The Birds of Lumos giant Kiwi’s light and art installations in Red Square is contributing to an increase in business for restaurants, bars and shops in the cbd in the lead up to Christmas.  Mainstreet Tauranga spokesperson Sally Cooke says...... Read More

Firefighters are anticipating they will still be fighting the Matakana Island’s blaze towards the New Year, as it continues to spread underground. The “tumultuous” fire first broke out on the Panepane Point side of the Bay of Plenty...... Read More

Update, 2.45pm: NZ Police advise that State Highway 2 at Karangahake Gorge has now been reopened following a cycling incident there earlier. Police thank motorists for their patience. A rescue helicopter flew into the gorge to help rescue the injured...... Read More

Fire crews are heading back over on a barge to Matakana Island this morning to continue battling a blaze that flared up yesterday. About 1pm on Saturday a large plume of smoke was seen rising from the island, after the fire, which started a week ago,...... Read More

Update: 5.30pm Fire crews from Tauranga have joined other fire fighters on Matakana Island this afternoon to fight a fire which has jumped a fire break. A helicopter is also assisting. Last Sunday firefighters were called to a fire on Matakana...... Read More

An opening match at Tauranga’s Bay Oval and a final under lights at Hagley Oval are two of the highlights of a 31-match schedule announced today for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022. The pinnacle event for women’s cricket will see...... Read More

New Zealand Post workers are in the thick of a record-breaking Christmas amid a nationwide online shopping frenzy.  With couriers delivering two million parcels a week, the service is asking the public to send presents as early as possible to...... Read More

More than 20,000 people flooded the streets of Papamoa in what is being described as the “biggest parade the suburb has ever seen”. Organiser Julia Manktelow says the annual Christmas parade on Sunday had around 54 floats on display. Festival...... Read More

A fire which sparked multiple calls to Fire and Emergency New Zealand on Sunday afternoon, is continuing to burn on Matakana Island. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the Panepane Point side of the island around 3.30pm. It was reported to be around...... Read More

Update 6.45pm Helicopters have been deployed to Matakana Island and are using monsoon buckets to help put out the fire that took hold on the ocean side of the island this afternoon. The fire was first noticed around 3pm by the skipper of the Kewpie,...... Read More

It was all chilled out fun and excitement for children and parents gathered at Tauranga Historic Village today for the fifth annual Te Tuinga Whanau picnic. “We look after 200 families under our korowai,” says organiser Tommy Wilson. “This...... Read More

With Christmas just around the corner, most of us are looking forward to a summer relaxing with friends and family, enjoying a few barbeques, and getting out in the great outdoors. But for the TECT Rescue Helicopter team, the summer break can be the...... Read More

A new mobile patrol unit is now in action on Papamoa Beach. Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club, who have the largest stretch of beach in New Zealand to patrol, will be trialing the new custom-built quadtruck for the whole summer season. Club chairperson...... Read More

International drivers will be allowed to enter New Zealand for the three round 2021 Castrol Toyota Racing Series. Confirmation was given to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand yesterday following lengthy consultation and discussion with MotorSport New...... Read More

A mix bag of weather is being forecast for the end of spring. With summer to officially begin on December 1, WeatherWatch.co.nz is taking a look at the forecast for final days of spring and day one of summer on the meteorological calendar. “We...... Read More

First it was roaming horses. Now Opotiki has its own wandering emu, who on Sunday could be seen dodging cars, kids on bikes and local law enforcement. But the unusual escapade did not last long when police swooped to the rescue, walking the bird back...... Read More

Dozens of dolphins have been spotted in Tauranga Harbour this morning. A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says there were heaps of dolphins swimming in the harbour near Welcome Bay. "I was dropping my kids off at school when I saw them....... Read More

4pm Update:  A parade of vintage farm vehicles delighted many Bethlehem residents and visitors this afternoon. Nearly 20 vintage tractors, farm machinery and balers set off to visit three retirement villages in Bethlehem. The parade was put on...... Read More

There are no additional cases of COVID-19 in the community linked to yesterday’s Auckland case. This case has a genomic link to the case of a Defence Force worker at the Jet Park hotel, with the worker spending some time in locations where...... Read More