Local stories from the Kiwifruit Capital of the World — community, business, sport, and life in Te Puke.
Te Puke Today is your daily dose of positive news — local-first, from Te Puke and the Bay of Plenty through to Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider world. Free, updated every day, always linked to the source.
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.
NZ kiwifruit scientists are sharing their expertise with India following a new trade deal — great news for the global kiwifruit industry and Te Puke growers.
Western Bay Mayor encourages community kindness and support this summer amid economic challenges, looking forward to collaborative progress in 2026.
Wayne Reid retires after 54 years as Te Puke barber, cutting his final hair on Christmas Eve. A fixture in the community since 1971.
Te Puke Paper Plus donates 116 books for The Hub's Christmas parcels to needy families. Store owner plans to expand initiative in 2026.
Te Puke Library launches summer reading programmes with nature theme for children of all ages, including activities and prizes.
Te Puke Christmas Float Parade draws large crowds with steampunk theme. About 40 floats celebrate festive season in community spectacle.
Bupa Te Puke marks $17 million redevelopment milestone with blessing ceremony. New facility includes 36 care rooms and 11 villas.
Te Puke's Seeka Christmas Float Parade on December 6 features special guest Blayde Arnold, a four-year-old with Emanuel Syndrome, riding with Santa.
Paengaroa speedway driver George Crawford steps up to New Zealand's premier super saloon class after impressing at Perth Motorplex in Australia earlier thi
Locally-made film 'The Z-Nail Gang' screens at Te Puke's Capital Theatre 11 years after its record-breaking world premiere.
Te Puke Paper Plus owner launches book donation drive to support The Hub's Christmas gift programme for needy families.
Te Puke operation Natural Mystic uses equine therapy to engage disconnected teenagers through healing power of horses and traditional Māori practices.
Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade faces record demand with 295 calls this year. Brigade members dedicate 200 hours each to emergency response and community en
14-year-old Kieran Groves' balloon sculpting business BalloonO'Mania is booming across Te Puke's event circuit with bookings year-round.
Te Puke family launches Blayde's World fundraiser to support four-year-old with rare Emanuel Syndrome, aiming to fund intensive therapy for school readines
Te Puke High School celebrates Class of 2025 with over $330,000 in scholarships awarded, honoring academic achievement and student contributions to the sch
Seven volunteers clean Te Puke rail corridor, removing 30 bags of rubbish and large items. Keep Te Puke Beautiful group continues community beautification
Comvita hosts 40-member Korean beekeeping delegation at Paengaroa headquarters, celebrating World Mānuka Honey Day and promoting international collaboratio
Te Puke High School's Te Ringa Āwhina students perform 'Shine' showcase at Litt Park Theatre, November 12-13, celebrating their collaborative creative work
Te Puke's SpookPunk Halloween Treat Trail drew hundreds to the town centre with decorated shops, entertainment, and interactive surprises for families.
Paengaroa Spring Fair returns Saturday as a family-friendly, low-cost community celebration designed to bring locals together.
Te Puke's emergency services food drive returns November 13, collecting donations for local food bank as demand surges with 25% more first-time users.
Te Puke High School students complete 19-day wilderness challenge at Hillary Centre, building confidence through hiking, canoeing, and mentorship programs.
Te Puke's Calf Club season culminates at A&P Showgrounds with rural school students showcasing livestock and agricultural skills in community celebration.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council reminds freedom campers of rules at 46 designated sites, with $400 fines for breaching seasonal restrictions.
Maketu Ōngātoro Wetland Society hosts free Breakfast with the Gulls event on November 9, offering rare chance to see endangered black-billed gulls nesting.
Te Puke community organisations unite to build a $5 million Movement HQ at Centennial Park, launching project on November 1 with family event.
Shane Beech wins Western Bay of Plenty District Council seat for Maketū-Te Puke ward after three-year absence from local politics.
Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrates service achievements and thanks community sponsors at annual honours night.
Te Puke sprinter Jaxon Woolley aims for Commonwealth Games selection with strong personal records in T38 classification events.
