News Whakatāne

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Be safe and enjoy the day that it will be 🧑🏿‍🎄🎅

24/12/2025

: One person has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle in central Whakatāne.

St John Ambulance says crews were alerted to the incident on Canning Place just after 10pm and responded alongside other emergency services.

The crash occurred near the intersection of Canning Place, Commerce Street and George Street. The road remains closed while Police carry out scene examinations.

A heavy Police presence is still at the scene, and motorists are advised to avoid the area, with closures expected to remain in place for several hours.

We are getting reports of a serious crash on the Strand in central Whakatāne. Emergency services are on scene.

Canning place is currently closed.
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19/12/2025

UPDATE- A motorcyclist has died following a crash on State Highway 35 near Ōpōtiki on Friday night.

The crash, between Te Waiiti Road and Maraenui Pa Road, was reported to Police at 8.25pm.

The motorcyclist was critically injured in the crash and tragically passed away a short time later.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way. Serious crash, SH 35 near Ōpōtiki

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 35 near Ōpōtiki, which was reported to Police at 8.25pm.

The crash, between Te Waiiti Road and Maraenui Pa Road, involved a single motorcycle.

The motorcyclist is reported to have sustained critical injuries.

The road is blocked and motorists are advised to delay travel or take alternative routes where possible.

18/12/2025

: Minivan Crash in Rotoma leaves multiple people injured, one critical.

A late-night collision between a car and a minivan at Lake Rotomā, near Rotorua, has left 12 people requiring hospital treatment across the North Island.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash shortly after 10pm on Thursday, with a significant response sent to the scene, including two rescue helicopters.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand confirmed crews from Rotomā, Rotorua and Kawerau attended, noting that no occupants were trapped inside either vehicle.

Hato Hone St John said all 12 patients involved were assessed and transported to hospitals around the region. One critically injured person was airlifted to Waikato Hospital, while another with serious injuries was flown to Tauranga Hospital.

Nine people sustained moderate injuries. Of those, two were taken to Whakatāne Hospital and seven were transported by ambulance to Rotorua Hospital. A further patient with minor injuries was also taken to Rotorua Hospital.

St John said the response included six ambulances, two helicopters, a rapid response vehicle, two road management units and a major incident support unit.

State Highway 30 was closed for a number of hours, but has since reopened.

18/12/2025

; the road has since reopened; https://www.facebook.com/share/1GwiQNnmCY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Diversions are now in place. If you are intending on travelling to Rotorua or through to Whakatāne, please use alternative routes.

: We are getting multiple reports of a vehicle crash in Rotoma. Emergency services are responding.

Roading crews are enroute and the road is expected to be closed!

17/12/2025

Eastern Bay Christmas Light Trail returns, lighting up more than 70 homes.

More than 70 homes and businesses across the Eastern Bay are glowing brighter this week as the Eastern Bay Christmas Light Trail officially switches on for the season.

Brought to you by Stellar Creative, the 2025 trail invites locals and visitors to explore neighbourhoods throughout Whakatāne and the wider Eastern Bay, where Christmas lights, colour and creativity are on full display.

A detailed online map makes it easy for families and friends to plan an evening drive or stroll and take in the festive sights. Trail-goers are also encouraged to get involved by voting for their favourite display.

Those who take part will go in the draw to win spot prizes, adding a little extra excitement to the experience. The Eastern Bay Christmas Light Trail continues to grow each year, becoming a much-loved part of the lead-up to Christmas and a reminder of the creativity and generosity found across the region.

The 2025 trail is proudly sponsored by Stellar Creative, Mitre 10 Whakatāne, The Comm, Michelle and Matt at Property Brokers, Body Aid Clinic, Sea Star Design, Gateway Funerals, Harbour View Electrical and Forever Friends. To view the map, vote, or find out more, visit www.stellarcreative.co.nz/glow-trail

13/12/2025

: Person Seriously Injured After Incident at Whakatāne Bridge

One person has been seriously injured following an incident at the Whakatāne River Bridge this afternoon.

Emergency services were alerted at around 4.10pm after receiving reports of a person in distress in the water near the bridge, a police spokesperson said.

Police attended the scene and coordinated a response with Coastguard to assist the person from the river.

The individual was subsequently taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Emergency services are currently responding to an incident at the Whakatāne River on Landing Road Bridge 🚨

Please take care if in the area!

More soon.

12/12/2025

LEGEND!

HAYDEN WILDE HAS DONE IT ✨🏆

The Olympic silver medalist wins in Qatar and is officially your 2025 Men’s T100 World Champion! 👑

Watch episode 7️⃣ of Dare to Dream: The Next Move — “Beyond the Scar” exclusively on World Triathlon’s YouTube channel & TriathlonLive.tv

WATCH HERE: https://shorturl.at/vH6CT

10/12/2025

Big changes are on the way for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with a new two-lane bridge to replace the existing one-lane Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2,Tāneatua, Eastern Bay of Plenty.

This route is a lifeline for people travelling between Tairāwhiti, the Bay of Plenty and beyond. It keeps our Communities connected, supports tourism, moves essential supplies and local products.

Design and consenting work will start soon and will wrap up by the end of 2026.

Construction is planned for mid-2027 once funding becomes available and will take about 18 months. The new bridge will be built alongside the current one, so traffic can keep moving.

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Waikato & Bay of Plenty will keep monitoring and maintaining it. The next deck maintenance closure is set for 15th to 18th December 2025.

Early 2026, will see installation of steel plates on the bridge deck to improve the surface. This work will require a full closure, but will be timed for school holidays when traffic is lighter and no school buses are on the road.

The new bridge will have stronger foundations, flood protection and capacity for High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) to make it safer and more efficient.

Mayor Tánczos says it’s important that communities closest to the project feel heard and supported as planning progresses.

“I’m aware that some people in the Tāneatua community have questions about what this change might mean for their town. A Waka Kotahi Project of this scale will involve engagement with the community, and I’ll keep across what can be done to address potential concerns.”

10/12/2025

** ** It’s an exciting day for the Eastern Bay and wider Communities, to let you know we are getting a new Pekatahi Bridge - two lanes / brand new!!

06/12/2025

For all you heat lovers out there - today was your day !
With temps exceeding 30 degrees in the Bay 💥🔥🥵 6.12.25

06/12/2025

🥵☀️ It's another scorcher in Whakatāne, 30.1 at 3.30pm, How's the temp where you are? 🌡️🥵 ☀️