Bay Of Plenty

Tauranga residents are facing a rates rise of 9.4 percent from July, but the council was still "losing ground", as this was lower than the costs it was facing.

Two rafting companies believe they and others have collectively lost at least $1 million as high flows keep them off the Kaituna River.

The development of a 13ha block of former forestry land has been announced for a city Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says is "bursting at the seams".

New laws aimed at cracking down on gang activity were used for the first time yesterday following a funeral procession near Whakatāne for a slain Mongrel Mob boss, Justice Minister Kiri Allan says.

Police believe the shots were related to drug dealing but they came in the wake of Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini's death and tangi.

White Island Tours has pleaded guilty to two amended charges, relating to the health and safety regime when Whakaari / White Island erupted in 2019.

Ōpōtiki Mongrel Mob Barbarians boss Steven Taiatini died after he was run down by a ute in Ōpōtiki, police say.

A family friend of a slain gang boss believes there will be a lot of work behind the scenes to keep tensions at bay. Audio

Members of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians have gathered at Hillcrest Cemetery to farewell their fallen leader.

Anxiety levels are high in the eastern Bay of Plenty town of Ōpōtiki as gang members ride for the tangi of Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini. Audio

Police are investigating if the burnt-out car has any connection to the death of Steven Taiatini as his tangihanga continues.

Fire inspectors attending emergency housing providers have been coming across tampered alarms, missing smoke stop doors and aggressive dogs. Audio

Police are increasing their presence in the eastern Bay of Plenty town of Ōpōtiki to support a homicide investigation.

Residents in a Bay of Plenty town are fed up with their rusty brown tap water, which they say is nasty to drink, dirties washing and causes skin irritations. Audio

The name of the victim of a suspected homicide in Ōpōtiki on Friday night has been released, as police continue their investigation.

Abuse faced by city workers in Rotorua has more than tripled, with incidents including verbal and physical threats.

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man in Ōpōtiki died following a "disorder related incident" last night.

Rotorua's mayor has spoken about the "truly special" moment, and criticised the sector's staff shortages.

The pair have been charged with two counts of kidnapping and one count of aggravated robbery.