Te Puke Council defends plaza refurbishment project against criticism over design and parking availability in town centre.
The Daily Charitable Trust launches new food system strategy focused on growing food, community volunteering, and sustainable fundraising for food security
Te Puke Baptist Church's Ocktoberfest features live entertainment, children's activities, bargain stalls, and food, with proceeds supporting local youth in
Te Puke firefighter Jodi Purdie and son Cooper become first mother-son duo to compete at World Firefighter Challenge in Texas this month.
Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade competed at Auckland Provincial Challenge in Rotorua, securing multiple placements and showcasing team dedication.
Te Puke hosts Taylor Swift album release listening party at the Capitol Theatre, a celebration bringing community together at the heritage venue.
Mayor James Denyer announces Te Puke progress on roads and spatial planning, with future focus on housing, traffic, and a potential swimming pool.
Rangiuru School receives a 100-year-old trophy gifted by a descendant of its first teacher, to become an annual arts award.
Te Puke's new nine-hole disc golf course at Donovan Park opens to the public, offering accessible play for beginners and casual golfers.
Te Puke Knit and Natter group meets weekly to create warm blankets and clothing for premature babies and children at Starship Hospital and other local char
Te Puke's annual Sikh parade (Nagar Kirtan) on September 27 celebrates faith, culture, and community with processions, hymns, food, and welcomes people of
Te Puke Primary School students conduct community service through performances, food drives, and litter collection as part of their Future Force programme.
Te Puke man Bruce Brown searches for a new home for his father's collection of over 2,500 handmade artificial eyes created by a prosthetic eye maker.
Historic St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Te Puke to close after serving the community for over 100 years due to declining membership and leadership chal
Bay Venues awarded four-year contract to manage Te Puke Memorial Pool with focus on expanding learn-to-swim programmes and community access.
Six candidates compete for four seats on Maketū Community Board, discussing climate, infrastructure, and community representation priorities.
Pongakawa School principal Craig Haggo retires after 25 years, citing health concerns and fatigue despite his effectiveness in the role.
Maketū author Angie Belcher launches bilingual children's book 'The Big Boil-Up' celebrating whānau, food, and togetherness.
Te Puke High School opens purpose-built sensory garden for special needs students, featuring wheelchair-accessible raised beds and hands-on learning opport
Local Body Election nominations close for Western Bay District, with multiple positions open in Te Puke and Maketū community boards.
Te Puke introduces vehicle-mounted camera technology to monitor parking violations and improve town centre parking turnover and staff safety.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council launches fire-safe battery recycling units at libraries and service centres including Te Puke to improve safety and
Te Puke waka ama paddler Nicky Kingi will represent New Zealand at the IVF World Distance Championships in Brazil next week.
Te Puke's new community constable Aron Wilson-McGrath is introducing himself to locals by walking the streets and getting to know the town after two months
17-year-old Taylor Kingi from Te Puke has been selected for the 2025 Bay of Plenty Volcanix squad, becoming one of the youngest members of the Farah Palmer
Te Puke's Sirens and Service event brought emergency services and community organisations together to educate residents about local safety resources and su
Sue Willers retires after 31 years at Te Puke Pharmacy, having worked in the photo lab and dispensary counter.
Maketū Rotary Club closes after 20 years, leaving behind significant community projects and lasting contributions.
Over 25 volunteers plant 2,400 native plants at Lawrence Oliver Park's 2.7-hectare treatment wetland restoration project.
Te Puke's annual spring clean event expands to a full week in September with schools and community groups invited to participate.
Pukehina's Surf 'n' Sand AutoRama raises $35,000 for local organisations including volunteer fire brigade and surf rescue.
EPIC Te Puke launches EPICConnect, a monthly business networking event series starting July 31 for local business owners.
Te Puke community invited to help plant 2,000 native plants at Lawrence Oliver Park wetland restoration on July 19.
Di Leach returns to Te Puke Repertory Theatre after seven years, making her triumphant comeback in the comedy 'Call Girls' next week.
