Omataroa, Whakatane

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Share it with your neighbours here.

234 days ago

Scrumptious hot cross bun recipe

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Warm, fragrant hot cross buns are always a firm favourite in Ryman villages over the Easter holidays. It’s also the perfect time to spend with family – and what better way to create a festive atmosphere than by baking some delicious hot cross buns with your grandkids?

Nothing beats … View more
Warm, fragrant hot cross buns are always a firm favourite in Ryman villages over the Easter holidays. It’s also the perfect time to spend with family – and what better way to create a festive atmosphere than by baking some delicious hot cross buns with your grandkids?

Nothing beats home-made, and this recipe, shared by Ryman chef Matt Orr, will make a perfect Easter treat. As they bake, your home will be filled with the sweet aromas of Easter, and you’ll have a wonderful snack to enjoy together. So, let’s get baking!

Click read more for the full recipe.

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235 days ago

Have you nominated a local business yet?

Prospa

The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards are back and we’re searching for the standout local businesses that have made a real impact over the past year!

It’s time to celebrate the incredible businesses that help make our communities such special places to live. Nominations are now open – … View more
The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards are back and we’re searching for the standout local businesses that have made a real impact over the past year!

It’s time to celebrate the incredible businesses that help make our communities such special places to live. Nominations are now open – click the link below to nominate your Local Business Hero and help them get the recognition they deserve.

If you haven't nominated your favourite local business yet, make sure you do it today.
Nominate now

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237 days ago

The perfect Mother's Day gift is here!🌸

Mags4Gifts

Looking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!

Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
View more
Looking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!

Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
Mags4Gifts.co.nz.

This Mother's Day, save up to 35% on subscriptions – perfect for Mum, Grandma, a special mother figure, or even as a treat for yourself!

Don't miss out – shop now and make her day unforgettable!

From the team at Mags4Gifts
Shop Now

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239 days ago

Share your favourite lime recipe and get a free copy of our June issue

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things lime! Send your family's favourite way to use up this citrus, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by April 17, 2025. If we use it in the mag, you will receive… View moreKia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things lime! Send your family's favourite way to use up this citrus, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by April 17, 2025. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the June issue.

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238 days ago

Transform Your Space Sustainably with Resene Eco Paints

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Paint smart with NZ’s widest range of Eco Choice approved paints, available at your local Resene ColorShop. Enjoy low odour, no or low added VOCs paints, made in NZ and independently verified so you can bring out the best in your project.
Come in and see your local Resene ColorShop today!

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238 days ago

Kawerau homicide

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

A second person has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of a man in Kawerau on 26 February.

A 15-year-old male was taken into custody after Police executed a search warrant at an address in Otara, Auckland yesterday.

He is due to appear in the Manukau Youth Court today, … View more
A second person has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of a man in Kawerau on 26 February.

A 15-year-old male was taken into custody after Police executed a search warrant at an address in Otara, Auckland yesterday.

He is due to appear in the Manukau Youth Court today, 11 April.

Yesterday’s arrest comes after a 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder on 27 March.

The 21-year-old is due to reappear in the Tauranga District Court on 30 April.

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238 days ago

Last weekend of half-price adoption fees at SPCA

The Team from SPCA Whakatane - Centre

Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your family these school holidays? We have reduced our adoption fees until 13 April by half to make it easier than ever to find your perfect companion, just in time for winter. With over 1,100 animals patiently waiting for adoption across the country you are… View moreReady to welcome a new furry friend into your family these school holidays? We have reduced our adoption fees until 13 April by half to make it easier than ever to find your perfect companion, just in time for winter. With over 1,100 animals patiently waiting for adoption across the country you are sure to find your perfect match. Apply online for a private meet-and-greet now.

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240 days ago

Enjoy a year of free fees*

Bob Owens Retirement Village

At Ryman you won't pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.

That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more. That’s great … View more
At Ryman you won't pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.

That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more. That’s great financial certainty.

*Terms and conditions apply.

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242 days ago

Ding-ding! Back for round six!

Prospa

The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards are back! We're looking for local businesses that have stood out over the last 12 months - and by nominating a business in your community you could win some incredible prizes. Got an amazing mechanic? Know a super friendly pharmacist? Maybe you're … View moreThe Prospa Local Business Hero Awards are back! We're looking for local businesses that have stood out over the last 12 months - and by nominating a business in your community you could win some incredible prizes. Got an amazing mechanic? Know a super friendly pharmacist? Maybe you're gatekeeping a fab hairdresser. But it's time to spill!

