With heavy rain forecast for much of the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts, the local Medical Officer of Health would like to remind the public of the standard public health advice to always avoid swimming in streams, rivers and beaches for 48 hours after heavy rain.

Health warnings have been issued for both Lake Okaro and Lake Rotoehu because of the presence of blooms of potentially toxic blue-green algae.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has commenced region wide maritime patrols – reinforcing safety on the water.

Apps, alerts and some fixed sirens will be tested this weekend, as Bay of Plenty Emergency Management carries out their second alerting test of the year.

More than one hundred students from 10 Bay of Plenty schools enjoyed a day out discovering how to monitor and care for their local waterways yesterday.

People working and living around Aerodrome Road will be pleased to learn that three new air monitoring stations located in the area are about to go live.

Waiotahi Contractors have been fined $88,200 for allowing sediment contaminated stormwater to enter the Kaitemako Stream in Ohauiti.

A drilling rig will be seen near Whakatāne CBD stopbanks in coming days, as the Bay of Plenty Regional Council undertakes investigative work set out in its Long Term Plan.

A dawn karakia (blessing) performed by Tohunga Koro Tutua and supported by a contingent of hahi Ringatu kaikarakia marked the completion of the first stage of the Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s office upgrade project last week.

National water reforms and the importance of maintaining momentum on local waterway improvements were the focus of discussion by Bay of Plenty Regional Councillors this week.