Shauni James is the Rotorua Weekender reporter
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Rotorua Little Theatre presents The Mousetrap
Rotorua Little Theatre is presenting The Mousetrap between June 9 and June 24.
Rotorua youth innovators’ designs becoming reality
Fifty-five app submissions were received altogether during the contest.
Hoop dreams! Rotorua teen accepted into prestigious US school
Elijah has been focused on going to the NBA since he was 11-years-old.
In the hunt for possums, wallabies, rabbits and hares
Mamaku School recently held its Mamaku Marsupial Madness Challenge.
Cynthia Clark receiving special Altrusa International lamplighter award
Cynthia Clark loves being able to help the Rotorua community through Altrusa projects.
Track along to rail trust fundraiser for volunteer fire brigade
Get into the garage sale and sausage sizzle too.
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu turns pink to get behind Pink Shirt Day
Pink Shirt Day is about reducing bullying by celebrating diversity in all its forms.
Student wins exploration of Scion’s labs
Angus Macklin enjoyed seeing the variety of research at Scion.
‘Dream project come true’: Rotorua’s Mark Noble completes eco-friendly mural
Mark Noble worked with a team of youths over six weeks to paint an eco-friendly mural.
Rotorua’s Isaac Sanderson getting ready to take paddling skills to America
The Year 11 Rotorua Lakes High School student says qualifying was a great feeling.
Fabulously fun: Two schools bringing Legally Blonde The Musical to stage
The bright, upbeat musical is an antidote to the toughness of the last couple of years.
Plenty of inspiration at Rotorua Careers Expo
The Energy Events Centre was bustling as people browsed the exhibits at the expo.
Rotorua Careers Expo chance to explore future pathways
The Energy Events Centre will be bustling with visitors and 84 exhibitors on Wednesday.
This year's Dancing for Hospice couples revealed
The dance instructors have now paired up the 20 locals chosen for the event.
Ballin! Young player creates unique table and chair
Jessica Martin, 14, spent hours making a table and chair out of tennis balls and hot glue.
Knitting for Cool Kids in Rotorua
Knitting for Cool Kids Rotorua has been delivering packs with winter woollies to schools.
Rotorua's Ben Appleton was in Kiwi delegation at King's coronation
Ben was invited to join the NZ delegation by the New Zealand High Commission in London.
Review: John Paul College’s amazing Jesus Christ Superstar features talent galore
John Paul College’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar is an unforgettable show.
Curtainbank Rotorua in desperate need of curtain donations as the colder months set in
Curtainbank Rotorua takes gifted pre-loved, clean curtains and prepares them for donation.
Rotorua gets ready for Techweek excitement
Tamariki and rangatahi are a key focus of Techweek 2023.
Hold on to your bonnets: Jane Austen-style musical coming to Rotorua
Penny Ashton brings her musical 'Promise and Promiscuity' to Rotorua for the first time.
First dancer revealed for Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2023
The first dancer of 2023 to be announced is Zorb Rotorua operations manager Owen Turuta.
Events celebrate NZ Music Month this May
May is NZ Music Month and a range of events are being held in Rotorua.
Ashmit Danney’s potential recognised as Rotorua teen receives Halberg Games award
This was Ashmit Danney's first time competing at the Halberg Games.
‘Just give it a go’: People encouraged to get involved in Rotorua marathon events at all ability levels
This year features a trio of new events.
Shooting for the top! Rotorua teen selected for national camp
Xanda was selected as one of the top 24 players in the U17s age group to attend a NZ camp.
Max lines up Rotorua Marathon number 30
Rotorua’s Max Bragg is looking forward to tackling the course again at the age of 79.
Review: Moana Jnr brought to life on stage
Lakes Performing Arts Centre brought Moana Jnr to life on stage.
Take on the Ks to help out kiwi
The Rotorua Marathon is beginning a fundraising initiative this year called Ks for Kiwis.
Rotorua invited to take up paintbrushes and bring mural to life
The painting for the ‘Mural Mai’ Community Mural Project runs until Tuesday.
Rotorua hockey player sets up foundation to boost game's growth
The Hepi Sport Foundation aims to boost and encourage junior hockey in Rotorua.
Giant Easter egg goes to 'good egg'
Te Rangikaheke Kiripatea is winner of Trade Aid’s Good Egg Easter Competition
School holiday fun for kids and teddies
The library held a Teddy’s Day Out and sleepover as part of its school holiday programme.
Power of the mullet gets mental health convo started
The Mullet Matters campaign aims to get people talking about mental health.
Talented Rotorua Musical Theatre cast brings touching story to life
Review: Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today.
Free Anzac events to recall sacrifice
Locals and visitors are invited to attend free Anzac commemorations in Rotorua.
Rotorua's House of Science branch seeking help to improve scientific literacy
Rotorua’s House of Science branch putting the call out for more volunteers and sponsors.
Young apprentices given a helping hand
The fourth annual Rotary Rotorua North Apprentice Awards were presented recently.
Rotorua kids enter world of 3D and 4D printing
Scion held a 3D/4D printing interactive workshop at Rotorua Library for young people.
