Latest from Whakatane

Shocked property owners set to lose parts of sections

The regional council's plan to build a stopbank along the river has upset local residents.

Rain warning lifted, high winds still a threat

An orange strong wind warning remained in place

'They took my son', mother's heartache after accused appear in court over alleged historic kidnapping

The accused all entered not guilty pleas before Judge Robert Spear.

Two brothers have the same condition. But only one can get $330k 'miracle' drug

One brother says it's a 'kick in the guts' knowing he could not get the drug.

Volcanic alert level lowered at Whakaari/White Island after nine months of unrest

The decision is based on the slowly decreasing level of volcanic activity, Geonet says.

How a man's lonely death led to housing for the elderly homeless

Elderly man found four days after he died.

Jewellery store owner says burglary is more grief on top of hard times

Whakatāne business owner is "absolutely gutted" by break-in.

Open fire season, but be responsible

Bay of Plenty district is now in an open fire season.

How Whakatāne Mill opened the door for local industry

OPINION: It's time to shake things up a bit and take inspiration from the old days.

Ōpōtiki mayor 'excited' to see voter numbers on the rise

Mayor Lyn Riesterer says the increase in voters indicates population growth.

Barry Howe breached council's code of conduct, investigation reveals

Mayor Lyn Riesterer withdrew her complaint at the beginning of council meeting.

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake felt in Ōpōtiki

GeoNet says the quake may have been felt in Rotorua and Tauranga as well.

A billion bottles a year: Whakatāne iwi challenges water bottling consent

A Chinese water giant's consent to bottle water is being legally challenged once again.

Bucket list: 3-year-old's dying wishes as he battles 'relentless monster'

"The last bit of our boy's life will be spent enjoying things he's always wanted to do."

Delighted! Mayors welcome mill expansion a year after potential closure

Mayors tell us what the mill's expansion means for their communities.

Mother's bid to have child removed from 'anti-vax' father declined by Family Court

A 12-year-old told his parents that he didn't want to be vaccinated. His mother disagreed.