The unlawful removal of a large information sign installed on Ōhope Spit recently has caused significant concern for Whakatāne District Council and Department of Conservation (DOC) staff. The sign provides information on the Council’s Beaches Bylaw, which came into effect midway through 2018. The bylaw allows quad bike access to […]
One person dead in Ruatahuna house fire
One person has died in a house fire in Mataatua Road, Ruatahuna overnight. Emergency services were notified of the fire at around 2am. One other person from the house was taken to hospital in a moderate condition. Police are working at the scene today, along with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, […]
Police name man found dead in Opotiki
Police have named the man who was found dead at the Hikuwai Beach car park about 9am on Sunday 28 April. He was 48-year-old Craig Donald, of Opotiki. Police extend their sympathies to his family and friends. Enquiries into the circumstances of the death are ongoing. Police would like to […]
Man found dead at Hikuwai Beach
Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of a man’s body near Opotiki this morning. The body of the man, in his late 40s, was discovered by a member of the public at the Hikuwai Beach car park at 9am. His next of kin have been informed. His death […]
Rāhui in place at Sullivan Lake
Whakatāne District Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa advise that a rāhui has been placed on Sullivan Lake and the surrounding reserve area, from 9 am today (Wednesday 24 April) until 5 pm, Friday 26 April. A rāhui is a form of restriction that limits work in and around […]
Motorcyclist seriously injured in crash
One person has been injured in a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 2 near Whakatane. The crash, involving a car and a motorcycle, occurred shortly before 1pm. The motorcyclist is being taken to Whakatane Hospital in a serious condition.
Rural News: Mega mast another reason to continue GE research
Turning our backs on promising tools for predator control is a massive disservice to New Zealand’s native flora and fauna, Federated Farmers environment spokesperson Chris Allen says. “The ‘mega mast’ in New Zealand’s forests this autumn presents a huge challenge to our pest control agencies and countless volunteers. “The frequency […]
Rural Outlook: Fed farmers to work with Government on firearms
Federated Farmers will continue to work with the Government on firearms reform as the Arms Amendment Bill becomes law. “Because of the urgency and immense public pressure surrounding the issue, it was a difficult task for the Government to give fair consideration to all aspects of when and why firearms […]