Bay of Plenty people are spending more online - but retailers say instore shopping continues to be a strong preference for many.

The backers of a planned tertiary campus in Tauranga have welcomed the announcement that $12 million could be spent improving the waterfront and beautifying city streets.

Dennis Hey began his working life as a fitter and welder. But after 14 years with one company he and wife Julie set up their own business.

More than $9 million will be spent on city events over the next decade in a plan to help bring more major events to the city.

Shane Dufaur decided it was time to end a 15-year international career in the oil and gas industry when his Kuwait apartment's windows were blown out by a missile.

An employer says he's embarrassed, but wants other business owners to beware, after one of his workers charged with handling - and monitoring - finances stole $146k.

Sales volumes in the Western Bay were up 26.7 per cent last month, with one company recording its busiest December in 10 years.

Mark Wynne, who succeeded long-serving Ballance Agri-Nutrients chief executive Larry Bilodeau on his retirement in September, brings to the role a focus on branding and innovation