Kelly Makiha, a Multimedia Journalist at the Rotorua Daily Post, specialises in court and police reporting.
I started work as a Multimedia Journalist at the Rotorua Daily Post as an 18 year-old in 1996 and I am still here, loving every single day. I wanted to be a journalist since I was a child and remember making my mum follow the flashing lights of emergency services so I could see what was happening. I started writing for my local newspaper in Timaru when I was a young teen and knew then that this was the job for me. I made the move to the Rotorua Daily Post and it was meant to be a stepping stone but I fell in love with this city, got married and we are now raising our three children here. I have covered all rounds but specialise in court and police reporting and have been chief reporter or assistant editor for most of my career. I am now back doing what I love – writing stories that matter, holding people and organisations to account, celebrating heroes, paying tribute to amazing lost loved ones and using my role to highlight issues to make a difference. Each day I’m honoured to be surrounded by a group of professionals who work hard and believe in what we do.
!['He’s a mongrel': Victims' families push back as killers of Kiwi women seek parole](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'He’s a mongrel': Victims' families push back as killers of Kiwi women seek parole
The murders of two women by strangers rocked New Zealand.
![Trust’s 30-year legacy: How it made - and gave - its millions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Trust’s 30-year legacy: How it made - and gave - its millions
The remarkable origin and history of a trust that has changed the lives of thousands.
![New homes expected to create nearly 900 jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New homes expected to create nearly 900 jobs
Plans include stand-alone homes, duplexes and terraced and apartment-style homes.
!['I really miss my dad': How a truck driver's measurement error killed a 'hero' father](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'I really miss my dad': How a truck driver's measurement error killed a 'hero' father
'To the man who took my hero, my daddy, away: You have ruined the rest of my years.'
!['Deeply disturbed': Teachers and students allegedly assaulted by 13-year-old girl](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Deeply disturbed': Teachers and students allegedly assaulted by 13-year-old girl
School to build front gate to protect students after five incidents in about five weeks.
![Man wanting more than casual sex violates sleeping woman, threatens to post video](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Man wanting more than casual sex violates sleeping woman, threatens to post video
He sent her hundreds of texts and threatened to kill her and throw her in a hot pool.
!['Ripped off': Woman driven by meth habit printed fake bank notes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Ripped off': Woman driven by meth habit printed fake bank notes
She left school at 12 and had a "severe" methamphetamine habit.
![Retiring principal reflects on discovering Jonah Lomu and his 33 years in the job](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Retiring principal reflects on discovering Jonah Lomu and his 33 years in the job
'Every teacher has the opportunity... to capture and nurture and inspire a young person.'
!['Take back Fenton St': New homeless motel plan revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Take back Fenton St': New homeless motel plan revealed
Four motels used for emergency housing are being cut.
![Man who impersonated police had car equipped with flashing lights](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Man who impersonated police had car equipped with flashing lights
Working for emergency services was his 'calling' and it was his dream to be a cop.
![Kāinga Ora apartment plans 'now under assessment'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kāinga Ora apartment plans 'now under assessment'
'All contracted work with construction already under way is still going ahead.'
![Fears and tributes after death of 'quiet bloke' found in natural hot pool](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Fears and tributes after death of 'quiet bloke' found in natural hot pool
Local 'streeties' have shared memories of man who died in Sulphur Point area.
!['Don’t stand in the dock chewing your gum': Judge's advice to gang offender](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Don’t stand in the dock chewing your gum': Judge's advice to gang offender
'It’s almost a year after these two fired a gun ... in the middle of the afternoon.'
!['We just want to come home': Rotorua mum and baby stranded in riot-torn New Caledonia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'We just want to come home': Rotorua mum and baby stranded in riot-torn New Caledonia
They intended to stay four nights. They've been stuck for two weeks.
![What the Kāinga Ora report means for Rotorua and the hundreds of planned home builds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
What the Kāinga Ora report means for Rotorua and the hundreds of planned home builds
There are at least 330 new Kāinga Ora homes budgeted for the city by mid-2025.
![Gang murder trial aborted after judge falls ill](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Gang murder trial aborted after judge falls ill
What comes next for five men accused of killing one of their own.
