Latest fromBay of Plenty Times

His weekly mortgage payment hit $1000 a week. It was the last straw
About 80 per cent of fixed-term loans due to reprice in less than two years.

Police given special search powers after woman shot amid simmering gang violence
A woman was shot in Ōpōtiki.

Four-person council commission paid $914k for a year's part-time work
Chairwoman Anne Tolley says the costs are 'considerably less than a full elected council'.

Bay of Plenty Lotto luck: Check your ticket if you’re in Katikati, Tauranga and Rotorua
Lotto luck strikes in the Bay of Plenty.

Cooper puts Gasgas top of NZ podium on first attempt
Experienced rider snatches top spot from young rising stars at motocross event.

'Surprise' issues add $1m+ to CBD carpark project cost
It comes after surprise issues in another civic project added $3.4m to its cost.

Former MP Kiri Allan starts new life chapter, plans to write book
'It's going to be a yarn,' Allan said.

'Risking it all': The couple touring NZ to pitch new cafe app - face to face
'We put everything in storage and sold or donated pretty much everything else'

'Ladies only': New initiative teaching ethnic women to swim
'When I go on a holiday, I can swim with my girls ... and have fun with the family.'

Social media lights a fire under envy
More people want to keep up with the Joneses “including the Joneses themselves".

Mark Lister: What’s a borrower to do if their mortgage is coming up for renewal?
OPINON: Whether to float, fix and for how long is a common question for borrowers to ask.

Lifeguards launch beach patrols on Labour Weekend
Lifeguards' summer patrols begin this weekend at Bay of Plenty beaches.

Mongrel Mob captain sentenced for destroying evidence in murder case
'[The vehicle] may well have contained important forensic evidence.'

Firefighters called to new Four Square after fog cannon goes off
Two trucks responded about 11.12am.

Public transport authority spent $3.2m on vehicles and subsided taxi fares
BOPRC frequently encourages people to use greener transport options.

Hercules still going strong after 70 years
Brian Miller, 78, was given the Hercules bike when he was just 8 years old.

Large 100-year-old tree falls on Mauao base track
Council staff were assessing the area this morning.

Tauranga will be 'abuzz with visitors' this Labour Weekend
Many different interactive and local events will be held this weekend in the region.

'Tarnished': How migrant exploitation cases are harming NZ's reputation overseas
The cost of living and crime are other turnoffs for skilled workers.

Anne Tolley and ex-councillor John Robson clash: 'See you at the election, Anne'. 'No you won't'
Tolley said it was ironic to be lectured on good governance by Robson.

The Premium Debate: Cancer 'metavivor' wants Pharmac CEO, board removed after emails
OPINION: Premium subscribers have their say.

Pricey GP visits, long waits lead to 'ridiculous use of hospital resources'
Opinion: Every day I am amazed at how people worse off than me manage to get by.

Kiwicoast Lions event takes good look at mental health
Fashion show will provide a fun ending to the evening

A verse for brain research: Loved ones' strokes inspire med student's mission
The poet and medical student is calling for brain-related poetry for a new book.

Man heartbroken as wife's memorial tree to be torn down
The regional council says the removal of the tree is essential for flood protection.

Bay season jamboree opens speedway calender
Baypark closed off entries for traditional Labour Weekend season opener earlier this week.

Pāpāmoa Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrates 50th
Displays and open day at station mark milestone

Stacey Leilua Q&A: From working with The Rock to starring in The Savage Coloniser
The Tauranga Arts Festival will run from October 19-29.