Latest fromBay of Plenty Regional Council

'Highly careless’: Nomar Farms effluent discharge ends in big fine
A Whakatāne dairy farm owner has been fined $48, 750 for effluent discharge.

Potential loss of 62 jobs at Ballance plant a 'concern for Tauranga’
Ballance Agri-Nutrients' proposal could mean 68 roles disestablished, with six new jobs.

Windsurfer rescued in harbour as conditions worsen
One person was plucked from Tauranga harbour as strong winds and swells increase.

House prices down in most regions in year to March
Prices either static or falling throughout NZ, only six areas had price rises lately.

‘Serious concerns’: Neighbours wary of drone spraying near homes
Neighbours questioned a drone weed-spraying operation in Bethlehem.

Wattle Park developer liquidated: Kiwibank owed $3.6m, Inland Revenue $1.09m
Project completed in January 2022 but developer blames Covid and the downturn for debts.

Council assessing Rotorua lake weed build-up
Rotting weed can cause a strong smell and build-up happens after bad weather.

‘Could take some time’: Salvage operation under way for tipped barge
A tipped barge at Tauranga's marina could take time to salvage, says council.

Barge capsizes in Tauranga Harbour, 10l diesel spill contained
About 10 litres of diesel spilled; absorbent booms are in place.

New automated gate to guard Lake Ōkataina against gold clam
The gate cost $32,669, and was funded by local councils and Biosecurity NZ.

Rotorua’s suggested ‘rates swap’ labelled ‘unfair’ by deputy mayor
Deputy mayor says it makes district council look like "bad guys" with a rates rise.

$180m retirement village approved under fast-track consent
'The economic impacts of the development are significant.'

‘Low trust’: Mount Maunganui street closure sparks community tension
Mayor Mahé Drysdale said road changes aim to balance safety and accessibility.

Should the night market move? And who should pay more for the new sewerage scheme?
What the council wants public feedback on this year.

Sewerage scheme funding ‘feels like an open chequebook’ - former Fonterra chairman
The Tarawera Reticulation Scheme could cost residents $38,000 to $41,700.

$60m BoP bridge and interchange to boost economy
Industrial development Rangiuru Business Park near Te Puke has reached a major milestone.

Guidelines set for part-sale of regional council’s port shares
Council's sale of Port of Tauranga shares to create an 'endowment fund' for the community.

How geothermal water changes could impact Bay of Plenty growers
Geothermal water use in the Bay of Plenty is currently under review.

‘Horrendous’: Ōpōtiki hit by wave of foul odour complaints
The council received seven odour complaints but Facebook reports suggest 60-80.

Edgecumbe flood lawsuits may burden ratepayers with $7m cost
Edgecumbe was flooded due to the breach of a Rangitaiki River floodwall in 2017.

New Year Honours: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Taupō recipients named
Plus - we ask why one city, unusually, has no honourees on this year's list.