Breakfast briefing

Kiwi kids can

Baytrust is giving $75,000 for children to access values-based education programme Kiwi Can. The grant will be spread over three years, allowing the Graeme Dingle Foundation Rotorua to support the four local schools involved at present – Horohoro School, Mamaku School, Kaitao Intermediate and Sunset Primary – and look to expand to more local children.

Changes to SH33

Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency is replacing a passing lane on State Highway 33, just north of Okere Falls, with a new slow vehicle bay next week. It follows concerns about drivers illegally using the Taheke Rd right turn bay as the start of the passing lane.

Truck and trailer crash

One person was moderately injured in a crash between a truck and a trailer in the eastern Bay of Plenty on Wednesday. Police were called to reports of a crash on Galatea Rd, Waiohau, at 4.30pm.

Volcanic predictions

GNS Science, Metservice and the Earthquake Commission have joined forces to enhance real-time forecasting models for volcanic ashfall to help communities manage future eruptions. The project will combine existing eruption scenarios with weather forecasting to better predict the likelihood of an area being affected by volcanic ashfall.

Groups gifted $200,000

More than $200,000 has been donated to Bay of Plenty groups in the latest round of New Zealand Community Trust grants. Tauranga Rowing Club received the biggest individual donation, receiving $24,000 from the $214,513.79 overall donation to the region. Tipu Waia¯riki Charitable Trust and Albion Cricket Club Tauranga each received $20,000.

Help for at-risk youth

The Government is creating opportunities for at-risk young people to overcome barriers to employment, education or training with the next tranche of He Poutama Rangatahi programmes. More than 160 rangatahi in the

Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Northland will benefit from the programme.

Artists reach finals

Seven Bay of Plenty artists have been selected as finalists in the inaugural Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award. They are Michelle Black, Matangireia Yatesfrancis, Michelle Estall, Terry Fergusson, Iata Peautolu, Te Haunui Tuna, and Hikurangi Tikitiki-o-rangi Mangu. They join a shortlist of 50 finalists who will tour nationally. Winners will be announced on May 27.

Speech and drama comp

Entries are open for the 74th Annual Rotorua Speech and Drama Competition. The competition is for children aged 5-18 years of age from throughout the Bay of Plenty and the wider area. Entries close on June 11.