The newest exhibition opening in the Whakatāne Community Board Gallery this month will bring a dark chapter in our region’s history into sharp focus. Te Kupenga o Taramainuku is a photographic exhibition from contemporary Māori artist Simone Magner. In 2017, Simone was commissioned by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa to capture […]
All Blacks to head to Whakatāne
The All Blacks are heading to the Bay of Plenty town of Whakatāne next week as preparations get underway in earnest for the home Bledisloe Cup Tests and Investec Rugby Championship. The squad will be based in the town from Monday to Wednesday next week – and rugby fans are […]
Two-wheel ‘hoons’ banned from beaches
At the Ōpōtiki District Council meeting on 25 August, Council considered the public feedback on the Consolidated Bylaw and Dog Control Policy, made several amendments in light of that feedback and adopted the consolidated bylaws. One topic that had been widely discussed in the community and between councillors was the […]
End of the line for equine repeat offenders
Ōpōtiki District Council’s Planning and Regulatory Group Manager, Gerard McCormack has said enough is enough and that if several identified horses are caught in the township again, there would be no option left but to remove the horses permanently or have them put down. Three horses have been impounded repeatedly […]
Police and Facebook issue warning over social media business scams
Police and Facebook are warning the public to be aware of scammers operating on Facebook. Police has received a number of recent reports in relation to a variety of Facebook pages of fraudulent companies claiming to sell computers and mobile phones. The companies represented on the Facebook pages are legitimate […]
Serious assault in Kawerau
One person has been seriously assaulted in Kawerau tonight. We received a report of an assault on Valley Road shortly before 7pm, a Police spokesperson said. “One person is status one and being airlifted to hospital” Police are investigating the incident and no further details are available at this time.
Onepu man in court after discharging firearm overnight.
A 26-year-old man is due to appear in the Whakatane District Court today following a family harm incident overnight. Police were initially called to the Otakiri property at about 11.15pm and the man was taken into custody at about 3am. Nobody was injured.The man has been charged with unlawfully […]
Firearms incident, James Street
UPDATE: 10PM — Police are responding to reports of gunshots heard in the vicinity of James Street in Whakatane. A Police spokesperson said they were initially advised just before 9pm. “Staff are currently in the area, making enquiries. Updates will be made when available.” A local resident told NewsWhakatane that […]