Tom Eley is a multimedia journalist at The Weekend Sun and Sunlive.
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.
New laundry pod opens for Tauranga’s homeless
A new laundry pod has been launched to support Tauranga’s homeless community.
Truck breakdown causes delays on SH2, no detour available
Drivers should allow extra time, especially during the afternoon peak.
Wāhine on the rise: Hard hats and high vis
Women make up 18% of the industry, but nearly 40% at the Pāpāmoa office.
Tauranga residents protest 5G tower plan
Connexa's new sites aim to improve Tauranga's mobile network with 4G and 5G.
'It could have been much worse': Beloved restaurant's staff take stock after fire
Castle 91 will be closed for repairs but the Brookfield location remains open.
'I'm doing it for my wife': KSM honours veteran's service
Fred Milligan receives the King's Service Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Years of friendship: Trio celebrates milestone birthday together
Thelma Gough, aka Speedy Gonzalez, and friends Bob Gudex and Eunice Barnes all turned 100.
'Unbreakable bond': Local school basketball stars dominate nationals
Year 13 seniors Michael Wade, Ky-mani Kaumoana, and CJ Flavell led the team.
Bay of Plenty traffic expert defends te reo signs
The te reo signs use red for 'Stop' and green for 'Go'.
'Wet clothes for days': Charity calls for winter aid in Tauranga
Under the Stars provides free meals and essentials on Thursdays and Saturdays.
How NZ beaches inspired UK author's debut novel
Claire Frances visited the Bay of Plenty in 2003, camping on Omanu Beach.
Kiwifruit and sustainable sportswear: A year of the NZ-EU trade deal
Kiwifruit growers earned an extra $18,000 annually due to the NZ-EU FTA.
Private launch sinks near Mōtītī Island
The launch passengers were rescued on May 16 near Mōtītī Island after the boat hit rocks.
'Reality of change': 106yo school in path of new highway faces relocation
Tauriko School will remain open throughout construction and any relocation.
Veteran pilot Derek Williams retires after decades of Anzac Day flyovers
Williams survived two crashes, one in Cambridge in 2000 and another in Borneo in 2001.
Viral sensation joins with Kiwi drummer for new sound
Sophie-Maude's viral video hit over 50 million views in early 2025.
‘About values’: School fights to stay open
The school avoided closure with donations from parents and grandparents.
From at-risk youth to entrepreneurs: Duo's cafe success story
Hiku and Taratoa started Ringside Cafe seven weeks ago in Tauranga.
Artificial reef project aims to revive Tauranga's marine life
Nine reefs, named Peara, are 13m deep and support marine biodiversity.
'Our children need help': Principals back Kirwan's mental health initiative
The former All Black aims to reach 600 schools with Mitey this year.
‘Focus on the essentials’: Minister's message for Tauranga council
Simon Watts emphasised the need for councils to deliver the basics well.
'Very moving day': Anzac services across the Bay honour sacrifice
The Mount Maunganui cenotaph drew a large crowd for the 2025 Anzac dawn service.
'We’re gonna kick a**': Steamroller stars ready for Chiefs showdown
The Festival of Disability Sport will feature eight wheelchair rugby teams.
RSA merger amid falling membership marks end of an era for Tauranga
The Tauranga RSA has been part of the city since December 12, 1918.
BoP highway project confirmed, tolls expected by 2028
A new four-lane highway will connect Redwood Lane to Takitimu Toll Rd.
Mount Maunganui dawn service draws thousands for Anzac Day
A bugler played the Reveille as the sun rose over the ocean.
'Time of great sorrow': Bay leaders mourn Pope Francis' passing
Todd Muller praised Pope Francis as a humble, reflective leader.
11 men hang on cross for Easter exhibition at church
Nearly 400 volunteers prepared for the Easter exhibition's various displays.
'Hallelujah': Driving instructors react to proposed licence changes
Practical licence set to be scrapped described as 'a joke' and 'not good'.
Homeless summit in Tauranga to tackle housing crisis
About 4000 people in Tauranga experience some form of homelessness.
‘Fresh energy’: Māori Queen inspires youth at poukai
It was the first poukai for Nga wai hono i te po since her father's passing in 2024.
Galloping to victory: Racing Tauranga named top club
The club excelled in financial management, track performance, and marketing.
Tauranga Special School marks 60 years of educating diverse learners
The original 1965 building still stands, now with many upgrades.
Flag football set to grow in Bay of Plenty schools
The event on April 2 aims to grow interest in flag football among students.
Parking blitz hits students
About 40 students from one school were ticketed in February.
‘Thoughts and prayers’: Young child dead, another person injured in vicious dog attack
Animal management has taken the dogs involved for investigation.
Residents upset over proposed 5G tower near homes
Residents say they received little communication about the 5G tower.
‘It can be more rewarding’: Young duo’s mission to save feral kittens
The rescue aims to make stray cats friendly and ready for adoption.
‘Growing’ Port of Tauranga ‘critical’ to export goal - Finance Minister
Fast-tracking will see decision on port expansion proposal in 'months and not years'.
