Latest from Mt Maunganui

What's in store from $1.4m+ changes at popular Mount Maunganui reserve
Tauranga council plans $400,000 pathway, cave barrier works then $1m+ playground upgrade.

Speedway deal: Proposal to sell Baypark stand for $1, extend lease
The council is mulling plans to extend speedway operations at Baypark until 2039.

On The Up: 'Desire to innovate' - Kiwi fitness app wins global prize for Harry Potter challenges
Plus: Tauranga gin distillery's big UK win and Pāpāmoa skincare start-up's Goop deal.

Armed police responding to gun report seize toy
Armed police were called to a carpark near Mount Maunganui beach on Saturday.

'Amazing community asset': Pool saved from closure with $5.71m boost
The Ōtūmoetai Pool will remain open and receive funding for upgrades.

'Huge impact': Subdivision residents concerned about traffic from development
About 200 homes are planned, with access through Rowesdale Drive in Ōhauiti.

'Woefully inadequate': Sportsground has six toilets for 4000 people
A request for funding to ease toilet troubles at netball courts prompts debate.

He thought his back pain was just him 'getting old'. Instead, he had cancer
Pāpāmoa father Blair Harrison now has a curve in his spine and is 5cm shorter.

The Doctors Bayfair opens new 'purpose-built' medical practice
The new space allows staff to better support the needs of the 'rapidly growing' community.

On The Up: The 'iconic' Mount Maunganui building getting 'a makeover'
'I would love something to go in here that is an asset to the town ... '

The end of an era: Hillier Centre closes after decades of community service
The closure has prompted several organisations to relocate.

'Just not sustainable': Rally planned to protest 12% rates increase
Organisers say the proposed 12% rates increase is unsustainable.

Tauranga Mayor finally buys home in city - why he isn't moving in yet
Mahé Drysdale's new home in Pāpāmoa is rented out for now.

‘Addicted to spending’: Ratepayers fight ‘wicked’ 12% rates rise
The mayor says the council has already found millions of dollars in savings.

Prevention pays off: Lifeguards make waves with fewer rescues
There were just 29 rescues at Bay beaches this summer.

Three-year flood map legal dispute ends in 'win' for landowners
Landowners can override council maps with a 'simple' stormwater assessment.

On The Up: 'A powerhouse' - looking back at 40 years of Bayfair
It has grown from 27 stores to more than 140 stores and restaurants.

Inside a council's new offices – and why it's paying $91.9m to lease, not own
Chief executive says owning and managing such a building is not 'core business'.

New councillor aims to prove value of Māori ward
Hemi Rolleston won the byelection with 543 votes, filling the seat his nephew couldn't.

Op shop boss in tears over rubbish, human waste dumped at door
Paying for clean-up means less money for the community.

'Our children need help': Principals back Kirwan's mental health initiative
The former All Black aims to reach 600 schools with Mitey this year.