Latest fromWhakatane

Man charged after alleged break-in at Murupara police station
A man broke into the unmanned Murupara police station at 6:45am yesterday.

Man in custody after allegedly forcing his way into unmanned police station
Armed police were called to the scene but police say there was no public danger.

New automated gate to guard Lake Ōkataina against gold clam
The gate cost $32,669, and was funded by local councils and Biosecurity NZ.

‘I am a strong person but I am scared’: Food charity volunteer attacked
She and her husband run a food service that feeds up to 3500 people a week.

‘Explosive activity’ at Whakaari: Ballistic blocks ejected 600m
Vent temperatures rose from 220C in January to 360C recently.

Man charged with manslaughter, unlawful hunting after Kawerau man’s death
A man will appear in the Rotorua District Court accused of Stuart Stobie's manslaughter.

'Tragically taken': Tributes flow for 'beautiful man' killed on hunting trip
Stuart Stobie was 'tragically taken in a hunting accident'.

Police seek witness to fatal motorbike crash
A motorbike collided with a car, causing the car to flip.

How NZ scientists aim to protect critically endangered leatherbacks
Experts from three countries are studying leatherback turtles in Whakatāne.

Mitch Rees dominates NZ Superbikes, clinches third national title
He secured his third title in the premier 1000cc superbike class.

‘Great news’: Early ramp opening to ease Pāpāmoa traffic
The eastbound ramps at Pāpāmoa East Interchange may open in late 2025.

Doctor shortage: How long could it take to recruit for Whakatāne’s maternity ward?
Plus, how many overseas doctors are being considered for the positions.

Rare Bay of Plenty postal note and stamps in $1.5m auction
A Whakatāne postal note from 1893 is valued at $500 for the auction.

Heroic rescue: Man saves neighbours from burning house
One person was sleeping, and another was gaming with his door shut and headphones on.

‘World’s first’: NZ mill’s tissue machine to run on geothermal steam
The mill invested $20m to upgrade its paper machine.

No teens allowed: Bar bans under 20s ... again
'It’s like watching Bambi getting to walk on ice for the first time.'

Dick Frizzell’s new memoir: ‘A little memory, a little licence and a lot of humour’
The 82-year-old painter contemplates beginnings, endings and what, exactly, is the truth.

Auckland gets ‘remarkable’ $10m gift from family of influential nurseryman
The 5.6ha of land has a forest of kauri trees bred from Tāne Mahuta, NZ's largest tree.

Whakaari-White Island memorial project requires further hapū engagement
$90,000 was raised this year, with hopes for central government funding.

News in brief: New public transport fare system
Rotorua news snippets: Māori circus theatre, new bus fare system, new regional flights.