Latest fromWhakatane

Blisters force Jack on to bike for Māori wards journey
He plans to cycle back after blisters halted his walk.

Minister reveals new Northwest Rapid Transit construction start date
A busway is planned along the North Western Motorway for frequent trips.

How Whakatāne Hospital plans to restore full maternity services
Since January, 88 Eastern Bay women have had their babies at Tauranga Hospital.

'Cherished': Taupō farm vehicle victim described as 'beautiful pou'
A long-time friend said they are 'extremely broken'.

Highway reopens after fatal crash near Rotorua
Emergency services responded with five crews, an ambulance, and a helicopter.

Brent Mountford on farming the land he grew up on
Couple's dream was to come back home, farm, and return the land to its original form.

Whakaari/White Island unrest: Alert level rises
Volcanic ash has been identified more frequently in the steam and gas plume.

'Highly careless’: Nomar Farms effluent discharge ends in big fine
A Whakatāne dairy farm owner has been fined $48, 750 for effluent discharge.

Letters: The case for acknowledging our emergency service volunteers
Volunteers make up 80% of Fire and Emergency staff in New Zealand.

Traffic delays ahead: SH35 down to one lane for six months
SH35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha will be one lane from April 28.

'Prepare now': Cyclone Tam brings 130km/h gust, winds forecast to ramp up overnight
Forecasters warn of 120km/h gusts that may close the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Kawerau death: Second 15-year-old charged with murder
Three people have been charged with murder following the death of Michael Tokona.

'Hallelujah': Driving instructors react to proposed licence changes
Practical licence set to be scrapped described as 'a joke' and 'not good'.

'She died in my arms': Dog's death sparks road safety campaign
Surf instructor wants the speed limit on a coastal road reduced to 30km/h.

Government to widen definition of veteran and create new national tribute day
The definition had created division within the military community.

Armed police incident: Charges after police station windows smashed
Police allege a pickaxe was found nearby; the suspect is due in court today.

Comancheros bust: Influential gang member charged with 200kg drug import
The Comanchero was charged months after two men allegedly broke into a shipping container.

Nervous for survival: Māori ward councillors prepare for critical elections
Forty-two councils will hold a poll for Māori wards in 2025 elections.

Teen's 160km hīkoi backing Māori wards referendum
Jack Karetai-Barrett's inviting others to join the walk, aiming to raise awareness.

On The Up: Air Chathams and Air NZ in partnership talks
'Smaller operators play a critical role and do an excellent job.'

Thomas Coughlan: Defence overhaul will hit spending in other areas
OPINION: $12 billion does not go a long way in the defence world.