Latest from Whakatane

National Emergency Management Agency's legal challenge

The agency has sought a discharge without conviction.

War hero Willie Apiata sells poppies for Anzac Day in Whakatāne

Willie Apiata received the Victoria Cross for bravery under fire in Afghanistan.

Fisherman's boat may have sunk, say police as search suspended

'There is concern the fisherman's boat may have been submerged.'

Missing fisherman Jason Kauta: Chilly bin found washed up on island

The bin was spotted in an aerial search and located by drone.

Missing fisherman: Relative clings to hope man with 'massive heart' will be found

Police reassess plans as bad weather looks set to continue to hamper the search.

'They took my son', mother's heartache after accused appear in court over alleged historic kidnapping

The accused all entered not guilty pleas before Judge Robert Spear.

Two brothers have the same condition. But only one can get $330k 'miracle' drug

One brother says it's a 'kick in the guts' knowing he could not get the drug.

How a man's lonely death led to housing for the elderly homeless

Elderly man found four days after he died.

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake felt in Ōpōtiki

GeoNet says the quake may have been felt in Rotorua and Tauranga as well.

A billion bottles a year: Whakatāne iwi challenges water bottling consent

A Chinese water giant's consent to bottle water is being legally challenged once again.

Bucket list: 3-year-old's dying wishes as he battles 'relentless monster'

"The last bit of our boy's life will be spent enjoying things he's always wanted to do."

Mother's bid to have child removed from 'anti-vax' father declined by Family Court

A 12-year-old told his parents that he didn't want to be vaccinated. His mother disagreed.

'Results speak for themselves': Bay's regional council puts abuse, ageism claims to bed

Councillors have been thanked for their professionalism after claims of abuse and ageism.

'Anomaly': Small town's house prices leap almost 50 per cent in a month

Bay of Plenty towns hit record-high house prices.

No trial location yet determined for those charged after White Island disaster

Possible trial locations include a Whakatāne Marae and a number of convention centres.

'I'll never forget you': Hero saves drowning family

A man who had been watching some swimmers heroically saves four from drowning in a rip.