Latest from Alison Smith

What storm? What road closures? Time for dancing to shine.

Council urges holidaymakers to head home as beaches empty and traffic builds.

Give what you can and take what you need: "This is about food security".

Get your jangle on in Pāpāmoa and enjoy community cheer at the city's only festive parade.

"We [...] know in communities like Tairua, surf clubs are part of the community hub."

The farm is being transitioned with regenerative and traditional Māori methods.

Rotorua woman's passion for caravan shared by family a week after her death.

Showers amid the sun brought out the gleam of hot rods, street machines and muscle cars.

Four of the 16 regional finalists in Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau are in Pāpāmoa.

Residents calling for reinstatement and protection of site planned for development.

Toughest Ironman in the world fought with injury after horror crash, 2km to bike finish.

Live theatre is back on the boards and Mark Wright will perform in Katikati.

Essential information gleaned to underpin New Zealand commercial seaweed production.

Protecting land from 'inappropriate subdivision' comes at an intergenerational cost.

Katikati club returns with large stash of medals and multiple champions.

'I don't think we really gave much thought to the bigger impact this pandemic would have'

Organisers relieved after more than two years of uncertainty

It is blissfully quiet and has the feel of a remote getaway.

Steve and wife Krista flew to Greece in September 2019.

Salaries up for workers and new accommodation aimed at securing them comfortably

Local asks for street to be renamed after late historical town figure's husband.

The area is described as a threatened ecosystem and likely home to numerous species.

Voyage around the world taught young boys how to sail, plus responsibility and resilience

The festival was planned a year ago but postponed due to lockdowns and uncertainty.

Wine, says one candidate - "I can smell it before I get in the car."

"It will create an atmosphere that'll be second-to-none in the years to come."

"There are people out there that can't physically look after themselves."

"It's probably the biggest election we've had with ... climate and local govt reforms."

"We decided we've got to invest in a way that really makes a difference."

'If they take water infrastructure away, are councils big enough to carry on their own?'

"I can't continue to be in the background; it's time for ... a more proactive approach."