Bay Of Plenty

There remained many unanswered questions from bereaved families, the inquest into the Whakaari / White Island tragedy has heard.

Roofs have been lifted after an isolated thunderstorm likely caused a small tornado in Awakeri.

The coronial inquiry into the 2019 eruption, has been delayed several years due to criminal proceedings related to the events.

In several personal statements it was suggested the island should be handed over to the government and never used again for tourism.

The crash shut a part of State Highway 2 but it has since reopened.

Residents say they will not be signing new tenancy agreements until they receive assurances over rental fee increases.

A 34-year-old woman has appeared in court on charges of murder, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

All areas of Kawerau have been subject to strong chemical smells over the past week.

Tupaea Mika had a previous conviction for drink-driving while still a teenager.

The mental health minister's office has been briefed after a woman allegedly murdered one person and seriously injured another inside a car.

RNZ understands two people were stabbed during the incident, one of whom died at the scene.

The 25-year-old blew double the breath-alcohol limit.

Urban fares will increase for all services across the region except for long-distance routes.

Three people were arrested on Thursday following a series of search warrants targeting traffic offending and antisocial trail bike use in Ōpōtiki.

Danny Topia was running for a seat on the Coromandel-Colville Community Board, but died early on Wednesday.

Local Democracy Reporting quizzes the mayoral candidates about key issues before the 11 October election.

Welcome Bay Road will likely be closed for some time.

Early last year the town was demanding action due to a more biological stench of human waste.

A new orange warning signals heavy rain could be on the way for eastern Bay of Plenty and the ranges of Gisborne.