Latest from Western Bay

Protesters tell council to 'stop the spend' as they face 12% rates hike
About 250 people attended a rally in Tauranga on Sunday.

'Won the battle': How a community pool could be saved from closure
Tauranga City Council will review options for the Ōtūmoetai Pool in June.

'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.

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

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.

Seymour's vision for Tauranga's growth challenges
David Seymour addressed infrastructure and housing issues in Tauranga.

'Real problems': Expansion of paid parking worries businesses
Business owners fear more paid parking will deter customers and burden staff.

Uncle leads byelection race to become Māori ward councillor
Hemi Rolleston looks set to fill the seat vacated by his nephew due to illness.

‘Disgusting’: Cow guts dumped by beach highway
A cyclist found the cattle remains near Te Ahiaua Reserve on Tuesday morning.

SH2 median barrier fight: Campaigners claim truck drove on wrong side
Wire median barriers have removed right turns on SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa.

'Life has just stopped': 'Forgotten five' battle council over slip damage
Owners of three homes have not been able to return since they were evacuated in 2022.

'Phenomenal' outcome: Five community boards to remain in Western Bay
The Local Government Commission overruled the proposed reduction.

Grieving grandparents 'numb' after death of 4-year-old attacked by dogs
They are trying to focus on the good memories of the boy they raised from a baby.

‘Unfair’: Mount businesses struggle with proposed street dining fees
Businesses say the plan is 'flawed' and 'bizarre' at a time when eateries are hard-hit.

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.