Latest fromTauranga

Heavy downpours to hit North Island, tree falls in Herne Bay
As temperatures rise during the first week of spring, the rain will continue to fall.

New $340k fire pump truck likely written off in crash
It crashed and rolled on Thursday around 10am.

Chilly bin-sized rocks fall at famous landmark as visitors ignore warnings
Tracks to the famous landmark had closed and would remain closed over summer.

'I lost my moral compass': Mexican cartel cocaine kingpin jailed
Tangaroa Demant went from exporting crayfish to importing cocaine.

'Biggest-ever' AIMS Games to descend on Tauranga
This year also welcomes back international schools from the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa.

DNA match: Bloody airbag used to nab crash driver who fled after injuring four
He also lied to police and insurance, claiming his vehicle had been stolen.

Another byelection triggered as second board member quits
It is the second byelection announced for the district in as many weeks.

Increased risk of injury or death: Cathedral Cove tracks closed for summer
People urged to stay away from the cove and nearby bays.

The text that sent a Mongols gang member to jail for a long time
The Auckland man was jailed for 14 years and nine months.

Renowned scientist honoured for dedication to marine conservation
Biodiscovery work has provided new hope in the fight against many diseases

Missing woman found dead after three-day search
Jude Coxhead, 62, was last seen by family in Tauranga on August 12.

Police seek couple in search for missing woman
Jude Coxhead, 62, was last seen by family in Tauranga two days ago.

Defence Force called in as 'commercial explosives' found
Police received the report on Monday and alerted the NZDF.

Two-vehicle crash on Kaimai Range
Emergency services are at the scene on SH29 on the Kaimai Range.

Tauranga-based artist wins National Contemporary Art Award
The annual award, founded by the Waikato Society of Arts, has been held since 2000.

Heavy rain warning and strong wind watch issued for Coromandel
MetService has upgraded the forecast to orange for Coromandel.

Heavy rain watch issued for Coromandel
A front is expected to move southwards over northern New Zealand.

New documentary captures hope amid damage of severe weather events
Sija Soman of Waikato made a film that highlights tales of climate action.

'We stand in solidarity': Moment of silence 60 years since plane tragedy
The cold, windy weather didn't stop hundreds of people from paying their respects.

Joelle King equals Dame Susan Devoy's squash title record
The record set by squash great Dame Susan Devoy in 1992 has been equalled.

Searcher recalls 'horrific' crash: 60 years since the Kaimai tragedy
A tramper recalls the search for the wreckage of New Zealand's deadliest air disaster.

'Now...not in 30 years': Leaders ask Govt to fast-track Golden Triangle highway
The highway is a key arterial route linking Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton.

State highway pothole plague - the regions with the most revealed
Pothole plague: The quality of roading is 'leaving a lot to be desired'.

New Zealand athletes clock up wins at Special Olympics
The New Zealand delegation will be bringing home some bling.

BOP and Waikato's best new architecture projects celebrated
21 projects were winners on the night.

Coromandel bridge construction to get under way in next fortnight
The design was for a 110-metre, three-span composite bridge.

FIFA trophy visits Waikato ahead of World Cup
The trophy will be accompanied by a few special events and celebrity visits.