A 17-year-old girl who was knocked unconscious at a graduation party early this morning was a "popular and talented" student.

A graduation party in the Bay of Plenty turned sour when a 17-year-old girl was left unconscious after a fight broke out this morning.

The Motu Trails are a dream for nature lovers and suitable for first-timers and old hands.

Two men have been charged in relation to a fatal brawl in Opotiki on Sunday, while a further seven people were arrested after disorder in the town yesterday.

Police have named the man killed in Opotiki on Sunday night, and are calling for calm and co-operation after reports of three retaliatory incidents in the town.

From coast to bush, the best of the Bay is never far away, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Donna McIntyre cycles, horse rides and roams around scenic Opotiki.

The family of an Opotiki man who died while repairing a tractor are devastated at the loss of the well-loved and respected community member.

A 70-year-old man has died after he was caught in a tractor and suffered fatal injuries on the grounds of Opotiki College.

A fisherman who died after being swept down the Motu River has been identified as 41-year-old Benjamin Robert Tekira from Waimana, near Whakatane.

The body of a 41-year-old man was found last night after he was swept away while trying to cross an East Coast river earlier in the day.

The body of a man has been found, hours after he was swept away at the Motu rivermouth near Whakatane today.

Workers had to literally run for it when the side of a hill came crashing down on to State Highway 2 in the Waioeka Gorge on Saturday afternoon.

A small-town grocery store is a treasure trove of New Zealand history, where century-old shelves hold bygone brands and insights into late-1800s living, writes Jim Eagles.