Latest from Whakatane

Truck driver speaks after fatal SH2 crash: 'I had no time to react'

The speedway legend says his leg is 'munted' and he's 'lucky' to still have his foot.

Watch: Impressive plumes seen from Whakaari - but what's causing them?

Social media flooded with photos of the plumes taken from the Bay of Plenty coast.

The quiet strength of social supermarkets

OPINION: The Whakatāne social supermarket is a shining example of community collaboration.

Whakaari owners want to grant scientists access

'If they're not monitoring that risk, that's not fair. I don't care who owns it.'

'Irresponsible': Dumped roosters roaming rural roads

“If you can’t look after them or rehome them ... don't breed them."

'Beast has been well behaved': Mayor writes to ministers over volcano concerns

Lack of Whakaari/White Island monitoring increases ‘existential risk’.

Freezing! Region's temperatures dip below zero under clear skies

Central North Island and BoP feel the pinch.

'Sad day': Michael Hill Jewellers' Whakatāne store to close due to high crime

The store added extra security aids including fog cannons and additional security cameras.

Muay Thai machine wins King in the Ring

Michael Isaac went from watching the King in the Ring tournament on TV, to winning it.

'He was so bloody good': Scam victim accuses Westpac of negligence after $323k loss

The scammer had researched the victim's family and knew he had savings to invest.

'I’m just stunned': Council concerned residents don’t know where to go in tsunami alert

Many submissions mentioned 2021 tsunami alert that resulted in jammed streets.

Nine-year-old snatches fishing record with big catch

Harley Jaram's tuna weighed 39kg and was caught on Boxing Day last year.

BoP residents wake to icy temps, Minister praises restraint amid grid crisis

The country’s grid operator Transpower issued a warning notice.

'Kick in the guts': Tradies 'poaching' work from locals 'rife' amid slowdown

'A high volume of tradies [are] jumping in the ute and trying to grab some of the work'

'Doesn’t make sense': BOP doctors speak out amid strikes

Junior doctors picketed outside hospitals this week.

'Winter-like surge': Temperatures drop in region, -4.4C on Desert Rd

Weather remains sunny but chilly,

Young surfers start strong at World Junior Champs

Pauanui's 13-year-old surfing sensation continues to impress.

Watch: Dramatic smash and grab as jewellery store targeted in daylight raid

Two people have been arrested and police are looking for two more.