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Ayla Yeoman
Reporter
Bay of Plenty

SunLive reporter

Ayla Yeoman is a multimedia journalist for SunLive and The Weekend Sun. Ayla is based in Tauranga and covers general news in the Bay of Plenty region. This includes live and breaking news stories as well as producing in-depth community stories. She is a fourth-year student at the University of Auckland studying for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Communications and Politics & International Relations. She joined NZME in June 2024. Ayla has a particular interest in reporting stories relating to community concerns, highlights, wins and more. You can contact Ayla at ayla.yeoman@nzme.co.nz

Check out Ayla’s latest content
'It's a significant step': Principal 'chuffed' at funding for two new classrooms
Bay of Plenty Times

'It's a significant step': Principal 'chuffed' at funding for two new classrooms

07 Jun 02:00 AM
'Absolute chaos': New roundabout setup causes confusion
Bay of Plenty Times

'Absolute chaos': New roundabout setup causes confusion

05 Jun 11:25 PM

The changes are part of council roadworks that are set to last a year.

Science with honours: Chris Duggan's transformative impact recognised
Bay of Plenty Times

Science with honours: Chris Duggan's transformative impact recognised

02 Jun 06:00 PM

Chris Duggan founded House of Science in 2014 to boost primary science education.

Watch: Small plane makes 'hard landing' at Tauranga Airport
Bay of Plenty Times

Watch: Small plane makes 'hard landing' at Tauranga Airport

30 May 01:44 AM

One person suffered minor injuries as the plane's front landing gear collapsed.

'Struggling to keep up': Support for banning under-16s from social media
Bay of Plenty Times

'Struggling to keep up': Support for banning under-16s from social media

28 May 05:01 AM

Parents struggle with children’s social media use, fearing harmful content exposure.

How Classic Flyers became a community treasure over two decades
Bay of Plenty Times

How Classic Flyers became a community treasure over two decades

25 May 12:00 AM

'The whole place is about the volunteer and community spirit.'

Soldier in a hen house: Battle of Crete veteran's memories shared
Bay of Plenty Times

Soldier in a hen house: Battle of Crete veteran's memories shared

16 May 02:00 AM

Mount Maunganui will host a memorial service for Battle of Crete this Sunday.

'We've had enough': Red Square protest opposes pay equity changes
Bay of Plenty Times

'We've had enough': Red Square protest opposes pay equity changes

09 May 07:21 AM

Opponents say the changes will make it harder to successfully bring pay equity claims.

New $28m sport centre opens in Tauranga with family fun day
Bay of Plenty Times

New $28m sport centre opens in Tauranga with family fun day

09 May 04:03 AM

The centre features four basketball-size courts with maple flooring.

'Absolutely crazy': Locals fume at state highway speed change
Bay of Plenty Times

'Absolutely crazy': Locals fume at state highway speed change

03 May 05:03 PM

NZTA will revert the limit to 100km/h by July 1 after public consultation.

Seymour's vision for Tauranga's growth challenges
Bay of Plenty Times

Seymour's vision for Tauranga's growth challenges

02 May 04:30 AM

David Seymour addressed infrastructure and housing issues in Tauranga.

'Tough decisions' needed: Clock hīkoi targets Govt debt
Bay of Plenty Times

'Tough decisions' needed: Clock hīkoi targets Govt debt

30 Apr 03:36 AM

The hīkoi arrived in Tauranga this afternoon, highlighting Government debt.

'Frankly despicable': Judge condemns vigilante actions
Bay of Plenty Times

'Frankly despicable': Judge condemns vigilante actions

29 Apr 02:33 AM

Patrick Moloney, 19, admitted to assault and harmful communication charges.

Crane barge removal under way after capsizing at Tauranga marina
Bay of Plenty Times

Crane barge removal under way after capsizing at Tauranga marina

28 Apr 08:58 PM

The barge capsized on March 31 in Tauranga Bridge Marina.