‘He was dead’: Ducks harmed in suspected animal cruelty case
A Muscovy duck was found with tape on its back and a broken wing.
Protesters take flight against $1.7m Billfish Classic in Whitianga
The competition featured over $1.7 million in prizes, including $400,000 for the heaviest billfish.
Watch: Ute driver’s shock at undertaking truck
He overtook the truck using a passing lane before it sped up, he claims.
Rare Bay of Plenty postal note and stamps in $1.5m auction
A Whakatāne postal note from 1893 is valued at $500 for the auction.
15 boats damaged in marina fire, cause under investigation
Four boats, including a yacht, were moved to the hard deck due to damage.
Early morning blaze at Tauranga Marina destroys two boats
Five fire trucks and three support vehicles attended the scene.
Top of the cliff: Social supermarket a boon for the needy
It provides affordable groceries for local families.
Fire crews tackle house blaze in Kawerau
Fire crews have left the scene of a house fire in Kawerau.
87kg whopper one of record number of yellowfin caught near Tauranga
Record yellowfin tuna catch in Tauranga, outpacing marlin this season.
‘Moderate injuries’: Plane crash at Tauranga Airport
A gyrocopter crashed at Tauranga Airport, officials confirmed.
How Tauranga’s handbag appeal is keeping Grace Millane’s memory alive
Tauranga collects handbags for women’s refuge, honouring Grace Millane’s legacy.
Fire crews tackle large structure blaze in BoP
Residents are urged to avoid the area as crews work to contain the fire.
Push to reinstate 100km/h limit for notorious SH2 stretch
Public submissions sought to raise the SH2 speed limit to 100km/h.
BoP house fire spreads to shelterbelt
Fire crews battle house fire and shelterbelt blaze near school.
'A reconnect for me': Thousands embrace Māori culture at event
Māori in the Moana unites the community through culture, music and workshops.
Unity and history: Community marks Waitangi Day in Tauranga
Crowd celebrates Waitangi Day at Hopukiore despite light rain.
Greerton's lifeline for Tauranga's vulnerable people
'When you have nothing, how are you supposed to get ahead?'
School community rallies after theft
Community supports Ōropi School after break-in, tools stolen.
Vietnamese plan big party for their new year
Tauranga's Vietnamese community celebrates Lunar New Year for the first time together.
Gayle-force wind blows through junior Tauranga cricket club
The 'Universe Boss' paid the young players a visit.
State Highway 30 partially blocked after log spill
Motorists are advised to pass with care and expect delays.
Historic warbirds dazzle at Classic Flyers Aero Day event
Texan, Spitfire, and Mustang inspire crowds at Classic Flyers Aero Day.
'I talk about it in my sleep': 100-year-old gardener still digging life
Gardening is one of her two tips for a long life.
Final year fees-free policy introduced
New policy offers fee coverage for final year tertiary students.
Pāpāmoa residents woken by early morning flood
Heavy rain floods Pāpāmoa; firefighters clear drains, water recedes.
Grassroots effort brings shade to Pāpāmoa Park
The project came after a group of mothers raised concerns about the lack of shade.
Iwi leader explains why no rāhui issued after Pilot Bay death
A person was pulled from the water unresponsive on Thursday.
'Not everyone pays attention': Fake NZTA toll scam circulating
A toll fee scam targets Tauranga residents via text message.
Cause of fire that caused traffic chaos investigated
At the same time, a power outage affected 200 properties in the same area.
'This is a true taonga': Piece of centuries-old waka found in stream
'Some people would think it is just a piece of wood and let it drift through.'
Rural primary school principal 'gutted' after thieves steal 'essential' tools
'They are just stealing from the students.'
'Silliness': Incidents prompt warning for beachgoers in 'most dangerous month'
Holidaymakers urged to stay cautious; lifeguards report manageable issues.
Pike River, earthquakes and cats up trees: Former firefighter honoured
Ian Pickard has been honoured for 50 years of life-saving service.
Pitmaster's tip for perfect Christmas turkey: 'Brine for juicy results'
Jefferies and family will enjoy a leg of lamb with summer sides.
How Shortland Street self-harm plot sparked call for action
"I don’t want to see this happen to anyone else.”
'Ecological domino': Lion’s mane jellyfish return to Tauranga harbour
Lion’s mane jellyfish return, minimal risk but engine concerns persist.
'Incredible': Staff secretly renovate colleague's home after terminal diagnosis
The Stoney Creek team renovated an employee's home, showing great care and compassion.
Z Manu World Champs: Tauranga event showcases Kiwiana diving skills
Tauranga Z Manu World Champs celebrates splashy jumps with skill, style, and competition.
Epic trolley dash! What this Mum grabbed in 90 seconds
Mum races to fill trolley, celebrating son's inspiring cancer journey.
'Joining forces': Emergency services lead food drive
Emergency teams unite to collect food for families in need.
Tauranga gang funerals: Police make 14 arrests and seize guns, vehicles
At one point, police were confronted by a kuia who criticised them for parking too close.