Western Bay Community Awards 2026
A look back at the 2026 Western Bay Community Awards, celebrating the individuals, groups, and organisations making a meaningful impact across Tauranga and the wider Western Bay of Plenty. Held at…
Standing Strong in Crisis: Bay of Plenty Māori Wardens on the Frontline
Bay of Plenty Māori Wardens played a key role in supporting communities during the January 2026 severe weather event. Deployed to Katikati and Waihī Beach, Wardens assisted with evacuations, provided…
George Watson awarded the Jann Medlicott Award for Contemporary Art 2026
Gisborne artist George Watson has been awarded the inaugural Jann Medlicott Award for Contemporary Art — a $30,000 national art prize established through the generosity of Tauranga philanthropist Dr…
Finalists Announced for the 2026 Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction
The finalists for the 2026 Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction have been announced as part of the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Discover the four outstanding New Zealand writers shortlisted this…
Bringing the Community Together: Highlights from Acorn’s 2026 Roundtable Event
One of the best parts of the Round Table is simply getting everyone in the same room. Hearing what organisations have been working on, the challenges they’re navigating, and the difference they’re…
Celebrating the 2026 FAME Mid-Career Award Recipients
A celebration of creativity across Aotearoa. Last week the 2026 FAME Mid-Career Award recipients were announced at the PANNZ Arts Market, recognising six outstanding artists and practitioners who are…
Student Volunteer Army Steps Up After Waihi Beach Flooding
After severe flooding in Waihi Beach this January, a team of Student Volunteer Army members from Waikato University responded with determination and care, helping local businesses clear out debris and…
216 Volunteers, 5,690 Meals: The Rapid Relief Team in Action
On 22 January 2026, New Zealand Police requested urgent catering support for the Mount Maunganui landslide response. Rapid Relief Team mobilised within hours and remained onsite through to 1 February,…
BOP Rural Support Trust Supporting Western Bay Communities After Severe Weather Event
This page highlights the role of the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust in supporting rural and wider Western Bay communities reeling from the severe January weather event. It outlines how the Trust…