Champion the incredible local businesses that make our New Zealand Neighbourhoods special by nominating them to be the 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Nominations are now open – nominate your Local Business Hero now.
Nominate now

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245 days ago

Reminder: Tomorrow is our national walk-in adoption day with 50% off adoption fees

The Team from SPCA Whakatane - Centre

That’s right – if you’re ready to adopt, you can swing by your nearest SPCA Centre tomorrow (Saturday 5 April) to meet the animals without an appointment ?

It’s our goal to Clear the Shelters, so we’re offering 50% off all adoption fees until Sunday 13 April. With 1,100 animals … View more
That’s right – if you’re ready to adopt, you can swing by your nearest SPCA Centre tomorrow (Saturday 5 April) to meet the animals without an appointment ?

It’s our goal to Clear the Shelters, so we’re offering 50% off all adoption fees until Sunday 13 April. With 1,100 animals currently available for adoption across the country, we’d love for you to come along tomorrow and meet those waiting. ?

You can also head over to our website to check out their profiles, and register your interest early if there’s a particular cutie who catches your eye – this will speed things up on the day.

To keep the experience as calm and positive as possible for our animals and staff, we kindly ask that only those seriously considering adoption attend.

See you tomorrow!

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246 days ago

The perfect Mother's Day gift is here!🌸

Mags4Gifts

Looking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!

Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
View more
Looking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!

Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
Mags4Gifts.co.nz.

This Mother's Day, save up to 35% on subscriptions – perfect for Mum, Grandma, a special mother figure, or even as a treat for yourself!

Don't miss out – shop now and make her day unforgettable!
Learn More

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246 days ago

Create Your Own Mini Glasshouse

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Create a mini glasshouse environment finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pitch Black to extend your growing season – perfect for early spring planting, hardening off seedlings and making the most of small growing spaces. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step … View moreCreate a mini glasshouse environment finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pitch Black to extend your growing season – perfect for early spring planting, hardening off seedlings and making the most of small growing spaces. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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248 days ago

How to have an epic retirement

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Retirement is a transformative stage of life, offering the freedom to embark on new adventures, explore fresh interests, and find fulfilment in ways that may have been put on hold during the busy years of work and family life. It’s a time to focus on what truly brings you joy.

With its … View more
Retirement is a transformative stage of life, offering the freedom to embark on new adventures, explore fresh interests, and find fulfilment in ways that may have been put on hold during the busy years of work and family life. It’s a time to focus on what truly brings you joy.

With its beautiful landscapes, outdoor lifestyle, and relaxed culture, New Zealand is the perfect place to make the most of your retirement. And at Ryman Healthcare, you can enjoy top-quality independent living options and exceptional care within a vibrant, supportive community of like-minded people.

Click read more for the full story.

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252 days ago

Kawerau homicide update

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

A man has been arrested and charged with murder following an ongoing homicide investigation in Kawerau.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Onslow Street on 26 February.

Emergency services were called to the property at around 8.45am after a man was … View more
A man has been arrested and charged with murder following an ongoing homicide investigation in Kawerau.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Onslow Street on 26 February.

Emergency services were called to the property at around 8.45am after a man was located deceased on the front doorstep of the address.
Police have been working hard to piece together the events surrounding the man’s death and today arrested and charged a man in Hamilton.

We are pleased to have been able to arrest someone in relation to this tragic incident.
We would also like to thank those members of the public who provided information, and would still like to hear from those yet to come forward. The man will appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow charged with one count of murder.

Police continue to appeal for anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious in or around the Onslow Street area.
We are aware there were some other people in the general area specifically between 5.15am-5.50am that morning who haven’t yet come forward and we would ask them to please contact us.

If you have information that could assist the investigations team, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number 250226/5646.

Information can also be provided through Crime Stoppers online at crimestoppers-nz.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
As the matter is now before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.

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253 days ago

Create a Bold and Modern Monochrome Table Setting with Resene Colours

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

You can’t go wrong with black and white, and this bold table setting adds a modern monochromatic touch to mealtime. Finish your setting in Resene Poured Milk, Resene All Black, Resene Noir and Resene Eighth Black White or choose your favourite Resene colours. Find out how to create your own with … View moreYou can’t go wrong with black and white, and this bold table setting adds a modern monochromatic touch to mealtime. Finish your setting in Resene Poured Milk, Resene All Black, Resene Noir and Resene Eighth Black White or choose your favourite Resene colours. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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