The issue of vehicles on beaches is dividing seaside communities throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Diane unpacks the tensions. The Opotiki District Council has been workshopping ways to bring down early estimates of a rates increase - from 34 percent to 27.8 percent. And two beaches in the Whakatāne district have won Best Beach awards - with Ōhope Beach named the Best Family Beach while Ōtarawairere Bay winning Best Hidden Gem.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Local Democracy Reporter - Diane McCarthy with the Whakatane Beacon spoke to Kathryn Ryan.
Photo: RNZ / Sarah Robson
