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Stuart Whitaker
Te Puke

Stuart Whitaker is editor of the Te Puke 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 Stuart’s latest content
NZ ice swimmer claims double silver at world championships
Bay of Plenty Times

NZ ice swimmer claims double silver at world championships

22 Mar 01:00 AM
World famous in Tauranga: Johney’s Kiwi twist on dumplings
Bay of Plenty Times

World famous in Tauranga: Johney’s Kiwi twist on dumplings

18 Feb 09:16 PM

Jackie Zhou says their dumplings are made with love.

Final edition: 112 years of Te Puke Times remembered
Te Puke Times

Final edition: 112 years of Te Puke Times remembered

18 Dec 06:00 PM

Te Puke Times ends after 112 years, reflecting on its rich history and community impact.

Te Puke's Summer in the Park returns with new sports and activities
Te Puke Times

Te Puke's Summer in the Park returns with new sports and activities

17 Dec 07:00 PM

Te Puke's Summer in the Park expands with new sports and activities in January.

Kiwifruit legacy: Te Puke’s drive for heritage hub continues
Te Puke Times

Kiwifruit legacy: Te Puke’s drive for heritage hub continues

16 Dec 07:00 PM

Te Puke plans a heritage hub to celebrate local history and is seeking more funding.

‘Mischievous glee’: Kiwi soprano wins prestigious singing contest
Te Puke Times

‘Mischievous glee’: Kiwi soprano wins prestigious singing contest

16 Dec 07:00 PM

Felicity Tomkins triumphs at 100th Herald Sun Aria, echoing Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's success.

Transforming lives: Poutiri tackles gambling harm in Te Puke
Te Puke Times

Transforming lives: Poutiri tackles gambling harm in Te Puke

11 Dec 06:00 PM

Poutiri Centre highlights $29,435 lost daily to gambling in Te Puke, offering support.

Cruise passengers to boost Te Puke retailers with new tour stops
Te Puke Times

Cruise passengers to boost Te Puke retailers with new tour stops

11 Dec 05:00 PM

Graeme Crossman: 'We want to share some of the business around'.

Te Puke’s lifeline: The Hub optimistic despite financial woes
Te Puke Times

Te Puke’s lifeline: The Hub optimistic despite financial woes

10 Dec 03:00 AM

'We are very heartened by the response, but we are not out of the woods yet,' says CEO.

Chiefs' Aidan Ross bids farewell as he joins Reds
Te Puke Times

Chiefs' Aidan Ross bids farewell as he joins Reds

10 Dec 02:00 AM

Fletcher Carpenter debuts for All Blacks Sevens in Cape Town.

Businesses rally for Te Puke High's innovative garden project
Te Puke Times

Businesses rally for Te Puke High's innovative garden project

09 Dec 07:00 PM

Te Puke High School thanks supporters with engraved chopping boards.

Knitters thanked at Te Puke Plunket's end-of-year tea
Te Puke Times

Knitters thanked at Te Puke Plunket's end-of-year tea

09 Dec 06:00 PM

'It's huge, what they do:' Knitters' efforts recognised at Plunket morning tea

Double your catch rate: Learn predator trapping tips
Te Puke Times

Double your catch rate: Learn predator trapping tips

04 Dec 06:00 PM

Predator Free NZ Trust to host a workshop in Te Puke to support local conservation efforts.

Tuku shines as Santa's helper at Te Puke Christmas parade
Te Puke Times

Tuku shines as Santa's helper at Te Puke Christmas parade

04 Dec 06:00 PM

Despite the rain, Te Puke parade dazzles with decorated floats and a combined pipe band.

Judges praise Ōtamarākau School's winning float in rainy parade
Te Puke Times

Judges praise Ōtamarākau School's winning float in rainy parade

02 Dec 10:48 PM

Parade ends with market and prizegiving; Ōtamarākau School takes top award

Schools brace for impact of new lunch scheme
Te Puke Times

Schools brace for impact of new lunch scheme

27 Nov 03:30 PM

Daily Charitable Trust loses 83% of lunch contracts in Te Puke, affecting meals and jobs.

Te Puke Primary makes mark at Tauranga Moana kapa haka regionals
Te Puke Times

Te Puke Primary makes mark at Tauranga Moana kapa haka regionals

27 Nov 03:00 AM

The school won best mōteatea - traditional chant - at the Tauranga Moana competition.

Fashion show raises $32k for teen's cancer treatment trial
Te Puke Times

Fashion show raises $32k for teen's cancer treatment trial

20 Nov 09:00 PM

'What an incredible community' says mum as Te Puke show funds Brennan's treatment.