![Mongrel Mob associate's leg slashed to the bone, red shoes stolen in Black Power attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mongrel Mob associate's leg slashed to the bone, red shoes stolen in Black Power attack
Details of the incident have been revealed after one attacker admitted his involvement.
![Tribesman killed by 'hotbox' beating after secretly using gang account, Crown alleges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tribesman killed by 'hotbox' beating after secretly using gang account, Crown alleges
Five men are standing trial for murder in the High Court at Rotorua.
![Neighbour's relief as target market for new apartments revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Neighbour's relief as target market for new apartments revealed
Neighbouring business owner feared unruly tenants would be back.
![Engineer jailed over fraud linked to almost 1000 properties](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Engineer jailed over fraud linked to almost 1000 properties
It's been described as possibly the biggest-ever building industry scam in New Zealand.
![Watch: A tour through Kāinga Ora's newest city apartments](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: A tour through Kāinga Ora's newest city apartments
Take a peek inside one of the new Kāinga Ora Lake Rd apartments.
!['Social housing doesn’t have to be an eyesore': Open home for new Kāinga Ora apartments](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Social housing doesn’t have to be an eyesore': Open home for new Kāinga Ora apartments
Twenty households are about to get new homes on Lake Rd. And you can have a look inside.
![Mongrel Mob gang patch theft leaves six injured in cascade of crashes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mongrel Mob gang patch theft leaves six injured in cascade of crashes
Three of the injured were innocent members of the public.
!['Undoing the harm': Deadline set to end use of homeless motels in Rotorua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Undoing the harm': Deadline set to end use of homeless motels in Rotorua
Meetings have been held on the future of emergency housing in the city.
![They've never met him, but they're trying to save his young life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
They've never met him, but they're trying to save his young life
Where to now for Waarakihi Hooper Felise's push for a bone marrow donor.
![Mum, daughter injured after stolen car smashes into their vehicle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mum, daughter injured after stolen car smashes into their vehicle
Police are looking for the driver of the stolen vehicle.
![Director's bold new show aims to shine light on 'monster' in the shadows](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Director's bold new show aims to shine light on 'monster' in the shadows
'It continues to take our mothers, our fathers, our sons and our daughters.'
![Going 'semi-viral' wasn't the intention, says Anzac Day teen speaker](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Going 'semi-viral' wasn't the intention, says Anzac Day teen speaker
Rotorua Boys' High head boy Jared Lasike's thoughts on the huge response to his speech.
![Theft of artificial turf angers cricket boss: 'if this is just for s***s and giggles'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Theft of artificial turf angers cricket boss: 'if this is just for s***s and giggles'
It happened four times last year and now it's happened again.
![Award-winning restaurant reopens after car smashed through doors during dinner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Award-winning restaurant reopens after car smashed through doors during dinner
A customer seriously injured in the smash still has a long road to recovery ahead.
!['Learn from our ancestors': Teen's Anzac speech calls out Kiwis for divisiveness](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Learn from our ancestors': Teen's Anzac speech calls out Kiwis for divisiveness
A young Rotorua leader has delivered a powerful message during his Anzac Day speech.
![Anzac Day: Lost lives not the only ones remembered at dawn service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Anzac Day: Lost lives not the only ones remembered at dawn service
As the sun rose across the steamy Ohinemutu village, thousands in Rotorua remembered them.
![Why Anzac Day is extra special for two 17-year-olds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Why Anzac Day is extra special for two 17-year-olds
What's happening on Anzac Day in Rotorua?
!['Container'-like Kāinga Ora homes shock residents](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Container'-like Kāinga Ora homes shock residents
'These are not containers ... they are fully functioning modern homes,' says Kāinga Ora.
!['Wanton lawlessness': Gang car chase over stolen patch ends in crash, injuries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Wanton lawlessness': Gang car chase over stolen patch ends in crash, injuries
Innocent people were injured after two rival gangs started a chase in Te Ngae Rd.
![Race to find bone marrow match: 'There is a little boy here who needs your help'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Race to find bone marrow match: 'There is a little boy here who needs your help'
'If they can’t help my son, we are hoping they might be able to save other kids.'
!['Blindsided and betrayed': Bid for two more years of Rotorua homeless motels shocks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Blindsided and betrayed': Bid for two more years of Rotorua homeless motels shocks
The mayor and MP say they are disappointed by the housing ministry's move.
