A screenshot of the video posted online.

Two arrested after allegedly drowning puppies in Whakatāne River

Police have caught two males who allegedly filmed themselves throwing puppies into the Whakatāne River – where the animals later drowned.

6:33pm

Tauranga City Council has hired four external law firms to respond to the Mauao landslide inquiries.

Tauranga's council hires four legal firms after fatal Mauao landslide

Several inquiries have been opened into the landslide, including by the Coroner, NZ Police, WorkSafe NZ, central government and the council.

9:50am

1:33

The Whakaari/White Island eruption on December 9, 2019 killed 22 people and remains one of New Zealand's deadliest volcanic disasters.

'I feel a pull': Whakaari victim's mother wants to move to NZ

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.

Monday 10:17am

The annual Whangamatā Beach Hop attracted tens of thousands to the seaside town.

Police kept busy during annual Whangamatā Beach Hop

Thirty were arrested and 40 liquor ban infringement notices were issued over the weekend.

Sun, Mar 29

Kaitāia assesses damage as roads reopen across Northland

Kaitāia assesses damage as roads reopen across Northland

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

Covered road signs near the intersection of the Pāpāmoa East Interchange.

What drivers will pay at new toll point on SH2 near Pāpāmoa

The Government has confirmed a second toll despite consultation showing "low levels" of public support.

Fri, Mar 27

The latest aerial photo taken of the Papamoa East Interchange.

'Genuine game-changer': Pāpāmoa East Interchange to open by Easter

After four years of traffic disruption, the Pāpāmoa East Interchange is complete and about to open for use.

Thu, Mar 26

The subtropical low was expected to bring widespread heavy rain, strong winds and unusually large seas.

Subtropical low to bring heavy rain, strong winds and high seas

MetService says more watches and warnings are likely as a moisture‑laden subtropical system brings heavy rain, severe easterly gales and large seas from Wednesday through to Friday.

Mon, Mar 23

They're lifelines for small communities, but cost a lot to maintain. And soon, they could end up losing their full central government funding, with ratepayers forced to pick up the bill. Q+A's Whena Owen reports.

Six remote roads set to lose full NZTA funding, mayors want rethink

"We've said to NZTA, don't even bring it at us, because we ain't going to do it, and it'd be a cold day in hell if it happened," says Wairoa's mayor.

Sun, Mar 22

Police were responding to the incident at Tauranga Marina (Source: Google Maps)

Person injured after boat explosion at Tauranga marina

Police were alerted to the incident at Tauranga Marina at around 1.35pm Saturday.

Sat, Mar 21

Overgrown grass and weeds at Kauae Cemetery.

'Worst I’ve seen in 15 years': Cemetery 'mess' disappoints bereaved mum

Weeds growing “higher than headstones” and other recent maintenance issues at Rotorua cemeteries have left mourners disappointed.

Sat, Mar 21

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said it needs to carry out "urgent repairs" in the Karangahake Gorge.

Daytime closures for major highway between Auckland and Tauranga

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said it needs to carry out "urgent repairs" in the Karangahake Gorge.

Fri, Mar 20

The Dog Control Act has come under fire from Rotorua Lakes Council.

Rotorua council pushes for changes to 'restrictive' dog control laws

Rotorua Lakes Council is looking to LGNZ to put pressure on central government regarding the Dog Control Act.

Fri, Mar 20

The site of the Mount Maunganui landslide on February 10, 2025.

Govt sets terms for inquiry into deadly Tauranga landslides

Eight people died in two landslides in Tauranga on January 22 following extreme weather.

Tue, Mar 17

Ottneil Baartman of South Africa (CL) bowls Nick Kelly of New Zealand during game one in the Men's T20 International series between New Zealand and South Africa.

T20: Black Caps slump to 7-wicket defeat by South Africa

New Zealand skittled for just 91, bowled out in the 15th over at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval.

Mon, Mar 16

Fire and Emergency New Zealand vehicles at the scene in Ngongotaha this evening.

Residents advised after Ngongotaha car wreckers fire contained

A fire at a car wreckers on Wikaraka Street in Ngongotaha has been contained, but Fire and Emergency New Zealand said residents affected by smoke should continue to remain indoors.

Sat, Mar 14

A Comanchero MC gang patch.

Comanchero MC gang members charged, prison contraband seized

Large amounts of tobacco and illegal drugs were allegedly found following a search of prison cells at six jails nationwide.

Fri, Mar 13

The council says the new green bin and fortnightly rubbish pick-up will benefit the city.

Residents rally against Rotorua's fortnightly bin change

Rotorua Lakes Council is backing its move to fortnightly general rubbish collection despite an online clamour to reconsider.

Fri, Mar 13

A Tribesmen gang member in handcuffs. (Source: NZ Police)

Nine Tribesmen arrested at memorial run in Bay of Plenty

Members of the gang had travelled to the district for an event in the small township of Murupara on March 7 and 8.

Thu, Mar 12

An Air New Zealand ATR 72-600. File photo.

White Island volcanic alert level raised, Tauranga flights cancelled

Earth Sciences New Zealand said steam and gas plume had been visible from the Bay of Plenty coast since "late last week".

Thu, Mar 12

Dark clouds above Orewa Beach, Auckland.

Tropical low to graze upper North Island, prompting weather watches

Forecasters warn of strong winds, humid nights and possible thunderstorms as the system approaches, though the worst of the weather is expected to stay offshore.

Wed, Mar 11

Dog teeth (file image).

Woman charged after boy, 4, fatally mauled by dog in Bay of Plenty

Timothy Rolleston died after he was attacked by a dog in Katikati in March 2025.

Mon, Mar 9

The child was bitten by Tank, her uncle’s 9-year-old American bulldog cross, on Christmas Eve, a council report said.

'Vicious' dog attack leaves six-year-old scarred for life

The girl's mother was disappointed that authorities had not ordered the dog be destroyed.

Sat, Mar 7

Horse Remi had to be put down after he was badly injured trying to push through a wire fence on Guy Fawkes' night.

Push to ban fireworks on Tauranga beaches and other public places

A woman who lost a horse to a fireworks incident wants the focus to be on a wider ban.

Sat, Mar 7

The accident has sparked a review of pool diving safety that could have national implications.

Teen's spinal injury sparked major review of pool diving safety

Bay Venues has put a diving "pause" on its aquatic centres in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty as a precautionary safety measure following an incident last year.

Tue, Mar 3