Latest from Bay of Plenty

‘A full and very positive life’: Funding to begin for life-extending cancer drugs

Rhys Drayson passed his given life expectancy after taking the drugs in a clinical trial.

Tenant trashed property, leaving ‘mountain of rubbish’ and $30k in repairs

The landlord says it took four people four days to clear the rubbish from the property.

How a $48.7m boost is shaping the future of kapa haka

Finance Minister Nicola Willis received a rock star welcome at Te Matatini's opening day.

New twist in Nia Glassie case: ‘I told yous from the start I was innocent’

Second Curtis brother convicted of 3yo's murder makes first Parole Board appearance.

Arrests made after burglary accused walk past police station

In total, four people are before the courts after three separate burglaries in Waihī.

‘A really precious thing’: New owners rally for Rotorua Supper Club

The Supper Club event supports two Ronald McDonald Family Retreats in Rotorua.

Council cans waterfront walkway, projects 12.5% rates rise

Mayor Mahe Drysdale says the council's budget is a 'ceiling ... not a target'.

Rotorua considers new bottle store freeze to tackle alcohol harm

It comes as the city sets a new national record for liquor licence opposition.

‘Large steam plumes’ seen at Whakaari/White Island

Elevated activity has been observed at White Island recently.

‘Making our whānau proud’: Bay kapa haka teams amped for Te Matatini

The teams are ready to give their all on the world's biggest kapa haka stage.

Ngāti Ranginui head to Te Matatini

Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Ranginui will represent Tauranga Moana at Te Matatini in New Plymouth this week. Video / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Aaliyah Hunt’s international dance triumph: How hard work pays off

Aaliyah Hunt has been dancing since she was 3 and aspires to dance on cruise ships.

Small town New Zealand is really upping its food and coffee game

Worthwhile places to stop on a roadie through the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.

‘Dangerous’: GP wait times force local clinic to close books

Katikati health practice says poor funding has caused 'dangerous' wait times.

Student flat shockers: Property managers want rental industry ‘cowboys’ gone

A Tenancy Services taskforce is due to inspect some of Dunedin's grotty flats this year.

China begins second military exercise in Tasman Sea

China notified NZ Defence of the live firing via radio channels on Saturday.

‘Pure heartlessness’: Man laundered $44k from 22 victims for Kenya-based scammers

Patrick Neho claimed he did it to feed his children but in reality, he fed his addictions.

'Same costly mistake': Driver's warning after $150 bus-lane fine

More than 6500 tickets were issued for breaching the 50m rule last year.