Some like it hot - chilli champ faces Tauranga spice showdown
Bay of Plenty Times

Some like it hot - chilli champ faces Tauranga spice showdown

25 Apr 05:00 AM

The Tauranga event starts at noon, with the chilli eating contest at 4pm.

National Māori netball tournament celebrates culture and pride
Bay of Plenty Times

National Māori netball tournament celebrates culture and pride

18 Apr 04:05 AM

The AMNOHL tournament will be held in Wellington during Easter weekend.

SH2 median barrier fight: Campaigners claim truck drove on wrong side
Bay of Plenty Times

SH2 median barrier fight: Campaigners claim truck drove on wrong side

17 Apr 05:05 AM

Wire median barriers have removed right turns on SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa.

Fortress 40: College boys' endurance challenge captured in doco
Bay of Plenty Times

Fortress 40: College boys' endurance challenge captured in doco

15 Apr 10:00 PM

Tauranga Boys’ College will screen the film on Saturday.

‘We’re going to give it everything’: Tauranga dance crew’s world bid
Bay of Plenty Times

‘We’re going to give it everything’: Tauranga dance crew’s world bid

11 Apr 02:00 AM

The Space Pro Team will debut a new, fun routine at the WDCC in Auckland.

'Cool experiences': How one organisation transforms young lives
Bay of Plenty Times

'Cool experiences': How one organisation transforms young lives

10 Apr 05:00 PM

The charity, formed in 2002, supports more than 500 people annually.

Freight train, rail maintenance truck collision sparks investigations
Bay of Plenty Times

Freight train, rail maintenance truck collision sparks investigations

07 Apr 11:07 PM

Staff managed to jump out of the truck before the collision.

Locals take NZTA median barriers fight to Parliament
Bay of Plenty Times

Locals take NZTA median barriers fight to Parliament

07 Apr 08:00 PM

Rochelle Zajko's petition calls for barrier gaps and safe turning bays.

‘Test ourselves’: Bay Boardriders prepare for national title defence
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Test ourselves’: Bay Boardriders prepare for national title defence

05 Apr 01:00 AM

The team aims to qualify for the 2026 World Club Challenge at Snapper Rocks.

‘Could take some time’: Salvage operation under way for tipped barge
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Could take some time’: Salvage operation under way for tipped barge

02 Apr 02:36 AM

A tipped barge at Tauranga's marina could take time to salvage, says council.

Barge capsizes in Tauranga Harbour, 10l diesel spill contained
Bay of Plenty Times

Barge capsizes in Tauranga Harbour, 10l diesel spill contained

31 Mar 11:32 PM

About 10 litres of diesel spilled; absorbent booms are in place.

How a Facebook post led to the rapid recovery of a stolen tiny home
Bay of Plenty Times

How a Facebook post led to the rapid recovery of a stolen tiny home

31 Mar 08:38 PM

The tiny home was stolen on March 29 at 4am from Rea Rd, Katikati.

‘Raise as much as possible’: Movie night fundraiser for mum’s cancer battle
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Raise as much as possible’: Movie night fundraiser for mum’s cancer battle

30 Mar 01:00 AM

Fairhaven School hosts a movie night to support Sarena Crane's cancer treatment.

Mother shares struggle with adopted FASD son
Bay of Plenty Times

Mother shares struggle with adopted FASD son

23 Mar 05:49 PM

She felt relieved when her adopted son was diagnosed at 16.

‘Privileged and excited’: Pāpāmoa mum’s journey to Ironman success
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Privileged and excited’: Pāpāmoa mum’s journey to Ironman success

17 Mar 07:08 PM

Nicole Storm cried with pride for 30 minutes after finishing her first Ironman.

‘Don’t forget’: Kiwi baker’s heartfelt plea for Ukraine support
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Don’t forget’: Kiwi baker’s heartfelt plea for Ukraine support

16 Mar 09:09 PM

Harriet Campbell plans another Ukraine trip with the Never Alone project.

Te Puna fire destroys man’s home, eight classic cars
Bay of Plenty Times

Te Puna fire destroys man’s home, eight classic cars

12 Mar 05:18 AM

A Te Puna man lost his caravan in a fire, leaving him homeless.

