Latest from Bay of Plenty

'The bottom line is that kids are happy': Schools prepare for staff shortages, class disruption amid Omicron

Schools have been told staff shortages are "highly likely" as a result of Omicron.

Schools prepare for staff shortages and class disruption as Omicron spreads

Schools have been told staff shortages are "highly likely" as a result of Omicron.

Heavy rain hits North Island - new warnings of more to come

Adding to the humidity, intense rain is forecast for east from Hawke's Bay to Coromandel.

'Huge struggle': Schools help parents tackle back to school costs

A mum has described buying school supplies for her three children as a "huge struggle".

243 Covid cases - the highest since start of pandemic

The record was 222 daily community cases on November 16 last year.

Cannabis drug bust: Linesman sentenced to prison after rerouting electricity meters

Duane Simon rerouted wiring to steal thousands of dollars worth of electricity.

From dreams to jail: Why cannabis growers got involved in 'massive' $4.2m syndicate

Why they did it. The masterminds behind a massive drug-growing syndicate are sentenced.

'Catastrophe' brewing: Six-month wait on some building materials

Small building firms could go bust: 'It's bloody sad to see this unfolding, to be honest.'

Auckland pool, Air NZ flights added as high-risk locations of interest

New locations follow the addition of an Auckland restaurant and bowling alley yesterday.

Luke Kirkness: Why today's make or break for the Government

OPINION: Are we in for some Covid-19 reprieve with a border announcement looming?

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

The independent investigation cost the council $14,000.

'If we carried on, we wouldn't last': Free food store to close

Hundreds of people who got free food from Rotorua Whakaora will have to go elsewhere.

Couple trapped in Aussie must repay $16,000 in pensions

The couple have been stuck in Australia for nearly a year.

Tauranga pig farmer remanded in custody after sentencing hearing delayed

Tio Faulkner dumped around 1500cu m of steel and concrete into Tauranga Harbour.

Local Focus: Ocean sports are just a Friday Float away

Accessible water sports for people with disabilities on offer at Mount Maunganui.

Sisters will defend charges in relation to Tauranga boy's death

Two sisters charged over the death of a five-year-old Te Puna boy are heading to trial.