![Watch: Gang of masked and hooded thieves ram-raid tech store](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Gang of masked and hooded thieves ram-raid tech store
The owner got a shock when he arrived at his work and saw what the thieves did.
![How much abused Kāinga Ora rubbish dumping day will cost taxpayers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
How much abused Kāinga Ora rubbish dumping day will cost taxpayers
Further Kāinga Ora rubbish days are now on hold after locals took advantage.
!['Tongues wagging': Hong Kong pilot offers $5000 reward over stolen Rotorua dog statue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Tongues wagging': Hong Kong pilot offers $5000 reward over stolen Rotorua dog statue
Why Ross Dawson from Hong Kong has offered a $5000 reward.
!['When will it all end?': Victims' anguish as rapist on the run](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'When will it all end?': Victims' anguish as rapist on the run
'They have spoken their truth and guilty verdicts were returned,' victims' advocate says.
![Street clean-up goes wrong after outsiders dump 'mountains of rubbish'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Street clean-up goes wrong after outsiders dump 'mountains of rubbish'
What started as a feel-good initiative ended up becoming a 'smelly' mess.
![Hot-pool heartbreak: Family members of missing man wish they had chance to say goodbye](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hot-pool heartbreak: Family members of missing man wish they had chance to say goodbye
'He had a beautiful heart and not a day goes by we don’t think of him.'
![Special search powers worked to calm alleged gang conflict: tomahawks, knuckle-dusters seized](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Special search powers worked to calm alleged gang conflict: tomahawks, knuckle-dusters seized
Police conducted 25 searches relating to gang members under new legislation.
![Harawene 2.0: How memorial to beloved stray dog could return](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Harawene 2.0: How memorial to beloved stray dog could return
Statue has disappeared but the pieces are falling into place for a return.
!['Totally involved' garage fire in Rotorua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Totally involved' garage fire in Rotorua
Property owner arrives at scene after being told there was a fire at her house.
![Farmer's pledge for dog statue: 'She has got to go back where she belongs'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Farmer's pledge for dog statue: 'She has got to go back where she belongs'
Story of missing memorial to loveable Rotorua stray Harawene moves Auckland man to action.
![Pair plead not guilty over alleged stabbing at roundabout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Pair plead not guilty over alleged stabbing at roundabout
Two men have appeared in court over an alleged stabbing on Te Ngae Rd.
![Rotorua fatal crash: Police say car may have crossed centreline](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rotorua fatal crash: Police say car may have crossed centreline
A Rotorua man died and a woman suffered serious injuries.
!['Dreadful': Iconic statue of beloved stray dog cut off at paws](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Dreadful': Iconic statue of beloved stray dog cut off at paws
'There are mongrels out there and they’re not all dogs,' says one 'gutted' local.
![Gang shooting: Teen admits opening fire at busy city intersection](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Gang shooting: Teen admits opening fire at busy city intersection
He pulled a hood over his face, leaned out the passenger window and fired, police say.
!['Enraged' beggar lashes out at van driver at busy intersection](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Enraged' beggar lashes out at van driver at busy intersection
He told a judge he got a job. The judge said the community would be pleased.
![Watch: Why six thieves abandoned this liquor store ram raid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: Why six thieves abandoned this liquor store ram raid
There were at least five other car-related crimes in Rotorua overnight on Saturday.
!['It happened so fast': Mum hit by car in a restaurant tells how she survived](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It happened so fast': Mum hit by car in a restaurant tells how she survived
She and her husband had just finished their garlic bread when they heard a bang.
!['Malnourished and emaciated': Farmer found guilty in animal cruelty case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Malnourished and emaciated': Farmer found guilty in animal cruelty case
A jury has reached verdicts relating to an animal cruelty case.
![Watch: $90k invention helps boy walk again, eight years after choking tragedy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Watch: $90k invention helps boy walk again, eight years after choking tragedy
How the community has helped make his parents' dream come true.
![Rotorua police given special powers to quell 'tit-for-tat' gang conflict](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rotorua police given special powers to quell 'tit-for-tat' gang conflict
It comes after a daylight stabbing and late-night shooting within days of each other.
![Animal cruelty trial: 'Belligerent' farmer did the best he could, defence says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Animal cruelty trial: 'Belligerent' farmer did the best he could, defence says
Crown says he "sat on his hands" and left animals "emaciated and at the point of death".
