Stories by Charlotte Jones

Covid-19 appears to be hitting the community with fewer people managing to pay their rates on time this quarter.

A hydrogen gas vent being incorrectly installed, contractors hitting electrical wire, and a contractor being locked in a cupboard were the most notable health and safety incidents recorded at…

A Kawerau alleyway may soon be closed after neighbours complained of motorbikes, people urinating, and rubbish in the alley.

The hands of Kereama Hohua with Danny McRoberts shaped the first pouwhenua placed on one of New Zealand's oldest pā sites in modern times.

Preliminary election results show only 71 percent of East Coast and 54 percent of Waiariki enrolled voters turned out to vote. The nationwide average was 82.5 percent.

Flood protection for Whakatāne's town centre is about to get a much-needed upgrade to protect people and property against a one-in-100-year flood.

Awatarariki residents say it is not appropriate for the council to redesign their neighbourhood while they are still living there.

Regional councillors were scathing when presented with a pest management plan for the Bay of Plenty this week.

Labour's Phil Twyford rounded out his visit to the Eastern Bay on Thursday by sinking a cold one at Mata Brewery.

Despite growing concern amongst some Whakatāne retailers, the district council is assuring the community there are no firm plans to remove the Kakahoroa Drive carpark.

Whakatāne district bylaws were amended yesterday to allow natural burials, so those wishing to be laid to rest in an environmentally friendly way have the option.

Nearly 200 people turned out to see the three candidates for the Waiariki electorate discuss topics ranging from abortion laws to racism.

This national election cycle has been more challenging than most and candidates from smaller, grassroots style parties are struggling to make their voices heard.

Ōpōtiki's first Tuia Programme is already producing positive results amongst the community's youth.

Community requests have pushed Whakatāne's rate rise from 3.5 to 3.9 percent - far too high for one councillor.

In an unusual move, a local council has built a retirement village for its community after developers showed no interest.

A gift of face masks to the Whakatāne community proves how strong its relationship is with its friendship province in China, the district council says.

A te ao Māori answer to Airbnb looks set to provide marae with a constant revenue stream.

Anne Tolley reflects on 34 "fantastic" years in politics, including reform for children in state care, police and trades training.

The newest candidate for East Coast, Meredith Akuhata-Brown, says activism is in her DNA and it's time to make change.

Neighbours of a controversial barn in Ōpōtiki are disputing claims of constant hammering and unsanitary conditions.

Kawerau residents on a mission to clean up the town they love walked the streets during lockdown, collecting everything from fridges to used nappies.

A farmer whose sheep were ravaged by a dog last year is again having stock hassled by dogs during the night.

Bookworms are back in their element and browsing the stacks at the Whakatāne library.

Kawerau District Council is banning smoking at its events, but vaping is not covered by the new restrictions.