Media Bay of Plenty

State Highway 2 Pekatahi Bridge has reopened to traffic after a six-day closure that allowed crews to complete a major package of maintenance work aimed at improving the bridge’s driving surface and ensuring it remains safe and reliable.

Children and families in the Bay of Plenty will soon have access to dedicated Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) assessment and support closer to home, with Kawerau selected as one of just three locations nationwide to receive a new community-based specialist hub.

A proposal to extend protections for a recovering mussel bed in Ōhiwa Harbour has drawn attention from conservation advocates, iwi, and people with an interest in customary and recreational fishing.

Te Puna Ora o Mataatua Ltd has appointed Lee Colquhoun as its new chief executive, with the Ngāpuhi leader taking on responsibility for two of the organisation’s key subsidiaries.