Ōpōtiki

The Fast Track Approval Authority says the application was not complete, needing more information about how it would protect local lizards and written agreement from local authorities.

The Bay of Plenty town of Opotiki has seen the removal of 10 decorative boulders, which had been the source of complaints after they replaced six major car parks in the urban centre.

The boulders, located on Church Street, were installed two years ago by the Opotiki District Council to beautify the city and act as bollards to protect pedestrians.

While other car parks are present on Church Street, the addition of the boulders has seen a landslide of complaints as many residents took to parking on the footpaths.

Mayor David Moore says the council has listened to the feedback and that the big rocks were designed to be easily removed in case public opinion soured.

Police say the length of time a missing man has not been in contact with his family is now being considered unusual.

A search is underway for 52-year-old Billy Jope Pereniki, who was reported missing from his home in Opapi Beach Road in Opotiki five days ago.

Search and rescue staff and volunteers and a police rescue dog team have searched the area around his home and and Surf Life Saving volunteers are scouring the coastline this weekend.

That's the news.

My dad had a really hard upbringing.

He grew up in around Opotiki, Whakatane, moved around a lot.

His parents... kind of dealt with.

Alcoholism and abuse was something that was in his life.