Latest news from Rotorua

One dead, three seriously injured in BoP crash
The road was closed and reopened at 4.20am after a scene examination.

Young Rotorua actor lands lead role in Auckland's Annie
Gracie travels from Rotorua for rehearsals, balancing school with theatre.

'It was different': Dame Lisa Carrington on end of remarkable 16-year streak
The kayaking great says her break is an 'opportunity to try something different'

Desert Rd reopens six hours after fatal crash
Police thanked motorists for their patience during the afternoon closure.

Regional councillor Toi Iti seeks Doug Leeder's seat
He aims to bridge Māori and non-Māori communities on the council.

'Bums in the air': Homeless in CBD 'pee' on cars, accused of doing drugs
A nearby business owner says their turnover has plummeted by $1600 a week.

'Unsafe levels': Toxic gas concern closes events centre office
Rotorua's council is investigating the source and monitoring gas levels.

'Biggest yet': Aims Games participation soars
The national intermediate-aged event brings 'huge economic benefits' to Tauranga.

'Game changer': Corrections Minister opens Waikeria Prison's new 596-bed facility
The jail's extension spans about 21 hectares and includes 28 new buildings.

Pacific excellence to be celebrated at Rotorua arts fono
The event marks the final day of Samoa Language Week.

Rusting car dumped in popular Bay of Plenty swimming hole
Last year, 28 vehicles were reported abandoned in waterways across the region.

'Deeply worrying': Urgent call for whooping cough jabs
More than 30 people have been hospitalised in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes since last year.

Woman seriously injured in alleged Rotorua hit-and-run
Police urge witnesses to share information or footage.

'Blown away': Tonnes of rubbish collected in city clean-up
The man leading the effort plans more for the city.

Whakatāne residents oppose council partnership with Tauranga, Western Bay
Submitters prefer Whakatāne manage water services alone, citing autonomy.

Herald NOW: Vandals on Rotorua rugby pitch cause heartbreak
Vandals who have spent their time ripping up the Rotorua rugby club have stopped hundreds from playing their scheduled games. Video / Herald NOW

Waikite rugby grounds damaged
Waikite Rugby and Sports Club’s fields were damaged recently.

'They just want to play': Kids miss out as sports field vandalism issue grows
A retired cop aims to track down those responsible for damage to his club's grounds.

Q&A: Ockham award-winner on her hometown, social media and making dreams happen
Rotorua-raised Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku won the Non-Fiction Award for her memoir, Hine Toa.

Rotorua schools unite for 'Freaky Friday' musical debut
The show opens tonight at Rotorua Girls’ High Performing Arts Centre.

‘Ugly and sad’: Te Pāti Māori MPs condemn unprecedented suspension for haka after chaotic debate
Three Te Pāti Māori MPs have received the harshest penalties in Parliament's history.

'Questions we need to answer': School trip to backcountry hut ends in group being airlifted out
The group set off despite a weather watch, which turned into a warning en route.

Watch: Parliament votes for harshest-ever sanctions for Te Pāti Māori co-leaders
Three MPs have been sanctioned after a haka in the House last year.

Four rescued from BoP floodwaters
Fire and Emergency responded to two incidents to rescue four from floodwaters.

$51m boost for forensic mental health services
Health Minister Matt Doocey announced the four-year funding increase at Waikato Hospital.

Watch: 'It's just what we do' - Horseback hero's daring flood rescue
A horse tied to a post in floodwaters would likely have drowned if not for Chase Gage.

Man charged with drugged driving over crash that killed four
The 21-year-old allegedly drove after using cannabis.

'It was freaky': 'Bang' wakes neighbour of suspicious house fire
Firefighters received multiple calls around midnight.