Te Puke's Sirens and Services expo on July 26 will showcase local safety and security services, with a focus on prevention and community support.
Fairhaven School teacher Dana Piggott and her husband are heading to Germany to represent New Zealand at the World Dragon Boat Championships next week.
Te Puke woman opens Pongakawa farm to host orienteering course for Zespri AIMS Games 2025, welcoming young competitors to the property.
Te Puke's $6.1m No. 4 Road bridge opens after two years, restoring vital rural community link destroyed in January 2023 washout.
Pongakawa School's 'Once Upon a Legend' quiz night raises $60,000 for school maintenance and outdoor improvements in Te Puke.
Michael Jones directs comedy 'Call Girls' at Little Park Theatre in Te Puke this July, his 11th major production after 65 years in theatre.
Local author Kiri-Michelle Mohi launches two new children's books addressing real-life issues like addiction and appropriate touch in Te Puke.
Te Puke Heritage Plaza undergoes $200,000 refurbishment next week to create a more welcoming green space and revitalize the town centre.
Te Ranga School's Possum and Pest Hunt raises nearly $40,000 toward a $170,000 playground upgrade, removing over 1,200 pests from the environment.
Bay of Plenty Children's Literature Association hosts creative writing and illustration workshops at Paengaroa School on July 9 featuring award-winning aut
Te Puke Primary School students win Showquest junior section with creative performance exploring life without technology, developed by teachers and student
Robyn Baker joins Te Puke Library as new children and teens librarian, bringing early childhood education background and community outreach focus.
Te Puke Matariki 2025 celebration on June 20 showcases tangata whenua leadership with traditional performances, local musicians, and Māori kai.
Te Puke's meals on wheels service has returned as Aroha Meals, offering affordable hot and frozen meals to residents while supporting community food securi
Western Bay of Plenty begins nine-month Boucher Avenue upgrade project in mid-June, including road, stormwater and water pipe improvements in Te Puke.
Te Puke's Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme, which supported 170+ young people into employment, is winding down due to government funding changes from Ju
Comvita, the Bay of Plenty natural health company founded by Alan Bougen and Claude Stratford, celebrates its 50th anniversary with pride in its pioneering
Punktuation, a Te Puke high school punk band, is gaining recognition with original music and performances across the Bay of Plenty region.
Te Puke Squash Club's third annual Pink Ribbon fundraiser attracted 70 community members dressed in pink to raise money for breast cancer research.
Mark Deacon, a Te Puke firefighter with 10 years of service, reflects on his journey with the volunteer brigade and memorable rescue operations.
Project Hip Hop, a national dance competition founded by Sarah Martin, returns to Te Puke High School, providing entry-level dancers with quality competiti
The Hub Te Puke experiences surge in demand for food services, rescuing over 11,000kg of food and supporting 275 families during winter months.
Zero-waste swimwear designer Emma LaRocca offers free design trials to local companies. Tauranga Council-funded program helps reduce landfill waste through
Picture Perfect Easter Trail photo exhibition deemed a success despite rain postponement. Community event featured photographic contest with significant lo
Maketu-Te Puke Community Expo on May 21 offers residents chance to meet council staff and learn about local projects and upcoming elections.
Te Puke cricketer Brittany Jenkins wins Northern Districts Young Female Player of the Year award. The 18-year-old pace bowler took 17 wickets this summer.
Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World Heritage Hub advances with incorporated society formation and negotiations to lease historic theatre space.
The Te Puke Annual Book Fair is back at Te Puke Memorial Hall on 20–22 June 2025. Donate books, puzzles, DVDs and more to support the event.
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
Two Te Puke brothers, Obadiah and Thompson Nicholl, are remembered for their WWI sacrifice as Anzac Day approaches, with their names commemorated on local
Pongakawa School's annual quiz night returns June 7 with 'Once Upon a Legend' theme, expecting to raise funds for school facilities and junior block mainte
Te Puke fire chief supports parliamentary petition for equal ACC coverage for volunteer firefighters, citing mental health impacts from traumatic calls.
