Overview
The Bay of Plenty Times is Tauranga's leading regional daily newspaper, serving as a vital source of local news, sport, business, and community information for the Bay of Plenty region.
Established in 1872, it is one of New Zealand's longest-running newspapers, chronicling the growth and development of Tauranga and its surrounding areas for over 150 years.
Published daily in a tabloid format from Monday to Saturday, the paper is a cornerstone of local life, keeping residents informed about the issues that matter most to their community.
As part of the New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) network, the Bay of Plenty Times has a strong digital presence through the NZ Herald website, offering both free and premium content to a wide audience.
Its core purpose is to provide trusted, high-quality journalism that holds local authorities to account, celebrates community success, and keeps the public connected.
The paper's headquarters are located in Tauranga, reflecting its deep commitment to the region it serves.
Content & Coverage
The Bay of Plenty Times provides comprehensive coverage across a wide range of topics relevant to the local community. Its team of dedicated journalists reports on stories from across Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and the wider Bay of Plenty region. This ensures residents have access to timely and relevant information affecting their daily lives.
Key areas of coverage include:
- Local News: In-depth reporting on Tauranga City Council decisions, infrastructure projects, community initiatives, crime, and local politics.
- Business: Coverage of the region's key industries, including the kiwifruit sector, property market, tourism, and new business developments.
- Sport: Extensive reporting on local sports clubs, school sports, and regional competitions, from rugby fields to sailing clubs.
- Community Events: Information on local festivals, markets, concerts, and other community gatherings.
- Opinion & Letters: A platform for community discussion, featuring columns and letters to the editor from local residents.
- Digital Access: Subscribers can access premium, in-depth articles and breaking news online via the NZ Herald platform, alongside the daily print edition.
Getting Involved & Submitting Content
The Bay of Plenty Times encourages active participation from its readers and the wider community. There are several ways to engage with the newspaper, from subscribing to submitting your own stories and opinions.
To get involved, you can:
- Subscribe: Digital and print subscriptions provide full access to all premium content. You can subscribe online through the NZ Herald website or by calling the subscriptions team at 0800 001 099.
- Submit a News Tip: If you have a story you think should be covered, you can contact the newsdesk directly by calling 07 577 3154 or emailing news@bayofplentytimes.co.nz.
- Write a Letter to the Editor: Share your opinion on a local issue by emailing editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz. Letters should be under 200 words and include your full name and suburb for publication.
- Place an Advertisement: For personal or business advertising, contact the classifieds department at classifiedsbop@nzme.co.nz or the general advertising team at advertise@nzme.co.nz.
Leadership & Key People
The editorial direction and day-to-day operations of the Bay of Plenty Times are managed by a dedicated team of experienced journalists and leaders based in Tauranga. The team is committed to upholding the standards of local journalism and serving the community.
The key editorial contacts are:
- Editor: Kim Gillespie
- Deputy Editor: Samantha Motion
- Regional Content Leaders: Sonya Bateson, Letitia Atkinson, and Jo Raphael
For general news inquiries, the newsdesk can be reached at news@bayofplentytimes.co.nz, and the editor can be contacted directly at editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz.
Community Impact & History
Since its first issue on 4 September 1872, the Bay of Plenty Times has been an integral part of the region's history.
Founded by WB Langbridge as a bi-weekly publication, it has documented the transformation of Tauranga from a small settlement into a thriving city.
The paper's growth from the 1950s onwards has mirrored the rapid expansion of the Bay of Plenty, making it an invaluable record of social and economic change.
A fire in 1976 tragically destroyed the newspaper's physical archive of back issues. However, the publisher had maintained copies on microfilm, which are now safely held by the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington.
Today, these historical records are more accessible than ever, with digitised issues from 1872 to 1949 available online through the National Library's Papers Past website.
This resource provides a fascinating window into the region's past for historians, researchers, and the general public.
Getting There
The Bay of Plenty Times office is located at 405 Cameron Road, Tauranga. It is important to note that this office is not open to the public for general enquiries or visits. All contact with the newspaper's staff and departments should be made via phone, email, or through their official website.
For subscription enquiries, please call 0800 001 099. For news tips, contact the newsdesk at 07 577 3154. Contacting the paper remotely is the most efficient way to have your query addressed by the correct department.