Why vintage car lovers back new WOF proposal
Bay of Plenty Times

Why vintage car lovers back new WOF proposal

10 Mar 09:00 PM

BOP Vintage Car Club says vintage cars rarely exceed 5000km annually.

‘I’m pretty good’: Young diver’s tips for a top manu after world champs success
Bay of Plenty Times

‘I’m pretty good’: Young diver’s tips for a top manu after world champs success

09 Mar 10:00 PM

Kadyn Kanohi, 12, came third in the Z Manu World Champs.

Person seriously injured as crash closes Totara St
Bay of Plenty Times

Person seriously injured as crash closes Totara St

05 Mar 03:56 AM

Emergency services were called about 4pm, police say.

Pyes Pa Road reduced to one lane after crash, minor injuries reported
Bay of Plenty Times

Pyes Pa Road reduced to one lane after crash, minor injuries reported

05 Mar 12:10 AM

'A car hit a bank and the driver sustained minor to moderate injuries,' police said.

‘There’s no cure’: Kiwi mum’s fight against cancer
Bay of Plenty Times

‘There’s no cure’: Kiwi mum’s fight against cancer

02 Mar 10:56 PM

Sarena Crane is seeking alternative treatment to beat cancer.

‘Only one person tried to kill me today’: Cyclist’s daily commute fears
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Only one person tried to kill me today’: Cyclist’s daily commute fears

28 Feb 01:06 AM

More than 1000 people regularly cycle, walk, or scooter along Cameron Rd.

Plane crash at Tauranga Airport prompts investigation
Bay of Plenty Times

Plane crash at Tauranga Airport prompts investigation

26 Feb 11:22 PM

A person trapped in the plane was rescued using special equipment.

Aaliyah Hunt’s international dance triumph: How hard work pays off
Bay of Plenty Times

Aaliyah Hunt’s international dance triumph: How hard work pays off

22 Feb 11:11 PM

Aaliyah Hunt has been dancing since she was 3 and aspires to dance on cruise ships.

Knockout competition coming to the Wairoa River
Sport

Knockout competition coming to the Wairoa River

21 Feb 08:25 PM

Competitors will gather at Wairoa River for kayaking events on February 22-23.

NZ rider triumphs in national ‘No Way in Hell’ motorbike race
Bay of Plenty Times

NZ rider triumphs in national ‘No Way in Hell’ motorbike race

19 Feb 03:00 PM

Wil Yeoman won the ‘No Way in Hell’ race against 160 competitors.

Cardboard caskets and native trees: How to give your loved one a natural burial
Bay of Plenty Times

Cardboard caskets and native trees: How to give your loved one a natural burial

11 Feb 07:09 PM

A desire for simplicity and a return to tradition has driven a rise in natural burials.

Firefighters tackle 12-hour climb for charity
Bay of Plenty Times

Firefighters tackle 12-hour climb for charity

09 Feb 03:55 PM

Firefighters will climb Mauao for 12 hours to raise funds for a good cause.

‘Pregnant? Don’t Drink’: 87-year-old’s mission to tackle disorder
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Pregnant? Don’t Drink’: 87-year-old’s mission to tackle disorder

08 Feb 04:02 PM

A petition calls for 'Pregnant? Don’t Drink' signs in liquor stores.

‘Big, loud, sexy, silly’: Dracula’s show returns with added performances
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Big, loud, sexy, silly’: Dracula’s show returns with added performances

24 Jan 03:12 AM

'As soon as we looked into Rotorua, it was a clear winner.'

‘The smoke is massive': Scrub fire 90% suppressed
Bay of Plenty Times

‘The smoke is massive': Scrub fire 90% suppressed

24 Jan 02:31 AM

A scrub fire has broken out in Kairua, Tauranga.

SH2 commuters frustrated by 'terrible' traffic – but pragmatic
Bay of Plenty Times

SH2 commuters frustrated by 'terrible' traffic – but pragmatic

16 Jan 04:00 PM

'Eventually, we’ll have a roundabout', one resident said.

