Mayor Tania Tapsell and Councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait have hit back at accusations of a “coordinated” attack on fellow elected member Robert Lee amid the fallout from a council workshop walk-out.
New Zealand
Fri, Apr 17
Two "active and valued" young members of the Kawerau community are being mourned following their deaths at the Tarawera River yesterday.
Police told 1News emergency services were called to the scene about 11.30am after a report of a group becoming stuck under a bank.
Thu, Apr 16
Officers were called to the intersection of James and King Street with reports that a fight had broken out involving several people around 12.30pm.
Crime and Justice
Council staff and police have targeted people living in cars at Tauranga’s Sulphur Point after complaints about antisocial behaviour and roaming dogs.
Wed, Apr 15
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said crews recieved a call to a motor vehicle incident in Kereta, Thames-Coromandel District just before 1am.
Tue, Apr 14
The Class A drugs – weighing nearly 50kg – was fully concealed in the insulated lining of the refrigerated container's roof.
Mon, Apr 13
Ten-year-old Kaea and his mother Neisha were checking out Tairua's Ocean Beach after Cyclone Vaianu when he came across the Jack Daniels bottle encrusted with shells.
Environment
People are being warned to stay away from affected waterways.
Sun, Apr 12
Corrections has ended its contract with the Pūwhakamua reintegration programme.
Fri, Apr 10
Regions already hit hard by severe weather earlier this year are being urged to prepare ahead of Tropical Cyclone Vaianu hitting this weekend.
Thu, Apr 9
People were urged to delay travel where possible, or allow at least three hours of extra time due to the Waioweka Gorge closure.
The crash, which occurred near Ōpōtiki around 8.30pm, saw SH2 closed until early this morning.
Wed, Apr 8
MetService meteorologist John Law said the storm was currently a category three level sitting to the west of Fiji, with winds in the centre exceeding 150km/h.
Tue, Apr 7
A subtropical low is set to approach from the Tasman early this week, with forecasters also tracking Cyclone Vaianu, currently west of Fiji, as a potential threat to New Zealand later in the weekend.
Mon, Apr 6
A liquor licence application from the new owners of Rotorua’s relaunched dining cruiser, the Lakeland Queen paddleboat, last year brought the issue to light.
The Multi-Council Controlled Organisation they settled on would be in charge of delivering water supply, wastewater and stormwater services.
Fri, Apr 3
Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford posted on Facebook, saying he had heard from hundreds of residents concerned about the new toll taking effect in late 2026.
Wed, Apr 1
Police have caught two males who allegedly filmed themselves throwing puppies into the Whakatāne River – where the animals later drowned.
Tue, Mar 31
Several inquiries have been opened into the landslide, including by the Coroner, NZ Police, WorkSafe NZ, central government and the council.
Marie Browitt's husband and youngest daughter were killed in the December 2019 eruption, while her eldest daughter suffered severe burns to more than 70% of her body.
Mon, Mar 30
Thirty were arrested and 40 liquor ban infringement notices were issued over the weekend.
Sun, Mar 29
The clean-up has begun after a subtropical storm brought large downpours and strong winds to much for the country, with States of Emergency declared for the Far North District and Whangārei District.
Fri, Mar 27
The Government has confirmed a second toll despite consultation showing "low levels" of public support.
After four years of traffic disruption, the Pāpāmoa East Interchange is complete and about to open for use.
Thu, Mar 26
