Latest from Tauranga

'Basically cooking': 347 complaints of dogs locked in hot cars this summer nationally

It can take less than 10 minutes for the inside of a car to exceed 31C.

'The bottom line is that kids are happy': Schools prepare for staff shortages, class disruption amid Omicron

Schools have been told staff shortages are "highly likely" as a result of Omicron.

Revealed: How much you might have in unused gift cards

The average Kiwi has $72 in unused gift card credit, a survey has found.

'Huge struggle': Schools help parents tackle back to school costs

A mum has described buying school supplies for her three children as a "huge struggle".

'Catastrophe' brewing: Six-month wait on some building materials

Small building firms could go bust: 'It's bloody sad to see this unfolding, to be honest.'

Man who sexually exploited an impaired woman lured her with the promise of takeaways

Judge: "The Department of Corrections is going to rule your life for the next little bit."

'Pseudo-self-isolating': Mixed bag for accommodation providers for long weekend

Some accommodation providers are reporting great bookings over Waitangi weekend.

'We can only wait and hope': Locals stuck overseas react to plan to reopen borders

Locals react to the Government's border announcement.

Tauranga rental market in 'crisis', rents up, supply drops

The median weekly cost of rentals in Tauranga has risen $70 in the past year.

Charity founders could end up on the streets as living costs rise

It comes as the annual inflation hit a 30-year high in December.

Gym questions officials over location of interest

A Tauranga Gym is challenging its close contact place of interest notification.

Perfect anniversary long weekend weather for birthday regions

A ridge has fought off a front to keep the long weekend weather sunny and hot.

From Parliament to prison: How an Aussie politico ended up in a Kiwi remand cell

Tauranga man Tio Faulkner went from rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers to an NZ jail.

Couple convicted for laundering nearly $1m of drug proceeds

Pair laundered money through their food business.

Mum going blind delays getting help due to no petrol money, car or childcare. She's not the only one

'Almost certainly her outcome was worsened as a result of the delay,' doctor says.

Locations of interest: Auckland Airport domestic terminal visited by Covid case

More locations of interest linked to Omicron cases continue to be released.