Latest from RDP - Whakatane regional news

'Blessed with a lovely life': Woman born in flu pandemic turns 100 in lockdown
Family celebrates milestone birthday using technology,

Council submits nine projects to stave off unemployment
Aim is to get these "shovel ready" projects off the ground within the next six months.

'Ratbags and renegades': Police Minister slams Mongrel Mob's illegal roadblocks
A man who was out to get milk was reportedly stopped by the Mob at an illegal checkpoint.

White Island survivors held breath for two minutes underwater
New account of helicopter pilot Brian Depauw's life-saving instructions to his passengers.

Covid-19: Pop-up testing clinics at Tōrere and Ōpape marae
The pop-ups provide a kaupapa Māori service to small and rural communities.

Motels offer nearly 1000 units for homeless
Community groups have been praised for their dedication during the Covid 19 lockdown.

'No one is staying home, no one is listening': Iwi latest to restrict access to area
The iwi is trying to educate people at checkpoints but can't legally stop people.

Daylight Saving: Tick tock, the clocks went back on Sunday morning
The clocks go back giving an hour extra sleep tonight.

Police, local council assist as Te Whānau-ā-Apanui iwi shuts its doors to outsiders
Outsiders are barred from Te Whānau-ā-Apanui territory from midnight March 25 onwards.

'Tragic incident': Bay of Plenty school student dies at Lake Rotoma
A helicopter is on its way after a water incident at Lake Rotoma

Kiwis stranded in Peru as Air NZ cancels service to South America
"We're feeling quite alone right now."

Whakatāne upgrade: New riverfront, harbour in Govt announcement
The Government is investing $36.8 million into waterfront and visitor projects.

Drowned child: Ex-partner concerned over accused man's mental health
Tewi Savage, 34, is on trial in the High Court in Hamilton.

State of unrest: Hottest temperature recorded on Whakaari/White Island
The temperature in the lava lobes was sitting at its hottest temperature to date.

Man accused of drowning daughter 'wanted true humility'
A Bay of Plenty man intended to take her life and possibly his own, the Crown says.

'This will stay with me forever': White Island guide three months on
Kelsey Waghorn says months following eruption the longest she's spent on land in years.

'Gross breach of trust': Education consultant received $150K in kickbacks
The former employee admitted receiving secret commissions from a new contract.

Firefighters battle large manuka blaze in Ōpōtiki
Crews from across the region are working to extinguish the blaze.

'Devastated beyond measure': Cambridge fatal crash family's heartache
Family of the Eastern Bay of Plenty couple have thanked everyone for their generosity.

Watch: 'Huge progress' - White Island survivor learns to walk again
"Although I have my moments, I am proud of the huge progress I have made."

Cambridge road crash: Two children orphaned
9-month-old Eli is in a stable condition in a ward at Waikato Hospital.

Rawiri Waititi to stand for Māori Party in Waiariki
The 39-year-old's candidacy was today confirmed in Rotorua.

Caught on camera! Water spout spotted off Bay of Plenty coast
A water spout was spotted off the coast of Whakatāne this morning.

'I don't remember almost dying': White Island survivor learning to walk
The tour guide says she doesn't remember the "really gnarly stuff".

Armed robbery at service station
A BP service station has been held up at gunpoint and cash stolen.

Sewage overflow triggers temporary health warning
A sewage overflow has caused contamination of the Wairere Stream.

Two arrested after operation targeting organised crime
Police raid clandestine lab believed to be used for manufacturing methamphetamine.

Rent hike of almost 25% shocks tenants
Tenants of a community housing provider in Whakatane are in shock.