Latest from Bay of Plenty

'Long way to go': Return to normal a struggle for most businesses

Actual retail sales values increased in the Bay of Plenty in Q1 but how do retailers feel?

'Squashed in together': Overcrowding in mental health units raises assault risk - nurses

Seclusion areas were used for patients to sleep in in 'extreme cases'.

Destiny Church Pastor avoids conviction over anti-vaccine protest after 'misguided loyalty'

Destiny Church Tauranga Pastor has been discharged without conviction for Covid breach.

Rush hour delays: Two crashes on city routes

The crashes were both between 4pm and 4.30pm.

'Prolonged and violent assault': Police appeal after teen attacked

A boy in his mid-teens is the victim of a prolonged and violent assault, police say.

Warnings after boat sinks in BOP, tramp salvaged from Lake Rotorua

The boat sunk on Saturday and needed to be salvaged by the regional council.

Letters: After another US mass shooting, would weapons bans make people safer?

Our readers have their say.

The 'homegrown solution' for tackling the cost-of-living crisis

Poutiri Trust has helped about 90 households gain improved access to healthy food.

New flood rules impacting 30,400 homes, new developments appealed

Appeals to the decision would be heard by the Environment Court.

'Buyer beware': How climate change could send insurance costs surging

'Some communities really do have to act now' - Insurance Council.

Vandalism and death threats: New law welcomed for campaign advertising

A law change will enable other contact options to be used on campaign advertising.

Container ship forced to alter course to avoid hitting yacht

An investigation was launched following the incident.

Hopes high for Matariki after buzzing Queen's Birthday Weekend

But not everyone got to reap the rewards of the long weekend.

New era for Black Ferns starts on winning note against Australia

A new era for the Black Ferns started on a sodden and ultimately successful note.

Get the umbrella ready, winter outlook reveals plenty of rain to come

The outlook comes as autumn was listed as the second-equal warmest on record.

Four people injured in crash between car and ute

Emergency services were called just after 11am.