Stories by Alisha Evans
News
‘Corrosive obsession with a person’s race’: David Seymour on Māori Wards
ACT Party leader David Seymour would vote against Māori wards if his home council were to hold a referendum on them.
Slip-damaged homes 'intolerable risk to life'
Homeowners in a Tauranga suburb are closer to a solution after council agreed to fund a buyout with the government.
Tauranga stadium to be delivered in stages
Plans for a stadium in central Tauranga have been scaled back and construction pushed out because of budget constraints.
'Congestion charging' suggested to keep Tauranga moving
The current funding model for transport infrastructure is "not going to cut it" and congestion charges may be needed in Tauranga.
ACT backs ex-mayor's call to make Tauranga commissioners 'caretakers'
ACT is joining a former mayor in calling for Tauranga's commission to act in a "caretaker role".
Border collie recovers after 'devastating' dog attack
A border collie's "horrific injuries" have healed six weeks after her throat was "ripped open" by two dogs.
Council spends $4600 on unneeded signs
Paid parking signs have been popping up around Tauranga despite the council pausing plans to extend parking charges.
Potential name change riles Tauranga business
A Tauranga business is worried the name change for National Park Village will create confusion for its customers.
Council backs down on alcohol policy – for now
Pushing pause on policies that affect bars and the sale of alcohol in Tauranga is "positive for the city", a shop owner says.
Concern over council move to extend al fresco dining charge
Street dining in Tauranga will soon cost businesses across the city instead of just some in the centre of town.
Air pollution: Tighter controls imposed around Mt Maunganui
Heavy industry is set to stay in Mount Maunganui despite air pollution problems, but stricter controls have been put in place on what will be allowed in future.
Public can be 'brutal' - councillors defend use of closed-door workshops
The Ombudsman's call to open council workshops is a "hard nut to crack", a Western Bay of Plenty councillor says.
'Closer to finish line': Land return pivotal moment for Tauranga hapū
Two Tauranga hapū will be able to reconnect with their whenua with reserve land likely to be returned to them.
Paid parking plans delayed in Tauranga after public outcry
The commission that administers the city has reconsidered after submissions from a business owner.
$404 for a ticket? Tauranga ferry plans shelved over 'scary' cost
Plans to set up a ferry service in the Western Bay of Plenty have been canned because of the "eye watering" cost.
‘Radical idea’: Mayor’s managed retreat idea divides council
The proposal suggests converting freehold properties in areas that may become unliveable in the future into long-term leasehold properties.
New closing times 'tough' on Tauranga bars
Bars in Tauranga's CBD are worried an earlier closing time will be tough on businesses that are already quiet.
Housing intensification plans fail to ‘get the vibe’ of the Mount
Mount Maunganui's unique beach vibe could be ruined by more housing, residents and businesses say.
Teen bullied over facial growth waiting months for removal
A Tauranga teenager with a bleeding tumour on his lip is facing up to eight months wait for treatment through the health system.
Reducing specialist teachers 'shockingly irresponsible'
Increasing numbers of children need extra help in the classroom, but an "outdated" system could see a drop in specialist teachers to support them.
Tears as rottweiler Chopper ordered to be put down
Cries of "no way" rang out through a courtroom as a judge ordered the destruction of a Tauranga rottweiler that bit a vet.
Former councillor thrown out of council meeting after Tolley clash
Murray Guy was ejected from a tumultuous Tauranga City Council meeting because he refused to stop speaking from the public gallery.
'Disregard for democracy' – speakers denied access to public forum
Garth Mathieson is one of 11 people who have had their request to speak in public forum at a Tauranga City Council meeting turned down by commission chairperson Anne Tolley.
'Momentous day': Western Bay of Plenty gets Māori wards
Applause then waiata rang out from the packed public gallery as the councillors voted nine to three in favour of Māori wards.
Waihī Beach Floods: Were the warnings heeded?
The Western Bay of Plenty District Council says it did not have warnings it needed to deuce the impact of flooding in Waihī Beach - but MetService and locals say it did.