Latest from Bay of Plenty

Outlaw gangs to make NZ a safer place, says former drug kingpin

Billy Macfarlane says a tougher stance on gangs is needed.

'Worst case of emaciated dogs I have ever seen'

Two emaciated dogs and four puppies were rescued from Kaingaroa Forest overnight.

Ian MacRae Field opens as one of Hawke's Bay's greatest opens up on darkest day

All Blacks great on tough times in black jersey and latest honour for his legacy.

Some could 'lose their lives': 72 people waiting for mental health support at DHB

Two patients have died in the past six years before treatment.

Mental health: Fears lives may be at risk as nearly 500 wait for DHB appointments

Two patients have died in the past five years after being triaged but before treatment.

'I just cried': 32-year-old's Stage 4 bowel cancer battle

Rachael Ferguson now wants the screening age lowered to 35.

'Like a dark blanket that covers your life': Depressed mum 'not critical enough' for support

"She looks at me and goes 'mummy do you not want me any more?'"

Woman killed in motorcycle crash named

The crash happened around 2.40pm on Saturday on State Highway 2, Pongokawa.

Ram raids are violent, thuggish and dangerous

OPINION: Grumpy old men and women have been sounding the warning for years.

MPs clash over homeless report on where Rotorua homeless have come from

Local politicians have exchanged words over a new homeless report.

Gone by smoko: Workers quitting on first day, other staff 'tired and stressed out'

'Mental health tsunami is coming' as labour shortage hits workers left to pick up slack.

Oranga Tamariki investigates how system failed murdered 5-year-old Malachi Subecz

'This is an absolute priority for me and I will have more to say' - Oranga Tamariki CEO.

Police identify woman found dead in Pilot Bay

The death will be referred to the coroner.

Local Focus: Motorcycles and men's mental health

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride dapperly raises funds in Tauranga

Boycott begins: Bus drivers refuse key pick-ups after knife incident

'It's gotten to the point where we are now dealing with significant weapons...'

'Lots of tears' for missing cat accidentally taken to the tip

The friendly tabby's family say they miss his cuddles and have not stopped searching.