Waihi Transfer Station Gets $1.08M Recycling Upgrade
Waihi's Recycling Transfer Station is getting a major $1.08 million upgrade to slash landfill waste and boost recycling capacity in the Hauraki region.
Small Modular Reactors: Could Nuclear Power NZ's Future?
Small modular reactors are gaining global attention — and New Zealand is starting to ask whether this clean energy technology could work here too.
Predator-Free 2050: Auckland Iwi & Community Unite for Nature
Auckland iwi, conservation groups and council celebrate new funding for Predator-Free 2050, with leaders saying the kaupapa aligns with tikanga Māori values.
NZ Trap Inventor's 50-Year Mission to Protect Our Bush
Steve Allan has spent nearly 50 years designing traps to protect New Zealand's native birds and bush. His story is a heartwarming conservation success.
NZ Fibre Industry's Untapped Potential Worth $926M
Groundbreaking new research reveals New Zealand's fibre industry is worth over $926 million at the farm gate, signalling huge growth opportunities ahead.
NZ Air Quality Improving Across the Motu, Data Shows
New data shows air quality is improving across New Zealand, with most sites meeting national standards for particulate matter pollution. Here's the good news.
Ngāti Kuri Welcomes Review Amid $2m DOC Revenue Query
Ngāti Kuri Trust Board welcomes an external review as questions arise over $2m in campground revenue owed to DOC. Here's what we know.
Kaimanawa Wild Horses Mustered in Major 2026 Effort
The third Kaimanawa horse muster of 2026 is underway near Waiouru, with helicopters helping protect New Zealand's precious alpine environment.
Auckland's Predator-Free Push Rooted in Māori Values
Auckland iwi, conservation groups and council celebrate new funding for Predator-Free 2050, aligning kaitiakitanga with native wildlife recovery.
Auckland Gets $10m Boost for Predator Free 2050 Push
The New Zealand Government is investing $10 million to expand predator elimination efforts across Auckland, with new tools to benefit all of NZ.
NZ Agribusiness Leaders Back Biosecurity & Climate Action
A new survey shows NZ food and fibre sector leaders are prioritising biosecurity, trade agreements and climate resilience in 2026. Here's why it matters.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Marae Boosted by $10M Climate Fund
Six marae in Eastern Bay of Plenty and Waikato receive government funding to strengthen climate resilience and emergency preparedness for communities.
DOC Launches Review to Strengthen Iwi Relationships in NZ
The Department of Conservation has launched an external investigation into its Northern North Island region, signalling a commitment to transparency and stronger iwi partnerships.
Bluff Oyster Season Faces Challenges – What's at Stake
Consecutive tough seasons and rising fuel costs are putting pressure on Bluff's iconic oyster industry and beloved annual festival. Here's the full story.
Auckland Faith Community Swaps Weekends for Conservation
Dozens of Dawoodi Bohra families in West Auckland have rolled up their sleeves to help restore local green spaces — and the results are heartwarming.
5 Easy Ways to Prevent Mould in Your NZ Home
Mould in your home? The good news is that simple prevention strategies really work. Here's how to keep your NZ home fresh and mould-free.
Te Hokinga Mai o te Kākā sculpture opens at Ōmokoroa wetland
A new sculpture, Te Hokinga Mai o te Kākā, has opened at the Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland in Ōmokoroa, celebrating Pirirākau's connection to land and water.
Pioneering horticulture scientist Dr David Steven remembered
Dr David Steven, creator of the KiwiGreen IPM programme, has died in Auckland, leaving a lasting legacy across New Zealand's horticulture sector.
Multi-bay coastal clean-up to protect Kororā at Bowentown
Envirohub Bay of Plenty hosts a free coastal clean-up at Bowentown on 5 March to protect endangered Kororā and remove rubbish from three bays.
Matahui School Fun Fair to fund forest learning programme
Matahui School hosts a Community Fun Fair on 28 February to raise funds for its outdoor forest learning programme and literacy resources.
Edible Backyard Safari returns to Katikati gardens in March
Grow On Katikati's Edible Backyard Safari is back on 1 March, with five local gardens open and mini-workshops on growing food at home.