!['Can’t believe that she’s alive': Diner thrown 7m after car crashes into restaurant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Can’t believe that she’s alive': Diner thrown 7m after car crashes into restaurant
Urbano owner says the crash felt like an earthquake and sounded like an explosion.
![It's a record! Supper Club blows fundraising tally out of the water](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
It's a record! Supper Club blows fundraising tally out of the water
Rotorua sets new fundraising high in shows of support for Ronald McDonald Family Retreats.
!['Dramatic' collision: Driver sentenced after farmer killed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Dramatic' collision: Driver sentenced after farmer killed
Tamihana Curtis says he blacked out. A judge rejected the claim.
!['What next?': Locals' fears after shooting, stabbing near shopping centre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'What next?': Locals' fears after shooting, stabbing near shopping centre
Police want witnesses or people with video footage of the incidents to come forward.
![‘Bang, bang’: Neighbour hears shotgun blasts as man critically injured in shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
‘Bang, bang’: Neighbour hears shotgun blasts as man critically injured in shooting
An area at Te Ngae Shopping centre has been cordoned off.
![Ouch! 'Curious little girl' with squished finger rescued by firemen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ouch! 'Curious little girl' with squished finger rescued by firemen
Plus: New ACC data reveals the most common injuries and causes for Kiwi kids.
![Eruption victims will be paid despite company going bust - helicopter boss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Eruption victims will be paid despite company going bust - helicopter boss
Volcanic Air Safaris' insurance will pay reparation, a liquidator says.
!['Emaciated and at the point of death': Crown opens case in animal cruelty trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Emaciated and at the point of death': Crown opens case in animal cruelty trial
Farmer Warren Koberstein is on trial facing animal cruelty charges.
!['Biggest red flag': Teen victim reveals how to spot sexual grooming](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Biggest red flag': Teen victim reveals how to spot sexual grooming
'It happens so easily and you don’t even realise before it’s too late.'
![Rotorua business stalwart's gruelling achievement after diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rotorua business stalwart's gruelling achievement after diagnosis
Former legendary Rotorua butcher Ross Dittmer has just overcome a massive hurdle.
![How a runaway rapist got a passport and skipped the country before his trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
How a runaway rapist got a passport and skipped the country before his trial
Man was on bail accused of raping two teens when he was allowed to leave for Australia.
!['Get inside': Man arrested after explosives team moves in on suspicious device](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Get inside': Man arrested after explosives team moves in on suspicious device
'I wanted to go outside or look out the window ... but everyone was told to get inside'.
![Emergency housing and security firm boss Tiny Deane fined](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Emergency housing and security firm boss Tiny Deane fined
A separation between the security business and the emergency housing work was required.
![Rotorua hot pool mystery echoes 1980 search for man's remains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rotorua hot pool mystery echoes 1980 search for man's remains
Police are trying to find out if a man has fallen into a 'near-boiling' geothermal pool.
![Landlord loses five-year battle over 'dangerous and insanitary' flats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Landlord loses five-year battle over 'dangerous and insanitary' flats
A judge has ordered Rotorua's Stephen Bhana to pay the local council.
![Ultra-Trail apologises after some runners struggle to get water on hot day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ultra-Trail apologises after some runners struggle to get water on hot day
4500 starters ran distances up to 160km in 'hot' weather for the weekend's event.
![Rotorua hot pool mystery: Did a man fall in? Why police can't find a body](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rotorua hot pool mystery: Did a man fall in? Why police can't find a body
Why searchers are struggling to confirm their suspicion in the near-boiling pool.
!['They have taken from our mokopuna': Kohanga reo staff 'hurting' after van stolen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'They have taken from our mokopuna': Kohanga reo staff 'hurting' after van stolen
The van was going to be used to transport children whose parents were struggling.
!['Fights breaking out' as 'organised' beggars make up to $400 a day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Fights breaking out' as 'organised' beggars make up to $400 a day
'It’s the easiest way to get a something when you got a nothing without having to steal.'
!['Self-hatred and disgust': Victim in teen prostitution ring speaks out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Self-hatred and disgust': Victim in teen prostitution ring speaks out
A Rotorua couple behind illegal teen prostitution ring have been sentenced.