Stories by Diane McCarthy
News
Māori ward advocate looks to complete journey
After fighting so hard to have Māori wards established, both locally and nationally, standing in Whakatāne District Council's first election to include them may seem to be a given for Toni Boynton.
Cemetery land needed this year
Whakatāne District Council's hunt for suitable land to establish a new cemetery has been unsuccessful so far.
Council looks at housing-first response to Whakatāne homelessness
It has been almost five years since the Whakatāne Homeless Action Group was formed in response to growing numbers of rough sleepers.
Would-be mayor on atomic mission
Victor Luca wants to be Whakatāne's next mayor, but first he has another mission to complete.
Twenty years of forest restoration undone by poor fencing
One man's work to restore native bush on Karaponga Reserve over the past 20 years is being undone by inadequate fencing.
Reducing pokie harm in Whakatāne no simple task council finds
Whakatāne District Council is considering tightening its sinking lid policy on gambling machines as a way to minimise gambling harm.
Beach bylaws need enforcing, DOC ranger says
A lack of consequences for breaking bylaws restricting vehicle access to beaches in the Ōpōtiki district has meant an unsuccessful breeding year for New Zealand dotterel on Ōhiwa beach and spit.
Norske Skog revaluation leaves Kawerau picking up $1m shortfall
Kawerau District Council ratepayers will have to pick up a rating shortfall of more than $1 million resulting from the closure and subsequent revaluation of Norske Skog mill.
'Bizarre' property strategy leaves ratepayers out of pocket over scout den rental
Awakeri Scouts will be able to stay in their den for another 10 years, at a cost of $120,000 to the Whakatāne District Council.
Independent investigator finds Ōpōtiki councillor breached code of conduct
Ōpōtiki district councillor Barry Howe has been found in breach of the council's code of conduct after revealing confidential council information on social media.
Special space allocated for manus after near drowning
An area of the outdoor pool at Whakatāne Aquatic Centre has been set aside for manus (bombing) after a nine-year-old boy nearly drowned last month.
Margaret Mahy's lion must come out to play
New locations are being considered for Margaret Mahy's lion statue as part of the Civic Centre upgrade.
New Whakatāne $29m boat harbour fast-tracked
Fast-track consenting made available for Provincial Growth Fund projects could see work start on a $29.4 million marina in Whakatāne mid-year.
Murupara GP to be suspended pending further investigation
Doctor Bernard Conlon says he has received notification from the Medical Council of New Zealand that it intends to suspend him ahead of the investigation into the various complaints laid against him.
Whakatōhea to initial Deed of Settlement
Te Whakatōhea will be initialling its Draft Deed of Settlement with the Crown tomorrow, however, Te Upokorehe, an iwi group opposed to having its claims included in the Whakatōhea settlement, claims…
Minister praises coordinated approach of Mātaatua iwi on Covid-19
Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare says he feels encouraged by the leaders of nine Mātaatua iwi agreeing to act as one voice in the fight against Covid-19.
Coastguard seeks clarity on ‘closed’ river bar
New categories for describing the workability of the Whakatāne river bar have been criticised by members of Coastguard Whakatāne as being confusing and dangerous.
End could be in sight for Kawerau's landbanked derelict houses
Kawerau Mayor Malcolm Campbell says the government allowing landbanked houses to become derelict when so many people are homeless is a travesty.
Study monitors bird scaring 'boomers' in rural areas
Kiwifruit are budding and bird scaring devices are booming - for some people living in rural areas this makes spring a very annoying time of the year.
More time, information, consultation needed for Three Waters reform
Following an overwhelmingly negative community response, Whakatāne District Council has sent a letter to Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta challenging many aspects of the government's Three…
Keeping critters moving in rivers
Expanding fish passage work on the Rangitaiki River to the rest of the Bay was the challenge put before Bay of Plenty regional councillors recently.
Council opts for priciest option for thermal pool upgrade
Kawerau's geothermally heated pool is expected to be steaming hot again soon, thanks to a council decision yesterday to drill a new well.
Kawerau councillors ‘jumped the gun’ on Māori wards – submitter
The Kawerau mayor and councillors were so moved by the passionate presentations of submitters calling on them to reverse their decision not to establish Māori wards that they are making enquiries…
Councils call for feedback on three waters reform
Contrary to government instruction that there is no need for community consultation at this stage of the three waters reform proposal, all three Eastern Bay district councils are seeking feedback.
Ōpihi appeal heads to High Court
A developer plans to build 240 residential lots, a retirement village, 13 access lots, eight reserve lots, and seven public road lots on land considered by Taiwhakaea hapū members to be an ancient…