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.
![Race to find bone marrow match: 'There is a little boy here who needs your help'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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.'
!['It happened so fast': Mum hit by car in a restaurant tells how she survived](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'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.
![Eruption victims will be paid despite company going bust - helicopter boss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Eruption victims will be paid despite company going bust - helicopter boss
Volcanic Air Safaris' insurance will pay reparation, a liquidator says.
![Rotorua hot pool mystery echoes 1980 search for man's remains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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.
![Ultra-Trail apologises after some runners struggle to get water on hot day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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=795)
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.
![Rapist on the run in Australia after Rotorua jury convicts him of attacking teen girls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Rapist on the run in Australia after Rotorua jury convicts him of attacking teen girls
He fled to Australia while on bail but his trial went ahead without him anyway.
![Watch: 'A slap on the hand': Fed-up store owners call for crackdown after latest raid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Watch: 'A slap on the hand': Fed-up store owners call for crackdown after latest raid
'What do you do? It’s your business, you have invested money in it.'
![Best of Premium 2023: Drug kingpin 'learnt from the best' - his father, court told](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Best of Premium 2023: Drug kingpin 'learnt from the best' - his father, court told
He would illegally buy the drugs using the dark web, paying for it with Bitcoin.
![‘You can’t dream if you can’t see it’: How biking stars are growing world champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘You can’t dream if you can’t see it’: How biking stars are growing world champs
Julian Dean, Tuhoto-Ariki Pene and Sammie Maxwell are tapping into raw talent.
![High honour for master carver who was once told he was a 'failure'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
High honour for master carver who was once told he was a 'failure'
Master carver Clive Fugill has been made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
![Sex stabbing trial: Jury enters third day of deliberations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Sex stabbing trial: Jury enters third day of deliberations
The jury has been out since Monday afternoon.
!['Highly manipulative': Sex stabbing attack pre-meditated, Crown says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Highly manipulative': Sex stabbing attack pre-meditated, Crown says
The jury has retired to consider its verdict.
![Sex stabbing trial: Wife describes controlling and violent marriage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Sex stabbing trial: Wife describes controlling and violent marriage
Jurors watch two police video interviews with the defendant as trial progresses.
!['Traumatic': Babysitter indecently assaulted says court trial worse than the crime itself](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Traumatic': Babysitter indecently assaulted says court trial worse than the crime itself
'I felt like the defendant ... I’m the victim in the matter.'
!['Get off', children heard dad yell after mum stabbed him during sex](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Get off', children heard dad yell after mum stabbed him during sex
Children give evidence in the trial of their mother who allegedly attacked their father.
!['You're killing me': Woman on trial after stabbing husband with scissors during sex](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'You're killing me': Woman on trial after stabbing husband with scissors during sex
She claims she acted in self-defence, the jury has been told.
![How this woman lost 50kg naturally - and still eats hot chips](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
How this woman lost 50kg naturally - and still eats hot chips
'There’s no fasting, no pills, nothing like that.'
!['Disgusting and repulsive man': Leading entertainment figure sentenced](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Disgusting and repulsive man': Leading entertainment figure sentenced
'I do not accept that she encouraged in any way the conduct that occurred,' judge says.
![Pāpāmoa and Tauranga Lotto players strike first and second division](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Pāpāmoa and Tauranga Lotto players strike first and second division
Check your Lotto tickets if you live in Pāpāmoa or Tauranga.
![Private investigator eyes controversial security business](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Private investigator eyes controversial security business
Details have been revealed in a licensing authority decision.
!['I knew it was a gun shot': Ōpōtiki Mayor speaks out on gang violence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I knew it was a gun shot': Ōpōtiki Mayor speaks out on gang violence
He wants the new Government to deliver more police for his town.
![‘Ingrained hatred’: Should warring Mongrel Mob and Black Power be rewarded for good behaviour?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Ingrained hatred’: Should warring Mongrel Mob and Black Power be rewarded for good behaviour?
An expert makes the suggestion as police crack down on gang violence.
![Gang crackdown: Weapons, drugs, cash seized by police given special search powers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Gang crackdown: Weapons, drugs, cash seized by police given special search powers
Police also made two arrests in Ōpōtiki amid gang tensions.
![Police given special search powers after woman shot amid simmering gang violence](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Police given special search powers after woman shot amid simmering gang violence
A woman was shot in Ōpōtiki.
![McClay: Work starts now to restore Rotorua's reputation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
McClay: Work starts now to restore Rotorua's reputation
Rotorua MP Todd McClay says he will work hard to get back the Rotorua that once was.
![Kirkpatrick says local roots crucial in win over Coffey](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kirkpatrick says local roots crucial in win over Coffey
East Coast electorate reverts back to blue with Dana Kirkpatrick's election win.
![Lotto players in Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki among winners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Lotto players in Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki among winners
Check your tickets if you're in Ōpotiki and Whakatāne.
