Esme O'Rafferty
Multimedia journalist
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Check out Esme’s latest content
Biz leader: Tourism will 'literally take years' to bounce back
Level 3 might not bring the relief Rotorua's major industries will need after lockdown.
Air New Zealand scraps flights to Tauranga and Rotorua
Air New Zealand has cancelled all domestic flights to Tauranga and Rotorua Airports.
Covid 19 latest: Where Bay of Plenty cases are and how many
Toi Te Ora has announced Covid-19 cases by district for the first time today.
I don't bee-lieve it: Shoppers wear beekeeping suits to supermarket
The shoppers thought they could protect themselves against Covid-19 by wearing the suits.
Confirmed case of coronavirus in Rotorua Hospital
A patient with coronavirus was treated at Rotorua Hospital and had been discharged.
Rotorua schools working on Covid-19 prevention with Ministry
A Rotorua principal says students are more concerned with events cancelled than the virus.
'Flow on effect': Tourism not the only sector in coronavirus crisis
Businesses in Rotorua say a Government support package is good, but more needs to be done.
Homeless support services call for solutions
Homelessness in Rotorua is "urgent and pressing" the Government says.
What would you spend $42m on?
Today's Lotto Powerball jackpot is up to a whopping $42 million.
'One bill away from drowning in debt': Kiwisaver hardship withdrawals rise
KiwiSaver users in Rotorua withdrew a combined $1.6m for hardship in 2019.
Rotorua mates make the trek to One Love
The group knew they had to go this year after hearing how good last year was
Nunilon Fulo keen to battle chess master
He's driven to Tauranga each day this week to play with the best from around the world.
Charity shops calling for rubbish dumping to stop
Staff are fed up with picking up rubbish dumped alongside donations.
International treaty ends 'book famine' for blind Kiwi
The treaty makes it possible for blind Kiwis to access books in Braille from overseas.
Having a ball while doing good for charity
By 3pm, they had collected around 2000 cans of food.
Power pole snapped after early morning crash
The crash happened at 3.40 this morning.
Trout anglers could have whale of a time on the lakes this summer
The warmer weather has seen an early increase in the size and number of trout.
Culture shock: Rotorua students gain global perspective with Prime Minister's Scholarships
The three students were among 252 to receive the scholarships.
Jim Mather 'humbled' by appointment as new Lakes DHB chair
Dr Jim Mather has previously led Māori Television and Te Wānganga o Aotearoa
Disability Employment Plan praised by Rotorua advocate
Consultation on the Disability Employment Action Plan is now open.
Te Manawa lights up for Diwali festival
Families came together to enjoy Rotorua's festival of light at Te Manawa on Saturday.