SunLive

5 days ago | sunlive.co.nz | Stuart Whitaker

Punk might have been born almost half a century ago – but it’s not dead. One of the latest bands to carry the mantle is Punktuation – three Te Puke High School students who love the music as much for its attitude as its sound. Fronting the band is Will King on guitar and vocals, with Jack Taylor on drums and Ahliyah Reihana on bass. Formed last year, the band won through to the Smokefreerockquest Bay of Plenty final, winning the best song category, with just the second song Will had ever written.

6 days ago | sunlive.co.nz | Stuart Whitaker

If Te Puke town centre looks a little less untidy this week, then it’s thanks to a small group of rubbish collectors. Rallied by Keep Te Puke Beautiful co-ordinator Craig Wallace, the small group concentrated their Sunday morning efforts on the south side of Jellicoe St and particularly picking up cigarette butts after Wallace had heard about a similar initiative in the UK. Wallace said he was rapt with the results and with the efforts of the volunteers.

1 week ago | sunlive.co.nz | Kelly Makiha

No one expected them to win. So when the final whistle blew and the Bay of Plenty U18 Lakers boys team were up 10-6 over the Wellington Orcas on the scoreboard, clinching the National District 9s trophy, the victory was even sweeter. Lakers coach Jason Sayers said the Easter tournament had been tough. Other teams were stacked with high-calibre players – many already making their way through NRL club age-group teams.

1 week ago | sunlive.co.nz | Stuart Whitaker

More than 20 years of community service was acknowledged at Government House last week when Te Puke’s Jenny Wotten was presented with her King’s Service Medal. The award, one of the 2025 New Year Honours, and was made in recognition of her services to the community and squash. Wotten has contributed to the Te Puke community since 1997 through numerous volunteer roles and community organisations.

1 week ago | sunlive.co.nz | Zoe Hunter |Zoë Hunter

More than 260 birdies and about $15,000 raised – that is the final scorecard a Tauranga dad and his friends handed in after 24 hours of non-stop indoor golf. Emotions ran high as Matt Henderson and his two good mates sunk their final putts at the weekend for his 2-year-old daughter Remi, who lives with a rare genetic neurological disorder called Rett syndrome.