Local News

School celebrates its first Giant Pumpkin Day

Pumpkins of every shape - and some of enormous size - filled Northern Health School Tauranga on March 30, for its first Giant Pumpkin Day. The day featured... Read More

Bowel screening changes for central North Island

More Kiwis are able to access bowel screening earlier, with the starting age lowered from 60 to 58 across the central and lower North Island, Health Minister... Read More

Harry’s lifeline on four legs

Four service dogs selected by artist Sam Allen to feature in a mural at Memorial Park has prompted the Weekend Sun to run a series of six Service Dog Mural stories.... Read More

Easter reading and egg-scapades

Easter weekend is shaping up to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and community in Western Bay of Plenty, with events in Tauranga and Te Puke offering... Read More

Lasting legacy at Summerhill

One of the founders behind the creation of Summerhill - Pāpāmoa's widely used outdoor recreation and education facility on a working farm and forestry operation... Read More

Migrant dad with brain cancer faces visa deadline

A migrant father living in rural Bay of Plenty is battling brain cancer as his visa is about to end. Now his family is searching for their next steps, uncertain... Read More

Search and rescue partners

Four service dogs have been selected by artist Sam Allen to be featured in a mural at Memorial Park. The Weekend Sun is running a series of six 'Service... Read More

Skateboarding Nationals return to Mount Maunganui

Skateboarding talent from across Aotearoa will descend on Mount Maunganui this month, as the 2026 Skateboard Nationals return to Tauranga for a second consecutive... Read More

Te Puke's new kiwifruit heritage hub nears opening

There are '20 balls in the air” set to land at once to create the completed Kiwifruit Capital of the World Te Puke Heritage Visitor Centre. Project... Read More

Jazz party on the Main St!

Katikati is about turn up the beat on its Main St when the annual Jazz Street Party swings back into town on March 28 as part of Tauranga's 2026 jazz festival. Hosted... Read More

What’s possible when you have passion

It might have been more than 12 months ago - but Katikati A&P Show Committee has been recognised for delivering a 100th show that brought people, town and... Read More

Community feedback invited on Draft Annual Plan

Should Western Bay of Plenty District Council put an extra $5.8 million towards its local roads, including roadside mowing and road maintenance? Should people... Read More