Bay Of Plenty
Battling Off-Roaders and Predators at Thornton Lagoon
Ben Banks is trying to protect the fragile dunes and surrounds of a coastal lagoon near Whakatane. Volunteering his time, he and his family trap for predators and pests but there's another threat to… Audio
Mayor backs Air NZ's call for state subsidies of regional flights
Air New Zealand's new chief executive has signalled the government might have to step in to keep planes to smaller centres going. Audio
Paewhiri Episode 12 - Phones on the Marae
In this episode the Paewhiri panel talk about the use of phones on the marae and whether or not should be a new rule, following a similar line when marae became smokefree. Audio
'Nothing prepares you for what a volcanic eruption burn looks like'
An Ōpōtiki-based police officer has told a coroner's court that the severity of the injuries did not sink in until he saw them in person.
Bus crash blocks bridge in Tauranga
Police said the crash happened shortly before 8.30am in Pyes Pa.
NZ company deploys undersea drones to guard cables from sabotage
A Mount Maunganui business is aiming to use undersea drones to help protect seafloor cables from sabotage as well as other work.
Communications were 'chaotic' after eruption, says police officer
Police had no access to marine radio, and staff were deployed to the offices of Whakatane Coastguards and White Island Tours to get information.
New kiwifruit orchard bought to fund Mormon church
The investment arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has purchased a new kiwifruit orchard in Bay of Plenty.
Four Tribesmen gang members jailed over fatal 'hotbox' beating
The partner of Mark Hohua confronted his killers in court, asking why they chose violence, when they could have "talked it out".
Manslaughter charge over disappearance of man four years ago
Jason Butler went missing four years ago after he was taken into the bush by a Department of Conservation contractor on unapproved work experience.
'I live with it everyday': Officer emotional recalling Whakaari/White Island tragedy
Police officer Sergeant Russell Owen, was at times close to tears as he recollected the events of 9 December 2019, where 22 people died and 25 others were injured.
Convicted teen killer argues his age should prevent life sentence
Gang associate Kayleb Renata was 16 when he fatally stabbed Jamaine Wharton at a 21st birthday party.
People 'burnt like I've never seen before' in Whakaari eruption
The Whakaari/White Island disaster inquest has heard how the quick thinking of a tour boat passenger helped treat survivors with fresh water.
Hospital goes 9 months without obstetricians, mums travel hundreds of kms for births
More than 200 women made the journey in the past year - a third of them emergency transfers - amid a shortage of obstetricians. Audio
Longest-serving councillor Maxwell extends tenure in Rotorua
Trevor Maxwell's election success may soon see him set a national record.
Visitors to Rotorua pools urged to come forward amid search for teacher
Police have been combing the area around the hot and cold pools on Waiotapu Loop Rd for Rotorua man Jayleb-Che.
Mayor vows cheaper redo after $105m pool project halted
Mahé Drysdale is "disappointed" $4.7m was spent on "ridiculous" plans to overhaul the Memorial Park aquatic centre, which his council has abandoned.
Frustrated families of Whakaari victims want answers
There remained many unanswered questions from bereaved families, the inquest into the Whakaari / White Island tragedy has heard.
