New Zealand
Battle to protect Bay waters from invasive pests
The seaweed caulerpa and freshwater gold clams threaten to overwhelm native species.
Latest from Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Almost 63,000 BoP residents exposed to flood risk, study finds
The region has a 'reasonably large amount of people' living at river mouths and lakes.
‘The light went on for me’: First wahine Māori leads regional council
'I always had visions myself of what should happen for our constituency.'
McDonald makes history as first Māori woman to lead Toi Moana council
Matemoana McDonald made history as the first woman to chair Toi Moana.
'Slip up' costs council: $1.49m fix needed for leaking Tauranga landfill site
The old Cambridge Rd landfill closed in 1998 after more than 30 years of use.
Voter turnout up despite council's $70k cut to election spending
Voting bins at supermarkets saw strong support and boosted last-day returns.
'Done my dash': Councillor ends 15-year run after losing seat
Andrew von Dadelszen lost his seat to Kat Macmillan by 248 votes.
Denyer confirmed as Western Bay mayor after final count
Voter turnout was 38.06%, slightly up from 37.6% in 2022.
Tauranga buildings face being cut from quake-prone list under Govt overhaul
A revamp of the earthquake-prone building system could save Tauranga owners millions.
Council buys 266ha Rotorua farm to cut lake pollution
The $7.6m property includes 60ha of native bush.
Dairy owner, land consultant new Rotorua faces on regional council
Lyall Thurston leaves the regional council after five terms representing Rotorua.
'Every emotion': Candidate in close race describes tense 48-hour update wait
Kat Macmillan overturned a five-vote deficit to lead Andrew von Dadelszen by 192 votes.
Updated Rotorua election results: Margins widen in close ward races
Voter turnout reached 42.13%, with 21,102 votes counted so far.
Updated election results increase lead for Denyer
The results show just one change for the Western Bay of Plenty.
Western Bay mayor starts second term with focus on change and water reforms
A regional deal could unlock funding for key housing and road projects.
James Denyer re-elected as Western Bay Mayor
Denyer said he was “extremely happy and relieved” to be re-elected.
Local elections: Your last-minute voting guide
Voting closes at midday Saturday, with results expected from 2pm.
Smaller Bay of Plenty districts lead in voter turnout
'Embarrassing' dancing and more social media focus are among tactics used to boost voting.
Leeder steps down after 12 years: The projects he's most proud of
Dairy farmer Doug Leeder is retiring from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Bay of Plenty dairy farm company fined $59k for effluent spills
'It cannot take a hands-off approach to the extent it did,' the judge said.
'Out of kilter': Region's bus fares hiked for first time in seven years
'We have to show that we are committed to getting our finances right in public transport.'
Burning rubber: Town faces fresh wave of foul odour reports
Investigators have identified a home and an industrial site as possible sources.
Most council hopefuls back strong Māori role in resource protection - survey
'The role of mana whenua and decision making came through really strongly.'
Reforming council culture the focus for mayoral candidate Suaree Borell
She says council culture must shift to make 'impactful decisions'.
Don Thwaites pledges to sell council HQ if elected Western Bay mayor
He says two new offices in Ōmokoroa and Te Puke would be cheaper.
Candi-dating: Voters quiz election hopefuls in speed-dating style event
Constituents had the chance to ask candidates burning questions as voting opened.
Former mayor claims mayoral hopeful missed 'financial mistakes' as CEO
Former council chief executive John Holyoake said the issues dated back 10 to 15 years.
Tanker crash: 16,000L diesel spill recovery could take 'months'
'This incident has resulted in significant human and cultural costs.'
'Rabbit plague': Brazen bunnies overrun property, causing pest control confusion
Who is ultimately responsible for pest control in the region?
How a new research facility will be the only one of its kind worldwide
Concept designs for the New Zealand Institute for Marine Futures have been released.