Latest from Whakatane

Tourism boycott over council cutting Tourism BOP funding
More than 44 operators affected, including Tio Ohiwa and Kohutapu Lodge.

Patients say they didn't receive drugs a private ambulance claims to have given
Private ambulance operators are accused of altering records to obtain controlled drugs.

Mayor urges Govt support to keep Air Chathams flights
The airline may drop its Whakatāne-Auckland route without financial help.

Signatures sought for new State HIghway 2 bridge
The petition highlights congestion and the seismic risks of the current bridge.

'It seemed strange': Pharmacist's concern about ambulance's frequent narcotics orders
A couple who ran a private ambulance service allegedly procured morphine and fentanyl.

'Long-life battery': The 90-year-old standing for council
Sandy Milne, nearly 91, plans to stand in the Whakatāne council elections.

'Drive with care': Major fog, flooding causes highway closure
State Highway 2 is flooded between Kaikokopu Rd and Wilson Rd South.

Pregnant dairy worker thrown to the ground in attempted robbery
The intruder allegedly assaulted a pregnant shopkeeper, throwing her to the ground.

Wellington leads in income, South Island shines in low unemployment
Wellington now ranks high in housing affordability due to falling prices.

Regional councillor Toi Iti seeks Doug Leeder's seat
He aims to bridge Māori and non-Māori communities on the council.

Rusting car dumped in popular Bay of Plenty swimming hole
Last year, 28 vehicles were reported abandoned in waterways across the region.

Child airlifted after being hit by car in Bay of Plenty
Police were notified of the incident at 8.40am.

Whakatāne residents oppose council partnership with Tauranga, Western Bay
Submitters prefer Whakatāne manage water services alone, citing autonomy.

'Questions we need to answer': School trip to backcountry hut ends in group being airlifted out
The group set off despite a weather watch, which turned into a warning en route.

Watch: 'It's just what we do' - Horseback hero's daring flood rescue
A horse tied to a post in floodwaters would likely have drowned if not for Chase Gage.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms set to impact Bay of Plenty
An orange rain warning is in place for Bay of Plenty, east of Whakatāne.

Rotorua grassroots recycling milestone plants 1000 trees
Monthly collections reach 1300 cans, supporting 400 plus tree plantings annually.

Three strikes: Bins confiscated for repeat recycling errors
Whakatāne plans strict penalties for incorrect recycling in bins.

Why Whakatāne's mayor is cautious about new homes in Matatā
The council spent over $300,000 clearing debris from Matatā catch-pits.

Bay of Plenty All Black, Olympian, philanthropist and master fly-tier make honours list
The King's Birthday honours include famous names and community heroes.

Former cop's dying regret over 50yo Mona Blades mystery
Mona Blades disappeared while hitch-hiking from Hamilton to Hastings on May 31, 1975.