Rain fails to dampen spirits at Te Puke food drive for Christmas
Te Puke Times

Rain fails to dampen spirits at Te Puke food drive for Christmas

18 Nov 06:00 PM

Foodbank co-ordinator Clare Cooper praises community: 'We should be really proud.'

Fairhaven School crowned top Kiwi Can school at national awards
Te Puke Times

Fairhaven School crowned top Kiwi Can school at national awards

14 Nov 06:00 PM

Kiwi Can values shine at Fairhaven School, winning top accolade

Emergency services street appeal supports Te Puke foodbank
Te Puke Times

Emergency services street appeal supports Te Puke foodbank

13 Nov 06:00 PM

Coffee, noodles, tinned fish and creamed sweetcorn are among items the foodbank is after.

Te Puke arborist claims world title after four attempts
Te Puke Times

Te Puke arborist claims world title after four attempts

13 Nov 03:00 PM

Steph Dryfhout wins ITCC title, adding to her NZ and Asia-Pacific championship victories.

Brooke’s heartwarming Thumbs Up tales: A student's journey
Te Puke Times

Brooke’s heartwarming Thumbs Up tales: A student's journey

12 Nov 08:00 PM

Brooke's Thumbs Up stories celebrate community heroes, help her build a strong portfolio

Kiwifruit and Kiwiana: Join Te Puke's festive float parade
Te Puke Times

Kiwifruit and Kiwiana: Join Te Puke's festive float parade

11 Nov 06:00 PM

Theme: Kiwifruit and Kiwiana. Market and food stalls at Jubilee Park after the parade.

Join the fun: Create a garden on wheels for Te Puke's festival
Te Puke Times

Join the fun: Create a garden on wheels for Te Puke's festival

07 Nov 06:00 PM

Karen Summerhays: "Just throw something together, get the kids involved, and have fun!"

Dr Monty Soutar's Kāwai series captivates New Zealand readers with history
Te Puke Times

Dr Monty Soutar's Kāwai series captivates New Zealand readers with history

06 Nov 06:00 PM

Soutar's Kāwai series blends fiction and Aotearoa's history

Discover local treasures at the Paengaroa Spring Fair this Saturday
Te Puke Times

Discover local treasures at the Paengaroa Spring Fair this Saturday

04 Nov 06:00 PM

Family fun, local stalls, live music, and free art demos are all on this Saturday.

Join the fun: Fairhaven gala raises funds with food, music, and fireworks
Te Puke Times

Join the fun: Fairhaven gala raises funds with food, music, and fireworks

03 Nov 08:17 PM

Support local: Fairhaven gala offers raffles, rides, and food.

Explore new creations at Te Puke Art Society's exhibition
Te Puke Times

Explore new creations at Te Puke Art Society's exhibition

31 Oct 03:00 AM

Vote for your favourite piece at Te Puke Art Society's exhibition.

Horse trainer's battle with EDS: 'I want to compete again'
Te Puke Times

Horse trainer's battle with EDS: 'I want to compete again'

30 Oct 06:00 PM

After years of injuries, Hayley-Grace Davis is diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Te Puke police station welcomes four new constables
Te Puke Times

Te Puke police station welcomes four new constables

29 Oct 06:00 PM

New constables in Te Puke bring diverse skills.

Maketū Spit event highlights at-risk bird species, offers boat rides
Te Puke Times

Maketū Spit event highlights at-risk bird species, offers boat rides

24 Oct 05:00 PM

Join Mows for Breakfast with the Gulls, see nesting birds and enjoy a barbecue breakfast.

Join the mission: Fashion on a Mission for Brennan Miller's treatment
Te Puke Times

Join the mission: Fashion on a Mission for Brennan Miller's treatment

23 Oct 05:00 PM

Maree Cooper hosts a fashion show to support friend’s son, Brennan, with cancer.

Te Puke's Ocktoberfest raises funds for youth initiatives
Te Puke Times

Te Puke's Ocktoberfest raises funds for youth initiatives

21 Oct 10:44 PM

The event at Te Puke Baptist Church sees increased visitors and great entertainment.

Te Puke High's wellness garden a student-led project for mental health
Te Puke Times

Te Puke High's wellness garden a student-led project for mental health

16 Oct 06:00 PM

$300 grant awarded for student-led wellness garden, part of Seed to Plate project.

Community spirit reignites as Te Puke Market returns on Saturday
Te Puke Times

Community spirit reignites as Te Puke Market returns on Saturday

15 Oct 11:32 PM

Te Puke Community Market returns this Saturday after a three-year break.

