Latest from Bay of Plenty

'In past couple of weeks it's hit me that life really is a survival game,' says mum

OPINION: Christmas appeals bring joy to many of our families in the Bay.

Ho ho hold up: More ratepayer dosh without consultation?

OPINION: Commissioners' decision to skip consultation indicates they've stopped listening.

Widower, 90, spends fourth year volunteering for hospice in his wife's memory

“I feel that I owe Waipuna a lot ... because they really looked after her.”

Blood service seeking 120 more donors: 'It’s such an important cause'

The New Zealand Blood Service is forecasting a busier summer this year than last.

New Zealander of the Year semifinalists announced

Black Ferns star is on the list of semifinalists for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.

Subscribers weigh in on the numbers of jobs for new plant

OPINION: Premium subscribers have their say.

Sonya Bateson: Fines should be based on a person’s income

OPINION: Fines are not fine when they target low-income people.

'False hope': Chief medical officer tells GPs ‘no expedition’ for surgeries

'The letter asking for it wastes your time ... and gives the patient false hope.'

'The perpetrator’s most powerful tool is our silence': Dad wants to break the cycle of sexual violence

'I am owning my past and saying it’s okay.'

'Ripped him out of the ground': Reindeer allegedly stolen from town centre

CCTV footage shows people had "ripped him out of the ground, taken him and run”.

Comment: Unpopular transport package the right decision

OPINION: The package, priced at $350 million, hasn't been warmly received by many people.

Jo Raphael: Trikafta funding huge coup for cystic fibrosis community

OPINION: The rollercoaster ride has ended with good news.

Michele Hunter: I’m done waiting for the storm to clear

OPINION: It’s the little stuff that can remind us of the good things.

The Premium Debate: Subscribers weigh in on GPs under pressure

OPINION: Premium subscribers have their say.

From broken back to Ironman: Athlete heads to start line after horror crash

Craig Stewart was hit by a car while riding his bike but he was determined to race again.

21 great Christmas gift ideas from local businesses

NZ-made: Support locals this Christmas with these Bay of Plenty gift ideas.