts a $50,000 prize Rogers likes the look of.
Nalah the bulldog reunited with whānau
The much-loved missing dog was found at a Rotorua address.
'We must lead in this space': DHB launch sustainability plan
The DHB acknowledged its carbon emissions were "detrimental" to people's health.
New ship cuts refuel times at Tauranga Port
It is the only operating refuelling vessel in New Zealand.
Couple who lost two sons to suicide: We'll never get over it
Brothers Michael and Christopher Powell died by suicide 10 years apart.
Diabetes epidemic: Man down 20kgs in 8 weeks on how he is changing his life
Bay of Plenty diabetes cases are projected to rise 70 to 90 percent by 2040.
New DHB employees could see Covid-19 vaccine as term of employment
It's easier for employers to require new staff to be vaccinated than for existing workers.
How Prince Philip left his mark on the Bay of Plenty
Locals react to the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Almost half of Bay lung cancer patients diagnosed in emergency rooms
Three quarters of patients in the Bay of Plenty died within three years of diagnosis.
Can you cut your toenails? The answer is a clue to how you're ageing
A new DHB app helps people spot signs of ageing and gives tips on how to reverse them
'Saddest 20 minutes of my life': Historian hits back during Māori governance debate
'I'm never getting that back.'
How Covid-19 lockdown affected trust in the government
A global study involving a Bay of Plenty professor noted a link between the two.
Lockdown one year on: When bubbles formed and life paused
Locals reflect on a crazy year.