Our website changes are all about you

Today marks an important day for the Bay of Plenty Times' digital presence as we re-launch our web and mobile sites.

Over the past year the number of people visiting our web and mobile sites has gone from strength to strength and in August last year we introduced new features, including the ability to comment on most stories.

So why, one year on, are we changing things? Why try and fix something if it isn't broken?

The decision to redesign the site came about after we asked our readers and advertisers what they wanted out of their local news site.

They told us they wanted somewhere which enabled them to find out more about their community and to better connect with it. We believe that the new site does that.

As well as all the latest news, sport, photos and videos from the region, we are introducing a "Things to Do" section, where you will find local events and where you can load your own local event for free. There's also a new "Your Community" section, where you will find photo galleries and videos and get the chance to share your stories with other readers.

A new "Noticeboard" will allow our readers to post notices about anything they think is important - from potholes to school fairs.

The new sites will allow our readers to follow the local topics they are interested in, as well as follow reporters and columnists.

Readers who sign up with an account can also keep track of events they publish and comments they make on the site.

The new site is just the beginning - we have many more exciting features planned in the near future. We hope you will get a chance to check out www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz and let us know what you think.