Severe Flooding Batters Western Bay of Plenty in January Storm
Overnight rain on 21–22 January dumped 304mm on Katikati and triggered deadly landslides and widespread flooding across the Western Bay of Plenty district.
Volunteers tackle moth plant at I'Anson Bush Reserve near Te Puna
Volunteers are holding a weeding bee at I'Anson Bush Reserve near Te Puna on 29 January to remove invasive moth plants before they set seed.
Banded rail spotted near Katikati's Beach Rd coastal walkway
Predator control volunteers near Katikati's Beach Rd walkway have been rewarded with rare sightings of both a juvenile and adult banded rail.
Avocado Industry Faces Major Generational Ownership Shift
A Rabobank white paper warns NZ's avocado industry faces a major ownership shake-up as over half of growers approach retirement age within the next decade.
Extra Kerbside Collections Planned for Waihī Beach Area This Summer
Waihī Beach, Bowentown and Athenree will receive extra kerbside rubbish and recycling collections over summer to help manage holiday waste.
Project Parore moves to bigger base ahead of funding end
Project Parore has relocated to a larger Katikati base and is boosting efficiency with new equipment as it prepares for life beyond its Jobs for Nature fun
New tsunami inundation maps released for Western Bay of Plenty
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has released updated tsunami inundation maps showing areas at risk from two offshore earthquake scenarios.
Kauri Point Historic Reserve Cultural Concept Plan Open for Feedback
Council and hapū group Te Kō Rōpu seek community feedback on a cultural concept plan for Kauri Point Historic Reserve, with submissions closing 7 December
Draft Plan to Protect Historic Pā Sites at Kauri Point Released
A draft cultural concept plan for Kauri Point Historic Reserve near Katikati has been released, with community feedback open until 7 December 2025.
Bay of Plenty Council Team to Inspect Backyard Ponds for Invasive Pests
Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity staff are inspecting Western Bay backyard ponds this summer to identify invasive aquatic species threatening loc
Small Team Makes Big Impact with Rail Corridor Spring Clean
Seven volunteers clean Te Puke rail corridor, removing 30 bags of rubbish and large items. Keep Te Puke Beautiful group continues community beautification
Ōmokoroa Gets Its Own Resource Recovery Centre This Month
A new Resource Recovery Centre opens in Ōmokoroa on 18 November, offering upcycled goods and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabili
Community Working Bee Called for Katikati Mountain Bike Tracks
Katch Katikati is organising a community working bee on the Waitekohekohe mountain bike tracks on Sunday 2 November, with a barbecue to follow.
MOVE With You Waihī Beach Campaign Gets Community Moving in October
Waihī Beach's MOVE with You campaign runs until 2 November, offering free fitness challenges and community events including the popular Whānau Dash & Splas
Whitebaiters urged to protect flood infrastructure during season
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is asking whitebaiters to steer clear of flood protection structures this season, warning tampering with floodgates puts com
Good Neighbour rescues 17 tonnes of storm-blown avocados
Good Neighbour's Second Harvest team rescued 17 tonnes of storm-blown avocados from 17 orchards in the Te Puna–Katikati area after September's wild winds.
Grow On Katikati Seeks Gardening Buddy for Fairview Rd Plot
Grow On Katikati is seeking a gardening partner to share a large Fairview Rd garden with local resident Barbara Green and grow kai together.
Bay of Plenty Biosecurity Team to Inspect Backyard Ponds for Invasive Species
Bay of Plenty biosecurity staff will inspect Western Bay backyard ponds from October to detect invasive aquatic pests threatening local waterways and wetla
Western Bay Council Adopts New Kaimai Ward Reserves Plan
Western Bay of Plenty District Council adopts a refreshed Kaimai Ward Reserve Management Plan covering 63 reserves and nine newly named sites.
New Bridge and Trails Upgrade Waitekohekohe Recreational Park
A new bridge at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park improves access for walkers and cyclists, with new mountain bike and accessibility trails also planned.
