Latest from Whakatane

Claim councils 'bullied' into pursuing joint water services
'Leave us alone': One councillor's message to the Government.

'Scaring me': Heavy rain brings flooding
'My whole back section’s flooded, it’s coming up to my back door step.'

Former MP Brendan Horan aims for Whakatāne council seat
He was a list MP for NZ First and cleared of allegations in 2016.

Geothermal baths with silica terraces planned for BoP town
The project includes an 'attractive bath complex' using geothermal fluids.

Small but mighty: Kyro gets set for Tai Mitchell challenge
Kyro Uri, 12, plays first five for Rotorua Maroon in the Tai Mitchell Tournament.

Tears as private ambulance operators found guilty of forgery; altering documents
Private ambulance operators say they injected drugs into fruit as training exercises.

Transport operators outraged over condition of SH2 bridge
More than 2000 vehicles use the bridge daily, including nearly 1000 trucks.

'We must stand up': Kawerau residents oppose water service merger
The ratepayers oppose water services merger with Rotorua, Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki councils.

SH2 bridge to close for repairs for six days during school holidays
Pekatahi Bridge will close daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm, starting June 30.

'I wept': White Island tragedy doctor’s anguish at child’s death
The young doctor started a rotation training in intensive care on the day of the disaster.

'Hot-box' murder: Accused says rival gang bigger issue than patched member's theft
Defence counsel says Mark Hohua died after falling on to concrete steps while fleeing.

900km mission: 15-year-old's long ride to Parliament to support Māori wards
Jack, 15, will ride from Whakatāne to Wellington, starting on June 28.

Tribesmen's alleged 'hotbox' murder after gang member's unauthorised online shopping
Mark Hohua, known as Shark, was allegedly beaten to death by fellow gang members in 2022.

BoP dairy targeted by armed robbers
Police recovered a stolen silver Mazda used in the robbery.

Auckland ICU doctor's book exposes NZ health system crisis from the inside
Mismanaged priorities, hospital bullies, public vs private - Dr Ivor Popovich tells all.

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.