Kelly Makiha
Multimedia Journalist
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.
Check out Kelly’s latest content
Cover-up alleged in motorbike manslaughter case
One man is charged with manslaughter, and another with being an accessory after the fact.
Finished: 25 new Kāinga Ora homes ready for Rotorua families
The project has employed about 300 tradespeople, mostly from Rotorua, since October 2023.
Second person charged after deaf and blind man's death in alleged hit-and-run
The man has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter.
'Significant problem': Business owners clash with CBD homeless
'We have watched clients pull up and then drive away.'
Man charged over deaf and blind man's death in alleged hit and run
Police arrested a 31-year-old man in Hamilton today.
Small but mighty: Kyro gets set for Tai Mitchell challenge
Kyro Uri, 12, plays first five for Rotorua Maroon in the Tai Mitchell Tournament.
Fatal hit-and-run: Police hunt motorcyclist with full leg tattoo
They believe the suspect rode a black and gold Kawasaki motorbike.
Local schools unite for grand performance at Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Students will perform kapa haka, choir, dance and drama on stage.
Hunt for motorcyclist after fatal hit-and-run: Police get several responses
Johnson suffered critical injuries after he was hit on a pedestrian crossing.
Speed limit on part of Te Ngae Rd to rise following review
Te Ngae Rd's speed limit will rise from 50km/h to 60km/h after a review.
Crowds gather for Rotorua Matariki celebration at Te Puia
Rotorua's Whānau Day drew more than 1700 people for Matariki celebrations.
From the ashes: New golf clubhouse unveiled five years after devastating fire
Club operations manager Rachel Beckett wants to attract events and functions.
Rotorua chef denies arson of his own home
The fire took place around midnight and took firefighters three hours to control.
Blind and deaf man dies after hit-and-run, police release new images of suspect
A motorcyclist overtook a car and struck Paige Johnson on a pedestrian crossing.
Publican on rugby, running 'tough' bars, and the night he sold 85 kegs of Guinness
Reg Hennessy has owned pubs, taverns and liquor stores over a nearly 50-year career.
'Feeding kittens': Debate on supporting Rotorua's rough sleepers heats up
About 50 people attended a public meeting to discuss homelessness in Rotorua.
CCTV of rider released after blind, deaf cancer survivor struck in hit-and-run
A motorcyclist overtook a car and struck Paige Johnson on a pedestrian crossing.
Rotorua hit-and-run victim was deaf, blind and a cancer survivor
A motorcyclist hit Paige Johnson on a pedestrian crossing in a hit-and-run.
'Do what's right': Shaken witness' call after hit-and-run
A motorbike overtook a car and hit a pedestrian on Edmund Rd.
'You can’t come in smoking your meth pipe': Lifewise CEO calls for crisis centre
Lifewise wants Rotorua triage facility for homeless with addictions, mental health issues.
Hit-and-run accused banned from CBD after incident near night market
The incident occurred near the Rotorua Night Market on June 5.
Sex in the city? Mayor defends removing homeless camp, cites offensive behaviour
Six people were trespassed on Wednesday and four more on Thursday.
Out of the closet: New trust to unite rainbow community
This weekend marks their first Matariki Pride festival with four events.
Taupō businessman to face trial on rape, bribery charges
The man is one of three accused of trying to bribe the complainant.
'We want to stay': Deane pitches China cabin idea but homeless reluctant to leave CBD
Tiny Deane wants to import cabins from China to house the homeless.
High schools' Freaky Friday delights Rotorua audiences
The show opened on Friday to a sold-out crowd in Rotorua.
Young Rotorua actor lands lead role in Auckland's Annie
Gracie travels from Rotorua for rehearsals, balancing school with theatre.
'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.
Man charged with drugged driving over crash that killed four
The 21-year-old allegedly drove after using cannabis.
'State of disbelief': Man in court accused of murdering Tokoroa father
Rapana Heretini, a father of two, died on May 29 at Waikato Hospital.
Auckland developer goes bust, Rotorua housing project in limbo
The future of 36 unbuilt Rotorua apartments is uncertain amid a payment dispute.
'We were all feeling it': Emotional tribute to slain teen at league tournament
Kaea's parents received the carved tewhatewha from the Pikiao team.
Former cop's dying regret over 50yo Mona Blades mystery
Mona Blades disappeared while hitch-hiking from Hamilton to Hastings on May 31, 1975.
'Culture of belief': How underdogs became national champions
Young league players set for massive Rotorua event this weekend.
'Heartbreaking': Labour slams National over housing policy
Rotorua MP Todd McClay rejects claims there have been targeted Māori housing cuts.
'Exploded': Staff member's fright as car crashes through gym's windows
Another vehicle involved in the crash left the scene, police say.
'Traumatic' tenancy: Landlord accused of 'inhumane and degrading' conditions
The tribunal ordered the Ranolf Trust to pay over $6000 to the tenant.
Do not pass Go: Farmer, 75, must report to jail after losing appeal
Warren Koberstein was convicted of severe animal cruelty offences.
'Incredibly excited': Red Cross Shop returns, seeks community support
The new charity op shop opens Monday on Te Ngae Rd, Rotorua.
202-home project advances despite financial woes for developer's companies
The Government partnered with Watchman Capital; funding is reportedly solid.
