Latest from Whakatane

'I'll never forget you': Hero saves drowning family

A man who had been watching some swimmers heroically saves four from drowning in a rip.

Man who sexually exploited an impaired woman lured her with the promise of takeaways

Judge: "The Department of Corrections is going to rule your life for the next little bit."

'Not substantiated': Inquiry into councillor's claims of 'ageism', 'abuse'

The independent investigation cost the council $14,000.

Water-related death near Whakatāne Heads, rāhui in place

Police said a man died in the incident.

MP gets boost and urges others to do the same

Kiri Allan chose to get vaccinated in a place she wants to see vaccination rates rise.

Return to red: 'Downturn on a downturn' - locals react

New Zealand was moved to the red traffic light setting at 11.59pm on Sunday.

One person in serious condition after aquatic centre incident

Emergency services were alerted to a "water-related incident".

Vent temp and gas output decrease at Whakaari/White Island

Data was collated during an observation flight to the volcano last week.

Eastern Bay iwi put rāhui in place after island diving death

Police were called to a sudden-death incident at 8.45am near the Whakatāne Boat Ramp.

Whakatāne Hospital adult wards 'absolutely full' before Auckland border opened

Nurses at the hospital were also already doing extra shifts and working over-time.

'Always lived life to 110%': Family, school mourn loss of former head girl

The 21-year-old died after a farm accident on Tuesday.

The words a grieving partner will never forget: 'He's gone sis. He's dead'

A man found guilty of another man's manslaughter following a party has been sentenced.

'Relief' mixed with 'frustration': What going orange for New Year's means for Rotorua

'It is good news that we have got it but I am disappointed it has not come sooner'

'It's not rocket science': Tiny island fully vaccinated, community leader says

How the Bay's island residents are tackling a global pandemic.

Covid arrives in Ōpōtiki red zone, community urged to get tested

Extra testing and vaccination clinics are being set up.

Young Kawerau leaders head 'significant shift' in vaccinations

"They know them, they know their families. There's that trust there."