Western Bay Libraries Launch New Fire-Safe Battery Recycling Service
Western Bay of Plenty District Council launches fire-safe battery recycling units at libraries and service centres including Te Puke to improve safety and
Western BOP Libraries Get Fire-Safe Battery Recycling Units
Western BOP District Council has installed fire-safe battery recycling units at Katikati, Waihī Beach, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke libraries to make disposal safe
Waihī Beach Weaving Carries Deep Environmental Message
Kairāranga Marino Magee's harakeke weaving 'Ngā Tikanga o te Taiao' greets visitors at Waihī Beach's new community hub, sharing a message of environmental
Community Effort Boosts Wetland Restoration at Lawrence Oliver Park
Over 25 volunteers plant 2,400 native plants at Lawrence Oliver Park's 2.7-hectare treatment wetland restoration project.
Te Puke Spring Clean expands to week-long initiative
Te Puke's annual spring clean event expands to a full week in September with schools and community groups invited to participate.
Illegal Concrete Dumping at Thompson's Track Costs Council Thousands
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking public information after large-scale illegal dumping, including reinforced concrete, was found at Thompso
Community planting day at Lawrence Oliver Park set for July 19
Te Puke community invited to help plant 2,000 native plants at Lawrence Oliver Park wetland restoration on July 19.
Katikati Dog Park Seeks $11k in Sponsorship for Agility Equipment
Katikati's new Dog Park off Henry Road needs $11,346 in community sponsorship to install agility equipment for dogs of all sizes. Find out how to help.
Katikati Students Become Kaitiaki of Their School Gully
Katikati Primary students are learning kaitiakitanga firsthand, weeding pest plants and installing ruru boxes in their school gully Te Awaawa.
Hume Fun Run/Walk Returns to Katikati on 5 July 2025
Katikati's popular Hume Fun Run/Walk returns on 5 July 2025, with free 5 km and 10 km courses and a koha requested for the local foodbank.
Ruru Nesting Boxes Installed at Katikati School Gully in Community Drive
Katikati Primary students are becoming kaitiaki of their school gully, with a ruru nesting box installed as part of a community-led native habitat restorat
Public Asked to Shape Ōmokoroa Domain Marine Upgrade Plans
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking public feedback on an $8.2m upgrade to Ōmokoroa Domain's marine facilities, closing 22 June 2025.
Waihī Beach Library Build Offcuts Get a Second Life in Community
Offcuts from the Waihī Beach library build are being recycled into gardens, schools and community projects, diverting waste from landfill.
Predator Free Waihī Beach gets $10,000 boost from Pio Shores association
Predator Free Waihī Beach receives a $10,000 donation from Pio Shores Sports and Community Association to continue trapping and monitoring at Bowentown.
Grow On Katikati Sells Citrus Trees to Fund Community Activities
Grow On Katikati is selling citrus trees from $35 as a community fundraiser. Pre-order lime, lemon, mandarin, orange or grapefruit varieties while stocks l
Colliers team rolls up sleeves for Katikati community orchard
A Tauranga construction team volunteered at the Grow On Katikati community orchard, weeding and mulching fruit trees as part of a local food resilience pla
Aongatete trainer works to rehome wild Kaimanawa horses
Aongatete trainer Bex Tasker is rehoming wild Kaimanawa horses and calling on the public to help ahead of a second muster planned for July 2025.
New Wetland Development Underway at Lawrence Oliver Park
Lawrence Oliver Park in Te Puke is getting a new 2,775 square meter treatment wetland with 3,000 native plants to improve water quality and reduce flooding
Echo Walking Festival Records Its Biggest Season Yet
The Echo Walking Festival concluded its biggest season to date, expanding to 45 walks across Western Bay of Plenty and beyond, with strong community turnou
Waihī Beach Carton Recycling Scheme Turns Waste into Building Materials
A community recycling scheme in Waihī Beach is turning used food and beverage cartons into sustainable building materials, keeping tonnes out of landfill.
Waihī Beach–Athenree Shared Pathway Plan Opens for Community Feedback
Western Bay District Council has released a draft plan for the Ahi Pātiki shared pathway linking Waihī Beach and Athenree, with community feedback open unt
Te Puke Hosts Free Hazardous Waste Disposal Day
Te Puke free hazardous waste disposal day on May 25 lets residents safely dispose of household chemicals, pool products and garden sprays. Registration req
Public Meeting Called Over Katikati Quarry Expansion Proposal
Project Parore is holding a public meeting on 23 April to discuss the proposed 50ha expansion of the J Swap Katikati Quarry under the Fast-track Approvals
Western Bay Museum offers free school holiday fun in Katikati
Western Bay Museum in Katikati offers free school holiday exhibits on environment, Māori taonga, marine life and ocean pollution — open seven days a week.
