He used Google Maps for a shortcut home - and was washed 2.5km out to sea
The fully-clothed man spent three hours in the water clinging to a log.
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Latest fromWhakatane
Rose the Black Hawk helicopter graces Bay of Plenty skies
The helicopter is owned by Kahu NZ in Whakatāne.
Woman injured after car rolls in Whakatāne
The car slipped off the road and rolled.
'No family should ever have to live in circumstances like this'
"People are offering donations... It's very kind, but we just really need a house".
Don't panic - Bay of Plenty Civil Defence tests alerts
Civil defence alerts are being tested today.
Almost 90 and still giving to the community
Ōpōtiki's Fraser Cameron has been recognised in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Queen's Birthday Honours: Bonnie's doing it for Matatā
Matata's Bonnie Dobson honoured in the Queen's Birthday 2019 list.
Bay council celebrates Smokefree Day by extending smoke-free areas
Ōpotiki council celebrated for its smoke-free policy,
One person seriously injured after car rolls in paddock near Whakatane
The woman was airlifted to Tauranga Hospital in a critical condition
Tauranga church and clothing brand partner in hopes of providing 3000 clothing packs to needy kids
Fleece clothing will be given to kids in need in Tauranga, Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki and Te Puke
NZTA expect rain, strong wind to affect road conditions over weekend
Drivers are urged to take care, plan ahead and be prepared for heavy traffic
Whakatāne Airport terminal listed as historic
The controversial design has won out in the end.
Grateful patient gives taonga to hospital
A singer and kapa haka performer creatively expressed his gratitude to hospital staff
Swarm of almost 200 quakes rock White Island
A swarm of earthquakes has rocked White Island, with 196 recorded since Thursday.
The First XV battle of the Te Kani Shield has begun
The team won the shield for the first time last year.
Game of Thrones author hints at trip to Rotorua next year
The author will be returning to New Zealand year for Worldcon.
Bay of Plenty Bridge open full-time, maintenance finished
The work was initially expected to take four nights.
Shane Jones says sorry: I wasn't attacking individual farmers
Forestry Minister Shane Jones says sorry to farmers for referring to them as 'moaners'.
NZTA closes Bay of Plenty bridge for maintenance
The bridge will be closed overnight next week
Government announces commitment to accelerate horticulture in the Eastern Bay
The investment will accelerate a skills, training and employment programme.
Government announces $2.2 million investment to combat unemployment in the Bay
The funding came as a result of economic growth in the region.
Protesters fight water bottling 'tsunami of plastic'
The director of one bottling plant says protest organisers' claims are exaggerated
Half a dozen people protest water bottling plant plans
Protest against Murupara's water bottling plant goes ahead.
Dramatic night moves in Kopeopeo Canal project
Night moves marked a significant milestone for the Kopeopeo Canal remediation project.
First fatal house fire prompts warning
The fatal house fire occurred in a house which did not have any smoke alarms
Bay of Plenty buildings big winners in architecture awards
The winners included buildings in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Whakatāne, Taupō and Rotorua
Police call on public to find woman with arrest warrant
Police are looking for 37-year-old Angela Pidduck
Police investigating sudden Whakatāne infant death
The death was not being treated as suspicious
Crash driver in serious condition after fleeing from police
Police attempted to stop the vehicle a few minutes prior to crash.
Rāhui in place at Sullivan Lake after toddler drowning
A rāhui has been placed on Sullivan Lake in Whakatāne.
Council staff hope to meet toddler's family
Whakatāne councillors and staff want to offer condolences to family of drowned toddler.