New Zealand
Beloved Ōhope coastal track faces permanent closure under new council plan
Staff say permanent closure is the lowest cost and lowest risk option.
Latest from Whakatane District Council
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Top political advocate takes on Ōpihi case as land battle heads to court
The 26.9ha Ōpihi Block is earmarked for a 240-lot housing development.
Ōhope golf course turns tree error into restoration plan
A court order requires new plantings over three years and looking after them for 10.
'Would not be where I am today without her': Sisters win Kawerau council seats
The Tongan-Māori sisters are the eldest of eight raised in Kawerau.
How a teen's passion for Māori wards led to shock win for mum
Dr Mawera Karetai won the Kōhi Māori seat without spending a dollar.
McDonald makes history as first Māori woman to lead Toi Moana council
Matemoana McDonald made history as the first woman to chair Toi Moana.
Air New Zealand and Air Chathams team up
A one-stop shop is opening for some flyers wanting to get around regional New Zealand.
Whakatāne voters want 'something different': Mayor-elect Nándor Tánczos
The former Green MP says voters made a clear choice on council spending and nice-to-haves.
What’s behind the mystery smell hanging over Kawerau
Bay of Plenty Regional Council has fielded 41 odour complaints since Sept 21.
Watch: Risque council dance moves become TikTok hit
The TikTok clip has racked up more than 133,000 views in just days.
Māori ward candidate profiles left out of voting booklets after error
Three Māori ward candidates were left out of the Ōpōtiki voting booklet.
District's water services require $70m spend
The council aims for an internal unit, exploring joint services with neighbours.
Work stops as human remains found in Whakatāne
Bones found on Waiewe St site are confirmed as human remains.
Councillor accused of hate crime by woman in Israel
Nandor Tānczos says he received a courtesy call from the Whakatāne Police.
Former MP Brendan Horan aims for Whakatāne council seat
He was a list MP for NZ First and cleared of allegations in 2016.
Geothermal baths with silica terraces planned for BoP town
The project includes an 'attractive bath complex' using geothermal fluids.
Transport operators outraged over condition of SH2 bridge
More than 2000 vehicles use the bridge daily, including nearly 1000 trucks.
Regional councillor Toi Iti seeks Doug Leeder's seat
He aims to bridge Māori and non-Māori communities on the council.
Motorists back to 100km/h speed limit on SH30 Whakatāne-Rotorua
A widower has mixed feelings about the change after losing his wife in a 2019 crash.
'She died in my arms': Dog's death sparks road safety campaign
Surf instructor wants the speed limit on a coastal road reduced to 30km/h.
Teen's 160km hīkoi backing Māori wards referendum
Jack Karetai-Barrett's inviting others to join the walk, aiming to raise awareness.
'Splits us into two': Willie Apiata hands over Victoria Cross over entitlements issue
He gifted his medal to Veterans Affairs minister Chris Penk in the hope of a law change.
Whakaari-White Island memorial project requires further hapū engagement
$90,000 was raised this year, with hopes for central government funding.
Edgecumbe flood lawsuits may burden ratepayers with $7m cost
Edgecumbe was flooded due to the breach of a Rangitaiki River floodwall in 2017.
Families gather to mark fifth anniversary of Whakaari eruption
A service was attended by more than 180 people, at least 40 of whom were from overseas.
Solar farm, terminal extension: Airport plan sets out ambitious future
The airport is built on land confiscated by the Crown in 1866.
Mayor rejects conspiracy theory claims
Rising rates and increased council spending proved a hot topic at a public meeting.
Residents say solar farm changes a 'threat' to rural lifestyle
Putiki Rd residents who agreed to a solar farm in 2021 are having second thoughts.
Freedom campers: 'Don't palm them off' on us, say locals
Several councillors indicated their wish to remove the dump site from Edgecumbe Domain.