How La Niña could bring sharks back to NZ shores this summer
Bay of Plenty Times

How La Niña could bring sharks back to NZ shores this summer

14 Jan 04:03 PM

Despite recent warnings one man is excited about the promise of more sharks in the region.

‘Massive bang’: Hundreds lose power at Mount Maunganui
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Massive bang’: Hundreds lose power at Mount Maunganui

14 Jan 05:04 AM

Power restored to 531 homes in Mount Maunganui after tree branch hits lines.

Watch: Traffic tail 15km long as road works on SH2 bite, motorists fume
Bay of Plenty Times

Watch: Traffic tail 15km long as road works on SH2 bite, motorists fume

14 Jan 02:12 AM

Chipseal works cause heavy traffic, delays between Te Puna and Aongatete.

'Kiwis happy to be underdogs': Surfers ready to compete against legend
Bay of Plenty Times

'Kiwis happy to be underdogs': Surfers ready to compete against legend

13 Jan 11:00 PM

The team are excited for tag-team format, aiming to showcase skills against top surfers.

Illegal dumping: The items pulled from Tauranga's harbour
Bay of Plenty Times

Illegal dumping: The items pulled from Tauranga's harbour

11 Jan 04:00 PM

Illegal dumping harms environment, burdens Tauranga ratepayers financially.

'Tauranga is like family to us': Restaurant hosts annual free meal to give back
Bay of Plenty Times

'Tauranga is like family to us': Restaurant hosts annual free meal to give back

09 Jan 01:32 AM

There is such a thing as a free lunch if it's about helping struggling people.

How Noel Harris went from legendary jockey to mentor extraordinaire
Bay of Plenty Times

How Noel Harris went from legendary jockey to mentor extraordinaire

03 Jan 01:05 AM

He has been recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours.

Christmas dinner for all at St Peters in the City
Bay of Plenty Times

Christmas dinner for all at St Peters in the City

23 Dec 09:13 PM

A set menu of cold meats, roasted veges and desserts will be served by volunteers.

Iconic Christmas display's final year before auction for charity
Bay of Plenty Times

Iconic Christmas display's final year before auction for charity

19 Dec 05:00 AM

The popular display will be auctioned as a Mount Surf Club fundraiser.

Cancer survivor, 79, completes 1700km hike for charity
Bay of Plenty Times

Cancer survivor, 79, completes 1700km hike for charity

19 Dec 12:00 AM

Duncan Smith, 79, completes 1700km hike of North Island for charity

Mother and daughter tackle epic 3000km NZ trek to reconnect
Bay of Plenty Times

Mother and daughter tackle epic 3000km NZ trek to reconnect

16 Dec 09:14 PM

Storms, injuries, and new friends haven't stopped the duo's 3000km Te Araroa journey.

SH2 barriers a danger to staff, trucking boss says
Bay of Plenty Times

SH2 barriers a danger to staff, trucking boss says

09 Dec 03:56 PM

Local businesses hit hard by SH2 median barriers as trucking firm warns of safety risks.

How long can you last? New endurance running event comes to McLaren Falls
Bay of Plenty Times

How long can you last? New endurance running event comes to McLaren Falls

07 Dec 01:17 AM

The event that keeps going as long as you do.

'Hot spots': Fire crews monitoring Welcome Bay scrub fire
Bay of Plenty Times

'Hot spots': Fire crews monitoring Welcome Bay scrub fire

05 Dec 10:50 PM

The fire started at the top of Waikite Rd on Wednesday; the area remains off-limits.

Hot rods rev up for Toy Run to aid sick children
Bay of Plenty Times

Hot rods rev up for Toy Run to aid sick children

30 Nov 11:00 PM

Bay Rodders collect toys for sick kids in Tauranga's annual Toy Run on December 6.

