Latest fromWestern Bay

Fatal dog attack: Community begins 'healing process' after child's death
A blessing has been given at Katikati Medical Centre, where staff tried to save Timoti, 4.

On The Up: The business estate still in hot demand after 20 years
In the past year, $70m worth of building consents have been issued for the development.

Tauranga byelection: Q&As with the five candidates
Voting for Tauranga's new Māori ward councillor begins on Monday.

Strokes of inspiration? Mayors Mahé and James hit the water
Households could save up to $5000 if councils collaborate on water services.

‘Island in the wilderness’: Proposed boundary shift sparks concern
Residents say the proposed boundaries ignore local geographic ties.

Nan’s ‘unbearable’ grief after 4yo moko killed by dogs
He was her 'last connection' to her late daughter, a Givealittle page says.

Big changes for art gallery and its supporters
Renovations are part of the $306m Te Manawataki o Te Papa project.

‘We will make better decisions’: Mayor on iwi council appointments
A pōwhiri was held for the three tangata whenua representatives.

Why Tauranga’s water service delivery options have sparked debate
Council discusses ministerial influence on Tauranga's Local Waters Done Well planning.

Lotto Powerball: One very lucky punter $5.3 million richer
Big wins continue for Lotto players in 2025.

Party line: Memories of NZ’s shared phone days revived in museum
The exhibition features nostalgic chunky phones with circular dials.

‘Step backwards’: MP’s equal voting rights bill challenged
Iwi group leaders argue the bill ignores political disadvantages faced by Māori.

Road reopens after six people injured in four-vehicle SH2 crash
The highway was closed for about two hours.

LGxit: Another council legs it from LGNZ
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer highlighted LGNZ's support for elected members.

‘Significant progress’: New road emerging off SH29
A former Caltex Service Station once occupied the site.

'It’s still very new in NZ': Horses help transform lives in Ōropi
A Tauranga woman is using her own experience to help others with anxiety and depression.

‘Eroding a democracy’: Backlash over community board changes
Western Bay council proposes three boards to improve representation and reduce rates.

'All we knew was avocado on toast': City couple's orchard adventure
Couple flipped their lives from corporate city dwellers to hands-on avocado orchardists.

Lotto Powerball: Two lucky punters win $5.5 million each
Two Kiwis to wake up much richer on Sunday morning.

‘Unique, essential’: Locals dismayed as pool hours remain unchanged
The council decided to keep the 7am opening to save on extra costs.

$17m commitment: Te Puke care home set for major transformation
The project includes 36 new premium care rooms and 11 new villas.