Latest from Tauranga

Thrills, chills and cosiness: What to look out for this long weekend

Bay businesses have their fingers crossed for good weather but rain won't stop the fun.

'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.

Premium Debate: the merits of early childhood education

OPINION: Premium subscribers have their say.

'Time was critical': 78-year-old 'grateful' for rescue helicopter services

Barry Anderson said he would be a 'dead duck' without its services.

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.

Once worth $3m, Kleana Bins now in voluntary administration

Last year new kerbside collection charges affected 80 per cent of Kleana Bins' turnover.

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.'

'Unfortunate situation': Bar temporarily becomes a cafe after liquor licence issue

The bar traded for three months without a liquor licence, now it can't sell booze for now.

Revealed: The courts where privacy was most often breached

Data details Ministry staff viewing court documents without justified reasons.

'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.

'A huge change for the better': What the Takitimu North Link will mean for locals

One Bethlehem resident says the expected reduction in traffic will be "utterly wonderful".

Opinion: Just do something - massacres need to stop

OPINION: US, just do something - anything - to stop the massacres.

'Made my week': Cystic fibrosis sufferer gifted money by stranger

The donor wanted Troy Watson to 'go and have fun' with his friends or family.