Bay Of Plenty
Matatā residents not leaving without a fight
Matatā residents are gearing up for a legal battle to be able to stay in their beachside homes after the council gave them an ultimatum - sell up, at market rate, or prepare for their land to be… Video, Audio
Matata residents receive an offer
The residents of a small Bay of Plenty beach settlement at risk from potentially deadly debris flows will be offered market value for their properties - if they decide to leave. Audio
'High loss of life risk zone' residents to get market value
Matatā residents whose homes are at risk from deadly debris flows will be offered market value for their properties if they want to leave, Whakatāne's district council has announced.
Matatā residents meet with council over possible buy-out
Reporter Andrew McRae joins us from outside a meeting in Matatā, where residents are learning the fate of their properties. While some want market-value for their homes, others vow to remain in their… Audio
Decision looms: Matatā residents to find out fate of their homes
Residents in the tiny beach-side Bay of Plenty settlement of Matatā are about to learn the fate of their homes that were red-zoned years after a major natural disaster. Lisa Owen spoke to Whakatane… Video, Audio
Man sentenced for throwing dog against a wall
A man who threw a dog against a wall last year, causing it to go blind in one eye, must pay about $3000 and cannot own or look after domestic pets for five years.
Seeds of Success
The New Zealand kiwifruit industry started in 1904 when a woman brought in a handful of seeds after visiting her brother, a missionary, in China. Now the industry is worth $2.3 billion. Elaine… Audio
Bid to overturn murder conviction fails
A man found guilty of murdering a Bay of Plenty man has lost his bid to overturn his conviction.
Waimana Gorge to remain closed after slip
The Waimana Gorge in Eastern Bay of Plenty will remain closed as contractors clear a slip that came down on Thursday.
Replacement ATM to solve small town's cash-flow issues after raid
After losing their cash machine in a brazen theft early last month, Murupara locals are to get a new ATM.
School, highway closures as heavy rain floods Whakatāne rivers
Overnight flooding closed State Highway 2 in Whakatāne this morning and at least one school in the area will be shut today.
$22.5m refurbishment of Rotorua performing arts centre set to start
Earthquake strengthening work is expected to start later this year on Rotorua's Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.
'In less than 10 months, we had three shelters'
Homeless shelters funded by a Rotorua man who mortgaged his home have fed and housed more than 1000 people since opening a year ago.
Garage on edge of Rotorua mud pool demolished
A mud pool that erupted in a Rotorua backyard is still active and a garage it was threatening has now been demolished.
Home's garage in danger of slipping into giant mud pool
The earth has continued to move in a small corner of Rotorua today as a mud pool which erupted overnight on Monday got even bigger. Video, Audio
White Island sulphur level 2nd highest since measurements began
The volcanic alert level of Whakaari White Island has been lifted to level two, after moderate unrest.
'Huge mud crater' opens up in woman's backyard
Rotorua resident Susan Gedye thought it was an earthquake when her Whakarewarewa house shook and the earth rumbled early this morning. But it wasn't an earthquake - it was a bubbling, steaming… Video, Audio
No danger to public from new mud hole in Rotorua
A new fumarole, or mud hole, in Rotorua - which spewed mud the size of bowling balls - is not likely to endanger the public, the Rotorua Lakes Council reassured residents today.
Police name Filipino fruit workers killed in train crash
Police have released the names of two Filipino workers killed when a train hit a car in Bay of Plenty on Wednesday.
School’s First XV back female team mate banned from playing
An 11-year-old school girl's rugby team mates have decided to back her and forfeit their season after she was banned from playing in the First XV tournament. Audio