Busy season on the water underlines safety reminders
This summer the Harbourmaster team had 1499 interactions across the Rotorua lakes.
Art exhibition frames students' talents
Rotorua Lakes High School held a student-led Year 13 art exhibition this week.
Sri Lankan New Year Cultural Celebrations invites all in Rotorua to get involved
It will be a day of performance, food and fun.
Mark calendars with range of activities in Rotorua these April school holidays
There is plenty on offer these April school holidays to keep kids entertained.
Rotorua’s Madison Blues seniors march into 2023 with excitement and triumphs
Madison Blues Seniors came away with first in the NZ senior Champion Display category.
Exhibition highlights artistic talent in high schools
Rotorua Museum and Te Aka Mauri - Rotorua Library presents Toi Toi Whakatōpū.
Youth involved as huge mural takes shape on Rotorua building
Rotorua artist Mark Noble is working with a team of youth to paint the eco-friendly mural.
Rotorua’s Margriet Theron in newly established Migrant Community Reference Group
The Immigration Minister has appointed 10 people to the group from around NZ.
Songbirds donate hundreds to band after devastating fire
A fire destroyed the band building containing $120,000 worth of precious instruments.
Moana Jnr coming to life on stage
Lakes Performing Arts Centre is putting on Moana Jnr from April 18 to 23.
Celebrations as Aorangi School's new junior playground opened
The school's new Judy Morris Playground was officially opened and blessed last Friday.
Matariki Dish Challenge 2023 launch excites and motivates eateries
The Matariki Dish Challenge will run for five weeks over Matariki.
Pitching in! Rotorua identities face off for worthy goal
Charity football event benefited Rotorua Salvation Army.
Statue bro? Walk in the Redwoods sculpture is back
Artwork relocated to a new site after 12-month absence for restoration work.
Young dancer follows her dream
Avani Bourne competed in the National Follow Your Dreams Dance Competition in Australia.
Singer Paul Potts to join NZ performers for night of musical theatre in Rotorua
NZ stage performers will join Welsh tenor Paul Potts for ‘50 Golden Years of Musicals'.
Hundreds of walkers pound the pavement for Rotorua Walking Festival
A few hundred walkers took on a range of distances in the 30th Rotorua Walking Festival.
Chahoo! Get a taste of Pasifika at free family fun event
The Pasifika Cultural Celebration is being held on March 25.
Almost time for Rotorua identities to get kicking for a cause
Kick For A Cause is Rotorua’s inaugural charitable soccer event.
Apes Games participants raise $7K for Rotorua’s Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes
Funds will go to the foundation’s programmes, supporting local tamariki and rangatahi.
Chance to experience joys of biking through Share the Ride with Whānau
Share the Ride with Whānau has been delivered annually since 2015.
Immerse yourself in sound at the Bay of Plenty Music School
Enrolments are open for the BoP Music School, happening in Rotorua from April 14 - 16.
Aotearoa Cuban Festival brings schedule packed with passion and energy
The Aotearoa Cuban Festival has a jam-packed three-day schedule.
The heat is on: Rotorua girls get first-hand experience of firefighting work
Girls on Fire launched its one-day New Zealand pilot programme in Rotorua.
Cyril Hart all smiles as he celebrated turning 101
Cyril is a local golfing legend.
Rotorua sports facilities and destinations have had bustling week with Apes Games
Of the almost 3000 competitors, close to 1100 are international visitors,
QE Health invites Rotorua community to experience new facility
Health and wellness go hand in hand at the new centre.
Scholarships an exciting start to the year for students
Tate Tisdall, 17, and Ihita Nath, 14, have received Scholarships from Speech New Zealand.
Mrs Universe 2022 in Bulgaria an eye-opening experience
Rotorua's Kogi So was one of 91 delegates competing in the international pageant.
'Significant difference': Families reap rewards from mammoth fundraiser efforts
The results of an annual fundraiser have thrilled its organisers despite cost of living.
'Beyond our expectations': Cheers as Supper Club fundraising tally announced
'Today was beyond our expectations.'
First citizenship ceremony of 2023 full of emotion and congratulations
Thirty people became Kiwi citizens at the first citizenship ceremony for 2023.
QE Health to benefit from Lakeside Rotorua concert’s fundraising collection
The concert will also give the community an opportunity to donate to QE Health.
20 bikes donated to school
Twenty bikes were delivered to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hurungaterangi.
Rotorua students ambassadors of programme empowering girls through sports
Eight local students are part of the Forward Foundation’s Ambassador programme this year.
Roll along for tractor and machinery fun
Rotorua club hopes to draw a big crowd to its annual event on Sunday, February 26.
'A wonderful theatre': Inside refurbished Sir Howard Morrison Centre with its $3m benefactor
Sir Owen Glenn, whose name dons the main stage, got a peek inside before the opening gala.
Local sports groups keen to help Australasian Police and Emergency Games run smoothly in Rotorua
Rotorus will soon host the Australasian Police and Emergency (APES) Games.