Latest from Whakatane

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.

The Bay of Plenty town with second highest pokie spend

95% of residents live in decile eight to 10 deprivation areas.

'I hate him': Partner of slain Tribesman lays blame for death at president's feet

Mark 'Shark' Hohua was allegedly killed in a 'hot-box' beating for spending gang funds.

'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.

Wellington leads in income, South Island shines in low unemployment

Wellington now ranks high in housing affordability due to falling prices.

Whakaari alert level lowered as volcanic activity decreases

No ash emissions have been detected at the island off Whakatāne recently.

Private ambulance operators accused of doctoring records to obtain morphine and fentanyl

The couple claimed to treat a man who had been dead for three years.

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.