Police are seeking witnesses to a fatal motorcycle crash in Ōpōtiki on Friday 20 November. David Jonathan (Hapai) Kanuta, aged 49, died as a result of the crash on Bridge Street, near the Waioeka Bridge, just before 6.30pm. Sergeant Chris Howard said the crash occurred at the end of the […]
Fleeing driver incident, Kawerau
Police are looking for a person of interest following a fleeing driver incident in Kawerau. A vehicle failed to stop for Police in the Freyberg Street area about 11.20am and a pursuit was initiated. Police lost sight of the vehicle however it was later located abandoned in Newell Street. Cordons […]
Road blocked, Waioeka Gorge – Bay of Plenty
SH 2 is blocked at the Waioeka Gorge due to a crash involving a logging truck. The truck went off the road near the Manganuku Stream around 3:15pm, spilling logs which have blocked the road. The driver is reported to have sustained moderate injuries. The road will be cleared, and […]
Whakaari / White Island eruption 22nd death
As the one-year anniversary of the Whakaari/White Island approaches, police have confirmed a further person has died as a result of injuries suffered during the 9 December 2019 eruption. The death brings the official number of deceased from the tragedy to 22. The death of 64-year-old Horst Westenfelder occurred on […]
Škoda to supply new Police cars
After a rigorous testing and evaluation process, New Zealand Police has selected the Škoda Superb as the new frontline Police car. The more environmentally friendly Škoda will become Police’s primary response vehicle, with the first cars expected on roads and in communities as early as April next year. After General […]
Person dies in Whakatāne house fire
One person has died in a house fire in Whakatāne this morning. Emergency services were called to the property on Tuhoe Avenue at around 5.30am. Further details regarding the deceased cannot be provided until formal identification and next of kin notifications have taken place. The cause of the fire is unclear […]
Whakatāne Town Centre and Riverfront Revitalisation update
Processing of feedback received through the first stage of engagement on the Whakatāne Town Centre and Riverfront Revitalisation programme is well underway. This information is now being analysed to capture key themes, challenges and opportunities that will eventually inform concept plans that will be brought back to the community for […]
Success celebrated despite challenging year
The annual Young Achiever Awards held last week celebrated the achievements of more than 150 youth for excellence in academic, cultural and sporting fields at national or international level. The awards, organised by Whakatāne District Council, Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board and Whakatāne Rotary Club, are an opportunity to acknowledge young people, […]