Police are seeking to establish the identity of the person featured in this CCTV still who is sought following the theft of a NZPost mail bag from a local Whakatane retailer on the 17/01/2020. Any information can be passed on anonymously by phoning Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or […]
Iwi head to High Court over water bottling plant
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa have lodged an appeal in the high court over the Environment Court’s decision to allow the expansion of the water-bottling plant at Otakiri. The split decision by the Environment Court was released on the 10th December – during the week of the Whakaari White Island […]
All you need to know: Whakatane Seafood Fest
Thousands are expected for the second annual Whakatane Seafood Festival this Saturday. Headlined by New Zealand reggae band, Tomorrow People, the event will feature a stunning line-up of 34 vendors and stallholders including the popular Thomas Fried Bread and their spectacular creamed paua dish. The festival is held at Te […]
Pohutukawa trees to be felled for safety
Three mature Pohutukawa trees on the cliff behind the Liberty Centre on Wairaka Road are to be removed next week for safety reasons. The removal is taking place following a detailed assessment of large trees and potential hazards associated with these trees as part of a wider Council project. The […]
Red carpets rolled out at crossings
Two pedestrian access points on Landing Road have had ‘red carpet’ crossings installed this week, including the section outside Gull Service Station. Improvements were made in this location last year to widen the median bay and enable increased manoeuvrability, especially for mobility scooters and wheelchairs. The new ‘red carpet’ crossing […]
Renowned eel expert dies
Renowned eel expert and kaitiaki (guardian) Wiliam ‘Bill’ Kerrison died suddenly today. Known as Mr Tuna – Bill Kerrison devoted his life to protecting and enhancing the survival of eels on the Rangitaiki River. Each year he would trap and transfer millions of elvers and other native fish species past […]
Moutohorā Island tours recommenced
White Island Tours Limited has recommenced tours to Moutohorā Island for the first time since the Whakaari/White Island eruption on 9 December 2019. CEO Tracey Hook says that whilst this is a positive step forward in terms of providing certainty and employment for staff, the recommencement of tours will be […]
Whakatāne Commercial Wharf assessment planned
Whakatāne District Council has engaged Beca consultants to undertake a condition assessment on the underside of the Whakatāne Commercial Wharf next week. The assessment will involve the erection of mobile staging underneath the wharf, but the public will continue to have full access to the wharf and boat ramp. Likewise, […]