![Lotto loot for Tauranga and Rotorua players](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Lotto loot for Tauranga and Rotorua players
Tauranga and Rotorua Lotto players strike it lucky.
!['The buggers': Visitor gutted after car stolen, dumped — then stolen again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'The buggers': Visitor gutted after car stolen, dumped — then stolen again
Not only is the car gone, but 'irreplaceable' photos have also been lost.
![Serial groper breached parole before indecent carpark act](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Serial groper breached parole before indecent carpark act
The Parole Board found his excuse for the carpark act 'utterly implausible'.
!['Stunned': Jury returns verdicts in leading entertainment figure trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Stunned': Jury returns verdicts in leading entertainment figure trial
After a three-month High Court trial, the jury took just over two days to reach verdicts.
![Leading entertainment figure trial: Jury retires to consider verdicts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainment figure trial: Jury retires to consider verdicts
The trial is nearing the end of its 12th week after originally being set down for six.
!['Sexual deviancy': Serial groper Jason Trembath jailed again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Sexual deviancy': Serial groper Jason Trembath jailed again
His lawyer said Trembath was 'wound up' after playing tennis before his latest offending.
![Lizzo, Kylie lyrics quoted to jury in sexual assault trial](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Lizzo, Kylie lyrics quoted to jury in sexual assault trial
"First and last time I get to refer to the authority of Lizzo in a court," lawyer says.
!['Absolutely ravaged': Ram-raiders drove vehicle 60m through mall](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Absolutely ravaged': Ram-raiders drove vehicle 60m through mall
A ram raid at Rotorua Central mall has left devastating impacts.
![Well-known New Zealander appears in court on violence charges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Well-known New Zealander appears in court on violence charges
The man's lawyer says the charges are 'domestic-related'.
![Secret recording played to jury in trial of leading entertainment figure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Secret recording played to jury in trial of leading entertainment figure
'Playing with someone’s life': Witness makes claims about his ex and rape complainant.
![Korrey Whyman murder case: Man pleads not guilty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Korrey Whyman murder case: Man pleads not guilty
A man charged with murdering the Kawerau mum has appeared in the High Court.
![Prison plot: Phoney cop call gets girlfriend free hotel stay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Prison plot: Phoney cop call gets girlfriend free hotel stay
‘Fake it 'til we make it’: Plan netted hotel with room service valued at nearly $1400.
![Leading entertainment figure on trial says he went into sleeping girl's room for a blanket](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainment figure on trial says he went into sleeping girl's room for a blanket
It's day six in the dock for a man facing rape, sexual assault and drugs charges.
![Man charged with Claude Takao’s murder appears in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man charged with Claude Takao’s murder appears in court
The 47-year-old was found dead down a bank last month.
!['You had your way with her': Entertainment figure denies drugging, raping women](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'You had your way with her': Entertainment figure denies drugging, raping women
The defendant spends his fourth day in the dock giving evidence in his defence.
!['I wasn't lying but I was hiding a lot': Entertainment figure questioned over affairs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I wasn't lying but I was hiding a lot': Entertainment figure questioned over affairs
He says his wife didn’t mind him having sex with other women as long as he wasn’t lying.
![Entertainment figure on trial: 'Now that I look back the second kiss could be an assault'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Entertainment figure on trial: 'Now that I look back the second kiss could be an assault'
He says he was having consensual sex with the women so was surprised he was charged.
![Woman licked cocaine off his finger, leading entertainment figure claims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Woman licked cocaine off his finger, leading entertainment figure claims
The woman previously told the court he forced powder on his finger into her mouth.
![Leading entertainment figure trial: Defendant admits up to 40 affairs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainment figure trial: Defendant admits up to 40 affairs
A leading entertainment figure takes the stand to give evidence in his defence.
![Leading entertainment figure trial: Police case attacked in defence opening](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainment figure trial: Police case attacked in defence opening
'He’s made mistakes but that doesn’t make him a criminal'
![Leading entertainment figure trial: Defence lawyer questions senior cop over phones](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainment figure trial: Defence lawyer questions senior cop over phones
The counsel asked why the phones of the complainants were not seized and searched.
![Leading entertainer trial: Crown witness denies being told to say information](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainer trial: Crown witness denies being told to say information
The Crown case against a leading entertainment figure continued today.
![‘He’s going to rape me’: Woman tells entertainment figure jury she sent texts for help](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘He’s going to rape me’: Woman tells entertainment figure jury she sent texts for help
Complainant says she later moved out of her home because she felt unsafe.
![Mongrel Mob member drowned in river trying to escape police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mongrel Mob member drowned in river trying to escape police
Norman Te Rangi jumped into the Tarawera River to evade police but drowned.
![Tauranga and Taupō Lotto players strike it lucky](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tauranga and Taupō Lotto players strike it lucky
Check your lotto tickets if you're in Tauranga or Taupō.
![Entertainment figure trial: Complainant tells of white powder, sexual advance and secrecy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Entertainment figure trial: Complainant tells of white powder, sexual advance and secrecy
'He was pretty angry. Just fuming,' the woman says.
