We will be out on the roads this long weekend targeting drivers who put themselves and others at risk. This Easter long weekend Police are reminding drivers to slow down, minimise distractions by putting their phone down, and buckle up. “We want to ensure everyone can enjoy their Easter holiday […]
Three charged with murder
Police have now charged three people with the murder of 31-year-old Whakatane man Jamaine Wharton. Two men, aged 25 and 20, are due to appear in the Whakatane District Court today. A 16-year-old youth is expected to appear in the Whakatane Youth Court on 9 April. All three have appeared […]
Ōpōtiki harbour entrance dredge trialled
The contractor for the build of the Ōpōtiki harbour entrance, HEB Construction, recently trialled equipment for use in dredging the river channel for the new harbour. The equipment is a low-cost option for cutter-suction dredging, where the material in the river is loosened and then pumped along discharge pipes to […]
Local events industry forges ahead despite COVID-19 setbacks
Following a year of COVID-19-related event cancellations in 2020, Whakatāne’s events industry suffered a further blow this month with the cancellation of The Classic Car & Caravan Show and the Surf Lifesaving New Zealand national championships. Together, these events expected to attract over 4,000 visitors to the district, contributing approximately […]
Missing person, Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty Police are appealing for sightings of missing 24-year-old Shylo Rose Porter, also known as Whakarongopai. Whānau last heard from Shylo last night and have serious concerns for her welfare. She is believed to be in the Rotoiti area. She is thought to be driving a Silver 2009 […]
The Drip Cookie Journey
By RADINE The idea of DRIP come about when I was sitting at my desk at my full time job waiting for 5pm to come around. Through years of being taught that ‘hard work’ was getting a good, stable job to support my family, I actually started to get frustrated […]
Long Term Plan for Whakatāne District takes shape
The Whakatāne District Council Long Term Plan (LTP) 2021-31 will go out for public consultation at the end of April, and the key issues and questions are on the Council meeting agenda scheduled this week. Although there have been delays due to recent trying circumstances, including COVID-19, staff are on […]
Fatal crash near Taneatua
One person has died following the serious single-vehicle crash on SH2 (White Pine Bush Road), Tāneatua. The crash was reported to Police around 5:30pm. The Serious Crash Unit is attending and undertaking an examination at the scene. Nobody else was injured in the crash. The Pekatahi Bridge will remain closed […]