Latest from Bay of Plenty

'When can we return to normal?': Local MPs, residents on easing of vaccine mandates

Jacinda Ardern said Covid restrictions could start easing as early as next month.

'Pause, Prompt, Praise': One-on-one help with reading

Pause, Prompt, Praise ups students reading ability.

Bus driver staffing levels expected to reach 'crisis level' as cases increase

Tauranga bus services have temporarily moved to reduced weekend timetables.

Council investigation into Tauranga Harbour crash: Findings revealed

Tauranga's Maree Geary died in the Chapel St crash in December.

Local Focus: The blind women who bonded through surfing

Meet the best friends who surf together but have never seen each other.

Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: The show that's played an important role for 40 years

Fear and loathing of the Maori language no doubt still lurks in some mainstream media.

Pay offer a 'huge insult', health workers say

Now the workers, including critical health staff, are planning to strike twice next month.

'People are running scared': Tourism in 'pseudo lockdown'

Government support package for struggling businesses won't be enough, says one operator

Public Health's warning Omicron will affect 'every part of our community'

But the medical officer of health said there had been 'much planning' in preparation.

$2.47m funding boost will help achieve 'best possible outcomes' for youth

The funding provides greater security for young people.

Dawn Picken: Conversion therapy ban 'about time'

Opinion: Accepting different gender identities and sexual orientations is a win for all.

Three Bay of Plenty Lotto Second Division winners

Three Bay of Plenty Lotto Second Division players won $30,301 each on Saturday.

Monday rain could be heavy, cause localised surface flooding

A Bay of Plenty Heavy Rain Watch is now in force for Monday.

Transitional houses to be relocated for $22m pump station

The removal of the homes had been planned since the village's inception in 2017.

Megan Wilson: Why our local cafes, bars and restaurants need our support now more than ever

And why working from home has made me want to go out for food and drinks even more.

Live: 1901 new Covid-19 cases as Omicron continues its surge

That brings the number of active community cases across the country to 11,601.