A decision three years ago to pick up the whistle has led to a life-changing journey for Bay of Plenty rugby referee Rees Uerata. The 38-year-old husband and father of three took charge of his second finals appointment for 2018 on Saturday when he...... Read More

In the office of Sport Bay of Plenty, there is a certain buzz as they all gaze hopefully out the window and wonder if the warmth in the sun is the start of something new. Communication and Operaions Manager of Sport Bay of Plenty, Melanie Short says...... Read More

Beachgoers are being warned to avoid the water in a Bay of Plenty estuary where potentially toxic algae are blooming. The health warning was issued on Friday August 17, for the Waihi Estuary in Pukehina, with Dr Neil de West, Medical Official of Health...... Read More

Alyssa Ledbetter suffered brain damage while holidaying in America last month. A Bay of Plenty girl who spent weeks in intensive care in an American hospital has been discharged and hopes to be home in two weeks. Alyssa Ledbetter was in Seattle at...... Read More

Sport Bay of Plenty is encouraging women to put a spring in their step and try a new sport or recreational activity as part of its Spring Starter Series. Now in its third year, the popular series offers women a range of low-cost or free beginners’...... Read More

“It’s great to be able to help people, especially my lifesavers, who helped me out of the darkest place I have ever been in.” Matt Appleton’s giving back – a 40-year-old living with ME, or chronic fatigue syndrome, who’s...... Read More

“Thank you” seems too small a phrase for saving lives. But words of encouragement and support from the public, and heartfelt stories from the people they rescue, mean the world to the specialist crews of your local rescue helicopter.  Philips...... Read More

One of the “hairiest” members of the Pongakawa School teaching staff will be saying goodbye to his locks. Joseph Thomas is sacrificing his hair and beard on Monday, as he raises money and awareness for the work of CanTeen. Joseph says...... Read More

They say it takes an army to move a mountain. That’s why Tauranga residents are being invited to come on board as volunteers in the annual Daffodil Day appeal. Each year the Cancer Society relies on more than 9,000 volunteers around New Zealand...... Read More

The body of a missing Hamilton woman has been found in the Waikato river. Detective Sergeant Jason Earl says it was discovered at about 12pm. "Officers searching the Waikato River on the police boat located a woman’s body between Horotiu...... Read More