Bay of Plenty the conurbation of the city of Tauranga and its neighbour Mount Maunganui in the west. The town of Whakatane is located in the centre of the coast. Other towns of note include Waihi Beach, Katikati, Maketu, Pukehina Beach and Opotiki. Most of the population along the coast is concentrated in the western and central parts of the shore; the eastern part is sparsely populated hill country. In the 2006 Census, the Bay of Plenty had an estimated resident population of 257,379, making it the fifth-most populous region in New Zealand. It also has the third-highest regional population density in New
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