Te Puke free hazardous waste disposal day on May 25 lets residents safely dispose of household chemicals, pool products and garden sprays. Registration req
Picture Perfect Easter Trail celebrates Easter Saturday in Te Puke with egg hunts, market stalls, entertainment and photography displays along Te Ara Kahik
Te Puke High School's Services Academy programme helps 20 Year 12 students develop discipline and leadership through Defence Force-linked training and outd
Te Puke students celebrate winning Acorn Foundation and TECT scholarships, supporting their tertiary education journeys in marine science, law, and Māori l
Te Puke United aims to repeat their 2023 title-winning success after being placed into the Bay of Plenty Senior Men's League Division One.
Te Puke Repertory presents the third biennial Simply Short Play Festival featuring six original plays by local playwrights this month.
Evergreen House in Te Puke progresses rapidly with six accessible housing units designed for older residents and those with chronic health conditions.
Bay of Plenty Orchid Society holds annual show April 4-5 in Te Puke, featuring miniature orchids, growers from across NZ, and expert advice on plant care.
Te Puke hosts Kids' Kai Trail on April 5, an educational event focused on food resilience, organized by local community groups and featuring hands-on activ
Te Puke's 4x4 Trial event on March 23 draws record crowd, with back-to-back winners Jarred Biggs and Fleche Crawford leading the competition.
Te Puke Sports unveils new coaching team led by Martin Ash, targeting retention of Baywide Rugby title with fresh signings and squad development.
Te Puke ice swimmer Quinn Boyle wins silver medals at World Championships in Italy, with support from local community businesses.
Te Puke 4x4 driver Nathan Fogden competes in the NZ National Trials Series home round at Powdrell family farm, aiming to revive his title challenge.
Ivan Shannon's custom-built Rolls-Royce powered by a WWII-adapted Merlin Meteor engine steals the show at Te Puke's Autorama event featuring 450 vehicles.
Te Puke's Daily Charitable Trust continues supporting school lunches as government reforms change the Ka Ora programme, facing community concerns about mea
Te Puke High School staff member Karlina Steiner wins silver medal at national rowing championships after switching from artistic swimming to rowing.
International sevens player Femi Sofolarin joins Te Puke Sports for the 2025 Bay-wide rugby season, bringing experience from England, Scotland and Great Br
Western Bay of Plenty District Council hosts free cybersecurity seminar in Te Puke on March 20 to help residents protect themselves from online scams.
Ken Griffin seeks a new home for his 1923 Model T Ford that's been in restoration for 2.5 years, retaining many original features and parts.
Pukehina Sand 'n' Surf Autorama grows as a community staple, with pre- and post-event activities planned for March 8 to benefit local organisations.
Craig Wallace spearheads Keep Te Puke Beautiful initiative, collecting significant amounts of litter and encouraging community environmental action.
Te Puke High School's new head boy Harrison Matthews and head girl Bella Ngawhika begin their leadership roles, with Matthews overcoming shyness to address
The prestigious Harris Cup returns to Pukehina after 12 years, with 259 young competitors from five Bay of Plenty surf lifesaving clubs participating in th
Te Puke cricket game brings farmers and growers together to promote Farmstrong wellbeing initiative, with Seeka sponsoring this year's event at Te Puke Dom
Wendy Smyth brings pickleball to Te Puke. The growing local club now has 20+ players meeting every Monday and Wednesday.
Kris Edington's 3.2-hectare food forest in Te Puke demonstrates sustainable syntrophic agroforestry, producing hundreds of plant varieties and promoting so
Dairy farmer Ross Wilson brings six Clydesdales to Te Puke's A&P Show this Saturday, continuing a multi-generational family farming tradition.
Epic Te Puke launches photo competition showcasing local community, with prizes and public exhibition of winning images on aluminium displays.
Baygold staff mark a decade of giving back with their annual Kick Off Charity Day, supporting Te Puke town cleanup, Kura Kai meals, and forest conservation
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