![‘Highly predatory’: Groomer who exploited boys for 'sexual gratification' sentenced](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Highly predatory’: Groomer who exploited boys for 'sexual gratification' sentenced
A man guilty of six sexual offences against young boys has been jailed.
!['Just want a bit of money': Entertainment figure trial witness quizzed on overheard conversation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Just want a bit of money': Entertainment figure trial witness quizzed on overheard conversation
More Crown evidence has been heard.
![600,000km milestone: Teacher spends 20 years driving Tauranga to Rotorua for work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
600,000km milestone: Teacher spends 20 years driving Tauranga to Rotorua for work
Dave Parry loves his job so much, he drives 120km every day to go there.
![Rape complainant quizzed in court over relationship with leading entertainment figure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Rape complainant quizzed in court over relationship with leading entertainment figure
Young woman says she was “off-my-face” drunk and could not consent to sex.
![Leading entertainment figure rape trial: ‘I just felt yuck and disgusted’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainment figure rape trial: ‘I just felt yuck and disgusted’
Young woman breaks down in tears giving evidence.
![Leading entertainment figure on trial a 'creep' and 'sex addict', jury told](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainment figure on trial a 'creep' and 'sex addict', jury told
A complainant says a leading entertainment figure on trial for sexual assault is a creep.
![A history of violence: Former Mongrel Mob member jailed for 29th time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
A history of violence: Former Mongrel Mob member jailed for 29th time
'You have spent most of your life in prison,' Judge tells repeat offender.
![Entertainment figure trial: Indecent assault complainant told 'that's just what he does'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Entertainment figure trial: Indecent assault complainant told 'that's just what he does'
She gave evidence the accused tried to push her into a room.
!['Okay with it': Wife accepted husband on trial was having casual sex with others](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Okay with it': Wife accepted husband on trial was having casual sex with others
Wife of entertainment figure accused of sexual offences against other women gives evidence
![Leading entertainment figure previously at centre of ‘rumours and allegations’, jury told](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainment figure previously at centre of ‘rumours and allegations’, jury told
Second business associate takes the stand in the High Court trial.
![Leading entertainment figure trial: Business relations sour after assault allegation, court told](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Leading entertainment figure trial: Business relations sour after assault allegation, court told
The High Court trial is continuing in Rotorua.
![Tears as Crown witness tells court of sexual assault by leading entertainment figure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tears as Crown witness tells court of sexual assault by leading entertainment figure
A jury hears from the first woman to complain to the police about the man.
!['MeToo fest': Defence claim as entertainment figure's rape trial begins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'MeToo fest': Defence claim as entertainment figure's rape trial begins
A High Court trial for a man facing serious sexual assault and drugs charges has started.
!['Frustrating': Trial of entertainment figure stalls as less than half of jury pool turns up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Frustrating': Trial of entertainment figure stalls as less than half of jury pool turns up
"A summons to attend jury service is a very serious thing and not to be taken lightly."
![Trial of leading entertainment figure facing rape and drugs charges adjourned](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Trial of leading entertainment figure facing rape and drugs charges adjourned
Accusations include that he used illicit drugs and raped and sexually assaulted women.
![‘Addicted to sex’: Kiwi music industry figure standing trial on rape, sexual assault and drugs charges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Addicted to sex’: Kiwi music industry figure standing trial on rape, sexual assault and drugs charges
The man faces 25 charges involving nine complainants.
!['You stole my life': How woman survived decades of stepdad's sexual abuse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'You stole my life': How woman survived decades of stepdad's sexual abuse
Jodie Nicoll has had automatic name suppression lifted so she can tell her story.
!['She has gone to paradise, but look what she has left behind': Netball legend farewelled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'She has gone to paradise, but look what she has left behind': Netball legend farewelled
Netball legend Taini Jamieson has been farewelled by family and friends.
!['Like a shark attack': Dog mauls child 'with intent to kill'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Like a shark attack': Dog mauls child 'with intent to kill'
The victim's traumatised family is now fighting for justice.
![Former prison guard sentenced for role in cartel-linked cocaine smuggling ring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Former prison guard sentenced for role in cartel-linked cocaine smuggling ring
Allison Dos Santos was a prison officer at the time of the offending.
![Man with disability faces homelessness: 'I think it is so cruel. Where is the humanity?'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Man with disability faces homelessness: 'I think it is so cruel. Where is the humanity?'
'I need a miracle. I know time is running out. I am very, very frightened.'
![Kelly Makiha: Why yarning to a 14-year-old restored my faith in the younger generation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kelly Makiha: Why yarning to a 14-year-old restored my faith in the younger generation
Teaching our kids to be hard workers and good talkers is even more important now.
![Stomped, kicked: Man admits bashing bus driver unconscious in unprovoked attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Stomped, kicked: Man admits bashing bus driver unconscious in unprovoked attack
The 19-year-old passenger didn't pay then became enraged at the Rotorua bus driver.