The Bay of Plenty has seen an assortment of stories this year – and through it all, the SunLive team has made good on our motto of delivering the Bay's news first.

But one story on October 1 stopped a city – and a region – in its tracks, and drew the nation's gaze to this corner of NZ for the very worst of reasons.

No amount of words could do justice to the grief caused by five-year-old Jack Dixon's disappearance from a secluded beach at Mount Maunganui, and the outpouring of emotion from a community in shock was as strong as the wave that took him.

Through dark days, an unmistakable message was relayed to Jack's family on every platform imaginable, be it seaside vigils or social media. It was clear: You are not alone.

What Jack's family are feeling as they navigate the holiday season without their little boy is unimaginable, but that bleak day didn't just display a community's strength and resolve, it framed it in bold and underlined it.

Unshakeable support was felt down every phoneline, in every email and through every message to SunLive's newsroom – many from readers simply wanting to reach out in any way they could.

So there's proof that when adversity does strike one of its own, the community pulls on its boots, takes them by the hand and walks with them.

Looking forward

SunLive's reach continues to spread, with the site consistently placing third nationally behind big-hitters Stuff and the NZ Herald.

The growth of our Facebook community gives a unique window into life in the Bay and its inclusive and interactive nature has brought our readers closer, keeping them up-to-date 24/7.

Our well-used comments section often sparks intense debate, showing what's important to the region's population and what makes them tick.

But our readers are the beating heart of SunLive, and we'd like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to call us, drop us an email, send us a pic or throw us a comment in the last 12 months. Keep them coming, and let's do it all again in 2015.

Here's a run-down of some of our top stories in 2014:


Child sea search at first light (Oct 1)



Christmas cruelty for Bayfair boy (Dec 12)


Snow on Kaimai Ranges (July 22)


‘Toxic' fire in Papamoa (Nov 11)


iPhone 6 thief caught red handed (Nov 14)


Body found on Mount (Nov 24)


Drop in dollar would be welcome (Sept 28)


Rudd back in police custody (Dec 4)


Comedian's secret love (Oct 5)


Armed police close roads (July 30)


Hoarding artist strikes again (Sept 5)


Popular Mount bar faces closure (Oct 14)


Shock at Karangahake Gorge mining (Sept 10)


Bank robbery – CCTV footage (Oct 10)


Water works for Baypark (Jan 16)


AC/DC drummer on bail (Nov 6)


Fire victim thanks hero officer (July 7)


Maungatapu fatal: driver charged (Jan 8)


Homicide investigation in Ohauiti (Nov30)