Eastern Bay of Plenty electorate was abolished and one electorate was recreated. In the North Island, five electorates were newly created (including Eastern Bay of Plenty), five electorates were recreated, and eight electorates were abolished. The electorate included all the Opotiki and Kawerau Districts, most of the Whakatane District, and a small part of the Gisborne District. The main towns were Whakatane and Opotiki, and in addition, polling booths were at Awakeri, Cape Runaway, Galatea, New Zealand, Kawerau, Kutarere, Matawai, Minginui, Motu, Murupara, Nukuhou, Ohope, Omaio, Omarumutu, Otoko, Paroa, Raukokore, Ruatoki, Taneatua, Te Kaha, Te Teko, Thornton, Torere, Waimana, Waioeka, Waiohau, and Woodlands. Tony
Bay of Plenty Steamers distinction of being the first side to ever win the NPC when it triumphed in 1976. From the heights of '76 came the depths of 1977 with relegation to the second division, but came straight back up the following year. Fortunes fluctuated until 1991 when defeat by King Country sent the Bay back to Division II where it remained until the 2000 season. The Steamers defeated second division rivals Nelson Bays in a titanic final at the Tauranga Domain in late October 2000, and returned to the top division for the first time in ten years. Bay of Plenty began