Bay of Plenty Steamers 1911 that the Bay of Plenty union was fully affiliated to the national body. Up until this time the BOP union was included within the South Auckland union boundaries. The union achieved its first national representation when A.L. McLean was selected for the All Blacks in 1921. McLean was the first of 16 men who have represented New Zealand while wearing the blue and gold hoops, Sam Cane is the latest to represent the Steamers at international level, making his debut against Ireland in 2012. As a heartland of Maori rugby the region has produced a large number of Maori
Radio Bay of Plenty 26 December 1993 and ran to 6 February 1994. After many petitions, letters and phone calls Bayrock was brought back on a permanent basis on 8 July 1994. Bayrock still operates as a completely local radio station today. Q97Hits is broadcast throughout Bay Of Plenty on 97.7 and in Ohope Beach. The station's playlist consists of Top 40 hits and chart-topping favourites. The hosts generally keep listeners up to date on the latest entertainment and celebrity gossip between songs. Q97 keeps advertising and talkback with hosts to a minimum with the station's slogan reflecting this. The station's slogan is "Never