Bay Of Plenty

Simran was last seen in Whakatāne, but the police had located her vehicle in Pongakawa and believe she still may be in that area.

Emergency services were called to the scene near Plummers Point Road.

Strong winds battered Bay of Plenty and Coromandel orchards, with growers left mulching trees and salvaging fruit.

Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui hopes the plant will boost the local economy. Audio

More than 7000 homes remain without electricity, after high winds toppled trees and powerlines.

A judge says the decision over whether Ngamaru Maui should be sent to jail or not was difficult, as the convicted man faced sentencing for speeding up and driving into the back of a rival.

There were over 1100 addresses without power in Power Co's northern territory.

A 21-year-old has been charged with reckless driving.

Notices about the event have been circulating on social media for two weeks.

Rotorua Lakes council has put out a plea to residents to make informed choices before getting a dog.

The restaurant was awarded two hats, which is given to dining establishments that prove consistently outstanding.

While the cost of living is seeing some residents forgoing small pleasures like real dairy, others are giving up entirely on saving for retirement. Audio

One regional council is promising to identify and recover costs from responsible parties, as the number of derelict vessels continues to rise.

Wesley Tomich's employer was warned about its conveyor belts before he fell on one.

Ehau died on Trigg Ave, Rotorua last week.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell has criticised Hobson's Pledge for using her image without permission in a social media post critical of Māori wards.

Its chairperson says the economy is missing out on millions of dollars because of delays in getting approval for its expansion.

Concept plans for the New Zealand Institute for Marine Futures, to be built at Tauranga's Sulphur Point, have been presented at a Tauranga City Council meeting.

Councillors have been presented with a revised "value for money" option of the Cameron Road Stage 2 development.