Ocktoberfest in Te Puke: Fun, food and community spirit
Te Puke Times

Ocktoberfest in Te Puke: Fun, food and community spirit

13 Oct 08:59 PM

Family fun at Te Puke's Ocktoberfest: Bouncy castle, entertainment and more on October 19

From playground to produce: Giggles centre nurtures families with fresh food
Te Puke Times

From playground to produce: Giggles centre nurtures families with fresh food

09 Oct 06:00 PM

Giggles Centre links kids, families, and elderly in garden, sharing knowledge and produce.

Te Puke’s Heritage Plaza to get a vibrant makeover with new design
Te Puke Times

Te Puke’s Heritage Plaza to get a vibrant makeover with new design

09 Oct 03:00 AM

Heritage Plaza makeover includes free Wi-Fi, more seating and native plantings.

Andrew McDowell named volunteer of the year at surf lifesaving awards
Te Puke Times

Andrew McDowell named volunteer of the year at surf lifesaving awards

03 Oct 06:00 AM

SLSNZ praises volunteers for dedication at National Awards of Excellence in Christchurch.

Community urged to support Te Puke's heritage hub project
Te Puke Times

Community urged to support Te Puke's heritage hub project

02 Oct 04:00 AM

Seeka pledges gold sponsorship for Te Puke heritage hub; community urged to support.

Community Patrols, Rangiuru Sports Club among Te Puke grant recipients
Te Puke Times

Community Patrols, Rangiuru Sports Club among Te Puke grant recipients

30 Sep 10:23 PM

Te Ara Kahikatea Inc receives $2500 for a new walkway; other grants partially approved.

Te Puke's Halloween celebration: masquerade masks and night market await
Te Puke Times

Te Puke's Halloween celebration: masquerade masks and night market await

30 Sep 05:00 PM

Kids challenged to create masks for Te Puke Treat Trail with special prizes to win.

Community spirit shines as Te Puke cleans up despite rain
Te Puke Times

Community spirit shines as Te Puke cleans up despite rain

27 Sep 03:18 AM

Volunteers enjoy pizza after collecting nearly 100kg of rubbish in Te Puke's Spring Clean.

Te Puke's Richard McNair: Advocating for patients at world congress
Te Puke Times

Te Puke's Richard McNair: Advocating for patients at world congress

26 Sep 05:00 AM

'Hopefully, we can do our best to put the patients’ perspective to everyone.'

From toy trucks to utes: Gardens on Wheels celebrates creativity
Te Puke Times

From toy trucks to utes: Gardens on Wheels celebrates creativity

25 Sep 06:00 PM

Join the fun in Te Puke: Gardens on Wheels event with markets, food, and a parade.

Summer in the Park returns with more fun and activities
Te Puke Times

Summer in the Park returns with more fun and activities

25 Sep 03:59 AM

COLAB seeks more groups for the event.

Nagar Kirtan: A vibrant display of community spirit and culture
Te Puke Times

Nagar Kirtan: A vibrant display of community spirit and culture

23 Sep 03:20 AM

Sikh Parade draws 6000, with food stalls and a shorter route enhancing the experience.

Dancer Kiah Hungerford performing internationally and heading to The Conservatory
Te Puke Times

Dancer Kiah Hungerford performing internationally and heading to The Conservatory

19 Sep 04:00 AM

Chipping away at countering stereotypical view of boys who dance.

Rev Ruth Dewdney’s time as Te Puke’s Anglican vicar is coming to an end
Te Puke Times

Rev Ruth Dewdney’s time as Te Puke’s Anglican vicar is coming to an end

18 Sep 07:00 PM

Highlights have very much outweighed the lowlights

Colour and tradition combine for parade
Te Puke Times

Colour and tradition combine for parade

18 Sep 04:00 AM

The parade features processional singing of holy hymns.

Te Puke Spring Clean: Time to spruce up the town
Te Puke Times

Te Puke Spring Clean: Time to spruce up the town

17 Sep 07:00 PM

Friday is World Clean Up Day.

School celebrates first special needs representative at AIMS Games
Te Puke Times

School celebrates first special needs representative at AIMS Games

10 Sep 04:00 AM

Te Puke's Charlie Ward ran the cross country and is competing in indoor bowls.

Kaituna's first waka in a century
Te Puke Times

Kaituna's first waka in a century

03 Sep 06:30 PM

A pilot project looks to foster reconnection with the awa.

Te Puke celebrates 65 years since kiwifruit got its name
Te Puke Times

Te Puke celebrates 65 years since kiwifruit got its name

03 Sep 07:00 AM

New town crier and citizen of the year revealed.

News snippets from Te Puke Times
Te Puke Times

News snippets from Te Puke Times

28 Aug 07:00 PM

There's upcoming events to look forward to.

Te Puke beauty queen's latest odyssey
Te Puke Times

Te Puke beauty queen's latest odyssey

28 Aug 04:00 AM

Jerrie-Lee Ngareta Hill shared her Kiwi culture while in Mauritius.