Free Workshop Helps Katikati Locals Tackle Pest Plants
A free hands-on pest plant workshop in Katikati on 5 April will teach locals to identify and remove invasive species threatening native bush and reserves.
Athenree Recycling Centre Cuts Back to Sundays Only
Athenree Recycling and Greenwaste Centre moves to Sunday-only opening from April 2025, as kerbside recycling cuts the number of drop-off visits across the
Volunteers Bring Wildlife Back to Katikati's Uretara River
Renaturing Katikati volunteers have spent seven years restoring the Uretara River, and native wildlife is returning to reward their hard work.
Ōmokoroa Artist John East Shows Native Bird Works in Katikati
Ōmokoroa artist John East is exhibiting bold acrylic paintings of native NZ birds at Carlton Gallery, The Arts Junction in Katikati.
Restoration Ramble Through Te Puna Bush Reserve Part of Echo Walking Festival
A guided walk through l'Anson Bush Reserve in Te Puna on 27 March will explore the reserve's journey from pasture to thriving native bush as part of Echo W
Grow On Katikati Scarecrow Workshop and Edible Backyard Safari Draw Crowds
Grow On Katikati's scarecrow workshop and Edible Backyard Safari drew nearly 70 participants across two community events celebrating sustainability and gar
Otawhiwhi Marae Brings Kai and Mātauranga to Flavours of Plenty Festival
Otawhiwhi Marae chairman Reon Tuanau will share the cultural story of kai at the Flavours of Plenty Festival, including kūmara traditions, fry bread, and k
Katikati Herb Society Champions Herb Awareness Month 2025
The Katikati Herb Society is promoting Herb Awareness Month 2025, focusing on chamomile, karamu, greater celandine and globe artichoke amid rising interest
Friends of the Bush Charity Gig to Support Predator-Free BOP
A charity gig at Astrolabe Bar on 15 March features Francis Kora and Mirage, raising funds for Predator Free BOP's rat trap programme.
Echo Walking Festival Expands With New Trails and Cultural Events
The Echo Walking Festival returns 1–22 April with 45 walks across the Western Bay of Plenty, including new trails and a Kōrero and Kai cultural event at Ot
Regenerative Gardener Nina Parker Expands to 9.5-Hectare Dream Farm
Katikati regenerative gardener Nina Parker is expanding to a new 9.5-hectare off-grid farm with plans for community food education and a village-style farm
Western Bay Museum Showcases Clever Crustaceans with NIWA and Te Papa
The Western Bay Museum is hosting Clever Crustaceans, a new mini exhibition created with NIWA and Te Papa that explores the extraordinary world of marine c
Craig Wallace Launches Litter-Picking Mission to Keep Te Puke Beautiful
Craig Wallace spearheads Keep Te Puke Beautiful initiative, collecting significant amounts of litter and encouraging community environmental action.
Western Bay Council Warns Against Dumping Garden Waste in Reserves
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is warning that dumping garden waste in reserves is illegal and threatens native bush, wildlife and costs ratepayers
Katikati Screens Māori Organic Farming Film on Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Grow On Katikati screens a film on Māori organic farming with Dr Jessica Hutchings on 18 February — exploring indigenous food sovereignty and connection to
Katikati lifestyle block on Cameron Road offers 4ha rural retreat
A 4ha lifestyle block near Katikati with a four-bedroom homestead, large shed, grazing and free-range chicken paddock is listed at $1,330,000.
Aongatete lifestyle block with avocado orchards listed for sale
A 48ha lifestyle block near Aongatete with avocado orchards, grazing land and subdivision potential has been listed for sale by negotiation.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council to spray pest plants at Western Bay estuaries
Bay of Plenty Regional Council will spray the herbicide Haloxyfop at several Western Bay estuaries between 27–31 January to control pest plants.