The theme of yesterday's annual Tauranga City Leaders' Lunch was innovation and the ways it could drive the local economy.

Hopefully Jetstar will review its decision not to include Tauranga in its initial list of provinces it is considering for a regional service, writes Dylan Thorne.

Stan Gregec's new role as the chief executive of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce marks a return to a business community he first got to know two decades ago.

This summer's cruise season is expected to be the biggest yet, bringing a record $40.5 million to the Bay of Plenty.

Worksafe New Zealand is prosecuting Affco after an employee was impaled in the head by a meat hook and dragged at its Rangiuru meat processing plant.

Jetstar has not ruled out direct flights to Tauranga in the longer term as it goes head-to-head with Air New Zealand on regional routes later this year.

Guest nights in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty declined in the year to April - but Tourism Bay of Plenty says visitor spending is what matters.

Privacy Commissioner spokesman Charles Mabbett says offshore companies are not expected to comply with New Zealand law when it comes to the privacy of personal information.

Reporter Michele Hunter talked to the Waihi community about the uncertain future of a mine many local families have come to rely on.