Jammin! School kids crowned national champs
Bay of Plenty Times

Jammin! School kids crowned national champs

29 Nov 03:54 PM

Mount Maunganui Primary School Jump Jam team are the national champions

Fire-hit pub poised for reopening
Bay of Plenty Times

Fire-hit pub poised for reopening

28 Nov 10:00 PM

'It’s been a long road, but we’re finally here.'

'Greatest gift ever': Man given weeks to live thrives two years later thanks to new heart
Bay of Plenty Times

'Greatest gift ever': Man given weeks to live thrives two years later thanks to new heart

28 Nov 06:06 PM

'That feeling of life, it was just incredible.'

Pāpāmoa bodybuilder wins world championship
Bay of Plenty Times

Pāpāmoa bodybuilder wins world championship

20 Nov 11:33 PM

A college dance teacher and dean has become the 2024 ICN Fitness World Champ.

Tauranga-born ice figure skater aims for Olympics
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga-born ice figure skater aims for Olympics

10 Nov 02:58 AM

Petra Lahti sets her sights on the international stage.

Have a go at canoe slalom with a five-time Olympian
Bay of Plenty Times

Have a go at canoe slalom with a five-time Olympian

06 Nov 10:55 PM

Kids can get advice from a pro and see if they get the slalom bug.

Knockout ambition: Champion teen boxer eyes Olympics
Bay of Plenty Times

Knockout ambition: Champion teen boxer eyes Olympics

02 Nov 04:00 AM

Motekiai commutes from Te Puna to Rotorua to train.

SPCA: The pets waiting longest for a home
Bay of Plenty Times

SPCA: The pets waiting longest for a home

01 Nov 10:55 PM

“We know their personalities and likes and dislikes."

Car drives through Tauranga store front
Bay of Plenty Times

Car drives through Tauranga store front

29 Oct 12:16 AM

A car drove through the front window of a Brookfield barber and coffee shop

Fires, crashes and stuck budgies: Brigade to share stories at 25th celebration
Bay of Plenty Times

Fires, crashes and stuck budgies: Brigade to share stories at 25th celebration

24 Oct 03:30 PM

Greerton volunteer firefighters have done it all in their brigade’s 25 years of service.

'Big impact': What the return of cruise ships means for Tauranga
Bay of Plenty Times

'Big impact': What the return of cruise ships means for Tauranga

18 Oct 07:00 PM

Local leaders welcome the economic prospects as the cruise season's first ship arrives.

Name released for one alleged Tauranga vigilante
Bay of Plenty Times

Name released for one alleged Tauranga vigilante

17 Oct 04:15 AM

Two of the alleged vigilantes appear in court for a third time.

Bubble Walk to remember lost babies
Bay of Plenty Times

Bubble Walk to remember lost babies

17 Oct 01:05 AM

'As much as they say time heals, it’s different for everybody.'

Sea of pink floods Tauranga waterfront
Bay of Plenty Times

Sea of pink floods Tauranga waterfront

14 Oct 11:12 PM

Follow up article on Tauranga Hot Pink Walk for breast cancer

Former cop creates road code board game
Bay of Plenty Times

Former cop creates road code board game

13 Oct 05:18 AM

A corrections officer created a driving board game for schools and prisons.

Gymnast with Olympic dreams has just one thing holding her back
Bay of Plenty Times

Gymnast with Olympic dreams has just one thing holding her back

10 Oct 09:02 PM

Azaria Tai is 8 years old and excelled in her first competitive season.

Tauranga teen swimmer beats NZ records
Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga teen swimmer beats NZ records

05 Oct 07:00 PM

Thomas Magill has been flying in the pool of late.

Alleged vigilantes in court accused of assaults, posting harmful videos
Bay of Plenty Times

Alleged vigilantes in court accused of assaults, posting harmful videos

24 Sep 06:26 AM

One is also accused of claiming a person was on the child sex offenders register.

Dancing with g-forces above the Mount
Bay of Plenty Times

Dancing with g-forces above the Mount

20 Sep 05:09 AM

Loops, turns, flips, spins - even zero gravity.

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