Bay Of Plenty

The proposals include a three-year freeze on new off-licence approvals.

A Rotorua company's modified crane became a weapon that changed the life of a teenage contractor, who required major surgery.

Three people have been arrested on weapons and drugs charges during a gang funeral in Te Puke.

Police say the tangi is for the father of a prominent Mongol gang member.

The driver was reportedly seriously hurt.

Conservationists are at odds with Fisheries New Zealand over a proposal to increase the commercial crayfish catch limit in the Eastern North Island. Audio

The construction of a controversial sewerage pipeline near a Rotorua lake considered tapū by mana whenua is set to continue despite protests.

Tony John Looker lost his hotel business and his marriage, then had a heart attack and lost his ability to work.

MetService rain watches and warnings are in place for parts of the country this evening, but the deluge will miss the driest areas, NIWA says.

A hīkoi has been held in Whakatāne to protest the closure of the area's obstetrics unit, 'chronic understaffing, poor management and a dysfunctional health system'. Audio

Fire and Emergency services were called to the scene on Aerodrome Road.

Teachers and principals express concerns the new school lunch programme, but also acknowledge the benefit it has for families struggling to provide food.

On one occasion, a deer's head could be seen floating on the "taonga" lagoon's surface, stinking as it decomposed.

The Detail: Despite a model based on choice, New Zealanders' options for birth are limited based on post code.

But police say it is near impossible to catch the culprits.

Drysdale says he can't find a home in his desired school zone.

The principal described the death as simply devastating for everyone involved.