Whakatane Beacon (Independent)

The Whakatane Beacon is in its 79th year of operation under independent management, and continues to be innovative with services to readers and advertisers. In the recent 2016 NZ Community Newspaper Awards (presented 2017), it took out the award for Best All Round Newspaper in its class. The newspaper has also been a leader in setting up and developing its news website, with very recent updates improving overall format. The Beacon has a loyal following of community minded readers.