Latest from Bay of Plenty

A chef, refugee and a Muslim: Early look at Escape festival line-up

The full lineup will be announced on August 4.

What you need to know about this week

Here's what's on this week that you might not have known about.

Q + A: Meet relieving district commander Tim Anderson

We ask what the biggest problems are locally, advice for newbies and more.

'We can't underestimate the impact Covid has had': Tauranga principals reflect on 2021 NCEA results

One Tauranga student received an NZ Scholarship as a Year 10 - despite pandemic pressures.

Waka Kotahi's billion-dollar blowout on Bay roading projects

Only one of the eight projects has not increased in budget or completion date.

'Pokies plague': The region with four of the five worst gambling areas revealed

The region has some of the highest gambling spending in the country by population.

Steven Joyce: The motel generation deserves better

Opinion: The social housing shortage is a crisis of the Govt's own making.

Te Pāti Māori's 'fearless fight' for equality for Māori

Māori Party president says his party is the only one to achieve equality for all Māori.

Letters: Tauranga ferry service is a great idea

Our readers have their say.

Exemption sought: Major housing developments at risk from new Govt rules

Leader warns of even higher house prices, more homelessness and workers driven from city.

Childcare centre ordered to explain failures in Malachi's case as he was beaten and bruised

The manager reportedly contacted his caregiver directly about the abuse.

Accused named: Turpentine, wheelie bin allegedly used in rainbow hub fire

The maximum penalty for arson is 14 years' imprisonment.

The Prem Debate: Mandatory iso for the flu would be 'horrific' for hospo

OPINION: Premium subscribers have their say about Covid-19 isolation rules.

'Concerning': Second wave of Omicron starting, more elderly getting infected

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says boosters, vaccinations and masks would make an impact.

'Perfect storm' of illness Covid impact staff and students at Tauranga schools

One school has asked some students to learn from home due to staff illness.

Mauao reopens a day early after tree removals

Tauranga City Council said the maunga opened this evening, a day early.