Latest from Bay of Plenty

Merepeka Raukawa-Tait launches her election campaign in Rotorua tonight

OPINION: Why she's standing for Te Pāti Māori in Rotorua.

'Too scared to go to the toilet': Students intimidated by vapers taking over bathrooms

It comes as new vaping rules came into place this month.

'Big fan of K-pop': Student to feature in Korean reality TV show

Students will be filmed over eight days as they stay with a host family.

Snow closes roads, falling in Wellington hills, as temperatures plummet

The cold blast will continue to creep up the country today.

Watch: Thief raids jewellery store in 'terrifying' daylight robbery

The jewellery store owner threw cardboard boxes at the thief, who was wielding a weapon.

Truckies radio ahead to avoid disaster on treacherous section of SH1

Drivers and locals are calling for action on SH1 at Bulli Point, but are they being heard?

Ōpōtiki gears up for Mataatua secondary kapa haka competition

The kapa haka competition is set to start today at the Ōhui Domain.

Rotorua councillors vote to keep reserve previously marked for public housing

Land valued at $2 million could be used to help fill a sportsfield deficit instead.

‘Genuinely sincere guy’: Former councillor dies leaving lasting legacy for city

He is remembered as a loyal friend and tireless advocate.

High hoops: Interest in women's basketball grows as pro league plays second season

'Already, we have had an interest in our Whai players from national and overseas scouts.'

Crash and roadworks cause major delays

A crash on SH29A and “various roadworks” are causing large traffic delays in the city.

Heirloom cloak put up for auction by Australian-based whānau sold to iwi buyer

Iwi buys cloak put on the auction block by Australian whānau,

One arrested after police block Fordlands road

Armed Offenders Squad, St John helped officers carry out an arrest warrant.

Residents fear being forced from their homes

'I’m actually staggered that mandatory acquisition can happen in New Zealand.'

Highway reopens after serious crash

Emergency services were called around 9.25am.

Artworks unveiled in milestone moment at Thirty Eight Elizabeth

Specially conceived artworks by master carver Whare Thompson have been unveiled.

'Precious resource': Business convicted of unlawfully taking millions of litres of groundwater

The company faces a hefty fine.

'It's pretty awesome': Mother lands first job at age 41

The woman completed the course, with a 90 per cent success rate getting wāhine into jobs.