Daffodil Day: Cancer Society readies for year's biggest fundraiser
Te Puke Times

Daffodil Day: Cancer Society readies for year's biggest fundraiser

27 Aug 10:00 PM

Appeal tables will be out on Friday.

Pukehina Autorama: $30,000 distributed
Te Puke Times

Pukehina Autorama: $30,000 distributed

27 Aug 04:00 AM

New naming sponsor for 2025 event.

Te Puke put six past Wanderers
Te Puke Times

Te Puke put six past Wanderers

26 Aug 11:31 PM

The win secures fourth place for the team.

Waka the vessel for reconnection project
Te Puke Times

Waka the vessel for reconnection project

26 Aug 06:00 PM

Initiative aims to foster kaitiakitanga.

Daffodil Day coming
Te Puke Times

Daffodil Day coming

21 Aug 09:10 PM

Fresh daffoldil bunches for sale

Let’s Keep It Local Te Puke gets a reboot
Te Puke Times

Let’s Keep It Local Te Puke gets a reboot

20 Aug 07:03 PM

Why go anywhere else?

Western Bay Heritage Trust keen to bring museum to Te Puke
Te Puke Times

Western Bay Heritage Trust keen to bring museum to Te Puke

14 Aug 07:00 PM

Initial funding key to securing building for the venture.

Fire truck drivers on road to success
Te Puke Times

Fire truck drivers on road to success

13 Aug 04:00 AM

Drivers are judged on overall ability, efficiency, aptitude and smoothness of operation.

Test-the-water meeting next week
Te Puke Times

Test-the-water meeting next week

08 Aug 04:00 AM

Meeting will be at Orchard Church next week

Sally Gardiner aiming to be Zespri’s first female grower director
Te Puke Times

Sally Gardiner aiming to be Zespri’s first female grower director

07 Aug 06:00 PM

Sally also sits on NZKGI's executive committee.

Surf lifeguards shine at regional awards
Te Puke Times

Surf lifeguards shine at regional awards

06 Aug 04:00 AM

Andrew McDowell from Pukehina Surf Rescue was BOP Volunteer of the Year.

EastPack sets new trays-packed record, topping 50 million
Te Puke Times

EastPack sets new trays-packed record, topping 50 million

06 Aug 02:00 AM

Landmark tray packed at Quarry Rd plant.

Couple say goodbye to Te Puke Truffles
Te Puke Times

Couple say goodbye to Te Puke Truffles

06 Aug 01:42 AM

When they planted their trees, they’d never even tried a truffle.

New mural brightens up drab spot
Te Puke Times

New mural brightens up drab spot

05 Aug 07:00 PM

Rangatahi helped artist Kalib Wallace with the mural.

Te Puke High School’s cultural week starts on Monday
Te Puke Times

Te Puke High School’s cultural week starts on Monday

01 Aug 07:00 PM

Each day will offer different activities.

Western Bay Museum’s memory trunk visits Te Puke rest homes
Te Puke Times

Western Bay Museum’s memory trunk visits Te Puke rest homes

30 Jul 04:00 AM

Mystery items from the collection had the residents thinking hard.

Te Puke Sports lift Baywide rugby title for fourth time
Te Puke Times

Te Puke Sports lift Baywide rugby title for fourth time

29 Jul 04:00 AM

An early loss lit a fire for the Pirates.

Felicity Tomkins: from Te Puke to world opera
Te Puke Times

Felicity Tomkins: from Te Puke to world opera

25 Jul 04:00 AM

Scholarship success ahead of Lexus Song Quest.

On the trail of your family history
Te Puke Times

On the trail of your family history

24 Jul 07:00 PM

Te Puke genealogy class not entirely internet based.

Rae is now youngest member of Western Bay's council
Te Puke Times

Rae is now youngest member of Western Bay's council

24 Jul 06:00 PM

By-election winner humbled

Shooting: James Sullivan on target to be the best
Sport

Shooting: James Sullivan on target to be the best

23 Jul 04:00 PM

Calm head wins title for James Sullivan.

Ben Hurley to MC kiwifruit’s 65th anniversary bash
Te Puke Times

Ben Hurley to MC kiwifruit’s 65th anniversary bash

23 Jul 04:00 AM

Q and A, announcenments and mini play part of celebrations

Te Puke to host Greerton Marist in showcase rugby final
Te Puke Times

Te Puke to host Greerton Marist in showcase rugby final

21 Jul 01:45 PM

Fletcher Carpenter bagged the club try-scoring record.

Graffiti-clad former store in Pongakawa to go
Te Puke Times

Graffiti-clad former store in Pongakawa to go

16 Jul 07:00 PM

The building has been used as a backdrop for many a photo.

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