Latest from Bay of Plenty

'There is still anxiety': Principals go doorknocking as kids slow to return

Anxious Auckland parents are still wary about sending kids back to school.

Mother's screams 'haunt' son, but jail for drunk driver not wanted

Xianju (Aaron) Pan has been sentenced for drink driving causing death and failing to stop.

A community hijacked: PM revisits Whakaari / White Is tragedy

Today is Ardern's third day campaigning in the Bay of Plenty.

The PM, a blanket and an 11-year-old boy

Ardern was visiting the Māori housing development.

Comanchero raids: Drug smuggler to give evidence against gang president

Money handler at 'heart of the case' to give evidence against Comanchero gang president.

Bike rage: Man 'just escapes' prison for attacking cyclist on shared pathway

The man had six previous assault convictions.

Drive sober, fresh and distraction-free - police plea as BOP road toll hits 31

Bay of Plenty police are urging road users to stay alert and drive to survive.

'Dirty, smelly and full of mould': Workers slam orchard accommodation

They paid $130 a week for stained mattresses, no insulation, and a leaky roof.

'Frustrated' pharmacists and nurses strike for pay parity

"We are standing our ground," says a Tauranga Hospital pharmacist.

Man stable after Mount Maunganui assault

Police and St John are on the scene.

Review team for 'dysfunctional' council could cost ratepayers $350k

Team could stay for 10 months, but council votes for earlier 'off-ramp' opportunity.

Top traffic cop: 'We are sick of picking up dead people off our roads'

The district's 2020 road toll already stands at 13, two deaths short of the 2019 toll.

'Inexcusable': Former firefighter fined for illegal burning

Kevin Davies pleaded guilty and was sentenced to $14,000 in penalties.

'I miss you': Heartbroken father's message to missing son

Missing man described as a happy and peaceful guy.

Violence and drugs: Rotorua seniors left homeless

'Elderly who have worked all their life are embarrassed by the situation they're in.'

Primary school makes masks 'non-negotiable', reports just a third of students back

Māngere school requires even 5-year-olds to wear masks despite official advice.