Domestic tourism is one of the key contributors to the Whakatāne District being one of the fastest growing local economies in New Zealand, according to Infometrics’ quarterly monitor released last week. Up 3.2% across all sectors on the same period last year, Whakatāne’s economic growth was helped significantly by tourism […]
Unanimous vote to establish Māori ward
Today the Whakatāne District Council voted unanimously to establish Māori wards for the next two local body electoral cycles. At the commencement of the meeting, 21 groups and individuals took the opportunity to speak in the Public Forum to share their views on Māori ward establishment with elected members. The […]
BOP Leaders Unanimously Back Vaccine Rollout
Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora Public Health
Police respond to investigation into fatal shooting of Astin Hooper in Kawerau
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has ruled the February 2019 shooting as justified given that, at the time, the officers were acting in self-defence. However the Authority ruled that before it got to that point, officers ought to have stopped at the cordon and sought to de-escalate the situation by […]
Māori wards decision to be made at May meeting
Whakatāne District Council elected members will decide on whether or not to establish Māori Wards at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 20 May 2021. The opportunity to again consider the establishment of Māori wards comes following the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill was passed at Parliament […]
Serious crash in Waiohau
There has been a crash between a truck and a car on Galatea Road in Waiohau this afternoon. As a result of the 4.30pm crash, one person has serious injuries and parts of the road were blocked. Motorists were advised to avoid the area if possible.
Police intervene in drone flying incident
A drone being flown within the restricted airspace around Whakatāne Airport yesterday has prompted authorities to remind people of the strict rules around this activity. Airport Operations Manager Mark Cleghorn said airport staff noticed the drone being flown in the area and immediately alerted police, given the imminent safety risk. […]
How flood forged new career path
Being forced out of her home after the 2017 Edgecumbe flood has led Anahera Hale to pursue a career in farming – with her dedication landing her as a finalist in the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy. Anahera and her grandmother were living on a family friend’s dairy farm after their home […]