Taser probe incident: Woman appears in court
The alleged incident occurred at Kokako St shops in Rotorua on May 7.
Killer's jail sentence quashed due to critical letter error
Daniel Rikiti's sentence for running over and killing Richie Martin is quashed.
How a boy stood down on day 4 at primary school turned his life around
Stand Tū Māia has helped 30,000 children in 12 years nationwide.
'Drop-kick losers': Outrage as masked gang of trail bikers tear up kids' rugby fields
Parents and coaches confronted masked bikers at Rotorua rugby fields.
Entertainment figure takes name suppression case to Supreme Court
He was convicted of indecent assault and attempted sexual violation in 2023.
Taser probe: Attack with mystery device prompts hunt for woman
The suspect fired the probe from a black object, possibly a Taser.
Rotorua woman badly mauled by dogs lives with legacy of fear
Suz Guet was attacked by three unregistered roaming dogs in Rotorua.
Police station axe attack-accused denies charges
The attack incident sparked an armed police response.
'About time': Residents sick of 'boy racers' back Govt plan to toughen laws
Ministers announced the changes in Rotorua on Sunday, alongside Mayor Tania Tapsell.
'Vulture': Accounts manager stole $88k, blames grieving boss
Kerryarna Pene stole nearly $90,000 over two years from the Rotorua Citizens Club.
Teen killer attempts to appeal murder conviction 23 years later
The victim's mother says she is shocked by the attempt – and how she learned about it.
'Best decision': Teacher credits group for marathon success
Matthew Liley completed the Rotorua Marathon in five hours and 50 minutes.
'This can't continue': Serial shop thief amasses 129 convictions
Santana Tonihi was jailed for 12 months, but she'll be out in a month.
'Forgotten my shoes': Boy runs mini marathon in Crocs
About 2400 pupils participated in the event today ahead of the Rotorua Marathon.
Hunting death: Minginui man denies manslaughter charge
Mark Jefferson, 46, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in the High Court at Rotorua.
Girl's fear after hiding during armed store robbery
Police have so far referred one teen to the youth court.
Two 12-year-olds referred to Youth Aid over tyre-slashing spree
Tyres were stabbed on several vehicles in the Rotorua CBD.
Tyre slashing spree: CCTV footage shows two girls, knife
And English tourist pair whose tyres were slashed say they'll still come back to Rotorua.
'Deeply distressing': Tyre slashing spree hits CBD
More than 10 vehicles were hit, with most having all four tyres stabbed.
Man charged with abducting 3-year-old from daycare
A man has been charged with taking a child from an early learning centre in Rotorua.
Sex crimes case: Appeal court declines man's bid to keep name secret
He has 20 days to appeal the decision.
On The Up: From tricycle to triumph - Young BMX champ aims for Olympics
Maddy, 13, is a four-time national BMX champion with sights firmly fixed on the Olympics.
Pattern of deception: Woman scams Facebook users
The offender previously stole $305,000 from her employer.
How a $335k fast-build home aims to tackle NZ's housing crisis
The Living House was completed in Rotorua in just six weeks.
Insanity plea: Triple killing case in Rotorua heads to trial
The accused, Justin Jeffries, is pleading insanity to three murder charges.
Sex crimes case: Why an entertainment figure’s identity is still secret
It has been six months since a Court of Appeal hearing about name suppression.
Payment disputes: Kāinga Ora apartment project hits roadblock
Little has happened at a Kāinga Ora-owned building site in Rotorua for months.
Fake cop: Teen impersonates police officer at hospital
He parked his ex-cop car in a police spot and probed staff for a security guard's details.
‘Fully back in the saddle’: How this city’s events sector is thriving
There's something in the air for Rotorua venues and suppliers – renewed confidence.
‘Her energy and enthusiasm was 100%‘: League stalwart, 80, steps down
For nearly 50 years, Jenny Nahu has been the glue that's held Bay rugby league together.
Man’s drink-driving conviction overturned on appeal after lawyer, police errors
Zebulon Lawrance was more than twice the legal drink driving limit but has been let off.
‘Great win for Rotorua’: Homeless motel numbers reduce
From the end of July there will be three emergency housing motels left.
Name of rapist who violated drunk woman in alleyway to stay secret
She was vomiting from extreme intoxication and told him 'no', the judge said.
Man accused of axe attack on police station faces court
Mark Christiansen, 55, faces charges including burglary with a weapon.
‘I am a strong person but I am scared’: Food charity volunteer attacked
She and her husband run a food service that feeds up to 3500 people a week.
Lifetime’s work ‘gone’: Farmer fights animal cruelty jail sentence
A jury found he failed to properly feed 834 pregnant sheep, 86 cattle and 32 heifers.
Man charged with manslaughter, unlawful hunting after Kawerau man’s death
A man will appear in the Rotorua District Court accused of Stuart Stobie's manslaughter.
‘Sick, monstrous desires’: Sexual blackmail victim confronts religious leader
'This is who you are, a small, weak, disgusting man who preys on younger males.'
Man died in armchair four days after crash injuries not detected
Lance Hohaia Houpapa was found dead in his armchair four days after a crash.
‘Did what he loved to do’: Tributes flow for ‘Mr Marathon’
Dennis Kenny was the race director of the Rotorua Marathon for 34 years until 2003.