Latest from Bay of Plenty

'I will not back off': Councillor defiant amid calls for resignation

'If they have an issue with it, they can take it up with the Local Government Minister.'

Union 'concerned' about number of assaults on mental health staff

Staff have been treated in the emergency department after being assaulted by patients.

Appeal reduces sentence for five-hour night-time crime spree

Three separate incidents involved three victims.

Look to the garden for good health and medicine

Katikati Herb Society wants to empower people to help themselves.

'Hello, this could be a bomb': Scare in Mount Maunganui a first for boss

He said the police took 'the most prudent course of action' and 'brought in specialists'.

Premium Debate: the merits of early childhood education

OPINION: Premium subscribers have their say.

Leo Murray: From rascal to waste warrior

Waste is something everyone agrees they don't want, says Leo Murray.

Gang members in prison: Numbers hit 7-year low

But the proportion in prison compared to non-gang members is at a 12-year high.

National plan to ban gang convoys in Tauranga 'ineffectual' - gang expert

National byelection candidate Sam Uffindell's idea for a member's bill comes under fire.

'Absolutely soaked': Mount residents frustrated by speeding cars during flood

Tauranga had 79mm of rain from 2am to 7pm on Monday.

Opinion: Abusing people just for doing their job is not okay

Angry people should instead try a bit of kindness.

Butcher hit 'rock bottom'. Then something made him decide to stay open

The butcher, subjected to smash and grabs and break-ins, was ready to call it quits.

Smoking as a seven-year-old: How one Bay of Plenty woman quit

'In the 80s, it was still acceptable to smoke and drink while you were pregnant.'

Revealed: The courts where privacy was most often breached

Data details Ministry staff viewing court documents without justified reasons.

Flooding, crashes, mini-tornado: Emergency services 'very, very stretched' in Bay

'The water is up to our knees': Residents report flooding due to the downpour.

'Suspicious item' that sparked road closures no threat to safety - police

Early report said there was a possibility an improvised explosive device had been found.